Peer-to-Peer: Marie Presti, CRS, Newton, Massachusetts
When did you get started in real estate?
I had a multi-year journey into real estate. In the 1980s, I was working in banking in New York and living in New Jersey. I was about to make a home purchase, so I got my license in New Jersey so I could learn how to buy a house. I passed the licensing test in the late ’80s, but continued to work another five years in banking and then 10 years or so in tech. When 9/11 happened, I was laid off from my VP of marketing position at an internet startup. I relocated to the Boston area and got another real estate license as an interim job to help pay some bills until I figured out what software company I was going to start. I got started buying and selling real estate in Boston and I never left the business! I got three offers from tech firms that first year in the business and turned them all down. They were good job offers, but I wanted to stick with real estate—I’ve stuck with it for 17 years.
What aspect of interacting with clients do you find most energizing?
Helping clients negotiate an offer on either the seller or buyer side is especially energizing because I can help them figure out their strategy. I’ve done it many times over the years, when they are not experienced in knowing how the system works and how to get the best terms. I enjoy looking out for their best interests and giving them the right advice at the right time.
Why did you become involved with the Residential Real Estate Council?
I was a younger agent with a few years’ experience. I lived in an affluent city, Newton, Massachusetts, just outside of Boston. It was very competitive and there were a lot of real estate agents. I wanted to elevate my game, distinguish myself from the competition and learn how to be a great listing agent. I knew that the Council could teach me that, and then I could use the CRS Designation as a way to market myself in listing presentations. It was definitely one of the more difficult designations to get!
Do you participate in RRC meetings or educational sessions? Which activities do you find most useful?
I attend many local RRC meetings and classes. There are always new electives, some at the NAR conferences, some through RRC networking events. I’ve actually taken the Council’s investment class twice!
Locally we have an active RRC group, and I have attended its sessions over the last couple of years. It’s great to get to know CRSs across the state so I can refer clients to them. They are top-notch, and I know that when I refer customers to them, they’ll do a good job. In turn, I have received several referrals from across the state and through my local RRC group.
I was elected Greater Boston REALTOR® of the Year in 2017. This year, I am serving as president of the Greater Boston Association of REALTORS®. There are 9,800 REALTORS® in the group; it’s the largest local association in New England.
In addition to being active in all of these groups, I’m always looking for opportunities to share my knowledge with other real estate professionals. I am a licensed instructor in Massachusetts and a certified agent trainer on Ziplogix and Realtor Property Resource (RPR). Having mentors has helped me in my career and I want to do the same for others.
Do you have a pet project that you would like to talk about?
I’ve been a Rotarian for about 15 years, serving as a past president and a board member. I have organized several events and activities—I love it so much because of their motto of “Service above Self.” Their focus is on helping and giving back at the local level, regional level, and national and international levels. So I feel good about helping many people, even people I haven’t met yet.
Even though Newton is an affluent community, there are pockets of poverty; over 18 percent of the population is at or below the poverty level for income. My Rotary team and I have volunteered at the local food pantry and have done numerous collection drives for them. And at Cradles to Crayons, we accept clothing donations for children in need. We have also volunteered at a center called Second Step that helps women from shelters get back on their feet again.
Every REALTOR® needs to identify their passion—my sister, who sold real estate through my office, volunteers at a cat shelter. Another REALTOR® focuses on opioid addiction.
Many people say they don’t have time [to volunteer], and I’m saddened by that. How can you not make the time to help the community when that is where your customers are? I tell many of my fellow REALTORS® that just spending time on social media is not giving back. You have to get out there and help those in your community who truly need help and are less fortunate than you.
Marie Presti, CRS, achieved her CRS Designation in 2006. She can be reached at marie@theprestigroup.com or 617-916-2256.
