Green Team Realty’s Launch 2020 is about to take off!
It’s an annual “start the year off right” tradition for Green Team Sales Associates. And so Green Team Realty’s Launch 2020 is about to take off . Launch is a “friendly little competition” designed to enhance skills that will lead to excellent client service throughout the year. Therefore, even for those not on a winning team, it’s still a win-win situation.
It’s a new kind of competition this year!
This year Geoff Green, President of Green Team Realty, has created a totally new format. There are still two teams in each office (Warwick and Vernon) battling it out for first place. However this year’s Launch requires team members to attend training sessions, one a week, for ten weeks. After each session there will be a ten question quiz. The team in each office with the highest cumulative score will earn a place on the Launch perpetual plaque. In addition, they’ll receive a prize budget to be spent on a team event of their choosing. Of course, we’ll also have a blog post and press release created for our winning teams.
This year’s team captains and names are:
Green Team New York Realty
- Karen Gauvin, EMPIRE!!
- Tiffany Megna, Dream Makers
Karen and Tiffany are first-time team leaders, and both are very enthusiastic about the upcoming competition.
Green Team New Jersey Realty
- Keren Gonen, Gonen’s Greenies
- Cathie Witte, Witte’s Wonders
Keren and Cathie’s team’s had a tight competition during 2019 Launch, but Witte’s Wonders took the prize. We can expect another very close race and great results from these teams.
Five… four… three… two… one
Launch 2020 is taking off, providing Green Team’s Sales Associates with up-to-date knowledge about the industry, marketing, social media, technology tools and training and more. And that is definitely a win-win situation. For our Sales Associates and for their clients.
Green Team Realty’s 2019 Launch Competition Was a Big Success
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Green Team Realty’s Launch is a competition with a purpose. It provides incentives for Sales Associates to learn or improve their use of Green Team’s Customer Relationship Management system (“CRM”). The ultimate goal is providing the best in customer service and appreciation. By inputting and keeping track of the information and activities pertaining to client transactions, agents are better able to refine their client appreciation programs. Further, maintaining relationships with clients past, present and future in today’s challenging real estate market makes everyone a winner. Geoff Green, President of Green Team Realty, promotes the competition at the beginning of each year. He feels that agents who fully know and use the CRM can provide better services to their clients while also getting better control of their businesses and lives. Besides, a little friendly competition and generous prizes ensure some serious participation.
Thanks to the Team Leaders!
Before announcing the winning teams and individuals, Geoff Green first thanked the team captains for volunteering their time and effort. “These ladies went above and beyond to make this a fruitful competition for all of the Sales Associates. Great job to all team captains!” In the Warwick office, Angela Murphy volunteered to once again serve as a Launch team leader. And Kim Lesley stepped up as team leader of the opposing team. At the Vernon office, Cathie Witte took on last year’s team leader and individual winner, Keren Gonen. All four leaders did their best to inspire their teams to become proficient in using the CRM. And, of course, to score the points given for CRM activities.


Angela Murphy Kim Lesley Cathie Witte Keren Gonen
The Winning Teams are:
In Warwick, Kim Lesley’s Rock’n’Rollers put up a valiant fight, but Angela’s Murphy’s Master Minds came out on top. And in Vernon, Cathie’s Witte’s Wonders came in with the most points, despite a great showing by Keren’s Gonen’s Greenies.
This year Geoff awarded cash prizes for each of the top ten Sales Associates on the winning teams. Each sales associate had to have a minimum of 600 points from February 14 to March 31, the length of the Launch competition.
