Get to Know Our Client: Janet Nelson of William Pitt Sotheby's International Realty

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.

What brought you to real estate and how many years in the business?

Becoming a Realtor 28 years ago offered me the flexibility and freedom I wanted.

Michael Bowman Photography

What is your secret sauce for real estate success?

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.

What do you find rewarding about real estate in Northwestern Connecticut?

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.

What have been your greatest challenges in 2023?

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

How did you find Staged Ryte? And how has your experience been with Dawn and crew?

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

Get to Know Our Client: Elyse Harney Morris

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!

What brought You to real estate & How many years?

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.

What’s your secret sauce for success?

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.

What do you find rewarding?

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.

See the Listing!

What are your challenges?

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…

How did you find staged ryte?

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.

What about 2023?

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.

What are you Personally looking forward to?

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.

Get to Know Our Client: Dan Alden of ACRES - Alden Country Real Estate Services

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.

Q and A with Dan Alden

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!

Get to Know Our Client: Anna Kolberg of Corcoran

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.

Where’s your home base, Anna?

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.

What do you find challenging about real estate in the city right now?

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.

What do you find rewarding about real estate?

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?

How did 2020 go for you?

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!

What are you looking forward to in Q3 & Q4?

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!

Why did you choose to work with Staged Ryte?

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.

Get to Know Our Client: Realtors Stacey and Pels Matthews

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.

Q & A with Stacey and Pels

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.

Get to Know Our Client: Realtor George Cain

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!

How long have you been a realtor & where do you sell homes?

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.

What differentiates you as a realtor?

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.

How's 2021 looking for real estate?

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.

Do you think home staging works? Why Staged Ryte?

“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.

What's are you looking forward to these days?

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.

Staged Ryte’s Flipping Clients: Q and A's

When we write “flipping” in the headline, we’re not substituting a benign word for a swear word: we mean that these professionals flip houses for quick resale (or sell houses renovated by flippers). You’ve seen the shows on HGTV! These real estate investors buy and renovate houses and then count on Staged Ryte tell the home’s story through interior design/staging. Today is Get to Know Your Customers Day – January 16th – so we thought it was the perfect day to get to know these three clients a bit better: Elle Villetto of William Pitt Sotheby’s International Realty, a realtor with clients who are flippers; Matt Merritt of Merritt Home Solutions; and Clerio Cardoso of Z&C Floors.

Elle Villetto, William Pitt Sotheby’s International Realty.

Q.  What is your business or job?

A.  Real estate agent.

Q.  How long have you been doing this job?

A.  7 years.

Q,  What do you love about your job?

Elle Villetto, William Pitt Sotheby’s International Realty

A.  Every day is different! I’m in charge of myself. And, I like the creativity and design aspects of a home as well as architecture

Q.  What do you find challenging about your job?

A.  Unrealistic sellers and buyers ;)

Q.  Why do you choose to work with Staged Ryte?

A.  Because your design and aesthetic gets homes sold in a shorter period of time - even in 30 days; your inventory, eye and style; you are forward thinking.

Q.  What are your thoughts/goals for 2020?

A.  Have another great year - 2019 was one of the best so far, work with some new flippers, and continue with existing flipper clients, and finish two of my own homes/projects. KEEP MY SANITY! (Editor’s Note: We’d like to help Elle keep her sanity.)

Matt Merritt, Merritt Home Solutions. 

Q.  What is your business or job?

A.  Contractor.

Q.  How long have you been doing this job?

A.  26 years.

Q,  What do you love about your job?

A.  I do house flipping and construction so I am not dealing with homeowner’s and their wants. I can do what I want.

Q.  What do you find challenging about your job?

A.  Biggest challenge right now is that all my work is out of pocket until a home sells. And always making sure that I have a good product (home) and real estate market so the house is not sitting around too long.

Q.  Why do you choose to work with Staged Ryte?

A.  Initially because my realtor suggested Staged Ryte. I took her advice. I am pleased with the product, attention to details, fair pricing, and willingness to listen to my suggestions.


Q.  What are your thoughts/goals for 2020?

A.  Sell the last project that has been done, purchase & renovate two more projects, and renovate an existing one. (Editor’s Note: We’re here for you, Matt!)

Clerio Cardoso, Z&C Floors

Q.  What is your business or job?

A.  Installation and refinishing of hardwood floors and flipping homes.

Q.  How long have you been doing this job?

A.  Flooring: 15 years and flipping: 6 years .

Q,  What do you love about your job?

A.  All aspects of flooring and renovations - I love old floors and integrity of homes.

Q.  Why do you choose to work with Staged Ryte?

A.  You are the best and you do it with Love!

Q.  What are your thoughts/goals for 2020?

A.  Sell the new home I am finishing, renovate another, and sell it. And keep busy and make my customers happy! (Editor’s Note: Thank you, Clerio!)

We love working with these flipping professionals! Staging with the intention that the house show as a HOME and appeal to buyers is our sweet spot. If you buy and renovate homes, contact us. Or if you know someone who flips houses, share this blog post with them!