Working with Dave has taken all of the guess work out of determining insurance coverage and needs for our family—we had previously enrolled in a corporate option, thinking that our best interests were protected; however, Dave’s analysis and insights not only saved us on premiums, but offered us more coverage. He holds the insurance for our home and our vehicles, continually updating us on policies and rates …without hesitation, I would recommend Dave for his knowledge, response rate and genuine customer service.
- Maureen Marblehead, MA
We have worked with Dave Bruett for only a few years and can confidently say we would never change. Dave's professionalism and responsiveness sets him apart from the other agents we have worked with. His expertise and thorough guidance provides us the confidence that we are making the right decisions for all our insurance needs. He is our 'go to!'
- Nora Marblehead, MA
Dave is so customer focused he makes things easy when it comes to insurance. Whether it is setting up a new policy, answering my questions promptly, helping get a claim filed or any other insurance related issue he is always right on top of it. I do all my personal insurance with him and when I started my own business a few years ago he set all that insurance up for me as well. Dave is the best!
- Sam Salem, MA
David Bruett President
Phone: 978-594-5308
PERSONAL INSURANCE | SMALL BUSINESS INSURANCE
Fax: 978-594-0236 quote@davebruettinsurance.com info@davebruettinsurance.com www.davebruettinsurance.com ALL OF YOUR INSURANCE NEEDS MET WITH ONE AGENT
Put David's 19 years of experience to work and protect yourself, your clients, and your business!
Preferred Partners
This section has been created to give you easier access when searching for a trusted real estate affiliate. Take a minute to familiarize yourself with the businesses sponsoring your magazine. These local businesses are proud to partner with you and make this magazine possible. Please support these businesses and thank them for supporting the REALTOR® community.
ATTORNEY
Capano & McGloin, LLP
Lisa J. McGloin (781) 599-1010
CapanoMcGloin.com
Dalton & Finegold, LLP
Christina Petrucci (978) 783-3038 dfllp.com
BANKING & MORTGAGE SERVICES
Salem Five Mortgage (978) 720-5322 www.salemfive.com
HEATING, AC & INDOOR AIR QUALITY
Preferred Air
Tom Favazza (978) 750-8282 PreferredAir.com
HOME INSPECTION
R.J. Home Inspection
Adam Wright (800) 253-4402 rjhomeinspection.com
HOME/MOLD INSPECTION
Pillar To Post
Arthur Staffiere (781) 488-8650 arthurstaffiere.pillartopost.com
INSURANCE SERVICES
David Bruett Insurance Services
David Bruett (978) 594-5308 davebruettinsurance.com
INTERIOR DESIGN/ HOME STAGING
I Got a Guy, LLC (978) 476-2671
Tasteful Interiors
Brodie Curtis (978) 476-2671
JUNK REMOVAL & MOVING SERVICES
Ace Cleanouts, LLC
Joe Manzi (844) 223-7781 acecleanouts.com
MOLD REMEDIATION & INSPECTION
Premier Restoration
Jake Turner (339) 235-4278
MORTGAGE / BANKING
Leader Bank
Sherry Burke (617) 293-5098 LeaderBank.com
MORTGAGE LENDER
Edge Home Finance Corp
Karina Garcia (617) 334-2390
Guaranteed Rate - Liz Ryan
Liz Ryan (978) 237-4431 ccm.com/liz-ryan
MOVING / STORAGE
Barnaby’s Moving & Storage
Robert Barnaby (603) 425-4579
PHOTOGRAPHY / MULTIMEDIA
Lightshed Photography Studio
Dan St. John (978) 854-5348 lightshedphoto.com
TRANSACTION COORDINATOR
Real Estate TC Services
Jessica Martinez (978) 770-2964
igotaguy-llc.com/staging info@igotaguy-llc.com Buyers typically take 30 seconds when making a decision on how they feel about your
Meet The Team
Have an Idea?
Do you know of a great business that would love to connect with Top Real Estate Agents on the North Shore? Contact me!.