And the Individual Winners from those Winning Teams are:
- Top Sales Associates with the most points: Carol Buchanan (Warwick) and Heidi Hyland (Vernon)
- Top Sales Associates with the second most points: Tom Folino (Warwick) and Cathie Witte (Vernon)
- The 3rd and 4th place Sales Associates: Angela Murphy & Denise Schmidt (Warwick) and Joyce Rogers and Kim Lasalandra (Vernon)
- The 5th and 6th place Sales Associates: Nicole Willner & Lucyann Tinnirello (Warwick) and Ann Nussberger (Vernon)
- The 7th and 8th place Sales Associates: Terry Gavan and Toni Kreusch (Warwick)
- The 9th and 10th place Sales Associates: Nancy Sardo & Karen Gauvin (Warwick
Dean Diltz was not a member of the winning team. However, as the highest point earner in the Warwick office, he was awarded a special prize.
Looking forward to Launch 2020!
Will our team leaders step up for the challenge again? Which team will score the most points? And what incentives will Geoff offer to motivate everyone! Stay tuned for February 14, 2020, when Launch 2020 will blast off!
Green Team’s 2018 Launch Competition was a blast!
Green Team’s Launch Competition is all about inspiring sales agents to get back to basics. It’s about enhancing those skills that lead to the exceptional client service that the Green Team is known for. This annual event, with agents competing individually and on teams, is both fun and energizing and sets the stage for success each year.
The CRM is one of the most important tools an agent can use
The Green Team’s custom-designed CRM (customer relationship management system) is one of the most important tools an agent can use. It provides a way to input and keep all needed information in one place. By keeping track of client information, activities pertaining to transactions and much more, the CRM can be an agent’s best friend. Most of all, it enables agents to refine their client appreciation programs, keep in touch with past, present and future clients, and maintain those relationships.
According to Geoff Green, agents who fully know and use the CRM can provide better service to their clients while getting better control of their businesses and their lives. The Launch Competition offers incentives for agents to really build outstanding client appreciation programs, using CRM as the mechanism.
First Place Winner, Third Place Winner and a Winning Team
For the first time, agents from both offices competed against, well, everyone for the top three places. And it was a “friendly,” albeit tight race, run by some very motivated participants.

Keren Gonen of the Vernon office started 2018 just as she finished 2017… on top. With the highest number of points, Keren won first prize in the individual category, and what a prize it is! Provided by Jeremy Miller of First Home Bank, she received a full conference pass to Inman ConnectNY 2019, along with a three-night hotel stay for the four-day conference. Keren is the first to admit she is highly competitive and motivated. However, there was another reason for her high score.
Last year Keren participated in Launch, competing only with her Vernon colleagues. She did well, coming in third place, then stopped using those basic skills she had learned. And found that stopping was affecting her business! Consequently, she went back to using the CRM. As a result, she says, “All the information is there! Instead of sorting through texts and emails, it’s easy to keep track of everything, including notes.”
Team work…
Furthermore, as captain of one of the Vernon office’s two teams, Keren worked with a group of highly motivated agents. She stressed to everyone the importance of using the system, updating their databases, and maintaining them. When newer agents hadn’t yet grasped how to best utilize their CRM, Keren did training sessions with them. Keren’s team went on to win the Vernon Office team competition and team members received gift certificates to a local florist. Congratulations to Keren Gonen, Heidi Hyland, Joyce Rogers, Cathie Witte, Kimberly Lasalandra, Ted Van Laar, Loida Claudio, Jamie Dalton, Yvette Saldana and Tom Shields. And thanks to Pam Zachowski’s team for their participation in the competition.
Heidi does it again…

Heidi Hyland was definitely a major asset to her team, but her participation and efforts led to another win, as well. She scored third in the individual competition and was presented by Geoff with a $100 gift certificate to her favorite restaurant! Heidi is another highly motivated agent. Last year she came in second place in the Vernon office’s individual competition, and who knows how high she’ll place next year!
Second Place … and another winning team!

From the look of delight on his face, it’s almost as though Dean Diltz of the Warwick office had strategized to come in second so that he could win this great 43” LCD TV. However, we know that’s not really the case. Right, Dean? And while he admits to using the CRM intermittently, during Launch his priority was to take stock of how it worked and update his records with the help of CSA Ali Yurchuck.
