Having amassed 10 years of experience in the business, Caitlin Colvin has dedicated her time to helping clients with both commercial real estate endeavors and residential purchases. Here she shared her history in the Palisades, as well as Connecticut.
Post: Tell me about your childhood. Where were you born and where did you grow up? What were some of your hobbies and interests as a child and teenager?
Colvin: I grew up in Connecticut and played ice hockey at boarding school. Some of my favorite memories were sailing with my grandfather, Gene. I went to college out here and knew I’d eventually move to LA permanently.
Post: What was your first job out of college? What led you to choose a career in real estate?
Colvin: My first real job was as a realtor in Connecticut. I have always been attracted to real estate. As an entrepreneur in the yacht industry, my grandfather inspired me to pursue my dreams and always incorporate our family values of honesty, hard work and premier service.
Post: How does your background help you when working with clients to buy or sell a home?
Colvin: As a child my family always reinforced strong values and emphasized a strong work ethic. I have a strong background in sales and cultivating successful relationships. I like to get to know my clients so that they can have what’s important to them in a home. And when I help a client sell, I imagine how to maximize their space so that they can prepare the house for sale and get the price they’re looking for.
Post: Do you represent homes in all neighborhoods of the Palisades?
Colvin: Yes, I sell mostly in Palisades and Brentwood. I do sell homes outside these neighborhoods, but I live in Mandeville Canyon and feel most connected to the people and places here.
Post: Tell me about how you approach new clients who are aiming to buy or sell a home.
Colvin: Working with new clients is one of my favorite aspects of real estate. I take a highly personalized approach by asking questions and understanding my clients’ needs. I want to know everything: how big their family is, what their lifestyle is and what is important in their daily routine. Is it an infinity pool, custom kitchen, walking to town or an ocean view? The details are key. After an in-depth initial assessment, we strategize.
Post: What are some of the most memorable homes you have sold or helped a client purchase?
Colvin: I recently sold the Partridge family house. The best thing about it was that my clients’ kids are musicians and they’re really excited to make music in the same space where iconic musicians had been making music. They’re young but they love the sense of history and the updated music studio.
Photos courtesy of Caitlin Colvin
I have to say that selling houses during the pandemic has been much more intense. I honestly can’t believe a recent sale of mine even closed. There was so much back and forth between the agents and the clients were so patient with us, but the pandemic has been such a shift in the market. Many things feel new and unexpected, so you need to be prepared for anything.
Post: What are some current trends in real estate?
Colvin: I partner with a full-service concierge company who provides no cash out of pocket home renovations and staging. This is a huge benefit to my clients so they can prepare their home for sale with less hassle.
Now more than ever your home is your sanctuary. We see clients buying more space at home to curate office spaces instead of leasing commercial space. Inventory is incredibly low and home prices are still rising. Buyers are looking for homes with outdoor space and privacy.
Post: Have you lived in Pacific Palisades, and if so, what neighborhood?
Colvin: Yes, living and working in the Palisades is a dream come true. I’ve lived in Marquez Knolls. I love the community, it was so nice to be able to walk the children to Marquez Elementary and stop at Ronny’s after school. My office is across the street from the Village, so it’s a great place for my children to grab an ice cream and say hi.
Post: What do you and your family like to do for fun?
Colvin: We all enjoy the outdoors, so we try every amazing hike that the Santa Monica Mountains has to offer. My son, Austin, is 13 and he’s taken up surfing so we go to the beach a lot. Everyone in my family loves to ski so we make use of our Ikon passes whenever we can.
My son Greyson is 7, and he’s very loving and social, so we also spend time at Palisades Village meeting up with friends. We love to eat at The Draycott and Blue Ribbon while the kids play on the green.
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