Michelle Morello Photographer Lightshed Photography Studio
Dan St. John Photographer Lightshed Photography Studio
Geneva Eilertson Marketing Coordinator
Baseball, Perseverance and YOU
Spring is here. Tax filings are nearing their deadline. Easter is close. And April break will be upon us. Some of you will head south to capture warmer temperatures before they arrive here, and others will head north to find the last of this seasons skiing. And many will stay here in Massachusetts to enjoy early spring and hopefully, an active market.
And of course, baseball season is here too. A friend posted thi on Facebook recently and I liked the messaging, so I’d like to share it:
Life is like baseball. A great hitter is only successful three out of ten times. That means that seven times that hitter fails. Life, like baseball, is set up for you to fail. However, it’s not about how you fail or why, but how you are able to bounce back from that failure to get those three hits in ten to be a great player.
It can be tough out there. I know from my own business that there are many ups and downs. However, the one constant is perseverance. It can help you build confidence and achieve your goals. It can also help you learn to organize yourself to support activities, such as scheduling breaks and rewarding yourself along the way.
Perseverance is the ability to keep doing something in spite of obstacles that may slow you down or deter you from your goals. Obstacles come in all shapes and sizes and they don’t usually announce themselves ahead of time.
You’ve heard the phrase, “failure is not an option” It actually is an option, and like being labeled a good hitter, failure happens as many as seven or eight times in ten. The key is how we bounce back from this adversity, overcome and be successful.
Thanks for your support and for tuning into our publication and this issue...and Happy Selling!
Talman Hauch Publisher North Shore Real Producers talman.hauch@n2co.com
North Shore Realtor Advocacy Blog
Stay up to date by visiting www.northshorerealtors.com
BY PATRICK MAGUIRE, CEO, NORTH SHORE REALTORS
To support Affordable Housing, many North Shore communities have an Affordable Housing Trust Fund (AHTF).
AHTFs support or build Affordable Housing with funds derived from many different sources. The two most common funding avenues are Inclusionary Zoning fee-in-lieu payments and Community Preservation Act (CPA) grants. Some avenues that are less common, but at times substantial, are Short Term Rental (STR) Community Impact Fees, donations, state funding, and some cities designated a small portion of their American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds for the AHTF to manage (typically 4%).
In recent years, housing legislation on the state level has been focused on ways to fund these AHTFs. In 2024, the proposed Transfer Tax would have funded AHTFs. Legislators are proposing funds be directed towards these trusts, but that begs the question: Are Affordable Housing Trusts good at creating Affordable Housing?
The short answer is not really, and the long answer is that most AHTFs are filled with great people that face nearly impossible odds to get Affordable Housing created. In 2024, NSR spoke with all our communities that have a Trust to see the kind of projects they are supporting and if they have capital. ATHFs don’t have to report their finances publicly like CPA does, so knowing what each AHTF is doing from a macro level is difficult.
From our research, the most common type of expenditure from an AHTF was a grant or loan to a non-profit developer in order to assist them with an Affordable Housing development. This is good! Non-profit developers are the most successful in building Affordable Housing. Still, the number of these projects community-to-community is low and these appear to all be existing projects looking for funding avenues and not projects developed by the AHTF. AHTFs might also spend funds on things such as mortgage buy downs, rental assistance, repairs to existing units, etc.
AHTFs are filled with amazing people who believe strongly in supporting housing opportunity. Those opportunities are still very limited based on land availability and public sentiment against development. For decades, municipalities have not taken the lead on housing development and there does not appear to be support to start now. Multiple communities reported that even though they had funds they did not have an opportunity to use them. If AHTF funding were to increase with new taxes, it’s hard to believe additional new housing would be created.
Interesting Facts:
• 53% of the communities we spoke to had over $700,000 in the Trust.
• Only 33% had generated more than $140,000 from Inclusionary Zoning policies.
• 59% have had an AHTF in operation for over 10 years.
NSR in the Community
From obtaining charitable grants to hosting fundraising drives to rallying volunteers, North Shore REALTORS® is proud to support housing charities across the North Shore.
Lyv Realty hosted a special Lyv Kind Fundraiser in support of the MSPCA, an organization near and dear to their hearts.
For this fundraiser, they launched a social media giveaway where participants could post or send in a photo of their pet “Loving Where They Lyv.” Each adorable entry meant a donation from Lyv to the MSPCA, helping animals in need find the love, care, and homes they deserve.
