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
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!
Lucia Guambo
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 & WMORTGAGE 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 property. We make sure
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
Spring
INTO ACTION
Later this month, we will enter the Spring season. Hopefully, that means the snow, the cold and the gray days are behind us and we look forward to warming temperatures...and the Spring market!
As many of you know, and as we’ve seen over the years, the North Shore real estate market is experiencing low inventory, high prices and fluctuating interest rates. These factors have contributed to a challenging environment for buyers.
In 2023, the number of homes sales in the North Shore dropped 20% compared to 2022. In January 2025, the number of homes sold or pending in Essex County was down by 40% month over month.
The median home value in Essex County, as of January 2025 is anywhere from $650,000 to almost $700,000, depending on the source, a roughly 6.5% increase from the previous year. For those paying attention, most notably agents and lenders, practically every transaction you make is worth more than ever.
Competition is fierce. And with limited, yet still available inventory, maintaining your course of success is of utmost importance. Whether you’re a broker, an agent, a lender, an attorney or an inspector, it’s important to be known in the market and readily available when called upon.
What types of things are you doing? Many of the best in the business are successful because they don’t deviate from what has worked. Here are a few of those tips from the pro’s:
1. Set Goals
2. Have a business mindset
3. Build your team
4. Be active in your local or regional association
5. Speak up for yourself
6. Keep Learning
7. Share your knowledge
8. Embrace diversity & adversity
9. Talk with successful leaders
10. Be willing to serve
11. Balance empathy with accountability
Congratulations! If you’re receiving this publication, it means that you are one of the best at your craft in our area. Each month, we deliver Real Producers to the Top 300 agents/teams, according to MLS production from 2024, in Essex County, some of Boston and Northeast Middlesex County.
You will also be receiving your 2025, Top 300 Badge soon, if you have not received it already, which you can use on your website and promotional materials. This is an exclusive club, so be proud of your inclusion and efforts to get there.
I hope you enjoy our publication, as we always try to unearth the best of the best in real estate with our regular features. As always, please feel free to send me any recommendations of top performers worthy of our attention.
Thanks much 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
NSR has received multiple inquiries about the Governor’s recent comments about Broker Fee Shifting. Association has maintained a general opposition to Broker Fee Shifting.
Broker Fee Shifting is a policy that would make the party who hires the real estate agent solely responsible for paying the real estate agent. This is typically cited as a response to tenants having to pay the fee of the agent listing the rental. Proponents say that the initial cost of moving into a rental property, which can be first months, last months, security deposit, and broker’s fee, bars individuals from housing opportunities.
This is not a new talking point in this legislative session. In the last session,
MAR testified against four bills (H.264, H.298, H.389 and H.398) citing several key points of opposition:
• “The true issue … is a highly competitive rental market, driven by decades of significant underdevelopment. With demand far outpacing supply, costs and competition for units have drastically increased. Rather than mandating who covers certain costs, we would hope that the Legislature would see this as an opportunity to address the underlying supply and demand problem by enacting zoning reforms to promote development.”
• “[B]asic contract law requires an offer and acceptance. In between an offer and acceptance, parties can counteroffer until they reach an agreement. Tenants who do not want to sign a new lease at a certain time are free to either simply not sign it or counter with their preferred signing date.”
• “Covering broker’s fees will become a simple math equation, dividing the fee into monthly installments that will be paid by tenants over time rather than in a lump sum. While this will slightly reduce the entrance cost for renters it may lead to higher overall costs. This is particularly true for renters who do not move out of an apartment after one year as they will pay the higher rent but will not need the services of a broker.”
• “[B]oth parties [could] lose the benefit of services provided by the only person in the transaction who is licensed by the state to provide expertise on real estate and fair housing and likely conducts numerous similar transactions each year.”
NSR and MAR will continue to monitor legislation around this issue and be involved in the ongoing conversation.
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.
North Shore REALTORS® is honored to announce the facilitation of three $1,000 grants from the MAR Charitable Foundation to Beverly Bootstraps, HAWC, and Root. These amazing organizations, based right here on the North Shore, were nominated for grant consideration by the NSR Community Involvement and Investment Committee.