One of the things that kept Dean motivated during the competition was being fully vested in helping his team. Angela Murphy led Murphy’s Master Minds by being an upbeat motivator. She kept on top of the team members, organizing social gatherings so they would bond. And when agents needed help learning how to input data, there were CRM training sessions. As winners of the team competition in Warwick, Murphy’s Master Minds received gift certificates to a local car wash. Congratulations to team members Angela Murphy, Dean Diltz, Terry Gavan, Nancy Sardo, Tom Folino, Toni Kreusch, Pip Klein, Linda VanDeWeert, Jim Moser, June Cosgrove-Hays, Walter Ross and Jane Reilly. And thanks to Jacque Kraszewski and her team for their efforts and participation!
The bar is set high for next year
Each year there is an increased commitment to Launch as shown by the numbers. Winning scores have doubled since last year, and scores indicate that many agents have a better understanding of the CRM. In addition, prizes offered this year provided an added incentive. Most of all, no one loses when they participate in the annual Launch. Each agent finishes the competition with a better understanding of the CRM and the Customer Appreciation Program so they can better serve their clients… It’s a win-win for everyone!
We Are Go For Launch

Green Team 2018 Launch
It’s Launch Time – that “friendly” little competition that inspires Green Team Sales Associates to start the new year off right by building on and enhancing the skills that will lead them to deliver excellent client service throughout the year.
Focused around essential daily activities that utilize the Green Team’s custom-designed CRM (customer relationship management) system, sales associates compete both on individual levels and as part of teams. The CRM features a unique gamification component that tracks competition activity and enables everyone to see real-time competition stats throughout the entire contest, giving associates that little “push” they might need.
The Launch Competition has been going on how for just over a month and it is something Green Team Associates take very seriously. Yes, they are having fun. Yes, they are enjoying strategizing. And yes, they definitely enjoy winning. But they also enjoy the possibility of winning some amazing gifts. Prizes are awarded to the top three individual sales associates and the top team!, and this year the prizes are HUGE!!
The agent with the highest overall points at the end of our Launch Competition will receive a full conference pass to Inman Connect NY 2019 and 3-night hotel stay in New York. This exceptional prize is being provided by Jeremy Miller of First Home Bank.
Additional prizes are awarded to individuals that achieve second and third place as well as the team with the highest overall points.
Green Team Agents News and Awards
[frontpage_news widget=”6589″ name=”Real Estate Agent Awards & News”]
Launch 2017 Winners – Green Team New Jersey Realty
VERNON -(May 19, 2017) It was two months of “friendly” competition that inspired the Sales Associates of Green Team New Jersey Realty to get back to basics.
Throughout February and March, a variety of fun events helped motivate teams to work hard and focus on their skills. In the end The Grinders, with Charles Nagy coming in first overall, along with Heidi Hyland and Stacey Springer, took home the prizes (gift certificates to local stores).
As Broker Manager Kim Lasalandra explained, “Our Annual ‘Launch Competition’ is part of the Green Team’s continual efforts to motivate, educate and provide a fun working environment for our Sales Associates, which leads to outstanding customer service.”
Learn More about these agents and the entire Green Team New Jersey Realty team – Click Here
Rooted in Warwick, Ready to Lead: Welcoming Matt Green to the BHGRE Green Team

We’re thrilled to welcome Matt Green as the newest Sales Associate at Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Green Team! With deep roots in Warwick and a lifetime immersed in the real estate world, Matt brings a rare blend of financial expertise, construction know-how, and community connection to our team.
A Legacy Built on Real Estate
Matt’s journey began in the family business—his parents were successful real estate entrepreneurs in the 1980s, and the Green name has been synonymous with property excellence ever since. Growing up surrounded by deals, developments, and the pulse of the local market, Matt absorbed the fundamentals of real estate from an early age.
After earning his finance degree from Pace University, Matt launched his career in Manhattan as a financial analyst. But his entrepreneurial spirit soon led him to build and run a thriving landscaping and construction business, where he managed everything from sales to operations. With over 30 years of hands-on experience in construction and excavation, Matt understands homes from the ground up—literally.
