Every quarter we celebrate the realtors, developers, and home renovators who are so often our home staging clients. They understand the value of home staging. In honor of Get to Know Your Customers Day (we prefer Get to Know Our Client Day), we asked Jusztina Paksai, realtor with Elyse Harney Real Estate and partner with husband Andy in EJ Home, a few questions. We’ve enjoyed staging a couple homes in northwestern Connecticut for Jusztina. Learn more about this dynamic real estate agent.
Every quarter we celebrate the realtors, developers, and home renovators who are so often our home staging clients. They understand the value of home staging. In honor of Get to Know Your Customers Day (we prefer Get to Know Our Client Day), we asked Jusztina Paksai, realtor with Elyse Harney Real Estate and partner with husband Andy in EJ Home, a few questions. We’ve enjoyed staging a couple homes in northwestern Connecticut for Jusztina. Learn more about this dynamic real estate agent.
Every quarter we celebrate the realtors, developers, and flippers who are so often our home staging clients. They understand the value of home staging. In honor of Get to Know Your Customers Day (we prefer Get to Know Our Client Day), we asked Janet Nelson, Realtor, Litchfield County Brokerage of William Pitt Sotheby’s International Realty, a few questions. We recently staged a cozy cottage (and its studio outbuilding) in Sherman, CT for Janet, which went under contract almost immediately! Read on…
Since moving to Kent in 1984, Janet Nelson has designed and built two country homes. She is intimately familiar with the building process and has experience in interior design; these skills perfectly dovetail with her successful real estate career. Janet specializes in long-distance clients and transactions in Litchfield County, Connecticut.
Becoming a Realtor 28 years ago offered me the flexibility and freedom I wanted.
Michael Bowman Photography
William Pitt Sotheby's International Realty offers me the tools and support I need to make my career a success. You also have to listen to your clients and ask questions to help guide them through the process.
Everyone appreciates the beauty of the Northwest corner and what it has to offer. We have rolling hills, covered bridges, hiking trails, great eateries and lots of beautiful homes, antique and new.
Lack of inventory has been the biggest challenge, leaving many disappointed buyers losing out in multiple bid situations.
Our goal with this smaller home was to make it feel bright and open — a home where you can happily settle into for long winter months…and all the other months as well. Michael Bowman Photography
I have seen many homes over the years that have been decorated by Staged Ryte. I recently sold a house they staged in Sharon that my buyers were attracted to because it was staged beautifully. Dawn and her crew are terrific, talented, flexible and a pleasure to work with.
Learn more about Janet and her listings here!
Want to learn more about Staged Ryte’s home staging, design consulting, and more? Or just go ahead and contact Dawn Trachtenberg for a phone conversation: 917.543.4590. Email: dawn@stagedryte.com
Every quarter we celebrate the realtors, developers, and flippers who are so often our home staging clients. They understand the value of home staging. In honor of Get to Know Your Customers Day (we prefer Get to Know Our Client Day), we asked Julie King, Regional Manager for the Litchfield County Brokerage of William Pitt Sotheby’s International Realty, a few questions. Read on!
My own search for a home here in the Litchfield Hills. Like many second home buyers, my husband and I embarked on our search while working full time in Manhattan. This got me thinking about the unmet needs of second home buyers in the Litchfield Hills and how the skills developed in my career as SVP Director of Client Leadership at Ogilvy were transferable to real estate. My interest in securing a real estate license accelerated when we moved to the Litchfield Hills full-time and expanded our weekend cottage into a home. In 2014, I retired from Ogilvy and embarked on my mission to become a REALTOR. In 2018, I joined WIlliam Pitt Sotheby’s International Realty. In 2021, I became Regional Manager of our Litchfield Hills Brokerage offices in Kent, Litchfield, Salisbury, and Washington.
A keen understanding of human nature and how buyers and sellers make decisions.
We staged 6 Rug Road in West Cornwall, Connecticut. In less than a week it received multiple offers and went under contract. Photos: Michael Bowman.
