Haunted Homes: Spyce Hogan’s Story

by Nicole McCormick

Spyce Hogan is a member of our Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate family all the way from Berkeley California.

Spyce is part of Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Reliance Partners and was kind enough to write about one of her ghostly experiences for us to share.

The first time I ever remember feeling spirit energy in a house was when I was 6 years old. We lived across the street from an abandoned property and I’d sneak into the house whenever I could and rummage around, imagining the people that lived there when it wasn’t a shell of a loved home. I know now that I was truly getting an actual sense of the original occupants, but until I learned to accept what was coming to me as info, I thought it was just my imagination.

Fast forward many years, and while Daisy Rock was not my first house purchase, it was about to be my best yet. I had been a realtor and investor for a while now, but this was something special. From the moment I saw the picture on the MLS of a window with thesunlight pouring in, I could feel the energy of those who had looked out that window before. I immediately went to the property for a visit and the moment I went in, felt the strong love of a man and a woman. I knew I had to know more.

Luckily there was more, as Harry Chepriss, the man who built the house with his wife Daisy, had been something of a local celebrity in Asheville NC, and during his lifetime has been featured in quite a few local publications, including an Oral History of Asheville transposed in the late 70’s for the local university. So once I started to dig into it, I was able to find the whole story.

It turned out that my intuition was right and Harry and Daisy were deeply in love, despite a large age gap and incompatible backgrounds. So together they built their home on the side of Old Haywood road, and created their sanctuary from the everyday world, and a place to live and love as they pleased. Their care for the property was apparent in the home’s rockwork, spiraling gardens, flowering trees, and Greek inscriptions laced about the property.

This fairyland feel is what drew my husband and I to this place, along with the love that emanated from it’s every stone, and we knew we had to have it. Two other groups had been there in between Harry & Daisy, but their energy was still so strong in that place that they loved, and we felt them cheating us on through every aspect of the purchase. We all know how real estate transactions are almost never totally smooth, but we were lucky enough to become its stewards, and immediately set to work revitalizing the property back to its former glory.

We remodeled the home using all natural products, and worked to create a comfortable space, with all the modern amenities needed, while still paying homage to the old world charm inherent in the property.

The custom designed beach themed kitchen gives a nod to Harry’s Mediterranean lineage, as well as our own love of the ocean. Blues and beach pebble co-mingle with wave-like lighting fixtures and handles, and sandy colored cabinetry. The other rooms were painted to create a relaxing and inspired feel in the Southwest lounge, the Purple Passion Suite, the Zen Grass Den, and that’s just the inside!

Outside there are so many mature trees and flowering plants, a stone BBQ that Harry & Daisy built with their bare hands, and a well that still had water in it all these years later. This was important to Harry as he liked to welcome people to his property, and offer them water. So on the well, and all over the property you can find his name carved into the stone, as well as his place of birth in Greece. The place he loved but never really got to return to.

So even though Daisy Rock Cottage (as we aptly named her) has always been a place of love that everyone feels, it can also be a place of longing, and a wistful feeling of home. That’s why we loved the years that it was an Airbnb, as we know Harry loved people, community, and travelers. He was a social person, and he struggled with being an immigrant and being separated from family. We loved providing him with travelers and families to visit with.

Some people are afraid to hear that perhaps someone died in the house they might buy but for me, I’ve had a wonderful time connecting with these loving entities. And because we cared enough to pay homage to them, and thank them for building this sweet space, we’ve been able to create beauty and magic for many.

Of course not every house and the spirits residing there are that easy to fall in love with, and I’ve had to remove dark energies from houses as well. But that’s a story for another time! This Halloween I’m sharing a spooky love story and giving thanks and acknowledgment to my friends, Harry & Daisy!

A house is a living thing. It holds the energy of the many people that have lived in it over the years. People who have lived, loved, laughed, cried and died in the home. A home is a very special thing. Everyone wants one and most of us do our best to get one in the course of this life. As real estate agents, our life’s mission is to help people in this realm and make the home buying and selling process delightful and stress free.

Not everyone that I work with needs to see or feel the energies in a house, or even believe in it! But for those that do, I can provide a certain extra something to help my clients manifest their dreams like I did!

If you enjoyed Spyce’s story as much as we did consider checking out Barbara Tesa, Krissy Many, Barbara Matchett, and Sandra Medina’s stories.

