Ladies and gentlemen, welcome back to another SLG meetup, your host Alvar to bring you another exciting guest. And for that we have Kelly, Kelly Kiloren, Ben Simon. She was named by Forbes, real estate mogul. She's also an alpha-style-ish in icon in style and also a supermodel.
So very excited to bring her here and more to talk about anything real estate related, super high-end, and how to really take your brand to the next level. We'll be touching base also on some of the latest trends in the market and as well as we always do what is really the meaning of luxury to her. Hi! How are you?
I'm doing excellent. What about you? I'm doing very well. Happy summer.
Always a happy summer. Well, thank you for joining us today. It's a pleasure to see you here. We recently in Miami celebrating you and everything that you're doing and now we're in your life to bring some amazing information to our audience on what you're currently doing, one of the latest trends, and to really get to know you better because you do everything.
You do everything amazing. I was like so surprised. I couldn't see it. Like, wow!
So tell us, welcome and tell us a little bit about you. So as you guys know, I work in high-end real estate. I have a team of 12. I work everywhere from New York, the Hamptons, Florida, Palm Beach, Miami, Paris, London, now Ibiza, and I also work in Colorado.
Ibiza! Ibiza! So fun. So gorgeous there.
Just so beautiful. I have two properties there. One that's in Old Town, and it's very, very chic. It looks like it would be in like the Marais in Paris with another very typical Mediterranean gorgeous home as well.
So we have two different things. And that's really what I feel like a lot of people say, oh, you've done so many things. Like, what do you do? You know, it all falls under the same umbrella.
Like last week I was interviewed by Forbes and they were saying, you know, you've done so many things. Like, are you just a multi-hyphenate? Is that who you are? And I am a multi-hyphenate.
And the reason that I can do things well is because it does fall under all the same umbrella. So I'm a writer, so I obviously understand, you know, text and word choice and how to really color a project and make it the most beautiful project ever. I worked as an editor, I started at Al Xessire to start Gop and magazine. So I have a very distinct lens as to what beauty and luxury looks like.
You know, I've written seven books, one for the Costam Institute at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. It's a custom institute is what we know as a MetVault today, but there's actually a small group of women that are seven. It's an invited group. And I wrote a book for the Institute on American fashion, on American style to celebrate who we are, where we're coming from, and where we're going.
And then in terms of real estate, I've had a very successful real estate career, but it didn't start off that way. You know, I started real estate for the wrong reasons. My mother was passing and she asked me to help sell our family home and oversee all of that. So I got my license quickly.
And I was met by a lot of naysayers who told me that I was never going to transact in real estate and that I was pretty and that people just only wanted to meet me to date me and that I would never do anything. Last year, 2021, I sold the number one deal downtown, 42 million at 150 Charles, the penthouse. And then I was also on the rookie of the year, and I sold over 110 last year. This year, I have a team of 12.
I dug this element called the Kelly Coleran, Ben's mom team. And I have the most amazing diverse men and women on my team. And you know, my team is completely different because they come from all different walks of life. A lot of them have second degrees, meaning MBAs or law degrees.
And they are diverse because they, you know, deal in different, they have different strengths. And so whereas, you know, a lot of teams are like, I'm only real estate focused. I'm lifestyle and brand focused. And I want my clients to feel very, very comfortable with my clients, you know, wherever they are.
And you know, yesterday was a true testament to that. We were, we all headed out to the Hamptons. I have a beautiful new development on me, Cox Bay, 29.5 million dollars, 11,000 square feet, 6,000 square feet of outdoor space. It is so phenomenal.
And where in the Hamptons, I've lived in the Hamptons for all my life. I built the most beautiful home there with an incredible architecture. I understand how it is to actually build a home by property, build a home and sell a home. I understand that.
And that is actually very different than, you know, selling someone else's home. It's totally different when you actually know what that whole framework really, really looks like. So anyway, I have the most beautiful home. Everyone loves the ocean.
