Madison Agent Helps Clients Successfully Navigate Seller's Market

This Patch article is sponsored by Kate Hamilton of Kate Hamilton Homes.

New Jersey agent Kate Hamilton is the kind of real estate professional who makes every home search or sale a positive experience. Enthusiastic, knowledgeable and attentive, she loves guiding buyers and sellers through their real estate transaction And, by working as an individual rather than part of a team, Kate delivers a continuity of service others simply can't. She's available around the clock to answer every question and address every concern, and she's a constant advocate and cheerleader during each stage of the transaction.

Kate lives in Madison's Knollwood neighborhood with her husband, two children and dog, Riggins. Deeply involved in the local community, she serves on the board of the Madison Education Foundation and is a member of the Madison Pool and YMCA. Kate's children attended local preschools, are currently enrolled in Madison's highly rated public school system and are involved with local gymnastics and travel soccer teams. When she's not hard at work, she enjoys tennis, paddleball and her Peloton. In the summer, you'll find Kate and her family at the Madison Pool or Noe Pond in Chatham.

Patch had a chance to talk with Kate Hamilton of Kate Hamilton Homes — Real Estate Agent with Compass, N.J.

Patch: How long have you been doing business in town, or how long has your organization been around in the community?

Hamilton: I started working as a real estate agent in Hoboken, N.J. in 2009. My first closing in Madison was when my husband and I purchased our home in 2010.

Patch: What attracted you to the line of work you’re in, and how did you get started?

Hamilton: I worked in New York City in communications for almost 10 years. I had a fantastic job in public relations for the Wildlife Conservation Society, and worked at the Central Park Zoo. But as our suburban move loomed ahead, I knew I wanted a job that would keep me closer to home, and offer flexibility for our growing family. Getting started in real estate is probably the hardest part. The hours required for the course and the subsequent training that ensues is one thing, but the time it takes to build your business in the beginning of your career is immense. I planned the move into real estate before kids, so that I could devote time to learning the business and building my client base.

Patch: What’s the biggest challenge or most difficult moment you’ve faced in your job?

Hamilton: This current market is a challenge — there just aren’t enough homes for sale so it’s very much a “seller's market.” I’ve been having to get very creative when working with my buyers lately. Lots of notes dropped in mailboxes, networking with other agents, using local facebook groups and trying hard to find houses even before they hit the market. I am a “hyper local” realtor — I tend to work in just Madison, Chatham, Summit and a few surrounding towns so that I can completely immerse myself in this market, which makes it easier to be in the know. That knowledge helps me guide my sellers into pricing and presenting their home just right, and also guide my buyers through multiple offer situations by personally seeing all the comps. But no matter what, this market is an emotional roller coaster for all involved. Our job, as Realtors, is to be the calm in the storm, the lighthouse to guide them through.

Patch: What’s the most satisfying part of your job?

Hamilton: While closing day is an obvious answer — there are so many other parts about my job that are fulfilling. As a seller’s agent, one of my favorite things to do is get a home ready for market. From coming up with ideas for improvements and helping to execute them (with Compass Concierge loaning them the money to do them) to multiple trips to HomeGoods to stage a room “just so.” I love the finished product of gorgeous photos and making the house truly look its best. As a buyer's agent, nothing beats the feeling of having a complete understanding of what my clients are looking for and knowing when I’ve found them the perfect house, often before they know it themselves.

Patch: How would you say your business or organization distinguishes itself from the others?

Hamilton: Compass has the most impressive technology and provides services to my clients like no other brokerage. From fronting the money to my sellers as we prepare their home for the market, to providing bridge loans to my buyers who are nervous to sell before buying (and in this market, who isn’t!), to helping me track who is viewing my listings and from where so I can cultivate an even more targeted ad campaign, it’s completely cutting edge. For me, specifically — what I bring to the table is 12 years in this community, a thorough understanding of the market and of the buyers that are moving here. The majority are from the NYC/Hoboken area (and I lived in both) and are looking to do just what John and I did. This helps me with buyers as they are making the same journey that I did, and with seller’s as I still have strong ties to those communities and an excellent knowledge of how to market to them. Finally, I pride myself on the relationships I build with my clients and fellow agents in the area. Good relationships lead to excellent communication, and open lines of communication are everything in this business.

Patch: Are there any new projects you’re working on that you’re extra excited about? If so, what details can you share and what makes it so exciting?

Hamilton: Last year I created and printed a Madison coloring book. It’s beautiful and features many different areas of town (the pool, train station, downtown, for example.) I had so much fun creating it — even my girls helped. At the time, Scarlett, my 8-year-old, was very interested in horses and insisted that kids like to color horses, so there is a page about the local stables nearby town. If you want to pick one up, visit the Madison Library!

Patch: How can Patch readers learn more about your work and business?

Hamilton: Patch readers can learn more about me on my website.