Beverly Bootstraps services the greater Beverly area with food assistance, adult education, family programs, and more. They are just coming off their Winter Wishes Holiday Gift program that helped over 800 children experience the Christmas they deserve.
HAWC is an amazing North Shore organization that provides free and confidential services to people experiencing domestic abuse. The grant money will go toward assisting the Emergency Shelter program. Finding adequate housing is hard enough, when you add on the difficulties of escaping domestic violence it can seem almost impossible. HAWC provides amazing services in this sector to help those in need.
Root’s mission is to help young adults create a pathway to independence through foodservice training and employment. By developing essential life and work readiness skills, youth leave Root prepared for success in the workplace.
Thank you to each of these amazing organizations for what they do on the North Shore!
GuamboLucia
brave heart strong mind &
BY JESSICA WELLAR, SR. WRITER; PHOTOGRAPHY BY MICHELLE MORELLO, LIGHTSHIP PHOTOGRAPHY STUDIO
When Lucia Guambo first arrived in the United States from Ecuador eight years ago, she didn’t know a single soul, barely spoke the language, and had her two daughters to care for. Yet, armed with plenty of determination, strong faith, and a dream of building a better life, Lucia turned every obstacle into an opportunity by believing in herself.
“It was very tough, especially the first year,” Lucia admits. “I prayed constantly for direction from God.”
Her prayers were heard; today Lucia is a talented Realtor at eXp Realty in Lynnfield, inspiring others with her “get it done” mentality and heart for helping fellow immigrants realize their homebuying dreams, too.
A New Chapter
In Ecuador, Lucia’s life was quite different. She had spent eight years as an operations manager for Visa and Mastercard and later worked in her grandfather’s shoe factory, inspired by his artistry and wisdom. When her mother passed away, Lucia made the life-altering decision to sell both of her properties she had purchased in her 20s to move to America despite her father’s protests.
“My dad thought the decision to move was crazy but my mind was made up,” Lucia remembers. “My grandfather always told me, ‘Lucy, if you are alive, live!’ He is my inspiration in everything I do. If I fail, I will try again.”
Starting over in the U.S. certainly wasn’t easy. Lucia juggled cleaning jobs and server roles while taking English classes with her children in tow.
My grandfather always told me, ‘Lucy, if you are alive, live!’ He is my inspiration in everything I do. If I fail, I will try again.”
“As soon as I got here, I was asking ‘when,’ ‘where,’ and ‘how’ to learn English,” she recounts. For an entire year, her teacher let her daughters sit nearby with crayons as she learned the language — a skill she now values immensely in her personal and professional growth.
Dreams Come True
Lucia’s path to real estate seemed inevitable, rooted in a lifelong passion for homes and architecture. She fondly recalls driving around with her father
as a child, dreaming about houses and imagining their potential.
She obtained her real estate license in February 2021, but notes her first year was far from a cakewalk as a nonnative English speaker learning the language of real estate.
“I was very lost my first year with zero training from my first broker and sold one house,” Lucia remembers with a chuckle.
She relied on YouTube videos and sheer determination to navigate the complexities of the industry. That first successful transaction was a crucial turning point though.
“After that first client was so happy, it motivated me to keep going,” she smiles.
Then in January 2022, Lucia received a life-changing call from Nicole Le Blanc at La Macchia Realty.
“I had been praying to God for further guidance,” Lucia explains. With the proper training and mentorship, she saw her business take off, selling seven
houses in short order. She joined eXp Realty the following year, finding a supportive family atmosphere that continues to fuel her growth in her fourth year in the business.
Bringing Others Along With Her As a result of her incredible journey, Lucia is a fierce advocate for helping others, particularly within the immigrant community. Hosting community seminars for first-time homebuyers has become one way she gives back.
“Even if they aren’t going to work with me, I want to help people as much as possible,” she affirms. “I know firsthand how difficult it can be to make the transition to another country and reach our goals.”
Most of Lucia’s clients are Spanishspeaking, and her ability to connect on a personal level has been a cornerstone of her success.
“I am disciplined and dedicated. I pay attention to every detail, and I really appreciate other people’s time,” Lucia says. “Most of my clients become friends at the end of every transaction, and to see their happy faces saying ‘we did it’ is the best reward I can get.”