Thanks to the incredible participation and love from the community, Lyv made a donation of $500 to the MSPCA. Thank you so much Lyv Realty for making a difference—one paw at a time!
The Power of Priorities
Theo Carmone
BY JESSICA
WELLAR, SR. WRITER
PHOTOGRAPHY BY MICHELLE MORELLO, LIGHTSHED
“I landed in tech recruiting by going to a college career fair and, next thing I knew, a decade had passed. But I always had my eye on real estate and eventually started out part-time as a Realtor while I was still recruiting. Then I did my first transaction and decided that arrangement wasn’t going to work with my personality … I couldn’t be one foot out and one foot in. So after that first sale, I committed.”
For Theo Carmone, taking the real estate leap meant carving out a career that aligned with his values, skillset, and most importantly, his family-oriented priorities. A former tech recruiter turned full-time Realtor, there’s zero doubt Theo has found his industry groove while doubling his business last year.
A Solid Foundation
Theo’s foundation in relationships and client service started early in his career in tech recruiting, where he built national teams and specialized in complex hiring scenarios like H1B work visas.
“A lot of my success as a tech recruiter was based on relationships, and those skills transferred,” Theo explains. “I was managing 60 people at one point in that career.”
But real estate had always been in the back of his mind. With his mother, Olimpia Carmone, a seasoned broker since the 1990s, Theo grew up immersed in the real estate world.
“I got to know what it was like by listening in on my mom’s conversations and tagging along with her throughout her showings and various real estate activities,” Theo recalls. And when he eventually transitioned into real estate, his mother served as an invaluable mentor as well.
“Any time I had a question, I would call her, and she was always very helpful,” he acknowledges gratefully.
Theo launched his real estate career in the summer of 2019, initially balancing it with his recruiting job. However, that first transaction made it clear to him that true success would require full commitment. Once he dove in, Theo quickly discovered that his skills in managing relationships and solving complex problems translated seamlessly into his new career. Last year marked a major milestone, as Theo doubled his business volume closing 25 transactions and achieving over $20 million in sales volume. He attributes his recent growth to capitalizing on referrals and working with a real estate coach.
Having a coach has held me accountable with structure and setting goals.”
“Having a coach has held me accountable with structure and setting goals,” he affirms.
Family-Oriented Approach
Theo’s emphasis on family shapes not just his personal life, but also his professional ethos. “I am a very family-oriented person, and so I strive to take a family-oriented approach with my clients as well,” he offers. “I try not to be ‘transactional.’ I show my clients that I genuinely care about their situation by being transparent and tailoring my approach based on their individual needs and communication styles.”
This personalized approach ensures that each client feels like they are Theo’s top priority.
“When I work with a group or an individual, my goal is for them to feel like they are the only client I am working with,” he explains. “I’m also extremely honest and no nonsense. If I don’t know the answer to something, I’ll be up front and say I’ll research and get back to my client. I don’t guess.”
HIs Big Why
At home, Theo’s life revolves around his wife, Francesca, and their two daughters, Alessia (6) and Ariana (4). Francesca, who recovered from a battle with cancer last year, is Theo’s source of inspiration.
“When my back was against the wall, I responded by working really hard to make sure that I could provide for my family,” Theo elaborates. “My wife inspires me every day.”
The Carmone family shares a love of outdoor activities, particularly skiing. In fact, Theo and Francesca’s story began on the slopes of Loon Mountain, where they met when Francesca purchased his family’s condo. “It’s still in the family,” Theo notes with a laugh. Today, their daughters are learning to ski as well, joining their parents on the mountains as often as possible.
Theo and his loved ones also enjoy spending time on the ocean aboard his father-in-law’s boat, playing at local parks, and taking Harley, their 9-year-old German Shepherd, on walks. Harley, a trained and award-winning dog with roots in Italy, is both Theo’s best friend and an amazing “big sister” to his daughters.
“I am an avid Bruins fan and have enjoyed playing hockey for most of my life,” Theo shares. “I was assistant captain of my high school team, played junior hockey, and then club hockey at Northeastern University.”
