As an upscale, results-driven real estate professional with a passion for excellence, I bring a unique blend of tenacity, compassion, and sophistication to every transaction. My main focus is on luxury waterfronts, distinctive shoreline properties, and exclusive coastal estates. A proud Connecticut Shoreline resident and avid sailor, I have an intimate knowledge of the beaches, riverfronts, and marina communities stretching from Old Saybrook to Stonington. My approach is rooted in high performance. I'm a top negotiator, Platinum Award contender, and someone who 10X's everything I touch. I lead with heart, backed by strategy. Healthy in mind, body, and spirit, I bring positive energy, relentless dedication, and a sharp eye for value to every client interaction. Whether you're buying a seaside cottage, investing in waterfront real estate, or selling a legacy estate, I deliver trusted, white-glove service with clear purpose and elite results. today's real estate market, choosing the right Realtor isn't just about listings, it's about leadership, negotiation, and service. I'm not just a salesperson; I'm a strategic partner who serves more than sells. As a top negotiator and trusted advocate, I know how to put deals together, and more importantly, how to keep them together. From our first conversation to the final walk-through, I'm with you every step of the way, navigating challenges, solving problems, and making the process smooth and successful. I build strong relationships with fellow agents, lenders, attorneys, and movers to create a seamless experience from start to finish. The goal isn't just a sold sign, it's you, happily at the closing table, with your furniture arriving safely at your new home.A tech-savvy real estate professional with over 30 years of experience, I've been proudly serving coastal Connecticut and Rhode Island clients with William Raveis Real Estate since 1994. Specializing in luxury shoreline homes, waterfront estates, beach cottages, and marina-access properties, I bring unmatched market knowledge and a powerful local network through the Midd-Shore Board of Realtors. Licensed in both Connecticut and Rhode Island, I understand the nuances of buying and selling along the Connecticut Shoreline, from Old Saybrook and Essex to Madison and Stonington. As a member of Floyd Wickman's Master Sales Society, a Dale Carnegie graduate, and a nationally trained Tom Ferry agent, I bring a relationship-first, results-focused approach. By leveraging tools like Realtor.com, high-end digital marketing, and personalized client strategies, I consistently deliver seamless, top-tier service tailored to today's coastal lifestyle buyers and sellersI don't believe in one-size-fits-all marketing. Your home deserves specialized attention to attract the right buyers who see its true value, and are willing to pay top dollar. My niche marketing approach blends innovation with precision. Whether it's promoting a luxury waterfront estate with drone videography and targeted digital ads, staging a charming beach cottage to capture lifestyle-driven buyers, or leveraging my deep connections within yacht clubs and country clubs to privately market exclusive listings, I tailor every campaign with purpose. People work with me because I understand that selling a home isn't just a transaction, it's a story that needs to be told the right way to the right audienceWith over 30 years as a proud Connecticut Shoreline resident, I bring more than just real estate expertise, I bring heart, dedication, and deep local knowledge. I live by the motto "work hard, play hard" and lead with compassion, integrity, and a genuine love for the community I serve. Family comes first for me. I'm a devoted wife and proud mom of three amazing successful kids who are all passionate about hockey, sailing and being kind. As an avid sailor, outdoor enthusiast, and beach lover, I know every inlet, marina, riverfront, and stretch of sand from Stonington to Old Saybrook to Branford and beyond. I'm also a huge animal advocate with a soft spot for rescue dogs, especially Golden Retrievers. Whether I'm sitting in the Sauna, swimming, running, walking, golfing, traveling, or earning my Delta and Marriott Bonvoy Elite status, I bring that same energy and focus to every real estate deal. Buyers and sellers choose to work with me because I'm not just about homes. I'm about people, purpose, and performance.My commitment to Connecticut runs deep, extending far beyond my career in real estate. As a long-time resident and active community supporter, I take great pride in giving back and being a strong advocate for the people and places that make our shoreline so special. Whether it's cheering on local initiatives, supporting youth programs, or helping families find their dream homes, I lead with heart and purpose. As a proud member of the Essex Yacht Club and the Valley Shore Women's Club, I've built lasting relationships through service and connection. My children have been fortunate to attend Xavier High School, Westminster School, Deerfield Academy, and St. George's, each one reinforcing my belief in the power of strong community roots. Over the years, I've also helped launch sailing programs at the Guilford Yacht Club and Pilots Point Marina (Safe Harbor), further blending my love for the water with my dedication to enriching lives. I'm not just a Realtor. I'm a cheerleader for this community and a committed presence people can count on.