Haunted Homes: Sandra Medina’s Story

by Nicole McCormick

Sandra Medina ain’t scared of no ghost!

When Sandra moved into her 1849 home she was not anticipating that the home’s former occupants would make themselves known. Throughout the years she lived there, there were multiple instances when she noticed a ghost’s presence.

One night, after a long day, Sandra was looking forward to a peaceful night of rest; She crawled into bed, laid down, and closed her eyes. Before drifting into sleep, the hairs stood on her neck as she felt a presence right behind her. Sandra froze waiting for the spirit to move along, her breath deepened. As she lay in angst, with her back to an empty side of the bed, she felt her mattress sink. It was exactly like someone was climbing into bed to lie next to her. A chill ran down her spine, she lay frozen. Was someone in her home? Sandra mustered up the courage to look behind her. She slowly turned her head glancing over her shoulder to find she was alone.

That was the last time Sandra experienced a spirit get that close to her but other spiritual activity continued. It became a common occurrence that Sandra would wake in the night and feel a presence standing over her as she slept. After many nights of these ghostly visits, Sandra noticed a pattern. This spirit would only come and watch her sleep if she left her bedroom door open. Additionally, on nights her door was left open Sandra would sometimes see a figure pop its head in from the hallway. Almost like it was playing peek-a-boo with her before bed. Unbeknown to Sandra she wasn’t the only one experiencing these nightly games. Her daughter was getting nightly visits from a shadowy figure as well. Neither of them felt afraid of the spirit and didn’t want to scare the other so they kept it to themselves.

Sandra and her daughter kept quiet about their experiences until one day when Sandra spent the morning cleaning out a spare room and placed an old music box in the hallway. This hallway is where she and her daughter always saw the apparition playing “peek-a-boo”. Sandra got distracted and had completely forgotten about the music box. Sandra and her daughter were saying their goodnights in the hallway before going to bed when suddenly they heard music playing. They stood frozen and turned their heads at the music box that still sat exactly where Sandra had left it that morning. They had long suspected that there was a ghost in the hallway and this confirmed it.

Years after Sandra had moved from that home she ran into the new owner’s son. After talking for a bit about the house itself Sandra decided to ask if they had noticed anything spooky. Right away without Sandra sharing any of her experiences he told her, “Yes, in the hallway”.

Thankfully not every spirit is negative. Some of them just want to be seen and experience some of the fun they had in life. If you want to read more creepy experiences from our agents take a look at Krissy Many, Barbara Tesa, and Barbara Matchett’s stories.

Agency News and Awards • October 28, 2022

Agent Spotlight on Krissy Many

by Nicole McCormick

“Whatever you are, be a good one.” – Abraham Lincoln

This is a quote that reminds Krissy Many to strive to be her best every day.

A top-tier Agent

Krissy became a realtor in 2015 and since then has created a very successful career for herself.

Out of all the agents we have at Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Green Team Krissy has been in the top 10 for the last 3 years and counting. She is very proud to have ranked 2nd in 2022’s 3rd quarter sales volume. Additionally, she has accumulated over 85 Five Star reviews on her website. This is the most that any agent in her brokerage has ever received before.

An Expert in the Business

Krissy’s BS in Economics and Masters in International Business and Marketing gives her an extra level of expertise to bring to her clients. Furthermore, while in real estate she has gone above and beyond to acquire knowledge to better assist her clients. Going on to become a Graduate of Dr. Karrass’s Effective Negotiations, Associate Broker, Pricing Strategy Advisor (PSA), and a Military Relocation Professional (MRP). As well as receive her Commercial & Investment Real Estate Certification.

Krissy holds a lot of respect for Veterans as they have given so much for our country. The desire to be able to better serve Military and Veteran clientele is what inspired her to obtain her MRP. To ensure she could give them the possible representation when buying or selling real estate.

Pride in Her Work

As a Real Estate Consultant, Krissy’s main focus is to help her clients achieve their real estate goals. She provides expert coaching and teamwork and places heavy importance on communication and results. Krissy continues to be a trusted source of referrals and information for her clients long after the deal is closed.

Krissy enjoys working with many different types of clients and the challenges and problem-solving that accompany this career. The joy that comes with seeing her clients achieve their goals is unmatched.

A New Experience

Recently Krissy was presented with a new challenge, assisting an overseas buyer with their purchase and relocation to the Hudson Valley.