Turning our client’s ideal into a reality. For example, when my husband and I decided to buy a second home our ideal was to wake up to exceptional views, enjoy breakfast on the porch, hike local trails, explore hidden gems, and share our love of this area with friends and family. And we did and it is incredibly rewarding to do the same for our clients.
Dispelling the myths of what’s happening to the real estate market. Much of the media reporting focuses on the major metro markets where demand has softened. In our market, we continue to see an influx of buyers seeking homes here. With demand high and inventory low, our prices remain stable.
Kent, Connecticut staging from a couple years ago.
Sometimes we like to do the unexpected.
I discovered Staged Ryte through our team in the Berkshire Hills - they had been working with Staged Ryte and shared your work with us. We were impressed and continue to be.
Engagement without fear as people grow more confident about their ability to contend with Covid. Personally, I’m looking forward to entertaining as we complete the renovation of our home in Washington. We started with the outside last spring and will finish the inside by summer. Just in time to shop the warehouse sale at StagedRyte! [Editor’s Note: Thanks, Julie! Our Warehouse Sale is May 5, 6, and 7 at 21 Business Park Road in Ashley Falls, Massachusetts.]
Thanks, Julie! You can connect with Julie on LinkedIn and follow Litchfield Hills William Pitt on Facebook and Instagram.
Every quarter we celebrate the realtors, developers, and flippers who are so often our home staging clients. They understand the value of home staging. In honor of Get to Know Your Customers Day (we prefer Get to Know Our Client Day), we asked Elyse Harney Morris of Elyse Harney Real Estate a few questions about how she got into real estate in the Northwestern Corner, the secret sauce of Elyse Harney Real Estate's success, and looking to the future of real estate in the Berkshires, Massachusetts, Northwestern Connecticut, and Dutchess County, New York. Read on!
My parents were the innkeepers of the White Hart [in Salisbury, Connecticut]. And so we grew up with a hospitality mindset. I went to Cornell School of Hotel Administration and went on to work at five star hotels in the Caribbean, Hawaii, and others. We eventually wanted to move back home where there are no natural disasters! We had to think about where we wanted to educate our kids.
Hospitality is an amazing learning ground for real estate. My mom, Elyse Harney, started Elyse Harney Real Estate at the age of 50 and wanted to keep it in the family. So we came into the business. I’m the lead broker. My husband Scott runs the business side, including marketing.
And now we’ve been doing this for 16 plus years! Elyse Harney Real Estate celebrated its 35th anniversary last year.
Hospitality is a cornerstone. Our greatest strength is our talented agents who are creative ambassadors for our region. We have 34 agents in our Connecticut/Massachusetts/New York area. Many of them came to real estate through hospitality like I did.
You constantly have to build strong relationships. You also need to stay on top of the industry trends, including marketing trends. And pay attention to detail.
It’s interesting, prior to COVID, buyers often only wanted to look at a specific town, like Salisbury or Litchfield. Now people are more aware of the region: you don’t have to be in Connecticut, you can be in the Berkshires or Dutchess County, New York.
This Elyse Harney Real Estate listing in Alford, Massachusetts went under contract within one week. The home owners said, “Thank you for the beautiful way you staged our family home. You clearly had the magic touch! We are grateful…for your creativity and hard work.” See more testimonials. “After” photo by Sonja Zinke.
Accomplishing a goal! Seeing our home buyers flourish in their new communities. We love encouraging buyers to get involved with what they're interested in, maybe its history, so we guide them toward a town's historical society. I often bring clients to the Salisbury Ski Jump, even when it’s not winter. The following year we’ll see the kids there taking lessons or they’re attending the Jump. When people get involved with their communities, they’re more likely to love the area and encourage their family and friends to move here. And recommend us to their family and friends.
