In the city that never sleeps, the real estate space can be a real jungle. But not for Kate Meckler. A born-and-raised New Yorker, she has over 25 years of experience navigating the complex and dynamic Manhattan market and has established herself as a trusted and knowledgeable professional. Her expertise spans a wide range of properties, from elegant townhouses to modern condominiums, and her deep understanding of the city’s diverse neighborhoods allows her to guide clients to their perfect home.
What sets Kate apart in the competitive world of New York City real estate is her unwavering commitment to building long-lasting relationships with her clients. Her business thrives on repeat clients and referrals, a testament to the trust and satisfaction she instills in those she works with. Kate’s extensive knowledge of the city’s real estate landscape, combined with her practical approach and keen eye for detail, ensures that her clients receive the best possible guidance and support throughout their real estate journey.
Kate’s love for the city is evident in her work. She attended the prestigious Riverdale Country School before earning her Bachelor of Arts from New York University. Prior to embarking on her successful real estate career in 1999, Kate honed her skills in marketing and event planning at renowned companies such as Bear Stearns and Estée Lauder. She also gained valuable experience teaching at an Upper West Side nursery school, further developing her ability to connect with people from all walks of life.
Beyond her professional achievements, Kate is dedicated to making a positive impact in her community. She has served on the board of Love Heals, an organization committed to educating young people about HIV/AIDS prevention, and continues to support various charitable causes. These include Reach Out and Read at Bellevue Hospital, which promotes childhood literacy; The Young Lions Society at the New York Public Library, which engages young professionals in supporting the library’s mission; The Partnership for Public Service, dedicated to enhancing the effectiveness of government; The Central Park Conservancy, which maintains and improves Central Park; and Crossroads, which provides support to those in need.
Despite her busy career and philanthropic endeavors, Kate values balance in her life. As a mother, she cherishes the time spent with her family, and she finds joy in pursuing personal interests such as playing tennis and engaging in various crafts. This well-rounded approach to life enables Kate to bring a fresh perspective and genuine enthusiasm to her work, making her not only a successful real estate agent but also a trusted friend and adviser to her clients.
What is your typical day, and how do you make it productive?
My day begins at 6:30 a.m., and the first order of business is tending to our new cockapoo, Joey. As she’s not quite ready to venture outdoors, I’m currently focusing on indoor training, which can be challenging and occasionally messy, but it’s a rewarding process.
Simultaneously, I’m tasked with getting my 11-year-old son ready for school. He needs to be out the door by 7:20 a.m., and sometimes it takes a bit of extra encouragement to get him up and moving. It can be frustrating at times, but with persistence, we always manage to get him to the bus stop on time.
Once he’s safely on his way, I return home for a quick coffee and a brief exercise session to energize myself for the day ahead. From there, my schedule varies. Some days, I head to the office to tackle paperwork and administrative tasks, while other days, I’m out meeting with clients and showing properties. As a real estate agent, every day brings something new and different, which keeps me motivated and engaged.
The key to making each day productive lies in being adaptable and efficiently managing my time between personal responsibilities and professional commitments. It’s a balancing act, but one that I’ve become adept at navigating over the years. By starting my day early and maintaining a structured yet flexible approach, I’m able to maximize my productivity and provide the best possible service to my clients.
Typically, my son is home by 5:30 p.m., and we have dinner together by 6:30 p.m. His bedtime is ideally 9 p.m., and by that time, I’m usually quite tired myself. I might unwind by watching some TV or checking emails before turning in for the night around 10:30 or 11 p.m. It’s important to me to have that quality time with my son and to ensure that I’m getting enough rest to be at my best for the next day’s challenges and opportunities.
What’s one trend that excites you?
Artificial intelligence is a trend that really intrigues me. I find it fascinating, but at the same time, I’m quite confused about how it all works. There’s so much complexity behind this technology, and I’m constantly trying to gather more information to better understand it. As someone who is naturally curious, I’m motivated to keep learning about AI because I believe it’s important to have a basic grasp of its concepts and implications.
I’m excited by the potential of AI and how it’s being integrated into various aspects of our lives. From virtual assistants to advanced data analysis, AI seems to be reshaping industries and opening up new possibilities. I want to be informed about how it might impact my personal and professional life in the future.
What is one habit that helps you be productive?
One habit that I’ve found to be incredibly valuable for my productivity is starting each morning by reviewing the latest sales and rental listings, as well as any recorded sales updates. This daily practice allows me to stay on top of the ever-changing real estate market and keep my finger on the pulse of current trends.
By dedicating time to this task every morning, I’m able to gain valuable insights into market dynamics and pricing patterns. This doesn’t only help me better serve my clients; it also enables me to provide them with up-to-date information on closed prices.
What advice would you give your younger self?
Keep a CMA! I was in my field for 18 years before I kept one myself. It’s so valuable for keeping track of your sales over the course of your career. Had I done it from the start, I’d know the names of everyone I had sold to and for, and it can be frustrating not to have that information.
Tell us something you believe almost nobody agrees with you on?
I’ve always been skeptical about the effectiveness of traditional mailings for generating business. Despite their popularity, I find they rarely yield the desired results. I’m sure some people have had success, otherwise they wouldn’t be doing it, but it’s not one of my strategies.
What is the one thing you repeatedly do and recommend everyone else do?
Regularly checking new listings and updates within the real estate market is a habit I’ve cultivated and recommend to any professional in my field. Staying updated allows me to be proactive and knowledgeable, providing the best service to my clients.
When you feel overwhelmed or unfocused, what do you do?
When overwhelmed, I try to take a step back from work. I find physical activity like yoga or a run in the park immensely helpful. It clears my mind, reduces stress, and rejuvenates my focus. Another break I can take to reset is a quiet session in the sauna.
What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business or advance in your career?
As a realtor, it’s important that you show your buyers that you are trying to find them their next home. One way I do this is by regularly looking at floor plans so I can talk to them about how they can make a space work for them. This shows not only my familiarity with my properties, but also can assure buyers that I am considering them beyond the sale.
What is one piece of software that helps you be productive? How do you use it?
Compass’s real estate software has been invaluable. It helps me keep track of all interactions with buyers and sellers, provides daily market statistics, and allows for efficient scheduling and follow-ups.
Do you have a favorite book or podcast you’ve gotten a ton of value from and why?
Sheryl Sandberg’s book, where she emphasizes the value of appreciating life as we age. She says something along the lines of “be happy you’re turning a year older, life is fragile.” I really love that idea. Birthdays should be celebrated at older ages!
What’s a movie or series you recently enjoyed and why?
I recently enjoyed watching WeCrashed, a series that delves into the rise and fall of WeWork, one of the most hyped startups of the past decade. The storytelling captivated me because it was my first deep dive into the complexities behind the company’s turbulent journey.
Additionally, I found The Crown really engaging.
Key learnings
- Adaptation and Learning Are Crucial: It is vital to stay current when it comes to industry trends and tools. This can help you manage relationships and stay informed about market dynamics.
- The Value of Building Relationships: Focus on building and maintaining long-term relationships with clients. This strategy not only ensures repeat business, but also fosters trust and referrals, which are invaluable in the real estate industry.
- Personal Well-Being Enhances Professional Performance: Regular exercise, like yoga or running, and setting aside time for relaxation are practices that can help you maintain your productivity and focus.