Lisa Douglas

Don’t fall in love with the photos. Pay attention to the property itself — location, taxes, condition, approvals, systems, land and resale considerations. A good purchase is not just about winning the house; it is about understanding what you are buying.

Prepare before you list. The first week matters, and pricing, presentation and property details all need to be right from the start. I believe sellers are better served by understanding the home, the paperwork (especially municipals) and the market before the listing goes live.

Buyers and sellers throughout New York and Connecticut, including first-time buyers, relocation clients, longtime homeowners, estate-related sales and sellers who needed a more private process.

One of the most meaningful transactions I worked on involved a homeowner in her 90s. The process took nearly 18 months because there were family decisions, property issues and a lot of emotion involved. Her sons were concerned about her living alone, while she needed time to decide what was right for her. I stayed involved throughout, helping the family work through septic, CO, bedroom-approval and other property questions without rushing the process. When she was ready, we moved forward with the sale. It reminded me that some transactions are less about speed and more about patience, preparation and helping people make a decision they can feel good about.

Before real estate, I served in the U.S. Navy and later worked as a corporate trainer. Both taught me how to communicate clearly, stay organized and guide people through complicated situations. Real estate brought those skills together in a very practical way — helping people make major decisions with good information, a clear plan and someone steady in their corner.

I am a Military Relocation Professional (MRP®) and a licensed real estate salesperson in both New York and Connecticut. My background in corporate training also plays a big role in how I work with clients — I explain the process clearly, anticipate questions and make sure people understand their options before making a decision. I am also currently completing my Seniors Real Estate Specialist® (SRES®) designation.