Type Of Business:
Real estate company
Major Product/SVS:
Real estate services
Hobbies/Sports:
Needlework; Handicrafts
Education Degrees:
Master of Science in Education, Plus 15, Hunter College; Bachelor of Arts in Spanish, Hunter College; Associate Degree in Paralegal Studies, Sacred Heart University, Summa Cum Laude (1984)
Affiliations Awards:
Chair, Greater Fairfield Board of Realtors
Throughout the duration of your career, what was the one highlight that stood out the most?:
The highlight of her career was correctly pricing a particular property in Oronoque Village, in Stratford, Conn., and getting the listing. Oronoque Village represents the gold standard for condominiums targeted to people aged 55 and older, and Ms. Bernstein and several other Realtors were competing for a 2,600-square-foot ranch with two bedrooms and three full baths owned by an interior decorator and antiques dealer. Her competitors priced the property significantly lower than Ms. Bernstein did. She recognized its true value, however, and sold the unit in only 123 days. What Ms. Bernstein appreciated, when her competitors did not, was that the owner had made major renovations to the property using materials he obtained at wholesale prices. The unit featured a modern kitchen with top-of-the-line cabinets, top-of-the line appliances and Carrera marble countertops, a formal dining room with a coffered ceiling, a restructured fireplace, a media room, and a "Park Avenue" look throughout. The selling price was the highest in the complex and remains so to this day.
Number Of Years In Profession:
25
Number Of Years In Current Position:
17
What Does He/She Attribute Success To:
She attribute her success to a combination of factors, including her personal characteristics, experience as a public school teacher, and exceptional communication skills. She loves her work and is passionate about what she does; moreover, she treats clients as a best friend, parent, or loved sibling, depending on what phase of life they are in. Ms. Bernstein explains it this way: "In my mind, I do not sell homes, but allow my clientele to achieve their dreams." The feedback she has gotten from clients throughout her career has expressed appreciation for her good listening and negotiating skills, as well as for being passionate, warm, creative, supportive, conscientious, responsive, effective, reliable, caring, and a good advocate.
Why did you become involved in your profession or industry?:
She became involved in her profession while she was studying for a paralegal degree because she realized that her favorite course was the one that dealt with real estate.
Extended Bio Profile:
As chairperson of the Greater Fairfield Board of Realtors, Ms. Bernstein has led several initiatives to help returning veterans and current military service members in her community. The "Military Support" program has joined a coalition operating under the auspices of the U.S. Department of Defense, and has as its slogan "Honoring the Past, the Present and the Future." The group plans to honor the future by recognizing any senior high school student in Fairfield who is foregoing college or trade school to enlist in any branch of the armed forces. To honor the present, the group envisions a "Military Card" program, possibly in conjunction with the Fairfield Chamber of Commerce. Service members will receive discount cards to local participating stores, and these stores will prominently display the program's emblem in their windows or on the front door. To honor the past, the group is developing a "Local Resource Book," which will consist of a feature on its website and a Facebook application that will direct veterans to appropriate state-run programs. Ms. Bernstein is relying on the Realtor community and the public at large to help connect veterans and high-school seniors to these initiatives, and based on the fact that many individuals have already contributed a great deal of dedication, experience and time, expresses confidence that the programs will be extremely successful.
Position Responsibilities and Duties:
Selling real estate; Contacting future and former clients
Education Certifications:
Realtor; Certified Residential Specialist (CRS); Graduate, Realtor Institute (GRI); Seniors Real Estate Specialist (SRES); Real Estate License, State of Connecticut
Awards/Honors:
Five Star Professional (2011, 2012); Ten-Time Recipient, Customer Service Award, William Raveis Real Estate; Multiple Honoree, Top Producer, William Raveis Real Estate; Two-Time Listee, Top Six Percent of Realtors in Connecticut, Connecticut Magazine