Welcome to Ten, CORE founder and CEO Shaun Osher‘s rapid-fire interview series with prominent CORE figures. Read on to find out how this week’s subject deals with being on the hot seat.
Since joining CORE, Keri Chambers has quickly become known for her attention to detail and knack for design, both of which make her asset to the world of New York City real estate. Keri acknowledges, however, that it isn’t always easy to balance all that life has thrown at her. Here are Keri’s answers to Ten questions:
1) How did you get into the business of selling real estate? 
I was working for a pharmaceutical company and was building and designing a few speculative homes as a hobby. I realized very quickly that I could be selling the homes myself. So, while on maternity leave, I took real estate class online. I later quit the pharmaceutical company, started a design and real estate company and sold my own homes – which transitioned into selling other builder’s homes.
2) What has changed about the industry since you first started?
For starters, I am selling apartments instead of single family homes and estates. Also, I began my real estate career when the market was at its peak. So I have experienced the highs and unfortunate lows of the market.
3) What was your most favorite or challenging deal?
My favorite deal would have to be selling my neighbor’s condo. I showed it to one client that I thought would love it and got the exact figure the sellers wanted. They were so gracious and pleased with the painless process from start to finish that they doubled my commission.
My most challenging deal was selling my own condo. Being a single mother, it made it difficult with two kids in the house. It made me appreciate my clients even more.
4) How does your background in finance help your business?
I think sales people are born with business sense (or the successful ones, rather). From a young age I wanted to work in my family’s bank and have since inherited a sense of business and sales that came from my father. I grew up with family dinner conversations about business, it was like getting a Master in Business by osmosis, of which I took full advantage of and very much appreciated.
5) What is your greatest daily challenge?
My greatest daily challenge is getting enough sleep. I am a perfectionist: I try to be the very best mother, broker and girlfriend, so I don’t go to sleep until everything is done. My days are packed and I do not ever stop for a meal. Coffee is my best friend.
6) If you weren’t in real estate, what would you be doing?
Ideally, my dream job would be to purchase real estate, renovate or build it, and flip properties. I would also like to be a matchmaker, I enjoy introducing people and networking.
7) Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
In ten years I hope to be selling real estate in New York City while getting back into the speculative aspect of the business.
8) What are your passions?
My passions are real estate and my family.
9) Who is your mentor?
I have been through a lot in my life. It definitely hasn’t been easy and I have several different mentors that have been incredibly important to my success as a person. My current mentor is Reba Miller, she is the reason I came to CORE.
10) Do you have a question for me?
What advice do you have for me?
Never assume anything’s done until it’s done and always see everything through until the end and beyond.