I love the ocean. But the only problem about buying a home in the ocean in the Hamptons is that we have something that's called the hurricane. And water does not discriminate. And we've seen, in 1938, we saw an amazing hurricane come in and create all these incredible inlets in the Hamptons.
And so the hurricanes coupled with the sharks are not really my favorite. Those beachfront prop ocean front properties, they're not really my favorite. What is my favorite is this beautiful bay. It's called Mecocks Bay.
The property is on Burnett's Creek. It has, you have three of your own beaches. It's unbelievable if you like water sports, kite surfing, wind surfing, paddleboarding. If you have younger children, it's safe.
It's beautiful. It's just going to be a beautiful, beautiful property. So I'm very excited to be a part of that. Congratulations.
I'm here just listening to you and admiring everything that you have accomplished. And you know, I think that we both can relate to a certain degree on that whole lifespan, on combining different things that you're passionate about, I'm putting them under the same umbrella. Because, you know, I'm writing my book and I kind of relate to a lot of the things that you said. So for those that are listening to us today, I'm sure you're on inspiration, right?
And not just on inspiration, but I believe that you're empowering other people to pursue their dreams. And not just do one thing that is completely the opposite from the other, but kind of compact it together. Now my question to you, because obviously when you're starting for somebody that is kind of like in the way of getting to the top, what do you choose first? Do you have to focus your attention and energy on writing a book first or on getting attention online or building your brand or on selling real estate?
Like what would you focus on if you have to choose? You know, when I started this business and I told you there were a lot of Debbie Downers telling me I was going to be nobody and it wasn't just one, it was multiple people. I just pivoted and switched gears because I don't really care what anyone thinks. I never have and I'm not going to start.
And so I just switched gears and I started, you know, I had this social media following from being on television. And so I was just put on my expert lens and I went to every single new development and I learned everything about new development. Because when I started in real estate, new development was the, you know, hot potting and tucking, I was talking about new development, I was talking about the golf simulator, I was talking about the tennis court, I was talking about the basketball court and all these different amenities that came with these beautiful new development. So that I became the new development expert on, you know, so when anyone ever talked to me about real estate, I would just go right into it.
And so it was just really something that really helped me have a narrative. And one thing that I always tell my team on my team meetings, and you should come in on one of our team meetings. And I actually want to, we're going to start to offer opportunities to come in on a team meeting. So we do everything.
We start off with the market report. So we talk about what's going on in the market. So let's do, let's do that with you right now. So the market report, you know, we saw 16 apartments over 4 million sold in New York City.
That's not good. But one thing about the market report that we have to remember is that this is this is only in New York City. So this is not something that's nationwide. We're seeing a lot of different kinds of sales that are happening in New York.
And that's why after the market report, we always jump over to the Wall Street Journal Man's report so that we have an understanding of what is happening not only in New York, but what is happening all over the country. And I think that's one thing that's really important. If you're going to be in real estate, you have to have an understanding of real estate as a whole, not just the price per square foot in one neighborhood. Really, and you have to really have an understanding of that.
So let's just go to the mentioning report and kind of see what's going on. Okay, Georgia Shultz, his longtime San Francisco homeless for $29 million. Montecito, we love Montecito, who doesn't love that right now. Hard Santa Barbara with views of the mountains asking $22.5 million.
LA Belo in neighborhood and Italian Bellas sells for $35.5. So we are seeing a lot of movement in the US. I mean, granted the number one deal in New York last week was 14.5 at 70 Vestry Street. But that does not mean that there is not money being spent in the US.
I mean, we just saw last week a house in the Hampton sold for $100 million. So we do know there is a lot of money. We also do know that there is some risk right now with what's happening in the actual financial markets. I am not a financial forecaster, but if you need one, I am definitely able to give you and find you more or yes.
