First impressions are everything, and nobody knows that better than Monique J. Serena. The former fashion executive has built her career on the power of positive presentation. From doing her part in developing iconic retail brands–such as Tommy Hilfiger, JLO by Jennifer Lopez, Guess Jeans, Rocawear and more–to growing her top-producing real estate business. The savvy and stylish agent is an expert in creating visual impact.

The in-demand real estate professional earned her sterling reputation through hard work, commitment, integrity, passion and consistency, which is why her clients come back to her again and again for all of their real estate needs as well as referring Monique to anyone they know that can benefit from her services.

Monique is not leaving anything to chance when it comes to her business. She understands the need to create a vision in a home. She stages all of her listings with her own product, furniture, décor and everything needed to show her listings at their full potential. “You only have one shot at a first impression,” she says and it turns out one shot is all this maverick agent needs. Clearly her approach is working as according to her brokerages data, her listings tend to sell quickly, have the shortest amount of time on the market and regularly get over the list price. All that said, Monique is the first to tell you that success involves surrounding yourself with utmost professionals. She only uses professional companies for photos, aerials and floor plans. She has a marketing firm on retainer to create and expand her social media presence across all platforms.

Now, why did Monique start staging as part of her business model? When asked this question, Monique explained, “Years ago one of my first new constructions was empty. Although it was a beautiful home with a large open floor plan, the buyers seemed to have a challenge visualizing how and where to place furniture. I immediately checked into furniture rental companies. After pricing out several of them and reviewing their product offering, I wasn’t happy with the choices. That’s when I decided to start shopping myself. Running to stores all over as well as online, I purchased furniture, décor, pillows, towels, bathroom accessories, plants and more.  Staging my first house was a success, I kept going. One house after the next – I think I have shopped till I dropped. Now all of my product is stored in a warehouse plus several storage rooms. Whether resales needing just décor or some furniture and décor, empty new construction homes or flips needing a full staging job, I provide this service to all of my clients at my expense. I can honestly say that it truly helps me sell my listings quickly which makes my clients extremely happy!”

Monique has also developed a niche into dealing with builders, investors and flippers. Although this can be quite competitive, she made her mark by offering these clients her design & selection help. She is hands on with all of these projects from plans to final execution of the home. Her added value of staging these homes, creating a warm and inviting feeling is one of her points of differentiation.

Although she is an astute businesswoman, fairness is her brand and the foundation upon starting her real estate career. “I believe treating all clients and customers the same is very important. Whether they are buying or selling $300,000 or $3,000,0000, if they need to be staged, it’s done, if it takes months to find them a home, they get the time. My clients definitely appreciate that.” Monique loves to give back and although she works with many charities, most recent as part of the Keller Williams Associate Leadership Committee. She is spearheading events to help raise money and items needed for organizations such as KW Cares, Helping Hand Rescue Mission and Pinktie.org. Whether fund raising, food drives, clothing or toy drives, she’s happy to be part of it. Monique also donates to charities each time she closes a deal.

From buying, selling, investing and relocating, Monique and her team have the influence, savvy and resources to successfully guide a real estate transaction from beginning to end. Her track record has Monique closing all over Long Island, Queens and Manhattan. Whether she needs to go east, west, north or south, she consistently proves that a flawless real estate transaction doesn’t need a local agent – rather the best agent.

To learn more about Monique J. Serena email moniquejserena@kw.com, visit moniquejserena.kw.com, or call (516)-658-5561

New York Real Estate Agent Monique J. Serna