Stribling Insiders: Gina Castellano
The headlines would have you believe that Brooklyn has only recently come into its own, but Brooklyn Sales Manager Gina Castellano will tell you that this borough has always been cool. And she should know. A born and bred Brooklynite, Gina has lived in the area her entire life and is now raising her family there. She put her working knowledge of Brooklyn to good use when she became a real estate agent over a decade ago. Since then, hers has become one of the most trusted names in the business. She now oversees Stribling’s Brooklyn office, which landed in the top 5 Brooklyn brokerages by sales volume according to The Real Deal for the first time under her direction. Before breaking into real estate, Gina worked in the film and television industry — where she learned to juggle intense situations, personalities, and deadlines with poise and ease. We caught up with Gina to chat about why she decided to jump from the sound stages to residential brokerage, and her recent forays into meditation:
When did you first get into residential real estate and why?
I began working in real estate in 2008, and my first deal went into contract in September of that same year. I wanted a job with flexibility to raise my children who were very small at the time. My previous career was very time-consuming and I was rarely home to see them.
What is your favorite part about being a real estate agent?
Helping my clients move on to the next stage in their lives. Whether selling a townhouse to downsize or buying a studio as their first home purchase, I was there for them, every step of the way.
Why did you choose Stribling & Associates?
Stribling & Associates has an ingrained ethos that is pervasive throughout the entire company, from the brokers to the staff to the founder. It can be felt when you are in the offices or with the agents. Elizabeth Stribling stated it best “Work hard and be Honest.” At Stribling, the standard and the bar is set incredibly high and we are proud be the stewards of the culture our chairman, Elizabeth Stribling, created decades ago and continues to this day.
Do you have a favorite neighborhood and why?
That’s way too difficult to answer! There are so many neighborhoods in the city that I love. It’s amazing to live so close to Prospect Park in my own neighborhood, Park Slope. I love all the waterfront neighborhoods from Rockaway to Long Island City, the Battery to the Cloisters and no matter how long you live here, there is always so much more to learn and explore.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
Exercising in the park, reading, hanging out at home with my family, trying to do yoga. I just started meditating, not sure how that’s working out. Check back in with me in 6 months…..
What is an achievement of which you are most proud?
My 14 year old twins, Jack and Nick.
Favorite book?
Pride and Prejudice
Favorite movie?
The Godfather
Favorite travel destination?
Rome
Favorite meal?
That changes all the time but for now anything pesto
If you weren’t a real estate agent, what would you be?
An author