OTHER LANGUAGES
English
Community Involvement
Valley Shore Women's Club, Essex Yacht Club,
HOBBIES/INTEREST
Sailing, Golf, Boat Racing, HOCKEY
FAMILY
Husband, 3 kids and 3 rescue dogs
Read More About Jennifer
Credentials
LICENSE
Real Estate - Connecticut - # RES.0002284
Designation
GRI, Luxury Homes, CHP
Specialties
Beach Properties
Buyer's Agent
Investment Properties
Listing Agent
Luxury Specialist
Property Management
Relocation
Residential Real Estate
Single-Family Homes
Staging & Home Preparation
Vacation / Short-term Rentals
Waterfront
Awards
2026
TOP AGENT
Old Saybrook, CT
2026
TOP AGENT
Clinton, CT
2026
TOP AGENT
Essex, CT
Other Awards
100M+ closed | 250+ homes sold Shoreline CT homes, waterfront & coastal lifestyle. 2021 - 2026 Chairman Elite Club, CT Magazine Five Star 2016 - 2026,
FAQ
1. What advice would you give a buyer trying to purchase a home?
Buyers on the Connecticut shoreline should get fully pre-approved before touring homes, understand current market conditions, and be ready to act quickly on the right property. Inventory moves fast in towns like Old Saybrook, Madison, Guilford, Essex, and Old Lyme—especially anything near beaches, marinas, or downtown village centers. Work with an agent who knows local neighborhoods, flood-zone requirements, waterfront rules, septic expectations, and the nuances of older Connecticut homes. The buyers who win are prepared, educated, and aligned with a strong local expert.
2. What advice would you give a seller trying to sell their home?
Shoreline sellers should focus on three things: pricing, presentation, and exposure. Correct pricing—based on real comps, not automated estimates—will attract qualified buyers quickly. Clean, decluttered, and well-maintained homes show dramatically better both online and in person. Professional photos, video, and targeted marketing are essential to reach out-of-state buyers relocating from NYC, Boston, and Westchester. Homes near beaches, marinas, and town centers sell fastest when marketed by a realtor who deeply understands the shoreline lifestyle buyers want.
3. What types of clients have you worked with?
My shoreline real estate experience covers a wide range of clients: first-time buyers, luxury and waterfront sellers, downsizers, investors, second-home buyers, relocating families, boaters searching for marina access, estate sales, and clients navigating complex situations like flood zones, septic requirements, and older home renovations. I’ve worked extensively across Old Saybrook, Guilford, Madison, Branford, Essex, Old Lyme, Westbrook, Stonington, and Mystic, giving me deep insight into what each shoreline community offers.
4. Describe a recent transaction you are fond of. How did it go?
One standout transaction was a shoreline seller who needed a fast, smooth sale without sacrificing value. I prepared the home strategically targeted pricing, strong marketing, professional images, and fast agent outreach. We secured strong interest within days, generated multiple showings, negotiated clean terms, and moved from accepted offer to closing without stress. It was a great reminder that the right preparation and local expertise make all the difference on the shoreline market.
5. How did you get started in Real Estate?
I entered real estate with a strong background in business, sales, and community involvement along the Connecticut shoreline. My passion for the area its beaches, boating lifestyle, marinas, village centers, and waterfront properties naturally led me into helping people buy and sell homes. Over time, that passion grew into a full-time career focused on delivering luxury-level service, expert negotiation, and unmatched local knowledge.
6. Do you have any special education or training that will benefit your clients?
Yes. I have advanced training in negotiation, pricing strategy, marketing, waterfront and coastal property considerations, and staging/presentation techniques. I stay current on Connecticut real estate laws, SmartMLS regulations, flood-zone updates, septic/well requirements, and local zoning. My decades of shoreline experience and continuous professional development give my clients a competitive advantage whether they’re buying, selling, investing, or relocating.
Landscaping is old after 10 years. You need to have the curb appeal. Best to bring a professional realtor to the house before you spend your money so you have the correct ROI.
Answered by Jennifer Gurnell | Edisin | 1590 Views | Working With an Agent | 3 years ago
I can help you. Best way to reach me is 860-227-1212. I have a lic in several states and connections throughout the country. So matter who is reading this I am available to help you a property evaluation of your property. Sold 81 acres in 2023.
Answered by Jennifer Gurnell | Winston Salem | 729 Views | Working With an Agent | 2 years ago
Note: Reviews may include other agents on their team
What clients say about this agent....
Responsive
Communicative
Knowledgeable
Professional
Excellent negotiator
Hard working
Outstanding
Trustworthy
Docmontano
Review for Member: Jennifer Gurnell
October 17, 2022
Local Knowledge
Process Expertise
Responsiveness
Negotiation skills
ZillowVERIFIED
Excellent knowledge and service and assisted in renting my home. Knowledge of comparable home rentals was superb. Helped triage qualified candidates for rentals.
Sbpabst
Review for Member: Jennifer Gurnell
March 16, 2018
Local Knowledge
Process Expertise
Responsiveness
Negotiation skills
ZillowVERIFIED
Jennifer Gurnell was exactly what we needed to sell our house. She hustles and works her hardest to get things done. She kept us highly informed of all showings and feedback from interested clients. She was very helpful in providing how to better market our property. I would highly recommend using her again. She does a great job!