Looking Ahead
When Theo isn’t working or spending time with his family, he enjoys a few fun hobbies of his own. An avid pickleball player, he loves to play at least once a week, while hockey also holds a special place in his heart.
Theo is approaching his future with gusto and plenty of focus. On the professional front, he is currently pursuing his broker’s license “to provide an extra layer of knowledge to be valuable to provide info for clients.”
While he envisions always being involved in real estate in some capacity, Theo’s ultimate goal is financial independence to work on his own terms.
Are There Grants for Massachusetts First-Time Homebuyers?
BY SHERRY BURKE, SALES MANAGER, RESIDENTIAL LENDING, LEADER BANK
time homebuyers to help combat rising interest rates and housing prices.
We’ve summarized some of the more common programs available to Massachusetts first-time homebuyers -- some of which are on the city level, some available to homebuyers across the Commonwealth, and some available at the federal level. It’s important to note that some of these programs and grants are stackable, meaning multiple can be used toward the same loan.
The income limits are often based on household income (number of household members and total income they generate), and in most cases grant funds can cover down payment and closing costs which can help reduce the amount of money mortgage clients owe at the time of closing. Let’s dive in!
•
• My Mass Home Workforce Advantage Program
• One+Boston
These are just a few of the grants and downpayment assistance options available to Massachusetts first-time homebuyers. A Leader Bank loan officer can help you determine which grants and down payment assistance programs
are the right fit to help you achieve your homeownership goals. You can also visit the link below for more information about each of the programs listed above.
If you have any questions about the homebuying process don’t hesitate to reach out to the team at Leader Bank
– with decades of combined industry experience our experts are ready to guide homebuyers through the mortgage process!
When a closing is on the line and a real estate agent needs to get a property in order stat — whether it’s clearing out a home before listing photos, handling last-minute items on walkthrough day, or moving a client into their next chapter — Ace Clean-Outs should be on speed dial.
“We have literally saved closings where we have been needed, or the deal wouldn’t have happened,” declares Joe Manzi, who co-owns Ace Clean-Outs with his brother, George Manzi. “A lot of Realtors can attest to that. We see ‘Ace to the rescue!’ Facebook posts all the time when we make things happen at the last minute.”
With a company built on Action, Compassion, and Excellence (A.C.E.), the Manzi brothers and their team provide professional, convenient clean-out, removal, moving, dumpster services, as well as electronic recycling. But it’s their amazing ability to handle both moving and clean-out services sets them apart in an industry where companies typically specialize in one service or the other.
“One of the challenges has been maintaining our reputation both as a great clean-out and moving company,” Joe notes with a touch of pride. “It’s a difficult balance because you have to be built up for both offerings and understand the different systems and various logistics. But we’ve been doing both cleaning and moving for a long time, and Realtors can rely on us to be on time without multiple calls. We take care of everything.”
Core Values
Ace Clean-Outs has grown to include two New Hampshire locations in East Kingston and Seabrook, and a small storage unit business. From day one, their focus has always been centered on customers’ needs and satisfaction, maintaining professionalism, and a deep commitment to teamwork — but it all started as a family-driven venture almost 11 years ago.
Joe and George grew up watching their father build a successful electronics recycling business over the last 30 years. When they were in their mid-20s, both siblings wanted to start something of
their own, and their father noticed an opportunity for them to create a cleanout and removal business. With his financial backing, Ace Clean-Outs was launched in 2014 — and it quickly took off.
Before starting Ace, Joe worked as a full-time contractor and still holds his General Contractor license, while George delivered medical equipment. But both brothers saw dead ends in their fields working for others and jumped into their own business feet first.
“It’s been an incredible journey, with the domino effect of building a solid reputation and consistent hard work that has paid off,” Joe affirms.
Joe credits much of their continued success to their employees and the terrific culture they’ve built within the company.
“We can’t do what we do without our employees,” he points out. “We’re very thorough in handpicking our team, and we focus on professionalism and
customer service. These guys follow our core values and everything George and I stand for … And the ones that don’t fit the mold have been weeded out over the years.”