When asked about this experience Krissy told us:

“Due to the time difference; we mostly communicated via text & email with a few calls when we could manage it. The buyer viewed homes via video and purchased site unseen. We closed, she moved in and loves the home! But I still have no idea what she looks like.”

If Krissy can successfully take on a deal like that she can take on anything!

Agency News and Awards • Community Support • Events • October 27, 2022

Furever Homes for Pets

by Nicole McCormick

Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Green Team loves helping people find their perfect home. This time we wanted to help pets find their Furever homes as well.

Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Green Team decided to host Furever Homes for Pets, a fundraiser for the Warwick Valley Humane Society. Our goal was to help get these loving animals seen and hopefully find their forever families. In addition, we aspired to raise funds and collect supplies for the shelter.

: Adoptable Kitten

After much anticipation, the day finally came and the weather couldn’t have been more beautiful. We had so many people come out to join us and show their support! Adults and children alike were able to enjoy balloons, pictures, face painting, and goody bags for their pets. Maddie Schloika and her pup, Sven, from Warwick Wags were the star performers showing off Sven’s amazing tricks. Of course, the adorable animals from the Warwick Valley Humane Society stole the hearts of everyone there; some of which received applications for adoption! Many people who came out for the fundraiser were also kind enough to donate blankets, food, and other necessities. In addition to these donations, Furever Homes for Pets was able to raise a total of $1,530 for The Warwick Valley Humane Society.

: Facepainting

: Volunteers from the Warwick Valley High School

: Picture Time

: Furever Homes

: More Face Painting

: Carol & Brian

: An Adopted Pet and his Family

: Furever Homes

: Sven & Maddie

: Maddie & Sven

: Sully and his Humans

: Sully

Looking Sharp!

Every pet looked fabulous as they posed for portraits in front of a beautifully crafted faux house, made by Valentine Home Builders. The “house” was decorated with branded pumpkins and other stylish fall decor. The portraits were taken by Cesar Done from Home Tour Vision who donated his time and skills for this amazing cause.

We had over 40 adorable pets have their portraits taken and enter our pet portrait contest. People were able to vote on our Facebook page, @bhgregreenteam, for which pet they felt was the cutest. It was amazing to see the number of people interacting and helping choose our winners. The winners would receive a gift basket for their furry, or feathery, friend. These gift baskets were generously donated by Northern Bear Pet Food & Supplies, Coat Tails Pet Grooming, Track 7 Postal Center, and Ellen’s K9 Dog Grooming.

After one week of voting and anticipation, it was the moment everyone had been waiting for, time to announce the winners!

First Place and recipient of a Pet Basket from Northern Bear Pet and Supplies and a Gift Certificate for Dog Grooming from Ellen’s K9 Grooming was the very handsome pup, Monty! Our very adorable second-place winner Sully took home a Pet Grooming Gift Certificate from Coat Tails Pet Grooming. Last but certainly not least was our Third Place Winner, a fine feline friend, Freddie took home a 9×9 Canvas Portrait Print donated by Track 7 Postal Center!

: Monty

: Sully

: Freddie

BHGRE Green Team loved being able to host such a rewarding fundraiser. It’s always important to us to interact with and support our local community. We would also like to thank all of our sponsors for helping us make this day possible. Furthermore, a big thank you to our amazing team members and awesome high school volunteers, Ryan McCormick, Melina Garby, Carrington Mask, and Keegan Armistead who came out to help this day run as smoothly as possible!

Agency News and Awards • Haunted Homes- Tales from a Realtor • October 27, 2022

Haunted Homes: Barbara Matchett’s Story

by Nicole McCormick

Barbara Matchett always loves a good ghost story.

Today she shares a chilling experience she had in August of this year.

When Barbara’s son and his wife were ready to buy their home, who better to help them accomplish this than Barbara? After seeing the listing for a home with lots of potential right in Wantage New Jersey, of course they had to see it.

Barbara arrived early and decided to wait outside for her son and daughter-in-law before entering the home. While she was standing there alone, chills began to creep up her arms and she could feel a grim energy oozing from this house. She has shown many houses throughout her real estate career but has never felt something like this before.

It was a relief to Barbara when she saw her son and his wife pull up in front of the house. She was conflicted about whether or not she wanted to share this feeling with them. Barbara didn’t want to discourage them from this home if it was only her mind playing tricks on her.

As they got out of their car and walked towards her, she ultimately decided it was best to say something. Barbara opened her mouth to tell them about the eerie feeling she had but her son spoke before she could.

