“My mother always told me I could be whatever I wanted,” recalls Lynn Andel of Laura McCarthy Real Estate. She took Mom’s encouragement to heart and sampled a variety of careers, including marketing in San Francisco, design in Boston, the record business in Washington, D.C., and marketing/advertising back home in St. Louis, followed by running her own design/consulting firm. But 10 years ago, a friend told her she’d be terrific at real estate, and she’s been at Laura McCarthy ever since. Andel lives in Kirkwood, where she grew up, and has “two wonderful, handsome, bright, 25-year-old twin sons, Zachary and Taylor White.”
[hollywood’s loss, real estate’s gain]
As a kid, I vacillated between becoming a movie star and working with Tony Curtis to being an international business exec who traveled the world making deals.
[education]
Bachelor’s degree in photography from San Francisco Art Institute; graduate school at Boston University School of Communications.
[making the move]
I was ready for a career that would bring all my talents and every aspect of my background together, and real estate was a perfect fit.
[first sale]
I sold two friends of mine a little box home for just over $100,000, and they transformed it into something special.
[biggest sale ever]
A Bernoudy home in Town & Country for $3 million.
[favorite part of the job]
It’s a terrific feeling when your clients love their new place, or are grateful for your efforts to market and sell their home.
[least favorite]
People who play games, whether it’s an agent, buyer or seller. Life is too short not to be honest and upfront.
[if your home’s not selling]
A very wise woman in my office, Peggy Liggett, always said, “Price overcomes all objections.” You need intelligence, honesty and a sense of humor to be a successful agent.
[career advice]
Real estate isn’t something you can do part time. It takes planning, patience, great listening skills and finesse to orchestrate a deal and have it come together seamlessly. It’s more than a sales job; you’re providing a service. If you serve your clients well, it only can result in mutual success.
[blue skies]
All indications say the market has improved. Consumer confidence is strong, rates are good and inventory has picked up.
[secret sauce]
I believe in a happy heart and trying to find the best in everyone and everything.
[lynn unplugged]
What could be more relaxing than sitting outside on a beautiful day with friends and family, enjoying a good laugh and a glass of wine?
[mama’s pride]
My son Zachary has decided to try his hand at real estate, so I’m really looking forward to that.
Photo: Bill Barrett