New Listing; New Staging
31 Robin Hill Road in Lakeville, Connecticut is a mid-century modern home renovated by EJ Home and listed with Elyse Harney Morris and Jusztina Paksai of Elyse Harney Real Estate. We staged this home for contemporary living. It was offered up to us beautifully empty and ready professional staging. We grounded the great room with a darker rug, sofa, cocktail table, and chair. And we allowed the furnishings and accessories in the rest of the home to emphasize light and bright. Photo by Sonja Zinke.
Staying ahead of this ever-changing market. Lack of inventory right now. Staying ahead of the competition. And evolving our practices to be 10 steps ahead. Home staging is part of this…
Instagram! Dawn had transformed a farmhouse in Southfield, Massachusetts. I couldn’t believe how it was transformed—as you went from room to room you could see the lifestyle Dawn had created.
Staged Ryte has done a log home for us that’s on the market right now. It significantly increased the number of buyers who want to see the house.
Staged Ryte transformed this log home, staging every room. The living room—truly a great room— features large furniture, grounded by an area rug, that manages to make the space cozy…and spacious. Photo by Sonja Zinke.
I did research, saw Staged Ryte’s positive reviews, and their professional approach. Dawn’s eye for design and large inventory helps to put homes in their best light. We’ve closed on houses because of what she created. She knows her audience. It’s like smoke comes out of her ears when she’s assessing a house. She doesn’t settle on a design until it’s perfect. We work collaboratively together so we’re all part of the same team.
Every year we have exceeded our goals—and we’ve set lofty goals for 2023! We’re excited to take on that challenge. We also want to strengthen our market share in Dutchess County and the Berkshires.
Staged right now, 36 Whitford Road in Sharon, Connecticut is a gorgeous estate. Staged Ryte staged the magnificent home as well as the guest house and pool house. Photo by Sonja Zinke.
One of my mother’s goals is to conserve more land and educate buyers and sellers about conservation. Harney & Sons, also a family company, donates to the 1% for the Planet fund. We have strong connections with the Columbia and Dutchess Land Conservancies. The Housatonic Valley Association and Scenic Hudson. That’s important to us.
Looking for more work/life balance. Focusing on health, family and friends. More time out paddling, biking, hiking. We have a puppy, Cooper, a golden retriever. I look forward to seeing my newlywed daughter in Napa soon. Visit our son in Hawaii; he works for NOAA [National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration] as a marine biologist. A trip to France. Life is good.
Every quarter —or so—we celebrate the realtors, developers, and flippers who are so often our home staging clients. They are the ones who understand the value of home staging to sell homes fast. We asked Jason Lemon of Lemon Properties a few questions about himself and his very busy business in Connecticut’s beautiful northwestern corner. We have staged two homes for Lemon Properties and look forward to more! Read on!
Actor Jayne Atkinson and husband actor Michel Gill had decided to sell their home. Their son was launched and they were ready to move on to new adventures. Jayne’s realtor, Leslie Chesloff of William Pitt Sotheby’s International Real Estate, recommended that Staged Ryte come in to advise on changes and updates, such as painting. We immediately hit it off with Jayne. (Honestly, who wouldn’t…she’s so warm and charming.) Staged Ryte transformed the interiors so well that Jayne and Michel decided to love their home and not put it on the market. A first for us!
Dawn sat down with Jayne in her refreshed 1920s home in the Hill Section of Great Barrington and had a conversation about the home staging process and outcome. Watch the video! Jayne says, “I know you staged the house so that it would look good but somehow you captured my whimsy and brought in gorgeous color. It just helped me relax. Staging it gave it this crisp, clean new look.”
Jayne especially loves the orange-hued throw pillows. The living room colors tied in with an orange and blue rug in the primary bedroom that Jayne never knew quite what to do with.
Atkinson and Gill may be most recognizable from their roles as Secretary of State and President on the popular Netlix series, House of Cards. Both are seasoned performers on stage and in television and movies. Atkinson loves the Berkshires and supports theatre companies and cultural institutions. She most recently appeared in WAM Theatre’s “Miscast Cabaret” benefit at the Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center in July.