Girl Power
Lucia’s greatest motivation comes from her two daughters, Lucianna (14) and Paula (12).
“We are only girls at home, and in this season, they’re now like my sisters. We enjoy a lot of activities together such as spa days, beach trips and watching movies,” she shares. “They see my hustle, too. In the summer, before we go get ice cream, they come with me to open houses and help me with all the little details that I pay attention to.”
From cooking and gym workouts to DIY projects and attending Grace Point Church in Chelmsford, Lucia’s daughters are learning the value of hard work and faith firsthand from their mom. The family cat, Lula, also adds joy to their home. “I wasn’t a fan of cats until
You can go as far as you want when you keep your dreams alive and work on them with discipline.”
she came home,” Lucias admits with a laugh. “But now she is my other baby.”
Looking ahead, Lucias remains optimistic and ambitious with plans to expand her investing efforts while continuing to educate the immigrant community about setting goals and taking action to achieve them. She was able to leave her part-time gig as a restaurant manager behind earlier this year and looks forward to devoting herself 100% to real estate going forward.
“I want to show others that if I can do it as a single mom that came to the U.S. alone, they can do it too,” she concludes. ““You can go as far as you want when you keep your dreams alive and work on them with discipline.”
Top Things NOT To Do When Applying For A Mortgage
BY SHERRY KEENAN BURKE, SALES MANAGER, RESIDENTIAL LENDING
When you’re starting your homebuying journey, the pressure of qualifying can be intimidating. However, there are things you can control throughout the process to increase your chances for qualifying and avoiding potential pitfalls.
Leader Bank’s expert team of Loan Officers have put together a quick guide of things NOT to do when applying for a mortgage to set you up for homebuying success:
• Do NOT change your job. Lenders look for stability and verify all employment just before your mortgage is scheduled to close.
• Do NOT have your credit run throughout the process. This could lower your credit score and affect the interest rate you receive.
• Do NOT have any of your family members, friends, or colleagues pay or write a check for your down payments. Gift funds need to be handled correctly. Consult with your Loan Officer before making a deposit of a large sum of money.
• Do NOT make any unusually large deposits or large transfers into your bank accounts. If you are selling stock and transferring to your cash accounts or depositing wedding gifts, for example, keep impeccable records and be prepared to document and explain every transaction. Consult with your Loan Officer about proper documentation.
• Do NOT increase debt. Opening, closing, or even inquiring about opening new accounts can impact your credit score and complicate the approval process.
or home equity lines of credit.
• Do NOT co-sign any loans for family members, friends, or colleagues.
with your Loan Officer can help simplify the process and make your home-buying experience smooth and painless!
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.
Powerhouse Purpose
BY JESSICA WELLAR, SR. WRITER • PHOTOGRAPHY
BY MICHELLE
MORELLO, LIGHTSHIP PHOTOGRAPHY STUDIO
CARR GROUP SABRINA
When she heads into her office each day, Sabrina Carr’s motivation is clear: to build meaningful connections, advocate for her clients and create a legacy her two sons can be proud of.
As a phenomenal Realtor and team leader of the Sabrina Carr Group at William Raveis Real Estate & Home Services, Sabrina hit the ground running nine years ago with an impressive background in sales and customer success — and she hasn’t slowed down since.
“I want my boys to see that when I’m away from them, I’m dedicating my time to building/nurturing meaningful relationships, helping others achieve their biggest goals, and making a positive impact along the way,” she shares.
The Sales Guru Sabrina grew up in Somerville & then Stoneham, where was raised by hard working parents, including her father, an Italian immigrant who came to the U.S. in the 1980s. “My dad works in the tile business, and I was always surrounded by homes, new construction, or home improvement,” she recalls.
After earning her bachelor’s degree in Management from Providence College, Sabrina embarked on a successful career in sales and client care. She worked as a Sales and Events Manager for the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium, where she honed her skills in client relations and complex operations while working grueling hours.
“We were on top of the world when I worked there! It was an incredible experience,” she acknowledges, noting that the high-paced and demanding environment prepared her for the challenges of real estate. “I was catering to our top sponsors and any event needs they had. I was also spearheading 20,000-person tradeshows and a variety of functions.”
