Remarkable Real Estate Exclusive Interview with Kristin Thomas of Thomas & Ingram

Thomas & Ingram is a high-end boutique firm with immense agility in New York’s real estate market and they have a European office located in Amsterdam, where the overseas team works to solidify relationships with international brokerages as well as buyers looking to relocate to New York City. With experience listing and selling both commercial and residential properties, Kristin Thomas is a go-to broker and manager for a broad spectrum of real estate needs. Kristin got her start in Real Estate at an early age while working alongside her family members who have invested in real estate throughout the country, including Greenwich, CT, Naples FL, Sedona, AZ, Vermont Ski Resorts, as well as internationally. Kristin has personally bought, renovated, rented out and sold over 20 units throughout the country and internationally. Alongside Thomas & Ingram's Amsterdam office, Kristin has built a network of international buyers and investors, many of whom she meets with annually at international real estate conferences such as MIPIM, in Cannes, France. The combination of hands-on real estate investing, and professional education has ensured Kristin’s ability to handle all of her clients’ transactions professionally, smoothly, and without avoidable complications.

With a gift for skillful communication, Kristin has earned the designation of a CNE, (Certified Negotiation Expert) recognized by the Real Estate Board of New York. Coupled with a degree in psychology she values relationships above all, and due to this mentality, has a loyal following of clients and associates. Kristin is consistently noted for her thinking outside-of-the-box mentality, creating smooth transactions with the best possible results for those she represents. Kristin's clients include diplomats and UN Ambassadors, high profile individuals, and some of the leading business professionals in the world.  Professionally, Kristin is a member of the Urban Land Institute, the National Association of Realtors, Manhattan Associatio of Realtors,The Real Estate Board of New York, is an honored member of Cambridge Who's Who, and is seated on the REBNY Downtown Committee.

Peachy Deegan interviewed Kristin Thomas for Whom You Know.

Peachy Deegan: When did Thomas & Ingram begin and what is its history?
Kristin Thomas: Thomas & Ingram's doors opened in February of 2010. I had been an agent with Star Cities International, another boutique real estate firm with strong relationships throughout Europe & Asia for many years. I was considering moving to a different firm with more aggressive marketing ability and clout, and the two principles Paulus & Hans Ingram asked me to join forces and build a firm that incorporated when we all felt was missing from other firms. We strategically designed the foundation of a firm that we felt would add a fresh perspective to the New York City real estate market and give clients a true sense of trust and customized service.


Where is your passion for real estate derived from?
My family has always stressed the value of real estate investment. I got a degree in psychology during my undergraduate studies, but after attending a series of seminars on the art of real estate investment began my own career as a real estate investor. I built a portfolio of properties very quickly, which taught me the ins and outs of real estate investment. My degree in psychology was of great value to me because not only did I understand the emotions behind every transaction, I quickly learned that building solid relationships was the core to every real estate transaction. Becoming an agent was a natural progression for me.


Where did you graduate from?
I graduated from the New School University with a degree in psychology.


Can your European office offer the same services that your New York office offers?
One of our partners lives in Amsterdam. His primary goal for our company is to build relationships throughout Europe with other brokerages, and investors to feed business to our New York City office. Our Amsterdam office does not practice real estate in Europe.


What should the world know about Thomas & Ingram?
Thomas & Ingram was designed to give clients a true sense of ease in the complex world of real estate. Every buyer and renter out there has Internet access to virtually every listing available. Our job is to add a sense of ease to the process. Our motto is: "The Art of Exceeding Expectations", and that is what we like to do with every opportunity that we have.


If you could live anywhere in Manhattan without restriction, where would it be and why?
I would live in Tribeca. The architecture and history are rich and beautiful, yet it has the calm that is difficult to find in the city.


Same question, for a summer and winter home?
Anywhere on the ocean. The water energizes and relaxes me.


What are the most common mistakes both buyers and sellers make in commercial real estate?
Due diligence in any commercial deal is essential, and under the current market conditions, I think buyers are getting enticed by negotiable price points, and often pull the trigger too quickly before proper due diligence is done.


What are the most common mistakes both buyers and sellers make in residential real estate?
I think over-financing a property, and again, lack of proper due diligence about property condition, developer track record, and building financials is a common mistake residential buyers. On the sale side, hiring an agent who has a realistic sense of property value is key. Overpricing a property in a soft market can be detrimental.

What is the funniest thing that has ever happened to you at a cocktail party?
I don't recall a particularly funny thing happening at a cocktail party.

What is your favorite thing to do in Manhattan that you can do nowhere else?
Walk along the Hudson River Park at sunset.

What do you personally do or what have you done to give back to the world?
I donate a percentage of all of my company's income to various charities whose causes have meaning for me. I also hang artwork of local artists in my gallery-style loft office. It gives up and coming artists a chance to present their work to real buyers who come in and out of the office.


What do you think is most underrated and overrated here?
I think New Yorkers are the most underrated here. I think New Yorkers are some of the most down to earth, kind, and genuinely friendly people in the world. As for overrated, I would have to say the city's recycling system. There are very little recycling bins accessible on the streets.


Other than Remarkable Real Estate of course, what is your favorite Whom You Know column and what do you like about it?
Peachy and the City. It has some great tips that I find helpful.


Have you drank The Peachy Deegan yet and if not, why not? (please send us your picture drinking it!)
I have not yet tasted The Peachy Deegan, but it sounds wonderful. Where do I find it?


What else should Whom You Know readers know about you?
My great great grandfather owned a fleet of pilot ships in the 1880's New York City and was expressly selected to escort the Frensh Steamer Isere, bearing the Statue of Liberty in the harbor.


How would you like to be contacted by Whom You Know readers?
Anyone interested in my assistance with any of their real estate needs can contact me at kristin@thomasandingram.com or on my cell phone at 646-872-9852.