Building With Community: MJ Callum of Anatole House with Kingston Design Connection and Ulster Habitat for Humanity Series in Kingston NY

Building With Community: Meet MJ Collum of Anatole House

By inside + out | June 18, 2024

INSIDE+OUT Upstate NY is pleased to present an ongoing series of exclusive interviews supporting Kingston Design Connection and Ulster Habitat For Humanity’s Building With Community Series. Today, we catch up with MJ Collum, Licensed Real Estate Salesperson with Anatole House. MJ is the guest speaker for this month’s event and will share her point of view on the “do’s and don’ts” of home renovations to maximize the value of your home. She’s been in the real estate business for nearly two decades, during which she’s been a buyer, seller, landlord, renovator, short-term rental host—and since 2017, a licensed sales agent.

“It’s always scary to put thousands of your hard-earned dollars into work on your home, so it can be reassuring to hear which improvements will help get that money back if and when you decide to sell down the road.”

Save the date–June 26th—and join MJ, the Kingston Design Connection, and Ulster Habitat for another fabulous meet-up about home improvement in the Hudson Valley. Of course, if you are looking to buy or sell in the Hudson Valley, connect with MJ Collum HERE.

RENOVATING YOUR HOME FOR MAXIMUM RETURN | Anatole House
A Home Improvement Speakers Series | Kingston Design Connection
Date: Wednesday, June 26th
Time: 6pm – 7pm
Fuller Building | 45 Pine Grove Ave, Kingston, NY

And now, let’s get to know more about superstar Real Estate Agent MJ Collum…

INSIDE+OUT Upstate NY: Where are you originally from and how did you wind up in the Hudson Valley?

MJ Collum: I was born in Wyoming, raised in Texas and refined in NYC. Drawn to the warm community and natural beauty of the Hudson Valley, I decamped from the city to upstate about seven years ago.

What inspired your interest in real estate, and what was your personal journey?

Growing up in Houston, my grandfather’s general contracting firm built mid-rise to high-rise buildings, so I was always aware of the built environment. After getting a degree in marketing and communications, I worked in real estate development in NYC for many years–learning the ins and outs of reimagining and transforming properties. After taking on a few investment properties of my own, I took the plunge into a career in sales to share all my experience with clients!

What is one thing that sets you apart from other realtors in the Hudson Valley?

I think the main thing that sets me apart is my deep knowledge of building processes and materials. We have very old housing stock in this area and to be a valuable real estate advisor requires more than just an understanding of the transaction process. Having done many home renovations of my own, I can often advise clients on what transformations may be possible and their value. My goal is to empower clients with information and help them make confident decisions about what is often their most important investment.

Tell us about the event and talk you are giving on June 26th for Kingston Design Connection.

I’m excited to talk about home renovations with area homeowners–and future home buyers! It’s always scary to put thousands of your hard-earned dollars into work on your home, so it can be reassuring to hear which improvements will help you get that money back if/when you decide to sell down the road. It can also be helpful for buyers thinking about purchasing a fixer-upper and how to prioritize projects.

Who is your ideal client? Are you more of a buyer’s or seller’s agent?

My ideal clients are enthusiastic about the process and eager to embark on the journey as a collaborative team. I work with buyers and sellers, which makes me a better advisor to each by knowing what’s happening on both sides of the market. While I love helping home buyers land their dream homes, I really enjoy flexing my creativity in styling, branding and marketing properties for sellers.

What is the most incredible home you’ve represented or sold?

My largest sale to date ($5.5M) was an ultra-modern estate in Ghent (Columbia County) with the trifecta of a gorgeous Catskill mountain view, a big-beautiful heated pool and a guest house nearly as nice as the main home. During our initial consultation, I represented the buyers–who described this property as their “dream home,” so we jumped on it the day it hit the market.

What is the most rewarding and most challenging part of your job?

The most rewarding part is seeing the joy on every client’s face when they reach the closing table. The most challenging part is adjusting expectations when necessary–especially regarding what buyers can reasonably afford at their budget or when counseling sellers on list price.

What is one question you’re constantly asked or the biggest misconception about what you do?

“How’s the Market?” is the most common question by far. I get asked this at least a couple of times a week. The biggest misconception is that going into real estate sales means you’ll have more “free time” than a 9-to-5 desk job. I definitely work more hours and have a more jam-packed schedule than I did at any of my most demanding jobs in NYC!

How do you grow your business and how do your clients find you?

The majority of my business comes from referrals from past clients and my local relationships in the community. Clients primarily find me on Instagram or from their friends/family who refer them directly.

What about the Hudson Valley makes it unique to live + work here?

The Hudson Valley has a great mix of vibrant town centers—with great shopping and dining options–and open space, including a trove of rail trail networks, state forests, public parks and other greenspace. It’s a slower pace of life than the Big City and people are generally friendly and pleasant. The upstate creative community is also thriving and the arts and music scenes offer many opportunities to partake, either as a creator or a spectator.

What impact does your business strive to have on your community?

I try to operate my business as a responsible community member by giving back to local organizations and businesses–from arts to farms. I currently donate to or sponsor many local organizations, including Ulster Habitat for Humanity, the Radio Kingston Community Fund, the Kingston Design Connection, the Kingston Emergency Food Collaborative and others. I have also donated to and co-hosted fundraising events for Upper Hudson Valley Planned Parenthood and local election campaigns. I’m a big proponent of supporting small businesses and building strong communities, so I also enjoy connecting folks with other local businesses and services.

What local businesses do you rely on to be successful?

Aside from all the local restaurants that feed me daily (you are the real heroes!), I rely on a network of inspectors, attorneys and other service providers who consistently show up for me and my clients. For staging and marketing my listings, I like to work with local vintage, antiques and home goods stores for furnishings and decor, as well as many crazy-talented local photographers, florists, stagers and stylists.

What is missing in the area that you wish we had?

First, more tradespeople–folks in the local trades are trending toward retirement age and we need more young people to learn the trades and continue to service the ongoing demand from local homeowners (shout out to BOCES for their technical training programs!). And just speaking personally, I’d love to have a Trader Joe’s!!

Tell us something about yourself that people might be surprised to know.

I played roller derby in NYC for almost ten years under the pseudonym Megahurtz!!

What is your current state of mind?

In spite of all the turmoil going on in the world, I feel very optimistic about our region and am constantly thankful to be here. Both in terms of how our state is poised to handle climate change and the civil rights protections we are so fortunate to have here. But we can never take it for granted, so I hope all new homeowners will volunteer/vote/participate in their local communities.