From Investor to Property Manager
Matt’s personal real estate journey includes owning and managing both a single-family home and a multi-family investment property. His experience managing a four-unit building sparked a deeper passion for property management, prompting him to officially join forces with his brother Geoff Green, owner of The Green Team. Now licensed and ready to serve, Matt is diving into sales and management with the same energy and precision that have defined his career.
Warwick Roots, Community Heart
Born and raised in Warwick, Matt is a proud father of four—two Warwick graduates and two still in school. His love for the outdoors shines through in his hobbies: sports, hunting, fishing, hiking, and camping. He’s not just a local expert; he’s a neighbor, a parent, and a passionate advocate for the community he’s always called home.
Why Matt’s a Perfect Fit
Matt’s arrival strengthens our commitment to combining professional excellence with personal connection. His decades of experience, financial acumen, and deep Warwick ties make him an invaluable resource for clients looking to buy, sell, or manage property with confidence.
📍 Ready to connect with Matt? Reach out today and start your journey toward your dream home.
Getting Your Real Estate License
Getting Your Real Estate License: An Exciting Career Move
Getting your real estate license is an exciting milestone that can kickstart a rewarding and flexible career. With a real estate license, you’ll gain the credentials needed to help clients buy, sell, or invest in properties while building a business that aligns with your goals.
The process of getting your real estate license involves learning the ins and outs of the industry, passing your licensing exam, and launching into a career full of opportunities. Whether you're interested in residential real estate, commercial properties, or investment ventures, having your real estate license is the key to unlocking success in this thriving field.
If you’re ready to take the first step toward financial independence and a fulfilling profession, start your journey to getting your real estate license today!
Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Green Team also offers an extensive Mentorship Program. Take a look at it here.
Step One: Taking a Course
The first step to getting your real estate license is enrolling in a state-approved real estate course. This pre-licensing course provides the essential knowledge and skills you'll need to succeed in the real estate industry. Topics typically include real estate law, property management, ethics, and contracts, all of which are crucial for your future career.
Most states require a specific number of classroom or online hours to qualify for the licensing exam, so be sure to choose a program that meets your state's requirements. Online courses are a flexible option for those balancing work or personal commitments, while in-person classes offer valuable interaction with instructors and peers.
Completing a real estate course is your first big step toward becoming a licensed agent—and your gateway to an exciting new career.
New York Licensing Courses
New Jersey Licensing Courses
Step Two: Pass the Course Final Exam
After you complete all course materials, meet the minimum time requirement, and pass the practice exam, there is a course final exam. To pass, you must get at least a 75% on the course final exam.
Step Three: Pass the State Licensing Exam
New York
You will have 1.5 hours to complete this multiple choice exam based on the 77 hour Pre-Licensing curriculum. More information can be found here.
New Jersey State Licensing Examination
The New Jersey salesperson real estate licensing exam is administered by PSI, and you can schedule the exam right from their website. Here are a few pieces of info to help you prepare:
The test consists of 110 questions.
There are two portions, covering both state and national requirements.
You’ll need to get 70% of the questions right in order to pass.
You will have four hours to complete the exam.
See the PSI candidate handbook for more information on the test.
Step Four: Submit Your Fingerprints for a Background Check (NJ ONLY)
As a condition of getting your New Jersey Real Estate license, you must submit to a criminal history background review by completing the fingerprinting process known as Live Scan. For more information about the process, click here.
Step Five: Select a Sponsoring Broker
To be licensed, you need to be sponsored by a current and active New York state broker. It's important to find the right broker to work with, since this person will serve as your mentor as you start your new career in real estate.
Here are some questions to consider during your search:
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- What is their reputation, both locally and nationally?
- What kind of real estate agents are they looking for?
- Are they technologically advanced and up-to-date with the latest systems?
- How do they support their agents with education and training?
- What kind of commission structure do they offer?
- Do they provide their agents with leads and marketing material?