Sbpabst
Review for Member: Jennifer Gurnell
March 16, 2018
Local Knowledge
Process Expertise
Responsiveness
Negotiation skills
ZillowVERIFIED
Jennifer Gurnell was exactly what we needed to sell our house. She hustles and works her hardest to get things done. She kept us highly informed of all showings and feedback from interested clients. She was very helpful in providing how to better market our property. I would highly recommend using her again. She does a great job!
QuianaLPeralta
Review for Member: Jennifer Gurnell
March 12, 2018
Local Knowledge
Process Expertise
Responsiveness
Negotiation skills
ZillowVERIFIED
I can not say enough about working with Jennifer Gurnell. When my husband and I were in the market to buy we had a difficult budget with high expectations and little wiggle room. Jennifer had the patience and persistence that we needed. She helped us through every step of the process from understanding how much we could afford, to showing us what we could get, talking to us about things we could do and connecting us with people who could make it all happen. Even with some personal set backs and market disappointments, Jennifer never gave up and after 6 months of searching, offering and negotiating we finally closed on our dream house. She is smart, knowledgeable, reliable and one of the hardest working realtors and MOMS I know. She understand your needs and the market, she plays hard ball, but doesn't play games. If you are looking to sell or to buy you can't go wrong with Jenn!
Zuser20140622155626551
Review for Member: Jennifer Gurnell
January 31, 2018
Local Knowledge
Process Expertise
Responsiveness
Negotiation skills
ZillowVERIFIED
Jen is a very hard-working agent. She brought tons of people for showings for the sale of my house unlike my other realtors that I used previously. When I was looking for my home she was very patient and knew exactly what we were looking for. I would use her and recommend her very highly to anyone!
Zuser20161022103623982
Review for Member: Jennifer Gurnell
January 31, 2018
Local Knowledge
Process Expertise
Responsiveness
Negotiation skills
ZillowVERIFIED
Jennifer went above and beyond everything she had to do from marketing to open houses to callbacks and for inspections and was very much on top of everything we had to do for the sale of our house. On top of that I never saw more people go through my house with her in a 30 day. Dinner previous realtors.
Abbyann9
Review for Member: Jennifer Gurnell
October 26, 2016
Local Knowledge
Process Expertise
Responsiveness
Negotiation skills
ZillowVERIFIED
I don't think any other realtor could have sold our property and got the amount we did. Jennifer has a knack for matching buyers and sellers. She thinks positive and gets things done. If you need to sell a property fast, have a gorgeous property or one that needs TLC she is your realtor. She is great to work with and will get you top dollar.
Emmurraysmith
Review for Member: Jennifer Gurnell
July 3, 2016
Local Knowledge
Process Expertise
Responsiveness
Negotiation skills
ZillowVERIFIED
Jennifer was extremely efficient, knowledgeable, professional, responsive, and a pleasure with which to work, around all aspects of selling our deceased relative's home. She made selling the house one less thing we needed to worry about. Thank you
Kpandriole
Review for Member: Jennifer Gurnell
July 3, 2016
Local Knowledge
Process Expertise
Responsiveness
Negotiation skills
ZillowVERIFIED
Jennifer was extremely efficient, knowledgeable, professional, responsive, and a pleasure with which to work, around all aspects of selling our deceased relative's home. She made selling the house one less thing we needed to worry about. Thank you
Fa48023ct
Review for Member: Jennifer Gurnell
September 15, 2015
Local Knowledge
Process Expertise
Responsiveness
Negotiation skills
ZillowVERIFIED
Jennifer was extremely responsive and answered any questions we had.She brought us through the whole process with a high degree of professionalism.She responded quickly to a number of emails and phone calls with great concern and good humor. This was a sale that could have been difficult because we live in another state and we could not always be in Middletown. She was also helpful recommending house inspectors and other professionals we needed to conclude the sale.She made the whole experience enjoyable.
User8323892
Review for Member: Jennifer Gurnell
January 11, 2015
Local Knowledge
Process Expertise
Responsiveness
Negotiation skills
ZillowVERIFIED
The property was priced properly and sold very quickly. The key to a successful transaction was Jennifer's ability to work with us in preparing the house for sale and making sure that we could remove all of our stuff including big furniture. Jennifer coordinated having people come in to remove items and clean for us. Would highly recommend her services!!
JA
Review for Member: Jennifer Gurnell
January 11, 2015
Local Knowledge
Process Expertise
Responsiveness
Negotiation skills
ZillowVERIFIED
The property was priced properly and sold very quickly. The key to a successful transaction was Jennifer's ability to work with us in preparing the house for sale and making sure that we could remove all of our stuff including big furniture. Jennifer coordinated having people come in to remove items and clean for us. Would highly recommend her services!!
321dad
Review for Member: Jennifer Gurnell
September 8, 2011
Local Knowledge
Process Expertise
Responsiveness
Negotiation skills
ZillowVERIFIED
Not sure who else could have put this deal together. Jennifer started and finished this transaction with the positive thinking and creative thinking.. It makes you think differently of realtors after working with someone who is honest and direct. I highly recommend her to handle one of my largest transactions.