Using Her Client Management Skills to Help Families in Transition: an interview with Jennifer Askowitz of Silversons Real Estate

Jennifer (Hudi) Askowitz joined Silversons Realty 16 years ago after a successful career in advertising. Her experience in client management for well known brands made working with clients on their real estate transactions an easy transition. Jennifer has represented many clients on both the buy and sell sides in New Rochelle, White Plains, Scarsdale, Riverdale and in NYC. Jennifer shared that her inspiration to become a realtor came from her mother, who attended law school when Jennifer was in first grade. Her mother never actually practiced law but instead went into real estate and modeled that, after 25 years of marriage, she could do something and strike out on her own. Jennifer was working in advertising and client management for several years before she got married, She tried to continue her work on a part time basis once she had children, but realized that the balancing act was too difficult. When looking with her husband for a home to purchase in Westchester she met Michelle Silverman Bedell, the broker owner of Silversons Realty. Michelle knew that Jennifer had an advertising and marketing background as well as a real estate background from her mom, and invited her to join what was then a new venture. Michelle also understood that Jennifer had youg children, and was supportive of her need to be available for her kids. Seventeen years later, they continue to work beautifully together."As I realtor, I actually probably shoot myself in the foot, but tell all my clients not to bite off more than they can chew. Life has many expenditures, and a real estate purchase has to fit into your life plan. You cannot be married to your home. That's not a good idea." - Jennifer AskowitzKey takeaways:- When you consider making a change, consider all the factors that are impacting this decision. When Jennifer works with people who are considering a move, she encourages them to think about the reasons they are thinking about moving and to make sure they aren’t temporary, and to consult with others when making this decision.- Define your goals. Jennifer described working with siblings who are helping their parents sell the family home, or with parents looking to help their children purchase their first home. She encourages them to sit down together, perhaps with a third party such as a financial advisor, in order to agree on what they are trying to achieve before calling a real estate professional.- When looking to buy a home, don’t be turned off by what may seem to be high mortgage rates. Jennifer and I both remember when mortgage rates were higher than what they are now. And the great thing about the way mortgages are structured is that there are no prepayment penalties. In other words, if mortgage rates were to come down in the future you can repay your mortgage by refinancing with a new mortgage at a lower rate.About the guest:Jennifer (Hudi) Askowitz joined Silversons Realty 16 years ago after a successful career in advertising. Her experience in client management for well known brands made working with clients on their real estate transactions an easy transition. Jennifer has represented many clients on both the buy and sell sides in New Rochelle, White Plains, Scarsdale, Riverdale and in NYC. Additionally, she works with foreign buyers, investors and does 1031 exchanges. As an associate broker and an SRES (Senior Real Estate Specialist) designee, clients and their attorneys often turn to Jennifer for advice on the complexities of selling the family home and estate sales. Jennifer has the distinction of being the top producing associate broker at Silversons year after year. Clients enjoy working with Jennifer because they can rely on her discretion, thoughtful analysis and attention to detail, to ensure swift resolution to their transaction. In fact she has become so highly re