- Is there room to grow with the brokerage?
Step Six: Complete the Real Estate Salesperson License Application.
New York:
Once you pass the New York Real Estate License exam, complete all licensing requirements and find a sponsoring broker, complete your application utilizing eAccessNY account.
New Jersey:
You must submit your application within a year of completing your 75 required hours of education. Your application will only be accepted if it is fully completed, along with the appropriate license fee and evidence of completing the fingerprinting process. For more information click here.
Take a look below at the State and Local fees associated with getting your real estate license.
NY and NJ Reciprocity
Once obtaining either your NY or NJ license, there are additional steps to obtaining your out of state license. We can help guide you along the way. Contact us for more information.
Contact us
Mentorship Program
Our approach
We pride ourselves in a successful program that delivers results.
Mentors
Our mentors are some of the best in the industry with an in-depth portfolio.
Foundation
Our mentors will show you how to develop a solid foundation that will help grow your business.
Results
Agents who completed the Mentorship Program have higher success rates.
About the Mentorship Program
Embarking on a career in real estate can be an exciting yet daunting journey. As a new agent, you may find yourself overwhelmed by the multitude of tasks and responsibilities that lie ahead. To help you navigate this intricate landscape, Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Green Team has developed an exceptional mentorship program. This program pairs budding agents with seasoned professionals who provide invaluable guidance and support. Learn how this mentorship program sets the stage for success and propels new agents toward achieving their goals.
Training from an Expert Real Estate Professional
Learn all of the aspects of the business that you do not learn in your licensing course:
- Execute a Listing Presentation
- Invitation to an Inspection and Appraisal
- How to handle Inspection Concerns
- Effectively Present Properties to Buyers
- Write a Purchase Offer
- Enter a Listing into the MLS
- How to Prepare a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA)
- Negotiate
- Handle Challenging Situations
- Drive more Business
- & so much more!
Your mentor will cover every aspect there is to know in the real estate business.
Take a look at some of our current and past enrollees.
BUILDING STRONG FOUNDATIONS:
The mentorship program at Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Green Team is designed to alleviate the pressures faced by new agents and equip them with the tools they need to thrive. By partnering with experienced real estate professionals, mentees gain access to a wealth of knowledge and expertise. Mentors serve as reliable guides, offering valuable insights and helping mentees navigate any challenges that arise. Together, the mentor and mentee forge a strong foundation upon which the mentee can build a successful career.
"Having Tammy Scotto as my mentor was the best decision I ever made entering into the world of real estate. Her knowledge, patience, and hard work was shown to me on a daily basis. I would not have been able to learn as much as I did so quickly without her guidance.I call her "my gift to real estate". I was able to call her daily and have probably asked her 100+ questions where she was always willing to help. I can not recommend her enough to new mentees. She is FABULOUS all around."
-Cara Dumond (Mentee)
HANDS-ON LEARNING
One of the program's key strengths lies in its emphasis on hands-on learning. New agents are given the opportunity to accompany their mentors on various real estate activities, including uptime shifts, buyer showings, listing presentations, home inspections, and marketing events. This practical experience provides mentees with a deep understanding of the intricacies involved in real estate transactions. Mentors share their expertise, teaching mentees how to create compelling listing presentations, submit offers and contracts, and navigate the MLS system, among other essential skills. By immersing themselves in these real-world scenarios, mentees gain confidence and develop the competence needed to excel in their careers.
“My thoughts on the mentor program. As I hit the two year mark as a Realtor, I am 100% certain that I would not have the success that I have had without Carol Buchanan or the Mentor Program. I came into the Green Team in the midst of the pandemic. There was very little one-on-one contact. The Mentor Program changed that. I have a very extensive sales background, many things came to me second nature. However, the Mentor Program and Carol closed the loop for me on the intricacies of the real estate profession. When too step back, when to be aggressive, etc, all while navigating a truly unique and volatile market. The investment I made in the Mentor Program was the very best option for me.”
