Doug Morningstar realtor
Feb
04

Catching Up With Doug Morningstar

Lifestyle

This month, we’re thrilled to welcome the newest member of The Jenn Smira Team: Doug Morningstar. Doug brings valuable experience, insight into the local market, and an unyielding dedication to his clients that we know will make him a great fit. Keep reading to meet Doug and get his take on everything from DC attractions to cocktails, and navigating the market today.

1. How did you first get into real estate?: I had just turned 50 and decided it was time for a change; after spending 25 years in Corporate America, I was craving something totally different. I figured, if Julia Child didn’t publish her first cookbook until she was 49, it wasn’t too late for me to completely change the course of my career.

2. Favorite thing about your job?: Meeting new people and going inside fantastic homes.

3. What are you most looking forward to as the newest member of the JST?: Learning from other agents and from Jenn herself.

4. Favorite DC restaurant or attraction?: One of my favorite attractions in DC is the Einstein Memorial on Constitution Ave — so many people don’t even know it’s there.  Regarding restaurants, I like my own kitchen, but if venturing out, I love the bar at Blue Duck Tavern for a gin martini (Churchill style) and a side of fries.

5. Go-to cocktail?: See above — my back up is a Manhattan up with light bitters and one cherry.

6. What’s your secret weapon?: Being kind — it goes a long way!

7. What do you do when you’re not working for your clients?: Cooking and baking are my biggest hobbies for now, since we can’t travel.  Typically, my partner and I host two annual lawn dinners for about 24 people where we serve 5 courses that are inspired by our travels or something we have seen or read.  The last one we held before Covid was inspired by the board game Clue. When travel resumes, Paris will be our first destination.

8. What advice would you give to someone looking to navigate the market in the near future?: Be prepared for a bit of uncertainty. With the lack of inventory at the moment, I believe it’s more important than ever to educate my clients as much as possible regarding market conditions, escalations, and the need for patience.