#MemberMonday | Meet REALTOR Alice Berke
The GCAR Member Spotlight feature allows community members to get to know each other before working with each other in a transaction. Each member answers a series of questions to reveal more about themselves as people. It is GCAR’s hope that learning about an individual may spark connections that blossom via email, phone conversations, or in-person meetings at events and classes.
Name
Alice Berke
Hometown
Halfmoon, NY
Title
Associate Broker with Cronin Real Estate NY, LLC
Why do you love working in real estate?
For twenty-plus years, I owned and operated a busy law firm in Albany, NY. During this time, I invested in residential and commercial real estate; taught real estate law to college students, attorneys, and the general public; and served as Vice-President and an active Board Member of the Capital District Association of Rental Property Owners (CDARPO). After selling my office building and some other property to the College of Saint Rose, I retired from practicing law. Shortly after that, I ran into Steve Cronin, Principal Broker of Cronin Real Estate NY, LLC, who I had first met while practicing law. Steve helped me realize that my unique background was ideally suited to a career in real estate and I joined Cronin Real Estate NY.
I love working in real estate because:
- It allows me to apply skills I honed while practicing law in a new context, skills such as client relations, research, advocacy, negotiation, and writing.
- Real estate transactions usually result in a happy, or at least somewhat satisfying, ending for both parties, which is not true of many areas of law.
- Steve Cronin is knowledgeable, professional, and dedicated and conducts his business in a highly ethical manner. His enthusiasm for real estate is infectious.
What are you most proud of in your career?
I am most proud of my ability to use my advanced education and my business experience to determine my client’s needs and help satisfy them. I am also proud of the importance I have placed on community service throughout my career.
Do you have a special cause or volunteer your time?
When I retired from practicing law, I became extremely active in dog rescue, volunteering many hours with the Capital District Humane Association (CDHA). I began by working at dog adoption clinics and took on more responsibilities with time including reviewing applications to adopt, conducting vet checks & home visits for potential adopters, completing adoption paperwork, and fostering. I found myself particularly drawn to fostering elderly and/or disabled dogs who could not find forever homes. Last year, I established my own Not-For-Profit, Paws in Paradise, Inc, an in-home sanctuary for elderly dogs, many of whom are blind, deaf, or both, or have other special needs.
As an Associate Real Estate Broker and advocate for dogs, I particularly enjoy working with clients seeking a place to operate dog-related businesses.
Fun Fact
My son, Benjamin (Ben) Salem is a Licensed Real Estate Salesperson and is also affiliated with Cronin Real Estate, NY, LLC.