Real Estate Q&A: Mercedes Connor

Fostering a love of architecture and design from a young age, real estate was a natural fit for Mercedes Connor, who moved to Los Angeles at the age of 23. Connor shared some of the things she loves the most about her work through Compass.

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?

I was actually born in a very small town called Bat Cave, North Carolina. My parents were living in Spartanburg, South Carolina, but Bat Cave had the closest natural birthing center, so they went there to have my brother and me (Yes, I am a twin. And, yes, my mom is pretty much superhuman to have twins naturally.).

We moved to the Philadelphia suburbs when I was 2, where I loved putting on performances on our makeshift stage in our playroom/basement and made all of my friends in the neighborhood participate.

What was your first job out of college? What led you to choose a career in real estate?

I moved to NYC to study acting, which then brought me out to LA. I stopped acting when I had my son and wanted to do something that I had more control of creating for myself. I have always loved architecture and design, as well as working with people, so real estate felt like a natural fit.

How does your background help you when working with clients to buy or sell a home?

I really love helping people and figuring out what exactly they are looking for and most need in a house. The home buying and selling process is one of life’s major stressors and being able to offer a calm sounding board during that process is very important. Being able to help people see the potential in a property is also something I love doing.

Do you represent homes in all neighborhoods of the Palisades?

Yes. I represent homes in all areas of LA.

Tell me about how you approach new clients who are aiming to buy or sell a home.

I listen to precisely what their wants and needs are, the reasons they are looking to purchase or sell. And then I use the knowledge I have of the market to help guide them to find the best fit for them, be that a buyer for their property or new dream home to call their own.

What are some of the most memorable homes you have sold or helped a client purchase?

Each sale is so unique! The success of helping someone find their forever home or someone find the perfect new owner for their property, and the relationships that are built along the way are each memorable in their own way.

What are some current trends in real estate?

People are focusing on properties that provide more flexibility for the current work at home lifestyle. More outdoor space, spaces that work for home offices, properties that offer more privacy and that “away-from-it-all” feeling.

Have you lived in Pacific Palisades, and if so, what neighborhoods?

I haven’t, but my friends and clients do!

What do you and your family like to do for fun?

My son and I love to have dance parties in our living room, picnics on the beach, and Friday is “pizza and movie night” always.