One unique aspect about this mother- daughter realtor duo – Janet Kramer and Kathryn Kramer – is their succession into real estate. Kathryn Kramer entered the field first and encouraged her mom to pivot from a career in architecture to selling homes. “Usually, the son or daughter goes into the family business; in my case, I benefitted from Kathryn’s success to springboard a second career,” Janet Kramer says.
Janet Porter Kramer
Realtor
Residential Real Estate
Jewish News: How do you collaborate professionally with each other?
Janet Kramer: The best thing about working together is we provide continued coverage and support to our clients. If one of us goes out of town the other is there to meet their needs, whether it is showing properties, assisting with contractors or writing offers.
JN: Do you find generational differences in your approach to real estate? If so, what are they?
JK: The biggest difference for me is the use of social media. Kathryn is really great at creating and promoting her listings and sales on different social platforms. I could take a page from her playbook so to speak and step it up a bit.
JN: What have you learned from each other?
JK: In this business you never have two transactions which are the same. I often look to Kathryn to offer an interpretation or approach from a different perspective on contracts in an increasingly changing market. She looks for my perspective when her clients are considering ideas about modifying or changing their home.
JN: What advice would you give to other family members who work together?
JK: When I decided to switch careers and become a realtor, Kathryn thought it was a great idea, and without hesitation helped me navigate the transition to real estate, which was almost 13 years ago. We are so fortunate to have both a great working relationship and a personal one as well. Business is business and family bonds are strong, but you need to be able to separate the two.
JN: Do you have recommendations for readers if they’re considering a year-end sale or purchase of a home?
JK: Approaching the end of the year is the best time to buy a home. There are not as many lookers, and prices tend to be discounted slightly. However, inventory often is less than in the spring. The benefit if you are selling a home, is people looking during this time period are usually serious buyers. You may need to be patient; it typically takes longer to sell a property during the winter months.
JN: Any additional comments?
JK: I am so proud of my daughter’s hard work and accomplishments.
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Kathryn Kramer
Howard Hanna
Residential Real Estate
Jewish News: How do you collaborate professionally with each other?
Kathryn Kramer: The easy answer is that my mom is a brilliantly talented architect, so I consult her frequently to assist with re-working spaces, drawing up sketches for modifications, or laying out a new room. Beyond that, we have purchased properties together, own vacation rentals together ,and have flipped properties together. As far as our real estate sales business, we cover for each other when needed and talk daily to workshop different scenarios and situations. In real estate, every deal is different and has unique challenges and nuances. Having my mother’s perspective, guidance and insight is invaluable.
JN: Do you find generational differences in your approach to real estate? If so, what are they?
KK: I have to push her to use technology and social media more than she would like, but she is pretty savvy in her own right.
JN: What have you learned from each other?
KK: My mom is grounded, reliable and even keeled. I am fiery and passionate. She keeps my feet on the ground and tells me when I am being unreasonable.
JN: What advice would you give to other family members who work together?
KK: Family comes first, and you have to compartmentalize drama personally or professionally. At the end of the day, I always realize that she gave me the life, education, drive, and values that make me who I am, so helping her when I am able is the least I can do to repay her immeasurable gifts to me.
JN: Do you have recommendations for readers if they’re considering a year-end sale or purchase of a home?
KK: Do it!! There are wonderful properties out there sitting for the first time in years. We finally have great properties, good deals and favorable terms simultaneously. Most economists are projecting the market will pick up when rates come down or the active spring market takes hold. Nevertheless, there are several great opportunities now.
JN: Any additional comments?
KK: Working with my mother is an honor and a privilege. Having a partner that understands and appreciates you on the deepest levels is a wonderful steppingstone to build a successful business. I recognize how fortunate I am. I would have it no other way.