Realtors’ Secret Weapon Agents who work with Ace Clean-Outs know that speed and reliability are key in real estate transactions, and Joe loves
building those special relationships by never disappointing.
“We understand how time-sensitive a house sale is, and we assure that we can have the house ready for photography, open houses, and closing day,” Joe offers.
“Realtors can trust that our compassion and professionalism will make their clients’ needs our top priority, which always reflects well on the experience the client has with that Realtor.”
Ace Clean-Outs offers exclusive discounts for Real Producers as well, providing 10% off services for their clients. And with a flawless five-star review record (without ever soliciting reviews), the business’s reputation speaks for itself.
“The best thing we do is make closings happen,” Joe adds. “We get it done and ease the burden of stress. That’s the level of service we bring.”
Always Adapting
As the real estate industry shifts, Ace Clean-Outs has remained a steady force, adapting to demand while staying true to its core values.
“We’ve noticed that real estate will always be a strong industry, and our
service plays a major part in it,” Joe affirms.
Over the years, the company has grown in response to the market, expanding its fleet, adding services, and maintaining its emphasis on complete customer satisfaction. And while some businesses slow down in shifting markets, Ace CleanOuts continues to thrive.
Beyond their day-to-day work, Joe and George take pride in giving back and happily help where and when they can. Ace Clean-Outs donate and recycle furniture and items removed from homes and support local food pantries in Newbury and Haverhill. They also sponsor youth sports teams, churches, and community events — usually anonymously in the spirit of true giving.
When they’re not saving closings and running a fast-growing business, Joe and George prioritize family time as well.
“We’re Italian. We love to get together and eat!” Joe says with a laugh. “That’s our thing.”
Both brothers are also big on golf and take every chance they can get to hit the course together.
And as for the future? According to Joe, growth is always on the horizon.
“Yes, we’re hoping to expand the business when the timing is right,” Joe smiles. “But for now, we’re focused on maintaining our reputation, continuing to grow the right way, and always being the crew that Realtors know they can count on.”
CONTACT
US!
To learn more about their top-rated services or to book a consultation, visit AceCleanouts.com or call Joe Manzi today at 978-891-0386.
FIRST IMPRESSIONS ARE OUR BREAD & BUTTER
Buyers typically take 30 seconds when making a decision on how they feel about your property.
We
make sure EVERY SECOND
COUNTS!
Tasteful Interiors is a full service home design company specializing in Home Staging and Interior Design Planning. With a collective experience of 20 years in the industry, we take pride in our diligence, quality of services & creative outlook on the market as a whole. Located in Andover, MA our team has serviced hundreds of vacant and occupied properties in the Greater Boston, North Shore, South Shore & Metro West regions.
Our team caters to the needs and expectations of home owners & their respective real estate experts. By working hand-in-hand with clients through this process, we aim to accentuate the most crucial & unique aspects of every listing. Providing experience, perspective & professionalism in order to exceed any goals set forth for the project; As we dedicate ourselves to your success in the market to maximize every home’s selling potential.
"When getting ready to list a home for sale, It's vital to complete the necessary prep work to make a favorable and lasting first impression”
NAR President Kenny Parcell (National Association of Realtors)
• 89% of Buyers’ Agents cited that Home Staging has an e ect on buyers’ view of homes.
• 81% of Buyers’ Agents claim that staging a home made it easier for buyers to visual a property as their future home.
• According to buyers, Living Rooms (39%), Primary Bedroom (36%), and Kitchens (30%) are the main selling points when referencing how Home Staging played a role in their decision making.
• Nearly half of Seller’s Agents (48%) report that staging a home decreased its time on market.
• On Average, every $400 spent on staging results in atleast $1,000 ROI.
As a home inspector in New England, I understand that owning a home in this region comes with unique challenges, particularly when transitioning from harsh winters to the unpredictable spring season. Easter is a great reminder of renewal and change, making it the perfect time to tackle key home maintenance and spring cleaning tasks. Here are some expert tips to ensure your home is in top condition this season.
