When Katrin and Doug decided to sell their family home of 22 years, it was a decision wrapped in emotion and complexity. The couple wanted to downsize and move toward a lower-maintenance lifestyle, but the process of preparing, renovating, and ultimately selling their beloved home felt daunting. With the guidance of real estate expert Fiona Dogan, however, their journey became not only manageable but deeply rewarding.

Here’s how Fiona’s expertise and personalized approach helped them achieve an impressive result and have a smooth transition.

Experience and Vision That Stood Out

Having known Fiona personally for years, Katrin and Doug had witnessed her growth and professionalism as a real estate agent. “Fiona’s reputation preceded her,” says Doug, a real estate professional himself. “We interviewed several agents, but her experience as a builder, developer, marketing agent, and sales agent stood out. She understands not only how to present a home but also what buyers in Rye are looking for.”

The couple appreciated Fiona’s market insight. “Even before we started renovations, Fiona was advising me on what updates were necessary to meet buyers’ expectations. Her ability to combine technical expertise with a clear understanding of the market made her the obvious choice,” Katrin adds.

Preparing the Home: Balancing Updates and Staging

Selling a home that hadn’t undergone major updates required a thoughtful approach. Fiona’s strategy involved identifying updates that would yield the highest return on investment. Their goal was to prepare a turnkey home with modern amenities to attract buyers.

“She guided us through decisions about what needed to be updated,” Doug shares. “She strongly recommended replacing the porcelain flooring in the basement with wood, even though I was hesitant at first. Her advice on the entryway renovation also transformed the first impression of the house. Her eye for finishes, from bathroom fixtures to flooring stains, ensured we achieved a high-end look that could yield a premium price.”

Fiona’s expertise extends to staging, a critical part of her marketing plan. “She made the staging process very easy,” Katrin says. “We moved most of our furniture into storage, and Fiona brought in her own contemporary pieces. It was incredible to see how the house transformed—it no longer felt like ours, which made it easier to let go.”

Marketing and Negotiation: Achieving Record Results

From professional photography to leveraging her network through the Sotheby’s brand, Fiona ensured maximum exposure for Doug and Katrin’s house. “She had a clear vision of who contemporary buyers were and how to appeal to them,” Doug explains.

When it came to negotiations, Fiona’s skills shone. “She orchestrated a competitive bidding process that maximized the value of our home,” Doug says. “Her ability to manage multiple offers and guide us through the decision-making process was a true value add.”

The result? The home sold in just four days at a record price for a raised ranch in the area. “We couldn’t have been happier,” Katrin says. “The process was fast, and Fiona made it seamless.”

A Smooth Transition to the Next Chapter

With Fiona’s help, Katrin and Doug found a rental in nearby Greenwich that fit their downsizing goals. “She kept us updated on available rentals and even connected us with trusted agents in Connecticut,” Katrin says. “Her network is extensive, and her guidance helped us find the perfect place for this stage of our lives.”

Looking back, Katrin and Doug were struck by how Fiona balanced the technical and emotional aspects of selling a longtime family home. “She guided us through the logistics while being sensitive to the emotional challenges,” Katrin notes. “She made me feel comfortable with the timeline and helped me navigate my hesitation about selling.”

Doug agrees, adding, “Her professionalism, responsiveness, and ability to get results are unmatched. I’ve worked with some of the best in the industry, and she’s at the top of that list.”

For Katrin and Doug, Fiona Dogan wasn’t just a real estate agent; she was a partner who brought expertise, empathy, and exceptional results. “She truly went above and beyond,” Katrin says. “From staging to marketing to negotiating, Fiona made what could have been a stressful process feel easy. We couldn’t recommend her more.”

🏡 If you are thinking of buying or selling, please feel free to reach out:  

Fiona Dogan
📲 914.414.5147 
📧 Fiona.Dogan@JuliaBFee.com 
🖥 fionadogan.com