In our Meet the Team Series, we introduce and interview each of our team members, delving into both their real estate journeys and their one-of-a-kind stories.

In this first installment of the series we present Raj Kumar - The Lillie K. Team’s leader and constant inspiration. Raj was an interior designer, fashion-industry native, and restaurateur before he landed (with a splash!) in the real estate industry. A valued member of the Select Sotheby’s International Realty family, Raj uses his immense passion for beautiful homes and elegant country living to bring his clients a truly special experience.

How did you end up working in real estate?

It was an easy transition.  First, I have always loved real estate having dabbled in it for myself. I’ve been responsible for restoring multiple properties, always with the intention of living in them and then selling them at the right time.  My daughter and I, to this day, make a beeline for the windows of real estate offices on the high streets of any city, town or village that we are visiting. Second, having been in fashion for 14 years, and another 14 in interior design and home furnishings, it was a natural progression to start marketing beautiful real estate to and for people who appreciate it as much as I do!

What is the story behind you joining Select Sotheby’s International Realty?

Easy.  My entire focus in any business I have been in has been on providing the ultimate in client service. I wanted to work with a brand that would expect that of every single one of its ambassadors that carried it’s calling card - and in the real estate business, Sotheby’s is that brand.

What are your greatest inspirations?

My family, my horses, Tuscan landscapes, beautiful old farm houses, ultra modern homes, the Hudson River, farmers markets in the summer in Italy and in the Hudson Valley, young farmers, New York city, a good pizza,....

What advice would you give a first-time buyer?

Get a seasoned, wise real estate agent that you can trust, decide on a realistic budget, and then let your heart decide what you want and let your head figure out how to make it happen.  Don’t stretch too much, but don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone a little bit. It’s better to grow into something than grow out of it.

Where would your dream home be located? What would it be like?

In Tuscany, of course.  In a small village in Chianti.  The house will need to be at least 500 years old, in need of serious interior design help, ridiculous views, at least 20 acres of land with a minimum of 200 olive trees, walking distance to a country bar/restaurant, a small pool, actually more like a Roman bath built like a maze with olive trees growing around, lots of lavender bushes, cypresses…

Thank you, Raj! We hope you take us with you the next time you visit Tuscany.

Stay tuned for the next installment of our Meet the Team Series, and don’t forget to follow us on Instagram for the latest behind-the-scenes Lillie K. Team content, exclusive listings, and Hudson Valley news.