Kristen Foote on Philly Luxury Real Estate, Resilience & Giving Back

We’re in the Saddlehill Winery tasting room (Voorhees, NJ) with one of Philadelphia’s real estate superstars, Kristen Foote (Compass). Bill Green and co-host Jerrold Colton dig into Kristen’s 20-year rise in luxury listings (Rittenhouse Square, Center City), how she markets multi-million-dollar homes, what’s really happening in today’s market, and the Compass tech that changed her game.

Kristen also opens up about being diagnosed with breast cancer (and later ovarian complications) in the middle of her peak production years—what got her through it, the Philly medical teams who stepped up, setting boundaries, and why she now champions screenings and community support. Plus: growing up abroad as a diplomat’s daughter, solo travel, Monkey the Maltipoo (Rittenhouse legend), and chairing the Rittenhouse Ball to support the park.

Introduction to Kristen Foote

Welcome to Uncorked Wine Business and Life with Bill Green. I'm Gerald Coulton and as usual, we're here from beautiful Saddle Hill Winery in Voorhees, New Jersey. Voorhees is literally just a stone's throw across the river from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and we have one of Philadelphia's real estate superstars here as our guest today.

My good friend Kristen Foote started with us 13 years ago when my wife and I decided we were going to leave South Jersey and make our primary residence in Florida. We weren't ready to give up the area, so we hunted down a really nice place in Center City Philly, and that's when we met Kristen.

What impressed me about Kristen is that she takes an incredible entrepreneurial approach to selling real estate. She's the best. If you're looking for a multimillion-dollar condo, Kristin's the person to go to. She's got an amazing story, so thank you very much for being with us, Kristen.

Thank you for sticking with me for 13 years, Bill. I know you've sold a few homes with me and networked me with a lot of your friends. Anyone who asks for a good realtor in Philly, you're the first person I talk about. You are with Compass, which is a very large organization, and you love it.

Professional Philosophy and the Compass Platform

You are "eat what you kill," you are super aggressive, and you spend a lot of money on advertising. You're not like a lot of realtors who are just doing part-time gigs or a retiree thing. I’ll be in the business 20 years next year. That's my 20th anniversary, so obviously I've seen a lot of ups and downs in the market and the industry.

I've been through three different brokerages: Coldwell Banker, Berkshire Hathaway, and most recently Compass. I joined Compass seven years ago when they came to Philadelphia and recruited me. In any business, you're always trying to up your game and stay ahead of the curve.

Compass had some great technology and a great platform. I'm not very tech-savvy, but they do a great job of training us. We've seen a lot of other brokerages follow suit from what Compass has done with their platform and the way consumers find their homes and how we market them.

Navigating Market Trends and Interest Rates

Interest rates are at six and a half percent now, whereas a few years ago they were at two and a half percent. It’s been a little more difficult. We're seeing inventory rise right now because some buyers are waiting, especially those looking at the million-and-a-half range where mortgage rates are important to them.

The affluent buyers looking in the three, four, and five million range are going to buy when they're ready and see something they like. They are usually not taking a mortgage and aren't affected by that. If they do, they're doing a loan through their private bank. They just want to see something they love.

The Speed of Luxury Transactions

When you bought in Philadelphia, there was no timing or rhyme or reason. It was just, "Hey, we're ready. We're making this decision. It's go time." As an agent, it's important for me to know everything on the market and have those relationships with other agents listing those homes so I can get you in quickly.

When we sold our first Philadelphia house, I kind of drove you crazy, but that was just par for the course. When you bought your second house, you saw it and wanted it in two weeks. That's the way it works.

It took two weeks because he said, "I want this house." That's what a lot of affluent buyers do. They decide they are moving now, they want to buy a property, and they want to know how quickly you can get it sold. You have to be ready all the time to answer that phone call and be responsive.

Philanthropy and a Global Upbringing

The other thing about Kristen which I admire is she gives back. This past year, she was co-chair of the Rittenhouse Ball for Rittenhouse Square, which is privately funded. She did an amazing job. She is that super busy person that if you want something done, you give it to her.

She had a very interesting early life before going to GW. Her dad was a diplomat, also known as a CIA agent. She lived in eight different countries. I was born in California and we moved to France when I was six. Then I grew up in Europe: France, Portugal, Spain, and Switzerland.

I was in boarding school for a long time in Switzerland and we were in Czechoslovakia at the time. Having to move every three years resonated with me. I met so many different personalities in all walks of life, from diplomats and ambassadors to people from all over the world. That was important in shaping who I am and how I communicate with people. I also picked up Portuguese, Spanish, and French along the way.

We normally drink three glasses of wine, and since she just took us through France, it's a good segue to open our first bottle. We’re starting with Starflower, our sweet white wine which is our number one seller. This is to your 20 years in real estate.

A Personal Journey Through Health Challenges

Less than two years ago, you got a major blow in your life when you were diagnosed with breast cancer. I went in for a routine mammogram and everything seemed good, but they needed to do further testing. About a week later, I was on my way to a big listing appointment when the doctor called and said, "You have breast cancer."

In typical Kristen format, I said, "Okay, what are the next steps? Who do I need to call?" I wrote it down and went on my listing appointment. It didn't really phase me until later. I was calm because I knew I was in Philadelphia and we have the best doctors in the world right here.

I called my best friend, Frankie, and then my parents. Over the next two years, it developed into ovarian cancer and other complications. I realized how many clients I had who were doctors or affiliated with hospitals. They told me, "Kristen, you did so much for us, let us do this for you."

