Melissa Karas

PROFESSIONALISM WITH A PERSONAL TOUCH

I’m a licensed Realtor ® proudly associated with Coldwell Banker Gundaker, the area’s largest resource, ranked #1 in sales for 17+ years. This partnership allows me to provide the best in strategic solutions, marketing and technology with maximum exposure. As a St. Louis native, I appreciate our city’s history and understand the small-town uniqueness – city of neighborhoods. Success is measured by your satisfaction and is the top priority for all buyers and sellers I work with in the St. Louis real estate market. My promise is to provide you the quality of service and communication you desire and deserve as though you are my only client.

As a certified Professional Property Stager ©, I have the knowledge and tools to help you sell in the least amount of time for the most amount of money. On average, staged homes sell 76% faster, are 86% less likely to have a price reduction, and earned an average of 99% sales to list price vs. 93%. This passion for design assists my clients in seeing the possibilities whether they are selling their present home or finding their dream home.

My background in capital markets and finance gives me the ability to carefully watch the details of a real estate transaction. In my prior Analyst roles, I provided equity and fixed income purchase and sale recommendations to minimize losses and maximize investment income based upon fundamental credit and financial analysis. What that means to you is a smoother, more convenient and more pleasant buying or selling experience.

EXPERIENCE

Prior to becoming a Realtor ®, worked as an investment professional with more than 15-years’ experience in the financial arena including treasury, asset management, capital markets, financial services, investment banking, and risk consulting industries. These roles required management of multiple projects with shifting priorities in a real-time environment. My exceptional organizational skills, thought leadership on process improvement, and a continued desire to learn and grow are all assets in navigating an often-complex deal including price, inspections, lenders, etc.

COMMUNITY OUTREACH

Active member of the St. Louis community involved in local activities, cultural and social events. Passionate supporter through personal donations and fundraising efforts for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), Cancer, Cardiovascular medical research, Military Veterans, Muscular Dystrophy and Multiple Sclerosis.

• American Heart Association
• ALS Association
• Chamberlain Society
• Forest Park Forever
• Maryville University’s National Leadership Council and The Philippine Duchesne Society
• Mighty Oaks Heart Foundation
• Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA)
• Pedal the Cause

MEMBERSHIPS

• Member of the Saint Louis Association of Realtors
• Member of the Missouri Association of Realtors
• Member of the National Association of Realtors
• Member of the Saint Louis Regional Multiple Listing Service (MLS)
• Member of the #1 Real Estate Team in the St. Louis area - Coldwell Banker Gundaker!

CREDENTIALS

• Resident of St. Louis Community for 40+ years
• Coldwell Banker University Graduate
• Marketing Specialist
• Listing Agent
• Buyers’ Agent
• Professional Property Staging © Certified

PERSONALITY STRENTHS

In 2008 I trained for an ran my first half marathon (6 since), my first full marathon in 2012, and the first of many century bike rides (100 miles) in 2014. There are many similarities between training for long distance bike rides and runs and being a real estate salesperson. Commonalities include the ability to focus on, and commit to, a long-term goal; There are phases, intermittent goals, and targets that need to be met; and using the goal as motivation to overcome obstacles to success.

EDUCATION CONTINUED PARTICIPATION

Maryville University
Bachelor of Science - Major in Business Administration / Minor in Communications

• Graduated Cum Laude
• Academic Scholarship
• Gamma Phi Beta Academic Honor Society
• Sigma Beta Delta Business Honor Society
• 1998-2001 National Dean’s List / University Dean’s List

A member of Maryville University’s National Leadership Council (NLC) and member of The Duchesne Society.

National Leadership Council (NLC) – The NLC includes special alumni and friends who help Maryville achieve its mission by providing expertise and counsel, serving as ambassadors and supporting strategic fundraising initiatives. The NLC meets at least three times a year to discuss Maryville’s strategic plan and other pertinent issues.

Duchesne Society – The Philippine Duchesne Society gifts make possible: guest lectures, classroom and library resources, annual scholarships, student organizations, faculty and student research, campus initiatives and much more.