We’re proud of the team of agents we’ve assembled here at Nest Realty. We think they’re pretty awesome, and we think you will too. During our “Meet the Agent” series, we sit down with our agents to learn more about them, what makes them tick, and why they’re passionate about the real estate industry. In this installment, we chat with Caroline Ciener, a Broker with Nest Realty in Wilmington, North Carolina.
Nest Realty: Tell us a bit about yourself! Where are you from? What brought you to Wilmington?
Caroline Ciener: Hi! I’m Caroline, and I am from Winston Salem, North Carolina. In 2002 my parents built a house on Wrightsville Beach, which we bounced back and forth from until I went to college. I graduated from the University of Alabama with a fashion degree and decided to move back to Wilmington and make it home for my boyfriend and me!
NR: How did you get into real estate?
CC: I worked in retail for 10 years before I got into real estate. I graduated with a fashion degree and decided that I wanted to do something different. I jumped into pre-licensing with little to no knowledge about the real estate market, and in such a short amount of time learned so much! I joined The Costin Group shortly after getting my real estate license, and learning under Matt really jump started my career.
NR: What was your previous career? How has that prepared you for real estate?
CC: Retail management! Which is 100% customer service based and dealing with people. This set me up for success in real estate because serving customers and clients is in my blood. I can also talk to anyone and everyone, which is huge in this business.
NR: What led you to Nest Realty, as opposed to another brokerage?
CC: As someone who is a little younger, the younger vibe definitely drew me to Nest. I found it hard in other offices to be taken seriously when the other agents were mostly older and more experienced. It’s so refreshing to come into the office and be surrounded by other young professionals who are eager to earn business. I was also drawn to the creative, modern, and trendy marketing materials that Nest has to offer; these are sure to help me win the listing where other marketing materials might have hindered me.
NR: What is your favorite part of being an agent?
CC: The connections I’ve made with people here in Wilmington. I always try to make each transaction as simple and fun as possible, so I end up forming great relationships with my clients! Some have even turned into great friends, even lifelong friends. It’s been so fun to expand my network and grow my personal circle!
NR: Do you have a specific area of expertise to offer clients?
CC: Being close to my thirties, I’ve found myself unintentionally specializing in first-time home buyers! It just so happened that I got into real estate at a time when all of my friends are purchasing their first homes, and new buyers that I’m just meeting feel comfortable with me because I am so familiar with the process since I am going through it myself. Since it is such a major transaction, first-time buyers look to me to walk them step by step through it and make it as simple as possible.
NR: What makes you different from other agents? What sets you apart?
CC: My connection after the transaction is over. One of the biggest complaints from buyers/sellers is that once their home closes, they never hear from the Realtor again. I consider my past clients great friends, especially after spending so much time in communication during the process! Keeping up with past clients is so fun, and I love seeing how people have made their new house a home!
NR: What are five adjectives that describe you?
CC: Organized, determined, loud, competitive, and ambitious.
NR: Who would be your dream client?
CC: My dream clients are currently anyone purchasing a new construction home! Not only is it one of the easiest transactions you can have, but it is so fun to go through the design process with your client. As someone with a fashion degree, a lot of my clients lean on me heavily during the design process and it is so fun!
NR: If you had one piece of advice for a first-time home buyer, what would it be?
CC: Speak to a lender before making any quick decisions. Often, people think you need some insane amount of money for a down payment, closing costs, etc. But you’d be surprised how little money you actually have to put down to purchase a home!
NR: What is your favorite season in Wilmington?
CC: Summer! Island hopping out on the boat is the best way to spend a summer day. It’s such a fun time of year, too, because there’s always something to do either downtown or at the beach, day or night!
Caroline is a Broker with Nest Realty Wilmington. She is excited to partner with Nest, which will give her the tools to build an even more successful business. To learn more about Caroline, visit her agent page.