Balancing the roles of successful real estate broker and devoted mother is no small feat, but New York City-based real estate broker Kate Meckler has managed to do just that. With over 25 years of experience in the industry, the associate broker at Compass has carved out a niche in the competitive luxury real estate market. A few years ago, she took the plunge and became a single mother by choice, and her days are now a mix of school runs and client meetings.
“It’s the best thing I ever did,” she shares. “I have dated and I still would like to get married. It’s just I didn’t find the right person, and I wanted to have really a bunch of children. So I have one on my own.”
Kate Meckler’s path to real estate was anything but linear. After graduating from NYU in 1997, she dabbled in various fields, including event planning at Bear Stearns, marketing at Estée Lauder, and even teaching at a nursery school. During her time as a nursery school teacher, making home visits to her students and getting a peek at different home interiors, she discovered her interest in real estate.
“After working for a year at the nursery school, I got my license and just went right into it,” she recalls. Joining her first brokerage, she closely shadowed successful veteran agents and steadily rose to top producer status.
In addition to sparking her interest in homes, her time at the school deepened her love for children. Meckler enjoyed working with kids so much that she knew she wanted to become a mother. “It was the most exhausting job you probably could have, [yet] I decided I wanted kids of my own,” she says.
The Impact of Motherhood
Determined to ensure she could have children, Kate Meckler initially decided to freeze her eggs. However, after discussing the options with her doctor, she chose to pursue in vitro fertilization directly, forgoing the egg or embryo freezing process altogether. “It took me a year or two to get pregnant,” she says. “And then once I was, I’m fortunate to have my family in New York City. So I have my parents who were very supportive. And my son’s grandfather is, or my father tries to be, involved and would come visit all the time. If I didn’t have family, it would’ve been quite hard.”
Still, the early years of motherhood were challenging. With the responsibilities of a new baby, Meckler had to adjust her work routine. Reflecting on this period, she says, “I [previously] worked all the time. I was always working and always right at my computer. It was just my thing, and I was very good at it. When I did have my son, I obviously had different priorities, so while I did have help, still [work] wasn’t my focus so much. So it slowed down a little.”
How Kate Meckler Found Her Work/Life Balance
For Meckler, an early start and multitasking are essential to getting the most out of her days.
“My day begins at 6:30 a.m., and the first order of business is tending to our cockapoo, Joey,” she said. “Simultaneously, I’m tasked with getting my son ready for school. He needs to be out the door by 7:20 a.m., and sometimes it takes a bit of extra encouragement to get him up and moving. It can be frustrating at times, but with persistence, we always manage to get him to the bus stop on time.”
After dropping her son off, Meckler’s day can vary. She might be handling paperwork, meeting clients, or showing properties, but she maintains a level of structure throughout her tasks.
“As a real estate agent, every day brings something new and different, which keeps me motivated and engaged,” she explained.
Evenings are reserved for family time, often spent over dinner, before winding down with one of her favorite TV shows or catching up on emails. “It’s important to me to have that quality time with my son and to ensure that I’m getting enough rest to be at my best for the next day’s challenges and opportunities,” explains Meckler.
Making Health a Priority
It’s no secret that a person can’t pour from an empty cup. Meckler pours into herself by prioritizing a healthy lifestyle. She attributes her overall well-being to regular exercise and a balanced diet. “When overwhelmed, I try to take a step back from work,” she said. “I find physical activity like yoga or a run in the park immensely helpful. It clears my mind, reduces stress, and rejuvenates my focus. Another break I can take to reset is a quiet session in the sauna.”
Volunteer work is another way she resets, and she actively involves her son. Together, they participate in events and volunteer opportunities at the Ronald McDonald House. Meckler’s son has even taken part in charity runs to raise funds for the organization, which provides a welcoming space for families with hospitalized children. Meckler finds these experiences incredibly rewarding and believes they’ve helped to cultivate a sense of empathy in her son. It’s clear that for Kate Meckler, giving back is just as important as closing the next big deal.
Kate Meckler’s ability to balance a demanding job in luxury real estate with the joys of motherhood is truly inspiring. She shows us that with the right mindset, a genuine love for what you do, and a willingness to accept support, you can truly have it all.