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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.

Ellis Sotheby’s International Realty today announced that top Rockland County agent Amy (Musinger) Samett has joined the firm as a licensed real estate salesperson.

A 40-year Rockland County resident, Samett was in the top 3 percent of the county’s real estate agents last year.

“Amy’s success as a real estate agent is grounded in her knowledge of the Rockland County market, her stellar negotiating skills and her reputation as a highly trusted partner,” said Richard Ellis, owner of Ellis Sotheby’s International Realty. “She understands her clients’ needs and works hard to exceed their expectations. Her many years as a property manager has enhanced her expertise in the local market.”

Samett grew up in Blauvelt, raised her family in New City and now resides in Nyack. She earned her bachelor’s degree in accounting at The State University of New York at Binghamton and her Master of Business Administration degree from New York University with a dual major in finance and taxation.

“I have combined my business experience, analytical skills and love of beautiful homes to help my clients achieve their goals, whether they are buying or selling,” she said. “I am proud to join forces with Ellis Sotheby’s International Realty and the renowned Sotheby’s International Realty brand to bring my clients a broad global reach.”

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

Vargas previously served as a licensed real estate salesperson since 2006 in Piermont, New York. A 20-year Rockland County resident, she is fluent in Spanish and worked in health-care management for two decades earlier in her career.

“Naomi has strong connections in the Piermont market and strives to exceed her customers’ expectations at every step of the process,” said Richard Ellis, owner of Ellis Sotheby’s International Realty. “She is an active member of the community and takes the time to understand her clients’ needs and customize her service for them.”

Vargas said her focus on lifestyle differentiates her from other agents and makes her an ideal match for Ellis Sotheby’s International Realty. “I don’t simply sell real estate; I tailor my service for each individual client and ultimately sell an extraordinary lifestyle,” she said. “I look forward to being able to offer my clients all the advantages my association with Ellis Sotheby’s International Realty brings.”

Ellis Sotheby’s International Realty today announced the launch of its newly enhanced responsive website, ellissothebysrealty.com, designed to enable consumers to more easily search for the Hudson Valley’s finest properties whether they use a smartphone, tablet, desktop or laptop computer.

In addition to the mobile device formatting, users will notice faster page loading. The website also features an International page with connections to the brand’s global network of affiliates, a Resources page with local information, a Sold Listings section that highlights the firm’s significant sales and the firm’s blog, Hudson Valley Views.

“These are exciting enhancements that mean a consistent, positive experience for our clients, whether we first meet them online via their smartphones or they walk into our office,” said Richard Ellis, owner of Ellis Sotheby’s International Realty. “We recognize that consumers want to be able to look for property when it is most convenient for them, and they expect to receive the same level of quality information, regardless of how they choose to search.”

617 North Broadway Upper Nyack, New York

Ellis Sotheby’s International Realty today announced that it achieved record sales in 2016 and sold more luxury, single-family homes in New York’s Rockland and Orange counties and nine Hudson River towns than its competitors.

Home sales recorded by the Hudson Gateway Association of Realtors’ multiple-listing service, combined with non-MLS transactions, show the Nyack-based firm sold 28.01 percent of single-family homes valued at more than $1 million and 45.50 percent of homes valued above $2 million in Rockland and Orange counties.

In the river towns of Grandview, Palisades, Piermont, Nyack, South Nyack, Upper Grandview and Upper Nyack, Ellis sold 56.58 percent of homes valued at over $1 million and 91.45 percent above $2 million. In Clarkstown and Orangetown, Ellis sold 49.09 percent of single-family homes over $1 million and 91.82 percent over $2 million.

“Today both sellers and buyers need the professional advice of realtors who know the marketplace well and have the ability to market properties successfully,” said Richard Ellis, owner of Ellis Sotheby’s International Realty. “We do this with the support of an iconic, global brand.”

He said he is proud that Ellis Sotheby’s International Realty has 30 percent of the top 10 salespersons for single-family homes sold for over $1 million in Rockland County and 40 percent of the top 10 salespersons for homes a sold across all price ranges in the river towns.

Ellis Sotheby’s International Realty also achieved the highest average sales price for single-family homes in Rockland County − $970,083. The firm also commanded the highest average sales price in Orangetown and Clarkstown − $1,140,021 − and in the river towns − $1,254,230. The firm commands the top position in market share for the river towns, with 25.81 percent of single-family home sales.

“These statistics demonstrate why we are in a unique position to provide confident recommendations to our clients, whether they are buying or selling,” said Ellis.  “From experience, we know how to manage our clients’ expectations, which makes the process much easier for them.”

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

Rohr has 18 years of experience in construction, design and property management. In 2014, she started her own design, staging and professional organization business.

A Goshen resident for 17 years, Rohr has extensive knowledge of New York’s Orange and Rockland counties and Manhattan, where she helped several clients design and organize their homes.

“Maribel’s enthusiasm helping people design and stage their homes, along with her overall expertise in the real estate business, led to the next natural progression in her career: obtaining her real estate license,” said Richard Ellis, owner of Ellis Sotheby’s International Realty. “She is an active member of the community, and has experience in international business. We are so proud to welcome her to our team.”

Rohr cites the firm’s global reach and marketing expertise as key reasons for joining. “I look forward to building my business with the full support of Ellis Sotheby’s International Realty,” said Rohr. “This is a great opportunity to help my clients find their dream homes.”

As we prepare to celebrate the holidays and welcome a new year, we wanted to send our very best wishes to all our past & present clients, family & friends and all the various professionals we do ongoing business with the best holiday season yet!

–Richard Ellis and the Ellis Sotheby’s International Realty team

Ellis Sotheby’s International Realty today announced that Nancy Swaab, associate real estate broker, has earned the prestigious Seller Representative Specialist designation awarded by the Real Estate Business Institute.

The designation, introduced in 2006, “elevates professional standards, enhances individual performance and recognizes real estate professionals who demonstrate the knowledge and skills essential in professionally and ethically representing sellers,” the institute said.

The National Association of REALTORS^® recognizes current SRS designees for adhering to the REALTOR Code of Ethics, the highest ethical standards in the industry.

Swaab, a resident of Piermont Landing along the Hudson River, began her real estate career in 1978. She holds associate broker licenses in New York and New Jersey.

She previously was involved in the marketing and sale of several celebrity homes in Alpine, New Jersey. Since moving to Piermont Landing, she has been involved in the Piermont Community Garden as well as the Piermont Civic Association. She specializes in Hudson River waterfront properties.

“I am proud of Nan and her continued pursuit of excellence,” said Richard Ellis, owner of Ellis Sotheby’s International Realty. “The Seller Representative Specialist designation is the essential credential for seller representation and reflects her commitment to the high level of service she provides her clients.”