From there, she transitioned into software sales at Oracle Corporation and later, Localytics Software. But despite her professional accomplishments, she couldn’t shake the feeling that something was missing.
“I felt a void and knew I needed to find a career with more purpose,” she explains. Inspired by her parent’s work ethic and her love for homes, Sabrina obtained her real estate license in 2016 and soon realized she had found her calling.
Built on Trust and Hustle
Sabrina didn’t waste any time learning the business, snagging Rookie of the Year while steadily building her reputation as a trusted advisor by immersing herself in the industry and shadowing more seasoned agents whenever possible.
Today, she leads the Sabrina Carr Group, a boutique team that includes rockstar agent Kim Darling, a transaction coordinator, and a marketing and operations manager. Kim joined the team in May 2023, and Sabrina notes the timing couldn’t have been better as her business was ramping up and she was focused on scaling her services to be able to help more clients.
“This can often be a lone-ranger-type of business and it’s nice to have someone else to collaborate with,” Sabrina admits. “I met Kim when she was running her dog walking business while I was still commuting into Boston; she has such an entrepreneurial spirit and excels at customer service, too — all the intangibles you can’t teach. She’s also someone I trust and deeply respect.”
Sabrina’s team closed 38 transactions in 2024, totaling over $30 million in volume — marking their best year yet. And that momentum is no accident.
While she’s eager to grow her team and mentor others, Sabrina admits she’s particular about finding the right candidates to represent her brand and uphold her reputation for hustle and service.
“I’m looking for agents who are hungry and excited to build something they can be proud of,” she elaborates. “But they need to know that good things don’t come easy and this business requires a lot of heart to handle the highs and lows.”
Setting Sky-High Standards
Sabrina’s approach to real estate is rooted in her extensive background in sales, service, professional problem solving, skilled negotiation and an emphasis on exceeding expectations at every turn. “I have a simple principle: to treat people the way I want to be treated,” she explains.
This mindset has earned her a loyal client base and numerous accolades, including the RealTrends top 1.5% of all Realtors award, Top 10 Individual Raveis Agent in MA, Elite Club status
In a world where lenders, attorneys & insurance agents work with tons of other Realtors, they choose me to help their family and friends. That is a compliment that drives me each day.”
year after year at her brokerage, and recognition as a Top Real Estate Producer in Boston Magazine.
Her business is heavily referral-based as a result of her obsession with unparalleled client satisfaction. “In a world where lenders, attorneys & insurance agents work with tons of other Realtors, they choose me to help their family and friends. That is a compliment that drives me each day,” she grins.
Moreover, her tailored marketing strategy and attention to every detail continues to yield strong results.
“I am dedicated to empowering my clients with knowledge and insights, serving as their fierce advocate, confidant, and coach throughout their real estate journey,” she points out. “My mission is to create meaningful experiences, helping them navigate challenges, align with their goals, and ultimately find the perfect community to call home.”
Her ‘Why’
When she’s not helping clients, Sabrina treasures time with her loved ones. She lives in Lynnfield with her wonderful husband Steve, their two active sons, Gianluca and Gennaro; and their sweet 13-year-old beagle mix, Chloe.
“I couldn’t have a better husband and partner. Steve supports me through all the nights, weekends and demands of the real
estate world. Being in sales himself, Steve wholeheartedly understands and goes with it. Our symmetry allows me to do what’s best for my clients, and also always show up for our boys.” Sabrina says gratefully.
As a family, the Carrs enjoy traveling, and heading outdoors, from searching for crabs and sea glass at the beach to exploring local trails (when they’re not at a rink or field)!
Outside of work and family life, Sabrina is the room-mom in both of her son’s classrooms, and she is seriously committed to giving back in any way she can. She donates a portion of each closed transaction to the Damon Runyon Cancer Research Foundation and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. She’s also a proud sponsor of the Connor’s Kindness Project, a local organization that uplifts children facing challenges.
“Most recently, I sponsored their Kindness Assembly at my son’s school, teaching kids how easy it can be to accomplish acts of kindness,” she offers.
Looking ahead, Sabrina will continue to do what’s best for her clients, expand her own real estate portfolio, travel, and continue making her boys proud.
“I am now living what I wished for years ago, and I can’t wait to see what’s to come!” she concludes.
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.