It was a terrible journey, but I had wonderful people supporting me. I think I’m a better person after all of this than I was before. I still went to my appointments, and during those two years, I was still a top two or three agent in the city. I love what I do and it kept me balanced.

New Perspectives and Advocacy

Now, when I’m walking down 19th Street, I see Kristen with a baby carriage, but it's not a baby—it’s Monkey. Everyone knows Monkey. He’s a Multipoo and probably the most famous dog in Philadelphia. All the doormen and everyone in the square knows him.

Health-wise, I’m doing great. I feel really good. Mentally, I feel clarity. I had some additional surgeries and body work, but the network in Philadelphia is so good. Penn Medicine did all my surgeries, and Dr. Bucky and his team did my reconstructive surgeries and helped with post-surgical care.

We have to toast to that. We’re moving next to our rosé. Pink is my favorite color and it’s for breast cancer awareness. It’s all about giving back. After I posted about my journey on Instagram, so many people told me they scheduled their own exams or colonoscopies because of it. Don't wait, because one day you think you're fine and the next day you’re in the hospital.

I love this rosé. I had a bottle last week and I kept it because the artwork is so pretty. I think I’m definitely calmer now. You realize you have to take things in stride and put up boundaries. I only let a certain amount of people into my life at that time. You learn a lot about who your friends are and who is really on your team.

I used to be "go, go, go" and never said no to anything. Now I know it’s okay to take a vacation for a week. If a client can’t respect that I need a week at Canyon Ranch to better myself, then I don't know if I want to work with you. I’ve even started traveling by myself. I went to Europe and met friends, and I’m going to Oregon soon for a horseback riding and wine tour.

Some of that adventurous spirit comes from my upbringing. Philadelphia is great, but it’s so easy to get to New York, DC, or Florida. I need to see new things and meet new people. It’s the trait of a Gemini woman; we need variety.

Career Origins and Industry Growth

I got into real estate 20 years ago during my first marriage. My husband at the time had a title company and his sister was a real estate attorney. They were buying up properties and said someone in the family should get a license. I was working in marketing and said I’d do it.

I loved it because I could put my marketing into action and I’m a people person. When I got divorced, everyone thought I’d move back to Virginia, but Philly had become home. Selling homes is fun and the market has changed so much.

Prices have gone up tremendously. My second sale was for $1.5 million, which back then felt like selling for nearly $5 million today. We didn't have buildings like 10 Rittenhouse or Arthouse back then. Our skyline is beautiful now with the Comcast Center and the Laurel.

Social media has been a big game changer too. We didn't have that when I started. What’s missing with younger agents is that personal interaction. People want to talk on the phone; those personal relationships are very important.

The Value of Human Connection

A few years ago, I invested in a company called Houwzer, which had a flat-fee model with salaried realtors. I asked Kristen what she thought, and she said it wouldn't work. I thought she was just protecting the 6% commission, but the business went under and my investment was gone.

People want to talk to people. Some things can be automated, but real estate is sticky to face-to-face relationships. A good agent invests a lot of time and money because they want to make that sale. We are more invested than someone on a flat fee.

When I list a home, I want the best pictures and materials because that’s a reflection of my brand. A client once told me, "Whoever represents my home is a reflection of my brand." I never thought about it that way before, but it’s a tremendous responsibility.

Building Client Trust and Relationships

Now we are drinking Tapestry. It’s 75% Sauvignon Blanc and 25% Chardonnay. This one is to our long friendship. I put her through the ringer when I hired her. I liked that she was a full-time agent and treated it like a real business. I had confidence in her ability to execute.

I remember one Friday night, Bill and Amy were out to dinner and they called me. I was at home in my rollers, ready to call it a day. Bill said, "Kristen, get up. We’re at dinner and these friends want to buy a house. If you want the sale, you need to come now."

I jumped off the couch and pulled it together. He knew that I knew everything about that house on the market. I came over, met everyone, and now I’m close friends with the whole family.

Real estate has highs and lows. You win some and lose some. I’ve learned to be more conscientious about who I take on as clients. I give it an A-plus every time, and the relationships are what really stay forever. Sales come and go, but being invited to a wedding or meeting a client’s new baby—those are the memorable things.

Supporting the Community and Future Plans

The Rittenhouse Ball is an annual fundraiser because Rittenhouse Square is not funded by the city. It runs on donations from residents for everything from garbage pickup to grass maintenance. I was co-chair last year and I’m chairing the 50th anniversary this year. It’s also the 250th anniversary of the country, so it’s going to be a big celebration.

Our last wine is called Renegade. It’s a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, and Blaufränkisch. The 2022 vintage was named after my sister, Lisa, who passed away. Next year we will call it Renegade Lisa’s Vineyard because she was a renegade.

I love what I do, and hopefully, I will continue, but it would be nice to settle down at some point. I’m midlife now, and after everything I’ve gone through, I’m looking toward the next phase. I’m getting my Florida license soon, and I’ve been going to New York a lot. Compass can support me anywhere, and those areas happen to be my sphere of influence.

Kristen, thanks so much for joining us. I see why Bill thinks the world of you. To everyone who watched and listened, thank you for joining us on behalf of our guest Kristen Foote, Bill Green, and myself, Gerald Coulton. Also, thanks to Tyler Costantino for making us look good. We'll catch you next time on Uncorked.