Long before Karin O’Connor became the co-owner of her own real estate practice, the business was in her blood. Raised by parents who invested in real estate, Karin learned the highs and lows of the industry—the satisfaction of connecting people to their home and the hard work required to earn a living at it.

After graduating from Boston College with a Master’s Degree in Social Work, Karin turned her passions toward those less fortunate. In love with her new hometown and fueled by a desire to make a difference, Karin served for years in the social work sector. There, she employed her characteristic resourcefulness to help the homeless and mentally ill find shelter and support, honing skills that would serve her well when she ultimately transitioned to real estate.

While still working full-time as a social worker, Karin joined Paragon Properties as a part-time rental agent and as the only woman on staff. Undaunted, Karin worked her way to a sales manager position in short order. Though she enjoyed her work as a social worker, her ultimate goal was to follow her passion in real estate. Now, after nearly two decades of esteemed experience, she co-owns and manages the same company where her career began.

Karin put her social skills and problem solving abilities to practical use in her new career. “A huge aspect of my role as a social worker was being a good listener,” Karin says, “and it’s also one of the most important things you do in real estate. You have to zero in on your clients’ needs and use similar therapeutic practices – getting people over their jitters and buyer’s remorse, making sure they feel comfortable and confident. The skills I practiced in social work I use every day in real estate.”

In the past several years Karin’s focus has been on the up and coming region of East Boston, just across the harbor from Downtown. Throughout her career Karin has gravitated towards neighborhoods in development, eager to contribute to the area’s transformation and help buyers of all kinds find homes in a fresh and vital community. Of course, being a pioneer in a developing market is no easy feat; it requires the inventiveness that only someone with Karin’s level of experience and drive can muster. Whether it’s buying or selling, Karin’s aim is to push herself with each transaction. “I’m always looking for the most innovative way to promote a property and bring a deal together,” top real estate agent in Massachusetts Karin O’Connor says. “I don’t just sit back and wait for the phone to ring. If my clients give me the opportunity to work for them, I try to generate as much activity as I can. ”

As co-manager, Karin also dedicates her time to mentoring new agents as they climb the ranks. In addition, she cites the support of her partner and team members at Paragon Properties as major contributors to her success. In particular, Karin highlights colleague Richard Schultz for his passionate sales style and crucial role as a team member. “I love working with my team,” she says. “We work hard, but we always try to make our jobs fun and learn from each other every day.”

Though Karin’s proficiencies are myriad, at the end of the day there’s nothing like the satisfaction garnered from closing a successful transaction and sharing the joy with her clients. “My clients know that for me, it’s not just about the commission,” Karin says. “It’s about the gratification of working with people. Whether it’s helping a seller make more on their property than they expected, or helping a buyer find their first home, I’m in it for the connections that I make with people.”

For more information about Karin O’Connor of Paragon Properties, please call 617-247-9999 ext. 226, e-mail karin@paragonproperties.com, or visit www.paragonproperties.com

Massachusetts Real Estate Agent Karin O’Connor