No,that is most certainly NOT a typo. Despite my never-ending adoration of my beloved hometown and home borough,I have been known to depart,for short periods,and visits. But how might you ask,did I end up heading to Westport…
…Well it all started with Twitter,which lead to an RE Bar Camp,which lead to deepening of a connection and building a friendship,that ultimately resulted in a message in my Facebook inbox a few weeks ago.
Would you come to Westport and share your perspective on mobility and technology for real estate agents with my agents.
My answer,sure,why not -let’s put it on the calendar !
A relatively quick (and painless) ride-the heels I wore notwithstanding.And realizing (again) that there are many people who live in NYC and are reverse commuting using Metro-North. I am a huge fan of the commuter rail roads,as when I do need to pop out for a meeting,it is far more productive as I am able to work,whether its using my Blackberry,iPad or MacBook Air. I don’t ‘lose’ any time.
In fact,on the way to Westport,created a keynote for the talk,booked two showings,and worked on comps for a listing presentation..and the train ride was ONLY an hour !
I was met by Melissa Riley (@melissariley) at the station,and my return trip , Marilyn Katz (@westportmoves) was kind enough to refresh my memories of Westport,showing me some highlights and we stopped for a quick lunch.
The office meeting was terrific,not so much about talking AT a somewhat captive audience,but talking with colleagues,and learning about some of their challenges,with technology,with their market,and how we are all trying to keep up and not fall behind.
...lost in thought-someone must have asked a really great question.... (Photo Credit : Marilyn Katz )
You may ask ,why would I take a chunk out of my day to travel to do this ? The same reason I give some time by volunteering at REBNY (where I’m on the Education Committee and enjoy the Residential Sales Council),the same reason I have attended and helped to put together bar camps .Besides enjoying sharing knowledge and expertise with others,it is fantastic to broaden one’s sphere. And now,next time I have clients who are considering leaving Manhattan (or coming back),I will have some information to share with them,including the length of the commute- I will have recommendations that weren’t generated by pulling a name out of a hat.
NYC is a mecca of sorts,and I love being able to combine my native’s perspective on living here with helping people to find the perfect home. But I also realize that there are reasons that bring people to and from this great city I call home,and I find that its important to be able to help facilitate a transition into NYC as well as out of.
That said,best get back to working on those comps for that listing discussion later this week. And if you are thinking of moving in,out ,down or up- let’s chat first,and chart out your plan !
Many thanks to the great agents I met ,and I look forward to seeing you all again very soon !
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