Spring Home Maintenance Essentials
Easter marks the beginning of spring, an ideal time to inspect and maintain key areas of your home, especially after a long New England winter. Consider these essential maintenance tasks:
• Roof and Gutter Inspection: Snow, ice, and wind can cause significant damage. Check for missing or damaged shingles, ice dam remnants, and clogged gutters. Ensure downspouts direct water away from your foundation to prevent flooding, which is common in New England’s rainy spring season.
• Exterior Check: Look for peeling paint, cracks in siding, or signs of moisture intrusion from melted snow. Wood rot is a particular concern due to fluctuating temperatures and moisture levels.
• HVAC System Tune-Up: After months of heating, your system may need servicing. Change air filters, clean vents, and schedule an HVAC inspection to ensure efficiency as you transition to air conditioning.
• Pest Prevention: As temperatures rise, pests like ants, termites, and rodents become more active. Inspect your home’s foundation, windows, and doors for entry points, and seal any gaps to prevent infestations.
• Deck and Patio Inspection: Freezing temperatures can cause wood and concrete surfaces to crack or shift. Check for loose boards, cracks, or signs of rot. Power wash surfaces and apply a fresh sealant if needed.
Home
Maintenance Tips
FOR EASTER AND SPRING
BY ADAM WRIGHT, OWNER, R. J. HOME INSPECTIONS
• Lawn and Garden Preparation: Rake up leftover debris from fall and winter, trim shrubs, and prepare flower beds. If you have an irrigation system, check for leaks and ensure proper functionality before the growing season begins.
Spring Cleaning for a Healthier Home
A thorough spring cleaning not only refreshes your home but also improves indoor air quality, which is especially important after months of sealed-up winter living. Prioritize these tasks:
• Deep Clean Carpets and Rugs: Salt and dirt from winter footwear can get embedded in carpets. A professional cleaning or deep vacuuming will help eliminate allergens.
• Wash Windows and Screens: Brighten your home by removing winter grime and letting in natural light.
• Declutter Storage Areas: Clear out attics, basements, and garages to remove moisture-
prone items that could develop mold in the spring humidity.
• Check for Mold and Mildew: New England homes, especially older ones, are prone to mold buildup due to fluctuating moisture levels. Inspect bathrooms, basements, and crawl spaces, and use dehumidifiers where needed.
Easter Egg Hunts and Yard Safety
If you plan to host an Easter egg hunt, take the opportunity to make your yard safe. Look for uneven ground, loose pavers, or any hazards that could pose a risk to children or guests. Secure fences and gates, and ensure outdoor lighting is functional for any evening festivities.
Ensuring a Safe and Comfortable Home
Hosting an Easter gathering? Take these precautions to ensure a safe environment for family and friends:
• Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors: Test all detectors and replace batteries if needed,
especially after heavy furnace use during the winter.
• Kitchen Safety: If you’re cooking a big meal, inspect your stove, oven, and ventilation systems for any issues. Clean grease buildup to prevent potential fire hazards.
• Entryway and Walkway Check: Ice and snow may have left your walkways uneven. Inspect outdoor paths for cracks or loose bricks that could be a tripping hazard. Consider adding a welcome mat to reduce dirt tracked into the home.
Boosting Curb Appeal for Spring
New England homes can take a beating during the winter, so refreshing your home’s exterior is key:
• Power wash siding, decks, and driveways to remove dirt and salt residue.
• Touch up peeling paint on doors, shutters, and trim to protect wood surfaces from moisture.
• Add potted plants, fresh mulch, or a seasonal wreath to enhance your home’s curb appeal and welcome guests.
Final Thoughts
Easter is a season of renewal, making it the perfect time to check in on your home’s health and safety. With New England’s unpredictable spring weather, proactive maintenance and spring cleaning ensure your home remains safe, efficient, and inviting. By taking care of key tasks now, you can enjoy the beauty of the season while preserving your home’s longevity. Enjoy your Easter and happy homeownership!
None of the REALTORS in our magazine paid to be featured. They were either nominated by fellow Top 300 REALTORS, or industry colleagues in the community and featured FREE of charge.
All About North Shore Real Producers
Real Producers magazine started in Indianapolis in 2015 and is now in over 130 markets across the nation and continues to spread rapidly.