Actor Jayne Atkinson played Secretary of State Catherine Durant; Michel Gill played President Garrett Walker.
“Jayne was ready to sell! We walked through the house together - room by room - and identified furniture and accessories that should be edited or removed," says Dawn. "Then we made recommendations on paint colors and trim, brought in furniture, bedding and accessories to supplement and to help prospective buyers understand what their lifestyle could be like in the home." The dining room was completely transformed - piano, dining table, rug, chairs and accessories removed and replaced.
This was the first time a Staged Ryte client decided to keep their home based on its staging. They even purchased many of the staging furnishing, artwork, and other accessories. Trachtenberg says that it’s not unusual for home buyers to see a staged home and ask to certain buy pieces.
Watch the lively conversation between Dawn and Jayne on Staged Ryte’s…and please subscribe to our new YouTube Channel.
And the work continues. There are still some pieces to be sourced and brought into the home. Then Jayne and Michel will be ready to move back in!
Every quarter we celebrate the realtors, developers, and flippers who are so often our home staging clients. They are the ones who understand the value of home staging to sell homes fast – and to the right buyers. So, in honor of Get to Know Your Customers Day (we prefer Get to Know Your Client Day), we asked Dan Alden of ACRES - Alden Country Real Estate Services a few questions about himself and real estate in the Berkshires.
Dan says, “I choose to work with Staged Ryte because I appreciate their professionalism and the added value they bring to my listings.” Thanks, Dan!
Q. How long have you been a realtor? And why did you get into real estate in the Berkshires?
A. I have been a realtor for 17 years. I was born and raised in the Berkshires, and grew up working in the antiques business at Bradford Auction Gallery, where I learned to appreciate the history and the value of a wide range of antiques & collectibles and the “art of the sale” (anyone lucky enough to have experienced a Bill Bradford auction will know exactly what I mean). I attended college in Chicago then returned to the Berkshires where I worked as a sales manager for various local and national gift and manufacturing companies. After deciding the Berkshires weren’t such a bad place to live after all, I built a house in New Marlborough and the intersection of this process with my sales experience and local knowledge led me into the real estate business.
This home in Becket, Mass went under contract so quickly that we didn't even have time to share “Just Listed!” photos on Instagram!
Q. Houses have been moving like hotcakes in the Berkshires. What are the challenges and benefits of this type of market?
A. The biggest challenge in this market is that expectations and anxieties are running high on all sides. While many sellers are expecting (and often getting) top dollar for the properties, for every property that sells there is only one lucky buyer but often many frustrated under-bidders, and as an agent it can be very stressful to be the bearer of bad news and manage that disappointment. The benefit of this market is that where it used to take 4 to 6 months to sell a property, it now may take only a matter of weeks or even days.
This occupied Sheffield, Mass home was staged by Staged Ryte and went under contract within a days.
Q. What do you find most rewarding about real estate?
A. The things I find most rewarding about real estate is getting to know the histories of the properties I sell and playing the role of matchmaker between sellers and buyers of unique & interesting properties. It is a fascinating process and always full of surprises that keep me on my toes.
Q. How did 2021 into 2022 go for you?
A. The past two years have been quite a blur and I have to keep looking back at the calendar to keep perspective on how crazy it has been. There are houses I’ve sold and resold in the same period of time that would normally play out over many years so time really feels compressed.
Q. What are you looking forward to for the rest of 2022?
A. I’m really looking forward to enjoying a laid-back Berkshire summer and taking advantage of our local arts & cultural offerings. We have so many amazing creative and artistic venues around here, and if I’ve learned anything in the past couple of years it is to not take any of it for granted.
Learn more about Dan Alden and ACRES - Alden Country Real Estate!
Every quarter we celebrate the realtors, developers, and flippers who are so often our home staging clients. They are the ones who understand the value of home staging to sell homes fast – and to the right buyers. So, in honor of Get to Know Your Customers Day, we are excited to showcase Anna Kolberg, licensed Real Estate Salesperson with The Corcoran Group. We just staged a wonderful apartment in Bushwick/Brooklyn, NY for Anna and the results? She’ll tell you about it. But first, let’s learn something about Anna.
