Why should you work with an agent who can strategize at a high level and think outside of the box? The New York real estate market is complicated and can be hard on buyers, sellers, and renters. It requires a high level of focus and organization with a little strategy thrown in. Chris Johnson graduated from John F Kennedy High School in the Bronx and took some college courses before becoming a fulltime chess teacher. He went on to co-found Project Pawn, a chess organization that uses the game to help inner-city youth develop their critical thinking skills. To get the program started 8 years ago, he had to sell the idea to different public and charter schools, as well as after school programs with very tight budgets. He accomplished his task. As a teacher, he figured out new ways of teaching lessons, communicating with kids, and interacting with parents to promote the game of chess in a way that made kids want to continue learning. Chris originally got into the real estate business to learn how to buy property for himself. After taking the course, he became interested in helping others find homes for themselves as well. Buying and selling real estate is like working the chess pieces on the real estate chess board. You need to strategize to find the home, negotiate to win the home, and follow through to complete the process of getting to the closing table. Chris’s background and skill gives him a distinctive perspective on collaborating with his clients. You can depend on his honesty and expect him to go the extra mile to ensure you get the best service possible. When he is not working, you can find him going out to social events, spend time with family and surprise! He may be playing chess.