Eileen Cardona, a bilingual real estate agent at Berkshire Hathaway NE Properties, has been representing home buyers and sellers across Connecticut for the past four years. But before she entered the real estate industry, Cardona spent over two decades working with her community as a caseworker for Catholic Family Services or Rushford, where she focused on helping families and children.
Growing up in Meriden, Cardona developed a strong bond with her community. She attended St. Rose from first to eighth grade and formed lifelong friendships with her classmates. She fondly remembers various activities in Meriden, such as the Expo held downtown in the late ’70s and ’80s, ice skating at Hubbard Park, and roller skating at Roller Port 91.
Raised in a Puerto Rican household, Cardona experienced the values of a strict upbringing centered around education and religion. Despite the challenges that came with her father’s untimely death when she was just six years old, her mother managed to raise her and her three sisters on her own. Cardona credits her parents for instilling resilience and a strong work ethic in her.
Becoming a real estate agent in 2019 was a natural career transition for Cardona. She wanted a change from her previous work and desired a job that would allow her to interact with the public and fulfill people’s dreams. She had always been passionate about design and houses, making real estate a perfect fit for her interests.
Being a bilingual real estate agent has been an advantage for Cardona, as her first language is Spanish. This fluency allows her to connect more effectively with the Latino community and build trust with clients who appreciate her cultural understanding and language abilities.
As a real estate agent, Cardona emphasizes the importance of wearing many different hats. From marketing and research on the seller’s side to listening and communicating with clients on the buyer’s side, the role requires strong organizational skills and effective communication. Building a solid foundation of trust and maintaining open lines of communication with clients and other professionals involved in the real estate process are crucial aspects of Cardona’s work.
The most rewarding part of Cardona’s profession is the closing day when she can hand over the keys to her clients’ new homes and witness the joy it brings them. However, the job also comes with challenges, such as meeting deadlines and managing effective communication between all parties involved.
For those interested in pursuing a career in real estate, Cardona advises them to approach it with a realistic understanding of the profession. It requires hard work, hustle, and constant communication with clients. Patience is essential, as not all deals come together easily.
Balancing work and personal life as a realtor can be challenging, but Cardona stresses the importance of taking time for oneself and one’s family. She sets boundaries by shutting off her phone in the evenings and prioritizing her well-being to prevent burnout.
In her home buying and selling process, Cardona focuses on listening to her clients’ needs and educating them about the various mortgage programs available. Her goal is to guide them and ensure they make informed decisions that align with their goals and budgets. She aims to alleviate stress and prevent clients from buying more than they can handle financially.
As for the current housing market in Connecticut, it remains challenging, with bidding wars occurring, although not as intensely as a year or two ago. Cardona’s role is to reassure clients, provide support, and help them navigate the market realistically.
If there is one thing Cardona wants everyone to know about her, it’s the importance of being genuine. Building solid relationships with clients based on trust and integrity is crucial. Cardona believes in keeping her word and being compassionate and understanding towards her clients’ needs during what can be the biggest purchase of their lives.
Eileen Cardona’s office is located at 9 S. Colony St. in Wallingford, Connecticut.