What’s the first thing a new client should know about you?
I got my grit and discipline from my younger years in Japan and NJ. But after spending most of my formative career years in NY and CA, I’ve learned to have a good balance between a New York state of mind and a laid-back West Coast attitude. I think you’ll see that in my personality and work ethic.
What inspired you to start your career in real estate?
I’ve always been interested in real estate and after my own personal and professional experiences over the years, I knew this was the industry where I could apply my skills and knowledge while continuing my passion for helping people. I was inspired to make the jump in 2020 and I’m thrilled to be with Flyhomes. I love that the team focus is on people, not properties, which makes the entire buying experience much more personal rather than transactional.
What Seattle neighborhoods are you most familiar with?
I’m most familiar with the Eastside, specifically Bellevue, Kirkland, Redmond and Issaquah. But you’ll often find us venturing out to Alki Beach in West Seattle and the various farms in Snohomish.
Where do you live? Why did you choose to live there?
My husband’s family is in Vancouver, BC, so we made the decision to leave the Bay Area to be closer to them and I’m glad we did because we love the PNW! We started to research the different cities around Seattle and narrowed down the neighborhoods we liked based on school districts, ease of commute and types of homes available. Ultimately, we found a fixer in Bellevue and after a fairly major renovation, it finally feels like home.
How do your skills in fields other than real estate enhance your ability to help buyers?
My background is in the hospitality industry so taking care of people is what I do best. I’ve planned many events of great size and complexity from start to finish, and have extensive experience running the operations side, as well. I enjoy working hard so that you don’t have to and hopefully you won’t even know what I’m doing behind the scenes because it’ll just be done. For me, no detail is too small, because at the end of the day, it’s crucial in executing and getting things done the right way. Those years of being over-prepared and strategizing around potential “worst case scenarios” have trained me to be proactive, stay calm under pressure and ready for anything that comes at me. I do ask a ton of questions to understand both the spoken and unspoken needs you may have so I hope you’re prepared!
What are your passions/hobbies outside of real estate?
I love spending time as a family! We’re always discovering new places, trying new foods (we are currently doing our own “international food tour” since we can’t travel), and sharing laughs together. We are definitely an active family so there’s a good chance that you’ll bump into us at an ice rink, hiking trail or food festivals.
Kaori Leong WA DOL #21008272
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