-Kathy Moran (Mentee)
PERSONAL GROWTH AND MUTUAL LEARNING:
The mentorship program fosters a mutually beneficial environment, where both mentors and mentees experience personal and professional growth. Mentors find immense satisfaction in utilizing their knowledge and experiences to guide and support new agents. Through mentoring, they gain fresh perspectives and learn from the unique challenges faced by their mentees. Julie Pip Klein, a mentor with Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Green Team, beautifully encapsulates this sentiment:
“The one thing about real estate that makes it so interesting — every transaction Is full of potential growth… The Mentee is learning the business from the ground up and I am adding to my own knowledge base and have the satisfaction of helping someone and being their personal cheerleader!
UNLOCKING SUCCESS STORIES
Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Green Team's mentorship program is renowned for its numerous success stories. By offering new agents the opportunity to learn from seasoned professionals, the program sets them up for triumph. Mentees receive personalized guidance, learn industry best practices, and develop critical skills that enable them to thrive in a highly competitive market. With the support of their mentors, mentees can confidently pursue their goals, secure listings, close deals, and build a flourishing real estate business.
"In 2015, I joined the Green Team as a brand new agent. I had only 2 transactions under my belt and both were deals for family members. I was very familiar with business and real estate in general, but I was an amateur when it came to selling and working with buyers and sellers. Upon joining the Green Team, I immediately enrolled in the Mentorship Program and my mentor, Tammy Scotto, was friendly, extremely supportive and always willing to help. She was like my own personal cheerleader.
There was not a single moment that I felt helpless or on my own. I could call Tammy with the simplest question and she was always there to guide me. Tammy was sincerely happy for me with each success along the way. She started as a supportive peer and a professional role model, but 7 years later I consider Tammy one of my closest and dearest friends."
-Vikki Garby
Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Green Team's mentorship program represents a remarkable opportunity for new agents to receive unparalleled support and guidance in their real estate careers. The program's emphasis on hands-on learning, mutual growth, and personalized mentoring ensures that mentees are well-equipped to face the challenges of the industry head-on. Aspiring agents who join this program are empowered to grow, succeed, and create their own success stories. With Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Green Team's mentorship program, your journey towards a successful real estate career begins on the right path.
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Read more about Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Green Team's Mentorship Program and success stories.....
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If you're interested in our Mentorship Program, please fill out the contact form below.
Honoring our Local Heroes
The Initiative
The Warwick Valley Rotary Club launched a new fundraiser this year to place banners throughout the streets of Warwick in honor of our local, or locally connected, veterans. This endeavor is an amazing way to not only fundraise for the Warwick Valley Rotary Club, who donates to many local non-profit organizations, but also to pay tribute to our heroes. A few weeks into the launch of the initiative, Green Team Realty became aware that only one veteran from the VFW had been sponsored. Knowing the sacrifices these men and women have made for our country, Green Team Realty started a campaign to sponsor Veterans of VFW Post 4662.
Honoring Our Local Heroes
When real estate professionals received the news, an outpour of support came to honor our local heroes!
“I would love to purchase a banner. These Vets deserve everything and anything!! ” wrote Michelle Spina.
Within a few days, without knowing who many of them were,16 local members of the VFW and American Legion were sponsored by Green Team Realty agents; many others sponsoring friends and family who had served. In total, 20 banners were purchased raising $4000 for the Warwick Valley Rotary Club.
Many veterans live with complications from when they served our country; this recognition as small as it may seem, though well-deserved and often forgotten, means so much to them and often adds a little pep in their step. When the Warwick VFW Post 4662 received the news, they were overjoyed. As phone calls were made to honorees, gathering their military information and pictures, joy was abundant; some even shedding tears of happiness to be recognized for the sacrifices they have made.
It is the actions like this that make a town, a community you are proud to call home. Thank you to our military servicemen and women for all that you have done and continue to do.
“The greatness of a community is most accurately measured by the compassionate actions of its members.” – Coretta Scott King
Thank you to our agents who supported this initiative!