But you know, again, so that's exactly you asked a question like how do you get started? You get started by having a narrative, you get started by actually understanding and reading what's going on in real estate, having an actual interest. And you know, finding out where your interests lie. Like my business model is the $5 million apartment or home has a $5 million lifestyle that's attached to it.
So when people come to me, they know that I've worked in the magazine business. They know that as a model, they know that I have, you know, taste from seeing my apartments and they know when they see all of my properties online, how I go in there, I give them a little love so that everything has some kind of, you know, it has its own vibe to it, whether that's, you know, ultra modern, whether that's saturated with color, whatever that is. And so just, I guess, again, to be a dead horse, if you want to be in the smart industry, you have to have an actual narrative that has numbers associated with it because you want to know that you're serious. Absolutely.
And I think you were so important about that, you know, it's about understanding your market, have a narrative focusing on a niche so that you're not completely spread. And what I really like about what you're currently doing is that people relate with you, not just for your knowledge and for what you're doing, but also because of who you are. Like, they can see that you're living that lifestyle. A lot of people try to sell luxury without even knowing what it is or experiencing it.
You are a true, you know, individual that is actually doing it. So people relate to you. Yeah. I'm such a high degree.
And I think that's amazing. And you are resonating it also through your brand so that people are always aware of what you're up to. Thank you. I mean, I think that, you know, it's one thing to buy dirt.
It's another thing to build on dirt. And I, you know, I do understand what that's like. I have, I mean, I worked with a number one contractor in the Hampton building, my home, he also built Calvin Klein's home. So I had an amazing, you know, person to teach me about what he was doing and how he was doing it.
But, you know, I didn't have to sink my teeth into that. I could have just been like, oh, building a house, but I was really interested. I wanted to know, you know, about the windows, why would you change, why there were so many change orders, what was happening, what, you know, I really wanted to know from Suf to nuts. And, you know, it really helped me a lot today.
I had no idea that, you know, just my curiosity for building a home was going to kind of forecast and be, you know, a nice partner to my career now. I had no idea, but I'm really, but it does separate me because I do understand. And I also, outside of just building homes or selling, you know, buying dirt, selling dirt, you know, I think one of the things that really, why I really resonate, and it's not because of television is because of my level of empathy. I'm actually, I listen to my clients.
I don't listen, I listen to what they want, but I also listen to what they need. And I think that's something that really is important outside of just being like, I'm going to sell, I'm going to sell, I'm like, I don't need a scoreboard. Like, I already have right now, you know, in the past, you know, four months, you know, I have $260 million for the properties right now that we, you know, since year to date by myself. That's not even including my team.
So I'm not worried, I'm not worried about anybody else. You know, everyone asked about these other brokers. I'm like, absolutely, you know, I talked to a lot of brokers. I asked them if they want to partner on a lot of things.
My mentality is one more than zero. It's not just like, you know, throwing up a number out of wall and saying, look at what I did, because that's looking at what you did once, does not have value for looking what you did over and over and over again. And so, you know, I resonate with my clients because they know that I'm not taking advantage of them. I see no all the time.
Just like, this is not working out. It's not great. You guys are just not, we're not the same thing. Or, you know, it's like, if you don't want to do certain things, I'll say that I'm like, if you don't want to do certain things, this is not for me.
And it's, you know, and I have a lot of respect and I garner a lot of respect because I do, you know, have boundaries with people. And I think that that's something that a lot of people just don't want to have, because I think that they say, no, people are going to think like, oh, they care enough. No, I actually care more because I'm telling you, if you want to really do this the right way and get it done, so you can actually make more money. Let's do it the right way.
You're just speaking my language. And I love hearing this coming from you because obviously, everything that you've done, it's taking you to where you are today. And I'm really glad that we're having this conversation. Now, what I will have to say is, and I know you have to live soon.