I often get a lot of compliments about North Shore Real Producers content, our quality of photography, professional design appearance, and overall, the positive nature and influence that our publication has brought to the real estate community here in Essex County and the North Shore.
But like anything, not everyone agrees. I also get notes and calls about why we decided to feature some of the people who we’ve featured. How did they get in the magazine, and oftentimes, how can I be included in your pages? These are fair questions which warrant some discussion, so let me offer explanation into some of the frequently asked questions.
Who receives North Shore Real Producers?
The top 300 agents/teams in Essex County, and I also include Reading, North Reading and Wakefield, based
on MLStotal sales volume January - December 2023, will receive the magazine FREE of charge for the remainder of this year. The list then resets at the end of this year.
I’m hopeful that as we grow, I’m able to expand our footprint and distribute our publication to the top 500 agents/teams and include more towns outside of Essex County. Stay tuned.
What is the process for being featured in the magazine?
Almost every feature you see has been nominated by peers. You can nominate other REALTORS, affiliates, brokers, owners or even yourself. We will consider anyone brought to our attention because we don’t know everyone’s story.
I spent a lot of time getting to know the North Shore and Essex County REALTOR® community during my
ramp-up period from April 2020 through January 2021. I was able to then catalog a lot of information on a lot of topperforming REALTORS®, many of whom were more than worthy of a presence in our publication at a future date. In some of those instances, I selected the REALTORS® to be featured based on my conversations. At the end of the day, based on nomination information, or those who I’ve met on my own, I select who I think would best represent our publication each month.
What does it cost a REALTOR® or team to be featured?
The answer is simple... NOTHING. None of the REALTORS® in our magazine paid to be featured. They were either nominated by fellow top 300 REALTORS® or industry colleagues in the community and featured FREE of charge.
Who are the Preferred Vendor Partners?
Anyone listed as a Preferred Vendor Partner in our Partner Index in the front of every publication is an integral part of this community. Our Preferred Vendor Partners pay for their presence in our publication and will have an ad in every issue, attend our private events and be a part of our online presence. We don’t just find these businesses randomly, nor do we work with all businesses that approach us. Many of you have recommended every single Preferred Vendor Partner you see in our publication.
Our goal is to create a powerhouse network, not only for the best REALTORS® in the area but the best affiliates as well, so that we can grow stronger together: Connecting. Elevating. Inspiring. If you have questions, suggestions or nominations, please feel free to send me an email at talman.hauch@ realproducersmag.com or call me at 617-921-7033.
Arthur Staffiere offers home buyers and sellers a variety of home inspec�on services including:
• Pre-lis�ng inspec�ons reports for Sellers/Agents. Pre-offer inspec�on reports for Time and Price -Sensi�ve-Buyers
• Accepted offer home inspec�ons with addi�onal 48-hour radon tes�ng and comprehensive well water quality tes�ng
A top-producing Realtor with Gibson Sotheby’s International Realty in Manchester-by-the-Sea, Kristin Francoeur is the epitome of a real estate powerhouse whose success is built on the foundation of a client first approach. With over $41 million in sales volume across 24 transactions in 2024 alone, her numbers are impressive, yet she prefers to let her client relationships do the talking after two decades in the business.
“I honestly find myself incredibly understated … I think I am just quietly relentless,” Kristin explains with a chuckle. “I won’t stop until I reach success.”
It’s this quiet determination, paired with a deeply humanistic approach, that has earned her accolades like being in the top 1.5% of all real estate professionals in the U.S., and an inaugural member of Gibson Sotheby’s prestigious Club XV.
A Solid Foundation
Born in Oceanside, Long Island, and raised in Nesconset, New York, Kristin grew up with a strong work ethic, starting in law firms at just 12 years old. Although she pursued law school at age 21, she quickly realized the legal field wasn’t her calling.
HUMBLE HUSTLE
BY JESSICA WELLAR, SR. WRITER • PHOTOGRAPHY
MICHELLE MORELLO, LIGHTSHED PHOTOGRAPHY
“I loved the practical experience, but when I sat down for the theory, it just wasn’t me,” she admits. Pivoting with purpose, Kristin earned a master’s degree in business from Lesley University, which led to a fruitful 12year career in sales and marketing with giants like Coca-Cola and Gillette.
