Combine enthusiasm, professionalism and commitment and you have a formula for success. Just ask Gail Roberts, vice president of Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage in Cambridge; she has been using this recipe for the last 30 years.
The long-time Cambridge resident has consistently earned top honors from colleagues and industry associations. Listed as one of America’s Top 50 Real Estate Agents by The Wall Street Journal for three consecutive years, Roberts has also been ranked number seven of more than 83,000 Coldwell Banker sales associates worldwide and number one in New England – earning the Society of Excellence award, given to fewer than 1 percent of all agents. She has also received the Coldwell Banker International President’s Premier award, an honor reserved for the top one percent of agents internationally.
While working with the director of fiscal services at Harvard University, Roberts earned her broker’s license and landed a part-time job with a small, local real estate company. She experienced success almost immediately, making her first sale during her first month to her first client. When Harvard underwent some restructuring and her job situation changed, she eagerly accepted a full-time position with Hunneman, which later became Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage, and has been there since.
Roberts’ devotion to her work is apparent in every client interaction. “You spend a lot of time with people during this process. It’s a huge investment and you want people to enjoy the house once they’ve moved in,” she said.
Roberts also believes that her relationship with her clients doesn’t end once the papers are signed. She is compelled to connect her clients to each other and to the greater community. For instance, she often hosts social events to familiarize families with each other.
“A few months ago I invited about 20 young mothers to a lunch in Harvard Square. It was a fun lunch for everyone, and they all got to meet new people and learn what the others were doing. I also know the community and share information on local events and organizations,” she said. “You have to be knowledgeable for your clients.”
Roberts is quick to credit her team for her success. “There are five of us and we’re like family. We work together, travel together and stand behind each other,” she said. The team atmosphere encourages camaraderie and fosters cohesion and dedication, Roberts adds.
Not only does Roberts give her all to her clients, she also immerses herself in charitable efforts. For several years as a board member for the U.S. Fund for UNICEF, she has leased Harvard’s Museum of Natural History for a catered affair around Halloween.
“The children were in costume, participated in fun activities and, with their parents and other guests, learned about the mission of Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF. Everyone had a great time,” she said.
Additionally, Roberts sits on the boards of The Huntington Theatre, The Guidance Center, and the Board of Overseers for the Mt. Auburn Hospital.
John Angier, senior vice president of Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage, who nominated Roberts for a Women of FIRE award, noted, “Gail is passionately dedicated to the needs of her clients and, as a result, achieves incredible excellence in the pursuit of her craft. She does this with an empathic understanding and wonderful sense of humor, in essence a master of real estate.”
As a veteran in the real estate business, Roberts knows what it takes to succeed. “You need to know your market, demonstrate professionalism, network and immerse yourself in a 24/7 career,” she explained.