So I just want to go. I wanted to ask you real quick, aside from everything that is going on in New York and, overall, in all this area that you're working, you specialize, as you said, on 5 million and above, you've been selling some of the most incredible properties and you've been leading luxury to the highest degree. Now, the world luxury comes in so many different shapes and forms. And not everybody thinks that luxury means the same.
What is really luxury to you? You know, luxury has a lot of different faces. And I think that one, you know, some people think that, like, I have an American Express Platinum card, I can go to Bill Bouquet. That's luxury.
I mean, that is luxurious, but luxury has a lot of different faces. We were seeing, you know, homes in the Hamptons that are all black and people are very spiritual. They're going on a lot of spiritual journeys. We're seeing other people in, you know, Hudson upstate, the Rockefeller estates, and they're really embellishing their homes that are, you know, not 100 million dollar homes, but they're just like beautiful farm homes that are, they bought and run back and they're just, you know, right now that we're first dibs open their own hotel and they are, you know, saturating their homes with all this incredible color and velvet.
So, you know, luxury comes in all different shapes and sizes. I mean, for my daughter, my oldest daughter who is looking for an apartment and she's, you know, looking to rent an apartment with all these different amenities with her best friends, you know, with in a really modern building, she's super excited about that. That to her is luxury. So, that's another thing too, is you have to know your clients and listen to what they are telling you.
I mean, I think the biggest mistake and one of the reasons why people do burn out, and I've learned this from my mentors in real estate, and I work with the masters of the universe in the real estate market, and they always tell me that the reason that people get burnt out is because they can't manage their own expectations. So, if you're constantly trying to tell people who you are and what they should do and not listen to what they want, you're just going to burn out so fast. You're so true. I'm always like, don't you want to do it.
Let's go for it. Like, I got to be a great people. Let's figure it out. I understand.
Understand your clients need. Yeah. You just have to understand your clients' needs. And, you know, if your client gets mad at you, because you just tell them, no, you know, that's one more person that's going to open up a door that's going to bring you access to all these other new people and new referrals.
And you just, you know, you have to really have like pride in yourself and, you know, have respect for yourself and manage your own personal expectations. Totally. And I would summarize it, as you said, you know, like, luxury is kind of defined by the lifestyle of that person. You know, so getting people in the lifestyle of the person that you're dealing with is what's going to really help you see what's the luxury or the meaning of luxury for that person.
But no, I do appreciate your time. I just wanted to wrap it up with one last thing. Because I mean, you can be speaking for so long and I had forever. Thank you so much.
By the way, next time, I just wanted to say thank you. I don't know. Thank you so much for coming to Marini last weekend. I hosted this amazing party for swim week.
I wrote the bikini book, and I actually launched Miami swim week with the bikini book with Asiline with Lycra. And we were at Stereverine in Miami and we had the best time. The chef goes unbelievable. It's so great.
The Palma Hartal is so great. We said so much fun. And you know, that again, you know, lifestyle, the way you live your life and what never makes you happy that is luxury. Indeed.
Well, thank you so much, Kelly, for everybody watching it now or listening to it later. Please make sure to follow Kelly. What's the best way to keep up with Kelly and see what you're doing Instagram? I mean, I think the best way, I'm Instagram, you guys can always check it out.
LinkedIn, I have a Facebook fan page. You guys are welcome to see. You know, I do want anyone who's listening today or watching, please DM me, ask me questions. You know, it is my honor to listen to what you're interested in and also, you know, I want to be better.
So if you guys have anything that you saw today that you think you might criticize or that you thought was great, you know, that is really valuable to me. So I really appreciate it for that. Well, I'm sure that a lot of people are going to find great information on everything that you share today. So I'm pleased that we got to do this.
Now go to the Hamptons. Good like with all your projects. I'll be in New York on Tuesdays. So we'll be in touch because we can wait to see.
Thank you. And thanks again for everybody tuning in today. We hope you enjoyed it. I remember in Bracy, it's beautiful success in life.
My name is Alvaro and I'll see you next time.