Today we’d like to introduce you to Karen McCormack.
Karen, please share your story with us.
My business partner Colleen Scanlan and I were born and raised in Jamaica Plain.
Experiences began early! Kindergarten at The Agassiz School- one year at The OLD Agassiz, then onto Carolina/Child Streets. High School too! (Karen) I began my real estate career working as a receptionist on weekends for a busy firm in 1990 while I was a toddler teacher during the week. In 1993 I studied and took the test to be a real estate salesperson. I segued into working for the same company I had been working for, Pleasant Realty.
Pleasant was an independent company with the lion-share of the inventory. I was thrilled to be learning the business from dedicated, honest and thoughtful people. Eventually (10 years later), CBRB bought the company and Colleen and I knew that we wanted to create something better. We opened McCormack & Scanlan Real Estate in 2005. We decided on Purple and yellow (the old J.P. High colors) (Our Dads were at Jamaica Plain High School together ).
We wanted to be different (didn’t know that meant more expensive), we created round marketing materials. (Logos, signs etc), and we decided that we would be an office of only experienced Agents. Everyone at M&S has at least 5 years of real estate experience, although most of us have over 15 years!
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
When creating a company with your best friend, struggles are shared and successes feel double! Yes, within 3 years of opening our real estate company, the bottom fell out of the mortgage industry. The stress our sellers felt was palatable. Properties stayed on the market for many months and buyers were not able to obtain mortgages the way they once could. Finding office space was challenging too.
We knew Jamaica Plain was the only place to be, and we eventually secured a space (that needed a ton of work) and we have been there (68 South Street) ever since! We love it here, along with long time and new neighbors, it is the best part of town for us!
So, as you know, we’re impressed with McCormack & Scanlan Real Estate – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
Experience in Real Estate is paramount. Our Realtors have experience in the real estate industry of at least 5 years; no less! If an agent is working with McCormack & Scanlan, we ensure they have been active in the industry so you get the best Realtors with Experience! It doesn’t stop there, we want to make sure your needs are met with expertise.
We work with sellers, landlords and buyers. Determine the next step with your residential Real Estate. (SELLERS) We will determine the best price range for your property and create a marketing plan to make the process simple and effective.
(BUYERS) receive personalized MLS listings by e-mail. Early each morning you will be sent homes that best match your criteria. When a property is chosen, we go to work to put you in the best position to obtain the home you want.
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
We are focused on helping the large part of the community without means. We have been volunteering as a group at Rosie’s Place for over 5 years.
Our hearts are with the women who are served there as well as the openhearted people who work there and donate their time and money. We have creative ways to help the community continuing through 2018.
Contact Info:
- Address: 68 South Street Jamaica Plain MA 02130
- Website: www.JP02130.com
- Phone: 617-522-7355
- Email: info@mccormackscanlan.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/loveliveboston/
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/JP02130/
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/mccormack-and-scanlan-real-estate-jamaica-plain-2
Getting in touch: BostonVoyager is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
