Realty Collective: A Hip Realtor For Brooklyn's Creative Types

Story contributed by Krissie Nagy.

While now might be a bad time for real estate agents, Brooklyn-based Realty Collective seems to be doing just fine, thank you. In fact, they're doing so well that they just bought another agency. Run by, and marketed towards, young creative individuals, their secret seems to be a first-hand understanding of their clients needs.

While the city's many struggling artists are usually the first people that come to mind when you think of "creative types," it turns out that there are plenty of successful artists that can afford a hefty down payment on a quaint Brooklyn brownstone. (It's nice to know that at least some of us are making art pay!) Unlike their 9-5 cubicle counterparts, these New Yorkers often require living spaces that can double as an office or studio. While showing apartments, Realty Collective's sales manager, Tina Fallon is accustomed to such questions as, "How soundproof is the basement if I want it to double as a rehearsal space for my band?" or "Does this window provide at least 6 hours of direct sunlight a day for my photo shoots?" As a Broadway producer who created the celebrated "24 Hour Plays" Tina has a lot in common with her artist clientele, making it easier for her to assess their needs.

Unlike larger realty agencies in New York where 8 hours at a desk Monday through Friday is the norm, all Realty Collective agents maintain an enviable work-life balance. While meeting  Victoria Hagman and Tina Fallon at Fallon's home in Red Hook, I was also introduced to her daughter, husband, and adorable dog. With her second daughter sick in bed, today would be a work-from-home day. Should Tina need to rush out for an apartment viewing, Victoria is happy to walk the dog and babysit (and vice versa). If the company phone should ring (as it often does), it gets routed to Victoria's Blackberry. This kind of work-life balance is warmly encouraged within the company. On RC's website, the real estate agents are noted for their artistic endeavors, hobbies, and where they have lived in Brooklyn -- a delightful touch that makes their realtors more approachable.

The brokers also handle properties in their own neighborhoods, so they are very knowledgeable about the area in which their clients are interested in living. Once a sale goes through, the client receives a welcome pack from Realty Collective, complete with CD's by local bands and gift certificates to the neighborhood's restaurants. So if you're in the market for some new digs in the best borough (in the best city), give them a buzz.

Realty Collective: http://realtycollective.com/

Krissie Nagy (like "massage") lives in Red Hook (Brooklyn) and finds her neighbors fascinating. When she isn't in awe of what they're doing, she is either selling solar-powered backpacks (www.voltaicsystems.com), biking around Brooklyn, or cooking up delicious seasonal meals. She also enjoys standing on her head and practicing aikido at Brooklyn Aikikai.

Photo by Devon Day http://oneimageoneword.tumblr.com