Introducing Douglas Elliman’s Hamptons Rookie of the Year: Paulina Keszler

Paulina Keszler has real estate in her blood. The daughter of Michaela Keszler, a highly respected and successful real estate agent in the Hamptons, Paulina is now making a name for herself and has earned Douglas Elliman’s Rookie of the Year award for the Hamptons along the way. After starting in real estate as a back up to her screen writing aspirations, she has fallen in love with helping her clients buy and sell their homes, savoring their personal connections. Elliman Insider caught up with this graduate of The Parsons School of Design, to learn how she uses her visual background to connect people with spaces, her number one motivation and the advice she would offer new agents looking to break through. Paulina with Atlas You were named Elliman’s Rookie of the Year for the Hamptons. How does that feel? Paulina Keszler: Being awarded Elliman’s Rookie of the Year for The Hamptons means so much to me and is a huge milestone. In a time where life is moving so erratically, it has allowed me a moment to pause, reflect and acknowledge not only my success but also the incredible success that our office had. EI: Tell us a little about your background. Did you always love real estate?​ PK: No, actually I have always been more creative. I focused on photography while attending The Ross School in East Hampton, went on to study Fashion Design at Parsons and now I write movie scripts. I am thrilled and surprised that I love real estate so much. One of the things I love most is seeing the beautiful and creative ways people live in their homes. I like to use real estate as means of connecting with people. EI: 2020 was an interesting year for everyone, but especially for a rookie. How did you manage to rise to the top? ​ PK: Due to COVID, there really was no warmup. I was thrown into the deep end and worked with very well-established brokers and I could not be more grateful to say in a sink or swim scenario, I swam and have loved every moment of it. EI: What motivates you? ​ PK: My family is my number one motivation. Another thing that motivates me is having a job I love doing .  Paulina and family EI: How did Elliman help guide you through the year?   PK: Michaela Keszler has been, and continues to be, the most amazing mentor. We have a relationship built on love, respect, and mutual trust that has made working together a fantastic experience. I have also felt a great amount of support from Douglas Elliman, where everyone is hands-on and help is always close by. Our managers and admins go above and beyond for us. EI: Why did you choose Elliman? ​ PK: When my family and I moved back to Southampton from Munich when I was 12 years old, my mother joined Douglas Elliman, and I have been in and out of that office ever since. I have known some of my coworkers for over a decade and now I am fortunate enough to work with them and make deals together! EI: Any advice for new agents? ​ PK: Something I have told myself a lot over the last year is that “It’s business, not personal.” This is fast-paced job, there is always a lesson to learn. EI: What are your goals for 2021? ​ PK: As far as my personal life goes, I had to push off my wedding so my biggest goal is to finally get married! ​Contact Paulina for all of your real estate needs today.