Designing Success: Carol Koutsourais’ First Year from Staging Expert to Trusted Youngstown Agent

In this episode of *My First Commission* on *Unlocking Real Estate* by Colibri Real Estate, we sit down with Carol Koutsourais, a lifelong Mahoning Valley resident and marketing-savvy Realtor® with **CENTURY 21 Lakeside Realty** in Youngstown, Ohio. With a background in interior design and marketing, Carol successfully transitioned into real estate, leveraging her creative strengths to stage homes, showcase listings effectively, and build deep-rooted client relationships.Carol shares:* How her marketing and design experience helped her navigate the industry and guide sellers to stand out in a competitive market* The ways she uses staging insights and visual storytelling to create emotional connections that lead to faster sales and happier clients* How local knowledge and a commitment to long-term relationships became her client retention edge in the Mahoning ValleyWhether you’re an agent—or an aspiring one—looking to elevate your launch with thoughtful presentation and personal connections, Carol’s journey offers a beautiful example of using professional background to amplify real estate results.🎧 Episode Chapters* **00:00 – Meet Carol Koutsourais*** **02:45 – From Marketing & Design to Real Estate*** **06:10 – How Staging Sets Listings Apart*** **09:35 – Building Trust Through Visual Storytelling*** **13:20 – Navigating the Youngstown Market*** **16:45 – Connecting Clients Beyond the Sale*** **20:00 – Advice for Agents with Creative Backgrounds**🔗 Connect with Carol Koutsourais* **LinkedIn** – Realtor at Century 21 Lakeside Realty in Youngstown, OH (500+ connections) https://www.linkedin.com/in/carol-koutsourais-515b0881* **Century 21 Profile** – Marketing‑minded agent providing staging advice and long-term client care in the Mahoning Valley https://www.century21.com/real-estate-agent/profile/carol-koutsourais-P80184052* **Facebook (“Homes by Carol”)** – Local updates, listings, and community-focused real estate content https://www.facebook.com/p/Homes-by-Carol-at-Century-21-Lakeside-61560129238708/🚀 Want to Share Your Story?Do you have a first-deal journey worth sharing on *My First Commission*? Apply now to share your experience, inspire others, and be featured in the next episode! https://share.hsforms.com/1o4DbEqKvQwSzoMTSnrznZQ8ish\#MyFirstCommission #CarolKoutsourais #MahoningValleyRealEstate #Century21Lakeside #StagingStrategy #YoungstownRealtor #CreativeAgentLaunch #UnlockingRealEstate