Christine Curtin
Christine Curtin, REALTOR® and Social Media Specialist at Better Homes & Gardens® The Shanahan Group, North of Boston, MA, answers ten questions with Clean Slate, sharing what drives her to Be Better, her love of matchmaking customers to their wants and needs in a home, and her grandmother’s take-no-prisoners approach to life.
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Which of our BHGRE® P.A.I.G.E. (Passion, Authenticity, Innovation, Growth, Excellence) core values do you identify with most, and why?
Passion – I love the idea of being part of something that matters! Whether working individually with a client, delivering world-class service as part of the Shanahan Team, or simply being part of the BHGRE brand, I love being associated with an expectation of excellence. It’s what drives me to Be Better.
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What are your favorite qualities in a customer?
Openness and Trust – I’m not asking for too much, am I? I love when we’re able to effectively communicate, even when they’re not sure of their wants and needs as a buyer or seller. It makes my job so much more interesting and gratifying to be able to solve that riddle.
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What is the one characteristic that’s helped you the most in your career?
Curiosity. Sometimes I feel like a toddler – asking “why?” and “what if?” I’m lucky to live and work in such a historic area filled with everything from condo conversions to 200-year-old Grande Dames. I love finding out about people, about homes, towns, and neighborhoods, and then matchmaking all that information for the perfect fit.
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What was the last book you read?
“The First Fifteen Lives of Harry August,” a sci-fi/thriller about a man who keeps being reborn as the same person with perfect memory of his previous lives. He must stop the end of the world by preventing the bad guy from being reborn. A far cry from my usual fare and a fun read.
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If you were not in real estate, what would you be doing?
Interior Design, for sure. I absolutely love architecture, decorating, colors and styles. I love the idea of making a house into a home and finding styles that, while not necessarily my own, match the personality of a particular person.
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What was the last song you heard that you couldn’t stop humming?
“Mother and Child Reunion” by Paul Simon. We downloaded The Muppets soundtrack a while back and my youngest’s favorite song was “Me and Julio Down by the Schoolyard.” I figured he’d really enjoy “Kodachrome” and a few others. I wasn’t disappointed and now Paul’s “Essentials” are on regular rotation in the car – with or without the kids.
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Who is your real-life hero?
My grandmother. She was a remarkable, strong, kind, woman. She knew what she wanted for herself and her family. After each of her five children graduated college, she decided to send herself. I really admire her take-no-prisoners approach to life.
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What is your favorite motto?
“Hold up your head! You were not made for failure, you were made for victory. Go forward with a joyful confidence.” – George Eliot. It’s the quote I posted to our Facebook page on New Year’s Day. I think it is the perfect mindset with which to begin any endeavor.
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If you could sell a home in any market in the world, where would it be?
Tuscany. Ancient villas surrounded by vineyards and olive trees. Perfect.
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What advice would you give your younger self starting out in real estate?
Do it sooner! You love this – and you’re good at it!