The true catalyst for her second act came after a personal loss. “My mom had just passed away, and I was in my mid-30s at the time with two little babies. I had always had a passion for architecture & design and then the wheels started to turn,” Kristin recalls. With endless encouragement and support from her husband, Dave, she took the leap and obtained her real estate license in 2005 — a decision she’s never regretted.
Grounded in Relationships
Kristin hit the ground running in the industry, quickly leveraging her business acumen and marketing savvy. Her leadership background in sales and marketing gave her an edge as well:
“My experience fueled my passion for advertising, promotion, sales growth, and client satisfaction.” This winning combination catapulted her to rapid success and recognition as one of America’s Best Real Estate Professionals.
But Kristin measures her achievements with something less tangible.
“Unrelenting passion for clients’ success and building long-term, deep relationships that last well beyond the transaction — that’s how I define success,” she offers.
A glowing testimonial from a recent client who has used her services as both buyer and seller echoes this sentiment:
“Kristin does not approach it as a transaction of an asset; rather, she partners with her clients to achieve
their goals. She has both the highest integrity and the warmest heart.”
A business endeavor that has been working well for Kristin recently is presenting real estate packages for firsttime homebuyers to Boston companies. These sessions cover the current state of the market, explain interest rate trends, and guide attendees through the buying process.
“Since last spring, I’ve been giving presentations alongside a team that includes an attorney, a mortgage broker, and our marketing team,” she shares. “It’s been so effective — we’ve already surfaced five new homebuyers just from doing this.”
Empathy Above All
Whether finding off-market deals through her extensive network or navigating complex luxury transactions, Kristin’s calm, steady presence is her hallmark. But her secret sauce? It’s not flashy marketing gimmicks or aggressive sales tactics; it’s her humanistic approach.
“I am empathetic to the reality that buying or selling a property represents the biggest transaction of their lives and can be fraught with complexity and stress,” she explains. Her goal is to simplify the process, maintain a level head, and be available whenever her clients need her.
For new agents aspiring to succeed, Kristin offers sage advice along those same lines.
“Build deep relationships with your clients and take a longer view beyond the transaction at hand. The key is to maintain an even keel throughout the ‘bumps in the road,’ making it as stress-free as possible to achieve a successful outcome.”
Beyond The Work Day
When Kristin leaves her Manchester by the Sea office behind, she keeps busy with her family and various community involvements. Married to Dave for 31 years, she’s a proud mom to three daughters: Caroline (24), Emma (22),
I think I am just quietly relentless. I won't stop until I reach success.”
and Lily (19). Family adventures include sailing, skiing, and traveling — with trips to Italy, Jackson Hole, and Spain on the horizon. Their Bernese Mountain Dog puppy, Ivy, adds even more joy (and fur) to the Francoeur household and is their fourth dog of that particular beloved breed.
Kristin is also deeply involved in her community, supporting many causes close to her heart. She volunteers with Manchester Visitation Parish, Manchester Women’s Club, Manchester Garden Club, Cape Ann Paddle Club, Manchester and Eastern Point Yacht Clubs, and Open Pantry. A passionate
cyclist, she rides in the Pan-Mass Challenge each year to honor her mother, marking 20 years since her passing this August.
Looking ahead, Kristin is focused on personal growth and professional evolution.
“I’m building my meditation practice, expanding my charitable endeavors, and setting physical challenges like charity bike rides,” she shares.
“Professionally, I aim to strengthen my social media footprint in a targeted manner and build my admin team prudently to support growth.”
Adding to her impressive ambitions, Kristin recently secured her real estate license in Florida with Gulf to Bay Sotheby’s International Realty. A long time condo owner in the Sunshine State, she has already sold several properties there, connecting ‘snowbird’ clients from the North Shore to luxury homes in warmer climates.
“I love being part of the Sotheby’s International Realty brand,” she concludes, embracing the expansive reach and prestige it offers. “As Mel Robbins famously said, ‘Knowing what you need to do to improve your life takes wisdom. Pushing yourself to do it takes courage.’”
Knowing what you need to do to improve your life takes wisdom. Pushing yourself to do it takes courage.”
