Elliman’s Jeanine Kaminski-Ditzel knew real estate was a natural fit due to her background in interior and architectural design. The Texas-based agent has been designing, decorating and marketing homes for years before she became a real estate broker. Elliman Insider sat down to find out everything from what she would say to new agents to where we can find her when she isn’t working.
Elliman Insider: When did you know that real estate was your calling?
Jeanine Kaminski-Ditzel: Well, it just seemed to be a cohesive fit. With a background in interior and architectural design, I opened a Houston-based retail, design and merchandising firm that focused on modeling and staging new construction properties. After earning both local and national design awards, my passion ignited for all things real estate. By designing, decorating and marketing homes in many of the most prestigious Houston neighborhoods, it was a natural transition to parlay that passion into a thriving career as a broker in Texas. My husband and I offer the perfect trifecta: custom home building, real estate and design.
EI: What’s your biggest challenge as an agent?
J.KD: “The only thing constant is change.”
Real estate is ever-changing, it can be challenging to keep up with the latest trends and technologies, but that is also what makes the industry so exciting. No two days will ever be the same. While Covid inherently forced us to appreciate new ways of communicating with clients, it has also created an updated menu of new technologies that are both exciting and useful for the future of our business.
EI: Do you live by a personal mantra or favorite saying?
J.KD: I strive to be the best version of me. I am competitive with myself—always trying to be better.
EI: Why did you choose Elliman?
J.KD: I chose Elliman for everything from its impeccable technology platforms and international networks, to its world-class PR and marketing teams. These pillars of support allow agents to focus on our business and continuously provide us with the connections to develop future business.
Douglas Elliman has a culture and energy that are infectious. The collective message is “anything is possible.” There is a huge network that we can call upon when needed. I feel like I am part of an extended global family.
EI: Any advice for new agents?
J.KD: Become an expert. Staying up-to-date on industry standards and the market takes time and diligence, but it allows you to have the knowledge and expertise necessary for brokering real estate. You never know when or where you will find new business; always be prepared.
EI: Where can we find you when you’re not working?
J.KD: In my downtime, you can find me enjoying every moment with my family. My four kids, Ashton, Sloane, Dylan and Blake are a constant source of joy for me. They consistently go out of their way to make me feel like the best mom ever! We also have six dogs and three cats, which means there is never a dull moment around the house. The perfect solace for me is when I can sneak away and enjoy a little quiet time in my garden.
EI: You are also a licensed broker in Texas, how does this help your business?
J.KD: I am client-driven and passionate about taking care of all my clients’ needs. If one of my clients talks to me about acquiring real estate, or selling one of their properties in another city, I have the confidence, experience and knowledge to help them with each transaction. I have some pretty special clients, so I want to keep them happy!
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