Agent Snapshot
Natalie R.
Carpenter-Jones
Managing Broker
Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage
Hyde Park/City-South
What was your first job in the realty industry? Mortgage loan processor
Who inspires you? Oprah
What is your favorite free-time activity? Sudoku
How did you learn the business? From the ground up
What was your most difficult sale, and how did you succeed? My most difficult sale was with
a very close childhood friend of mine that I nicknamed “Mr. Drysdale” at the closing. Mr. Drysdale
wanted to find the absolute best, most stunning property and pay the absolute least amount
of money for it. We put in offer after offer only to receive rejection after rejection because the
offers were so far below the minimum price that a seller was willing to accept. I think most
Realtors would have dumped her after the second or third rejected contract because she “knew
more than the real estate professional”; however, I hung in there with her. After about two full
years of looking, disagreeing, offering, getting rejected, counter-offering, getting rejected, etc.,
we finally found a seller that was willing to sell at a price Mr. Drysdale was willing to pay. And
that’s when the real problems started. Mr. Drysdale negotiated, disputed, argued and manipulated every step of the way up to the closing and even at the closing table. The closing was
scheduled for 9: 20 a.m. and did not conclude until after 6:00 p.m. that evening. But I have to
admit that even though I had been in the business for over 18 years, at the time I was working
with Mr. Drysdale I learned a lot. One thing I learned for sure - refer your friends.
What is the most difficult aspect of your job? Telling a buyer that the seller took a higher offer
What was your worst job, and what did you learn from it? Waitressing, I learned that I didn’t
want to do that ever again!
Where do you go to network and meet new clients? Professional organization events
What has been your greatest accomplishment? Surviving in this wonderful world of real
estate for over 20 years
What was the last good movie you saw or book you read? “Madea Goes to Jail”
What is your favorite restaurant? I could go to Cracker Barrel for breakfast every day of the
week. I like all restaurants, though.
Architecturally speaking, what is your favorite building in Chicago? Holy Name Cathedral
What kind of car do you drive? Cadillac - made in America!
BlackBerry, Palm or paper? BlackBerry
What is your favorite city after Chicago? Memphis
What is your personal motto? Do it, then talk about it - not the other way around.
In 10 words or less, what is your advice for someone new to the industry? Pick up good
habits from the successful agents around you.
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Local News
Prudential Preferred
and Rubloff Unite
Prudential Preferred Properties and Rubloff Residential Properties have announced
they will merge and operate as Prudential Rubloff Properties, an independently
owned and operated firm with 17 offices and nearly 900 sales professionals and
staff. The two firms closed more than $2 billion in real estate sales in 2008, and
both outpace any major brokerage in Cook and Lake counties for highest average
list and sales price.
The merger bonds two respected Chicago firms whose roots trace back nearly 80
years. Principals Chris Eigel and Michael Pierson, longtime veterans of Chicagoland
real estate, will lead the new company as chief executive officer and president/chair-man, respectively. Rubloff principals Howard Weinstein and Tom Horwich complete
the Prudential Rubloff leadership team and will continue with the firm focusing on
future growth in the metropolitan market.
“Rubloff is a revered Chicagoland company – part of Chicago’s cultural fabric for
philanthropy, civic development and distinguished real estate services,” says Pierson.
“Of course, Prudential is recognized globally for strength, integrity and innovation
since 1875.”
Weinstein, who with Horwich acquired Rubloff Residential Properties in 1996,
says the company’s strong, local ownership will respond quickly to Chicagoland
market opportunities and challenges. “Both firms have similar business philosophies,
market segments and corporate cultures, making the union an ideal fit,” he explains.
“Rubloff’s nearly 80-year history of excellence continues, as the firm expands onto
Chicago’s coveted North Shore to fulfill one of founder Arthur Rubloff’s dreams.”
Adds Horwich: “Prudential Rubloff changes the landscape of Chicagoland real
estate. The company is now a powerhouse of agent and client services that establishes
a new level of service throughout Chicagoland.”
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