Kola Adesina
Kola Adesina is a popular travel blogger with European roots. She is based in New York City. She grew up in Brussels, Belgium and her parents were diplomats. She attended KU Leuven, a prestigious university in Belgium, where she studied English language and literature as well as art history. She also learned to speak several languages, enabling her to communicate with everyday people in the cities she visits.
Kola took a year off after university and traveled the world. She spent time in Nigeria where her father’s family lives. She strongly values her family connections there. After her gap year, Kola got a job as an assistant in a major New York publishing house. While publishing was an exciting career choice, Kola did not have enough vacation time to travel. She began saving money so she could transition to running her travel blog full time.
Kola Adesina has recently traveled to Scotland, Spain, and Tokyo. Wherever she finds herself in the world, she is deeply interested in local artists. She frequently brings pieces home to display in her apartment. After childhood lessons, she is also interested in dance. She attends traditional and classical performances around the world.
As a travel blogger, Kola has the freedom to set her schedule and itinerary. She follows her passion when traveling the world. When Kola is not traveling, she spends time with her friends in New York. She loves to take her friends out to new and exciting restaurants. She also loves to knit, and she is learning to cook.
What do you know about the real estate industry?
I am just beginning to learn about the real estate industry. I have only owned one property so far. I have heard that mortgage rates are rising but are still quite low, so it is a good time to invest in property. On the other hand, I have heard that the market is tight right now and favors sellers. This is good for me because I am trying to sell my current small apartment and get something larger.
Have you ever sold real estate? How did you make it happen?
I am in the process of selling my apartment right now. I just put it on the market a few weeks ago, so I haven’t done very much yet other than work with my agent and get it ready to show. I’m looking forward to showing off my art collection properly in my new apartment.
How much experience do you have in buying or selling real estate?
Again, only a very little. I bought my current apartment a few years ago, and I’m in the process of selling it. I haven’t had any offers yet. It is a beautiful apartment on the Upper West Side; it’s just too small for me and my belongings.
Have you ever made a sell or a purchase you have regretted?
I don’t regret purchasing my first apartment, as it was what I could afford at the time. I wish I had waited a little longer to buy. I might have been able to find something bigger at a better price if I’d waited. That’s my only regret.
What advice would you give inexperienced who are wanting to buy or sell?
Get a trustworthy agent. That’s the key to a successful sale. You need to have someone who is truly in your corner and wants to see you succeed. I’m sure that as the offers start to come in, my agent will be able to field them for me and present me with the information I need to make a decision. Since it’s a seller’s market, I am hoping to turn a profit on this sale.
What have you found out to be the best way to market property?
Online sites like Zillow are great for marketing. It’s so handy to have all the information on property at your fingertips. I’ve enjoyed looking for my new place and supplementing my broker’s suggestions with some of my own.
What tools do you believe are essential for success in the real estate industry?
Honesty, integrity, and business smarts. Honesty is the most important in my mind. Without a trusting relationship between the broker and the client, you’ll always be wondering whether you are getting the best deal on your real estate purchase.
What has real estate taught you about life?
It has taught me to be patient and bide my time. I was so excited to get my apartment listed, and I haven’t had any bites on the line. I can’t move ahead with purchasing my new apartment until this one has sold, so patience is a necessity.
How can you use what you have learned in real estate to succeed in other areas?
Patience is a virtue in all aspects of life. When I am waiting for a long flight layover, I need plenty of patience.
Do you have a mentor who taught you what you know?
Not as much. My parents have lived in diplomatic housing, so they didn’t have much advice to offer me when it came to buying a place.
Do you have a feedback system? How does it work?
As a blogger, my feedback comes from comments and reshares. I know that I’ve made a successful post when I see the reshare numbers coming through. I imagine that it works the same way with real estate when you see the reach of your property listing.
