Yearly Archives

Ellis Sotheby’s International Realty successfully raised over $6,000 this summer to build a hurricane-resistant house for a Haitian family through its  partnership with New Story, a nonprofit that works to transform dangerous living environments into communities of safe, sustainable homes.

One hundred percent of the funds raised by Ellis Sotheby’s International Realty donors, including associates and agents who contributed donations from their home-sale closings, went toward the building of the new home.

“Every dollar raised went directly to fund the construction of a concrete, sustainable home for a family in Titanyen, Haiti,” said Richard Ellis, owner of Ellis Sotheby’s International Realty. “The homes, each built for $6,000 utilizing local labor and locally sourced construction materials, not only help families but provide jobs and economic stability for the community. We sincerely thank everyone who, through their generous donations, helped us achieve our goal to change a family’s life.”

According to New Story, the majority of Titanyen families live in unsafe, makeshift homes without access to latrines.  Many of these homes are at risk of collapsing and have no space for personal belongings, causing the families living there to be separated from their children for safety concerns. Once funded, the New Story homes are typically built within six months and have three rooms, basic sanitation, a porch and garden.

The Ellis Sotheby’s International Realty team, which also supports arts education in local schools through a partnership with the Edward Hopper House in Nyack, felt compelled to reach beyond the local community to “help Haitian families who lack basic human needs,” Ellis said.

“We applaud the Sotheby’s International Realty brand for identifying this charity,” he said. “It really struck a chord with our entire team, and we thank all of our agents, clients and friends for joining us on this journey.”

New Story, a 501c3 nonprofit based in San Francisco, has funded more than 750 homes in seven communities around the developing world since its start two years ago. Anyone can make a donation to New Story by visiting the www.newstorycharity.org.

Ellis Sotheby’s International Realty today announced that Martina Cinarli has joined the firm as a licensed real estate salesperson.

Cinarli, who brings to her role a background in business and finance, has lived on three continents and worked with a diverse group of clients.  She has been a Rockland County resident for the last 20 years, and is the former director of the Rockland County Board of REALTORS, now the Hudson Gateway Association of REALTORS.

“Martina is a strong negotiator who offers keen insights and experience to her clients,” said Richard Ellis, owner of Ellis Sotheby’s International Realty.  “Her clients appreciate her dedication to serving their needs and wants in the home buying and selling process.”

Cinarli is a licensed New York and New Jersey real estate sales associate who earned her bachelor of science degree in finance and economics. She also is green-certified and relocation specialist certified for domestic and transcontinental relocation.

Cinarli is a member of the Suffern Chamber of Commerce, Rockland Business Women’s Network, the National Association of REALTORS®, the Hudson Gateway MLS and the New Jersey MLS.

“My love of architecture, interior design and serving people motivated me to become a licensed real estate salesperson many years ago,” she said.  “I bring to Ellis Sotheby’s International Realty the stellar leadership and finance skills necessary in all phases of selling and buying real estate. We also share the same desire to unite home sellers and buyers, and are committed to providing the best customer service possible.”

Ellis Sotheby’s International Realty today announced that Seta Tunell has joined the firm as a licensed real estate salesperson.

Tunell previously served NBC for 20 years in various roles, most recently as coordinating producer for the award-winning program Dateline NBC. She began her career at French automobile manufacturer, Renault, working in both its New York and Paris headquarters.  She also has worked in the import and export industry with clients in both the United States and Europe, and oversaw the coordination and establishment of a multi-national start up venture in the West Indies.

“Seta brings a strong sense of priority, discipline, patience and tenacity to her real estate career,” said Richard Ellis, owner of Ellis Sotheby’s International Realty. “These qualities- which were developed over years working with top level executives and on air talent in network news- are an advantage to both buyers and sellers in the often stressful world of real estate transactions. Her background and experience as an entrepreneur and business owner, as well as her international work in sales, real estate development and building, are valuable assets to her clients.”

Tunell brings her clientele a diverse, global background. Born in Cairo to Armenian parents, her family moved to Lebanon when she was two years old and then immigrated to the United States.

“I also bring to the table an in-depth knowledge of the local market area, a keen eye for design and an ability to recognize potential and value,” she said.  “I am so proud to be affiliated with the Sotheby’s International Realty brand and the opportunities it affords my clients regardless of their price point.  I am a firm believer that the luxury market is a level of service and not a particular price.”

Tunell is past vice president of the PTA Council in South Orangetown, New York. She also was a member of their Nutritional Subcommittee and served on the Board of Directors of the Children’s Shakespeare Theatre.  She earned the Ecobroker^®, Short Sale Specialist^® and Accredited Buyer’s Representative^® designations from the National Association of REALTORS^®.  She is fluent in English and Armenian.

Ellis Sotheby’s International Realty today announced it will partner with New Story, a non-profit organization that works to transform dangerous living environments into communities of safe, sustainable homes.

The firm will encourage its agent network to participate through donations on closings and provide exposure to New Story through its marketing efforts.

“New Story puts 100 percent of donations toward the creation of safe communities, building homes for $6,000 each and giving them to families in need to impact their lives for generations to come,” said Richard Ellis, owner of Ellis Sotheby’s International Realty. “We are proud to do our part to assist them in their goal of changing lives.”

San Francisco-based New Story, a 501c3 non-profit, has been building safe homes and transforming slums into thriving communities since their start two years ago. In that time they have funded more than 750 homes in seven communities around the developing world.

“New Story has created an innovative and more transparent model than the traditional charitable giving experience,” said Brett Hagler, chief executive officer of New Story. “Every dollar given goes directly to building homes, and every donor receives a digital profile of the exact family they helped support. When the home is completed, they are delivered a move-in video to share in the excitement of this incredible effort. We hire local labor and buy domestic materials to boost the country’s economy, providing jobs and economic stability for the community.”

The Sotheby’s International Realty^® brand in March announced a partnership with New Story, helping the Guillaume family from Haiti with their donation. Anyone can make a donation to New Story by visiting the Ellis Sotheby’s International Realty dedicated donation page.