Kim Harizman


No stranger to high pressure, Kim Harizman has enjoyed every minute of her real estate career since joining the KMS Team in 2015 and with them, founding the Westport office of Compass in 2019. Using creative thinking and a solution oriented approach to structuring and negotiating deals, Kim delivers for her clients in every market. Hard work and integrity are paramount to her success, just as they were in her previous roles as Chief Operating Officer at Lyster Watson and Company, and on the trading desks of Wall Street firms Furman Selz and Bear Stearns. Kim prides herself on her reputation with referral and repeat business comprising a majority of her clientele.

A native of Johannesburg, South Africa, Kim emigrated to La Jolla, California in 1980 and graduated from The University of California at Berkeley, majoring in Political Science and Economics. Having lived in Westport for 20 years, Kim has seen her three boys flourish in Westport’s Public Schools and at UT Austin and the University of Michigan.

She is very involved in the community and as an avid tennis player herself, Kim enjoyed 6 memorable seasons as the Assistant Coach for the Staples Varsity Girls' Tennis Team leading them to both FCIAC and State championships. She served on the Board of the Westport Country Playhouse for seven years, has been active with AIPAC, the FIDF and other local civic causes. Kim is also a member of The Conservative Synagogue and Chabad of Westport. When she is not working, Kim enjoys traveling, bicycle riding, hiking and cooking.


~ Q & A with Kim ~


Why did you choose real estate as a career?

My background is in finance, but I chose real estate as a second career after spending 10 years at home raising my kids. I wanted to work with people and have some control over my schedule. I have always had an interest in the business of real estate—my husband and I had bought, renovated and sold a few properties together, so I decided it was a perfect next step for me.

What do clients love most about working with you
and the KMS Team?

I would hope that my clients would say I am knowledgeable, honest, hard working, trustworthy, and patient. Being part of KMS is an added bonus that most of my clients appreciate early on. Having a team member able to step in if I am unavailable is priceless in this business. Buying a home is one of the most exciting moments in life. I love seeing people happy and I pride myself on my relationships.

 
Kim Harizman, Karen Scott working together in Westport real estate
Team KMS members Kim Harizman, Laurie Morris, Michael Mombello share knowledge

What is your most memorable real estate transaction?

I would have to say my last transaction is always my most memorable. I put so much time and energy into each transaction that the recent one sticks in my mind.

And advice to your
selling clients?

If you could give one short piece of advice to your buying clients?

Location, location, location!
Be reasonable and always make a counter-offer. Quite often the first offer you receive is your best one! It’s also wise to be realistic about the market, too.

What is your favorite outing in the main communities
served by the KMS Team?

Westport—Summer fun at Levitt Pavilion, summer evenings, drinking wine with friends at Compo Beach
Wilton—Taking my dog for a walk on the Norwalk River Valley Trail
Fairfield—Again, walking my dog at Lake Mohegan with my favorite cousins!
Norwalk—Stew Leonard’s
Weston—Bike riding around the reservoir

What do you wish you
knew when you sold
your first home?

What do you wish you
knew when you bought
your first home?

I wish we had gotten to know the town better before committing to a neighborhood.
Also: Bigger is not always better
“Less is more.” Don’t bring it if you haven’t used it in the past 12 months. The dumpster is your friend. Better yet, give it away—re-purposing is the best way of getting rid of those things you don’t want to throw away, but can’t or don’t utilize any longer.

How have you seen the market change in
your time as a broker?

 
We moved to Westport at the ‘top’ of the market. We lost 2 houses in bidding wars before we finally bought ours. Then 2008 came along and reality set in. I think our market today is much healthier than it has been in a few years. Well-priced homes are selling easily. That’s good news!
 
 
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