Anna joined Corcoran with 10 years of real estate experience in NYC as a property owner and an investor. In addition to their two-family primary home in Williamsburg, she and her husband, a sales director for Corcoran Sunshine, own several income-producing properties which they’ve gut-renovated, managed, and substantially increased their value.
I am based at the Williamsburg office. I cover all of NYC, but specialize in the North Brooklyn neighborhoods of Williamsburg, Greenpoint, and Bushwick.
Anna Koblerg’s client needed a quick turnaround time on this Bushwick, Brooklyn, NY listing. Staged Ryte delivered on the staging and Anna sold the apartment in two weeks.
Since January, the velocity in the real estate market has picked up considerably. In certain segments of the market, we are seeing multiple bids above asking. Inventory in Brooklyn is low which makes it even more competitive for prospective buyers. Buyers need to be ready to go and submit their strongest offer from the start, or they risk losing out. [Editors Note: Brooklyn’s second quarter saw the highest number of closed sales on record.]
I always try to be upfront with my clients about the state of the market, so they know what they are getting into. Buying or selling a home is such an emotional experience. I find that people can remain calm if they know what to expect and are prepared for a situation. Arming them with information and a game plan is just one way I help my clients keep their cool in a hot market.
I find it rewarding to help someone achieve a goal that they may never felt possible (such as buying their first home or selling their property above ask in 2 weeks.) My clients enjoy working with me because I work tirelessly and do whatever it takes to help make the buying or selling process as easy as possible for them. (You would not believe some of the things I have done!!)
As a property owner and landlord myself, I have experience with finding undervalued properties and renovating them to increase their worth. It is extremely rewarding to help someone find a "diamond in the rough" — something that not only excites them, but is also a sound investment that helps them achieve financial independence.
Working in real estate is challenging, but it is also fun! Where else you can spend the day with a friend, exploring different neighborhoods, checking out properties and call that work?
2020 was an interesting and challenging year for everyone. Real estate agents had to pivot on a dime and quickly figure out how to adapt a very personal, face-to-face process to a virtual one. The online classes Corcoran's Agent Studio offered definitely helped us make this transformation in stride. While it was definitely not "normal," I learned a lot about resilience, and enjoyed the extra quality time with my family. I guess I am a "glass half full" kind of person!
Summer is usually slow for real estate agents in NYC. But this year is anything but normal! I guess we are still making up for lost time due to COVID. I expect Q3 and Q4 to be just as busy as Q2. So hold on to your hats!
We needed a quick turnaround on our staging so that our listing could hit the market asap. Nancy and Dawn promised a quick service at a great price and they truly delivered! The quality of their work exceeded my expectations and they were also fun to work with!
Staged Ryte took a half furnished apartment and made it look fresh & stylish. I think people could see themselves living in that space, and they wanted to live there. Every single showing, someone commented on the furniture and some even asked to buy it. We had multiple offers in the first two weeks and went into contract at asking!
Thanks, Anna! Learn more about Anna at at www.corcoran.com.
Every quarter we celebrate the realtors, developers, and flippers who are so often our home staging clients. They are the ones who understand the value of home staging to sell homes fast – and to the right buyers. So, in honor of Get to Know Your Customers Day, we highlight not one but two realtors: Stacey and Pels Matthews – The Matthews Group – of William Raveis Real Estate in beautiful Litchfield County. Business has been booming and they’re busy…so here are some quick questions and answers.
Stacey and Pels Matthews
Q. How long have you been in real estate?
A. Stacey has been in the business for 21 years and Pels joined her about 10 years ago when they decided to expand and create a large team. The Matthews Group now has 21 agents.
Q. How has real estate changed over the years?
A. Connecticut was in a real estate slump for the last 12 years. Things are completely different now and properties are moving quickly. Prices are up about 20%, but are still below replacement cost.
