The law’s loss is real estate’s gain. Lisa Coulter of Janet McAfee Real Estate was finishing her law degree at Washington University when she had the first of her four children. “I was a stay-at-home mom for a few years, and when I decided to go back to work, I figured real estate might be more flexible than a legal career,” she recalls. She has been at Janet McAfee more than 25 years, and she and partner Linda Benoist are consistently named among the firm’s top producers. Coulter and her husband live in Ladue.
[the beginning of a beautiful friendship]
Linda Benoist and I, both Mary Institute grads, began our partnership in 2000. We started by covering for each other when one of us was out of town. We really enjoyed working together, so we decided to make it official.
[strengths]
We both love meeting new people and making connections. Linda’s strong point is social interaction and her ability to relate well to all ages. I’m very detail-oriented and love negotiating deals. We make a great team!
[first sale]
My first sale on my own was a gorgeous house on Moydalgan Road in Ladue. I was so excited!
[biggest sale]
Linda and I represented both the buyer and seller of a beautiful house on a fabulous lot. It wasn’t on the market, but we knew the seller was considering moving and we knew our buyer would love it. The property sold for $3.5 million—a $7 million deal for us.
[the good, the bad & the ugly]
I love finding the perfect house for a buyer, selling a house quickly, putting together a successful deal and making long-term connections with clients. But my least favorite part of the job is negotiating the building inspections.
[recession blues]
That was a difficult time, with many wonderful listings that just weren’t selling. Our strategy was to take things one issue at a time, and to find creative ways to set our properties apart from the rest.
[movin’ on up]
The market is definitely on the upswing. We’re even seeing multiple contracts again!
[career advice]
This is a great job. But if you’re thinking of getting your license, be prepared to work long hours for little pay until you get established. Learn the market, and go to lots of open houses so you can familiarize yourself with different neighborhoods. Hold open houses for other agents so you can meet potential buyers.
[stress buster]
I love to take Bailey, my lab, out for a walk.
[love story]
Even after all these years, I’m still excited about every deal, and I love coming into the office.
By Tony Di Martino
Photo by Bill Barrett
Pictured: Lisa Coultier, Linda Benoist