RSS FeedIn the New York real estate market, success often comes to those who are willing to reinvent themselves. Christine Dato, a top-producing agent at our Hicksville office, is living proof that a "Chapter Two" can be even more rewarding than the first. After a successful stint in direct sales and market research, Christine returned to real estate with a fresh perspective and a refined set of goals.
In this episode of the Work Hard, Play Hard, Give Back podcast, Mike Litzner explores Christine's path from a 25-year-old newcomer to a seasoned expert. They discuss the critical importance of showing up, the nuances of co-op transactions in Queens, and why she is a fierce advocate for community empowerment.
The Power of Showing Up: Why the Office Still Matters
In an era of remote work and Zoom meetings, Christine remains a firm believer in the physical office. She finds that her most productive days happen in the Hicksville office, where she can hear the stories of other agents and learn from their transactions [00:07:31].
"You learn who is dealing with what situation and how they handled it," Christine notes. This collaborative environment helped her secure a phenomenal walk-in client just last year—an opportunity that never would have happened from a kitchen table. For Christine, the office is a hub for learning and camaraderie that translates into better service for her home buyers.
Pro Tip: Don't be a "secret agent." Invest in your sphere of influence. Whether it's a handwritten letter or a personalized gift like a screen cloth, staying at the forefront of your clients' minds is how referrals are built by design [00:16:16].
Managing the "Curveballs" of Co-op Transactions
Real estate transactions are rarely simple, especially when dealing with co-ops in Queens. Christine shares a story of a complex deal where a buyer was nearly denied at the last minute after board approval [00:09:52].
By maintaining transparency and making the "hard calls," she was able to navigate the income verification hurdles and save the deal. This experience highlights the difference between an order-taker and a professional agent: a great agent shows up when there is a problem, not just when things are going smoothly [00:12:15].
Due Diligence: The FOIL Request Advantage
To avoid surprises midway through a transaction, Christine utilizes FOIL (Freedom of Information Act) requests to dig through town files for permits and Certificates of Occupancy [00:30:13]. This "upfront" due diligence helps identify issues—like an unpermitted dormer or an open garage conversion permit—before they become deal-breakers.
For home sellers, this proactive approach ensures the property is positioned correctly, saving time and protecting equity. If you're ready to see how your home stacks up, get an instant CB Estimate today.
Gigi Time and Giving Back
When she's not navigating bidding wars, Christine is in her "happy place" as a Gigi to her grandson, Roman [00:34:45]. She also finds time for pickleball and tap dancing, emphasizing that a busy schedule requires intentional downtime to stay sharp.
Her commitment to giving back is centered on Feed Long Island, a local initiative that provides direct support to families in need [00:36:38]. Christine's philosophy is simple: when you lead with quality service and community heart, the rest of the business takes care of itself.
Market Strategy: Success in a competitive market requires more than just a high price; it requires clean terms. Learn how we button up offers to win in multiple-bid scenarios by connecting with our team.
Whether you're starting your own "Chapter Two" or looking for a home in the Hicksville/Bethpage area, Christine Dato's relentless determination is the partner you need.