Recently staged and under contract: 424 Long Mountain Road, New Milford, CT. Photo by Michael Bowman.
“We’re amazed at how quickly they…have it looking perfect.”
Q. What do you find challenging about real estate?
A. 24/7 schedule and never having a day off.
Q. What do you find rewarding about real estate?
A. Meeting interesting people and finding them their dream homes. Many of our best friends are former clients.
Q. Why do you choose to work with Staged Ryte?
A. Staged Ryte is so quick. When we have had a job to do, I am amazed at how quickly they can get furniture and accessories into a house and have it look picture perfect.
Former listing with Stacey: Litchfield, Connecticut primary bedroom before and after.
Q. How did 2020 go for you?
A. 2020 was a record year in real estate. We worked nonstop.
Q. What do you think 2021 will bring...and what are you looking forward to?
A. We are working on listing several spectacular properties in the next month and are looking forward to some quick sales!
Thanks, Stacey and Pels! Learn more about The Matthews Group here. Or call them at 860.868.0511.
Recent listing with Stacey Matthews - staged and sold.
Staged Ryte has staged four houses for realtor George Cain. It’s a joy to work with George: not only is he a hard-working professional and all-around fun guy, he absolutely sees the value of home staging. What he says is, “I don’t think home staging works…I know home staging works!” We love that. It’s Get to Know Your Customer Day, so it’s the perfect time for us to showcase George. Read on!
I’ve been a realtor for 17 years but have been a real estate investor and real estate manager for decades.
Beautiful home staged for George Cain, Winter 2021. William Pitt Sothebys International Realty.
My business experience (which is quite relevant to being a realtor) is both diversified and extensive. In addition to my decades of real estate and management experience, I also held significant Fortune 500 company positions, gaining experience in finance, advertising, marketing, sales, and management.
I think 2021 will continue to be good for real estate due to ongoing low mortgage rates and New Yorkers fleeing NYC to migrate to Massachusetts and Connecticut. These states will benefit from that exodus. At the same time, I think there may be slower economic growth associated with higher taxes and more government regulations. Nevertheless, New Yorkers leaving the city will save so much in taxes and others costs that they can well afford real estate in the Berkshires.
“Staged Ryte’s attention to detail is impressive.” Thanks, George!
I don’t think staging works…I know staging works! I have seen homes that sat on the market too long be totally reassessed by buyers after staging. Ironically, too many sellers look at $10K, $20K, $30K or more price reductions before considering a staging investment at a much less significant cost.
Why staged Ryte? Simple, I have worked with and seen other stager’s operations and I have worked with and seen Staged Ryte’s operations on four different occasions. The results have been dramatic. Staged Ryte’s attention to detail is impressive. On two of my Staged Ryte listings, the first person to enter that listing purchased the home! That shows the impact of their work. On my third listing, that did not sell on day one (but within six weeks). I had other agents that showed that home contact me for Staged Ryte’s info. My fourth experience just listed. There were eight showings in the first week based on fabulous photos with Staged Ryte’s staging. I expect a sale very soon.
These days, I’m looking forward to a return to “normality” where I can attend broker open houses, see new listings in person, have closings without masks, shake someone’s hand and not simply bumping elbows. Now I really know what people mean when they talk about “The Good Old Days!”
Before and After at Heron Pond in Monterey, MA.
21 Putnam Park, Greenwich, CT. George Cain listing with Charles Paternina Properties.
George is a family man with a wonderful wife, six children, and 12 grandchildren! Not surprisingly, he’s even more passionate about them than he is about real estate (and he LOVES helping people to buy and sell homes).
Learn more about George in the Berkshires with William Pitt Sotheby’s International Realty here (and check out two AMAZING listings). Learn more about George’s listing (staged by us!) in Greenwich, CT with Charles Paternina Properties. Or just call him directly at 917.861.3855.
Read our last Get to Know Our Customer Day blog post here.
