Michelle L. had looked after her parents in their longtime Rye home for years. After her mom and dad both passed, Michelle knew it was time for a fresh start. A friend’s family had successfully worked with Fiona Dogan to sell their home and recommended the Rye expert to Michelle. 

Having lived in the family home on and off, Michelle wasn’t experienced with buying and selling, so enlisting a confident, skillful agent was critical. Fiona worked with her to prepare her parents’ house for the market and evaluate the important factors for Michelle’s next home: a maintenance-free property with secure parking and proximity to her Rye job. Together, they began the search. 

Navigating The Market Smoothly 

The dynamic sellers’ market proved challenging. Fiona and Michelle visited properties all over Westchester and Putnam, scoured listing sites, and put in a few offers. After being outbid on offers, Michelle grew anxious, knowing the sale of her house was simultaneously underway. Time was of the essence. “I had a lot of balls in the air, and the sale of the house in Rye was only one.”  

Having worked in the emotionally charged real estate industry for nearly 20 years, Fiona expertly guided Michelle, maintaining timely communication and a sense of humor through it all.  

“When you have two things happening at once [a sale and purchase], good communication is key, because every day that a phone call doesn’t get made, or a text, or an email doesn’t get answered, that’s a delay. Fiona always responded and I would do the same,” recalls Michelle. She added, “She has an open personality. She’s funny and is easy to talk to. She asks good questions and listens to the answers. Listening is huge.” 

The pair made a good team, simultaneously readying Michelle’s family home of 50+ years, while evaluating new places for Michelle’s next chapter. 

As Fate Would Have It

To prepare Michelle’s family home for the market, Fiona shared the importance of cleaning it out, to help potential buyers envision themselves in the home, and to encourage top-dollar offers. Michelle followed Fiona’s advice and began the process of decluttering. When Michelle needed an auction specialist, Fiona tapped her robust network and provided a trusted recommendation. 

As Michelle was clearing out her parents’ house, she came across a token her mother had saved: an advertisement from Fiona, from years past. Michelle snapped a picture of it and texted it to her now-REALTOR. “We were already working together when I found it. It was funny. My mother had somehow pinpointed Fiona on her own sometime before and kept her advertisement.”  

Despite Fiona and Michelle’s mom never meeting, the saved ad may feel like a sign. “I’m not really that sort of person, but there [Fiona] was, staring me in the face,” Michelle admitted. 

Leave it to the Expert

Throughout the sale and purchase, Fiona remained consistent and calm, taking care of the details. She scheduled an open house and Michelle headed out of town. Despite inclement weather, they had a large turnout — a testament to Fiona’s strong relationships, Michelle says. The house received multiple bids and sold for over-asking price. 

While Michelle was emotionally ready to let go of her family home, the actual move was undeniably hectic. She appreciated Fiona’s steadfastness in navigating her through the transition. “I needed somebody who was informative, efficient, reliable and relaxed, and Fiona’s all of those things.” 

Downsizer’s Dream

After a few months, the pair found the perfect co-op for Michelle, mere miles from her office. It checked off all the boxes. The downsizing was a relief, both mentally and physically. Michelle is now able to enjoy her desired easy-care lifestyle, thanks to Fiona’s help. 

Whether buying or selling, Fiona’s clients can trust that they are in the best hands. Looking to list or purchase? Contact Fiona.