“What’s up with this house?” He asked her “There’s a really weird feeling here that’s making me uneasy.” Barbara was shocked and a little relieved that he was feeling the same energy as she was.

Despite how creeped out they were by the home they decided to tour it anyway. They had already made the trip and didn’t want to waste it.

As soon as they entered the home the feeling of dread got worse. Barbara could feel the air inside the home was heavy and full of sadness and despair. There was no doubt in her mind that, at some point, something horrible had happened in this house. At the time of their viewing, the house was completely vacant. Barbara couldn’t help but wonder if the previous owners left because of the same feelings they were experiencing now.

The haunting feeling of this house made the three of them wrap up the showing rather quickly. It wasn’t a surprise to Barbara when her son and his wife decided that this was definitely not the home for them.

People say homes can hold onto energy long after their previous occupants have moved on. Could this have been what Barbara and her family experienced on that day? If you want to read more creepy experiences from our agents take a look at Krissy Many and Barbara Tesa’s stories.

Agency News and Awards • Haunted Homes- Tales from a Realtor • October 22, 2022

Haunted Homes: Krissy Many’s Story

by Nicole McCormick

Krissy Many’s Chilling Experience

Krissy Many is often asked if she has ever experienced a haunted house throughout her many years of real estate.

While Krissy believes that houses have feelings and different energies, there have been some that stand out more than others. On occasion, she has visited homes that felt so heavy she couldn’t wait for an excuse to leave; One of these experiences she shares today.

A few years ago Krissy got a request to show a new property to one of her clients. Just by looking at it, Krissy didn’t notice anything unordinary about the house. It was a flipped home that had recently been renovated and was now sitting vacant. To avoid tracking dirt through the newly finished home, Krissy and her client removed their shoes at the front door. When they started their tour Krissy took note of the minimal staging. The only furniture in the home was a kitchen table where plates, silverware, glasses, and cloth napkins were all neatly placed. It looked as if the home was waiting for a family to sit down for dinner.

As they concluded the viewing Krissy and her client returned to the front door for their shoes. While they were putting on their shoes, making small talk, a noise made both Krissy and her client freeze. They heard the clanking of dishes and the sound of silverware on glass! Krissy glanced at her client as they hesitantly made their way back to the kitchen. Alone in the home, they couldn’t think of anything which could have been making all that noise.

Upon entering the kitchen, a shiver went down her spine; one of the place settings was now amiss. The napkin had been unfolded and the silverware, that had been so neatly placed on the table, now rested on the plate. It was almost as if she and her client had interrupted someone in the middle of their lunch. With no desire to experience any more hauntings for that day, Krissy and her client quickly made their way out of the home.

Krissy isn’t alone in these experiences. She has had clients tell her about spirits that have followed them home. These clients have experienced many unexplainable events like exploding candle jars and flickering lights. While viewings can leave an impression it may not always be in a good way.

Agency News and Awards • Haunted Homes- Tales from a Realtor • October 20, 2022

Haunted Homes: Barbara Tesa’s tale from Clinton Road

by Nicole McCormick

Barbara Tesa shares her frightening experience on New Jersey’s Clinton Road.

Clinton Road is located in West Milford New Jersey, and became famous for being one of America’s most Haunted Highways. This 10-mile stretch is home to many paranormal experiences, hair-raising folklore, and even true crime stories. Aside from that, being surrounded by a dense forest and with extremely limited cell phone service, Clinton Road can make anyone feel uneasy…

A road filled with hauntings

It was a rainy October evening and Barbara was on her way to meet clients at a home they wanted to view. Due to the rain causing traffic delays, Barbara was running a few minutes late. She decided to call her clients to notify them of her delay but they had hesitation in going into the home. Barbara insisted they wait just a little longer for her to arrive; they agreed.

Barbara began to feel uneasy. The rain started to come down in buckets and the road began to narrow; she was surrounded by dense woods to the right and what appeared to be a pond on the left.

As the rain came down harder, Barbara needed to slow down to be able to see out her windshield. Up ahead she saw a couple on a tandem bicycle, as she approached them she was able to see they were dressed in clothes from an era well behind us. She thought to herself “They must be going to a Halloween party somewhere close by but how strange to be out in this weather.”

A moment later she came upon a vehicle stopped on the side of the road. A man was standing there with his foot propped up against his Jeep, wearing a cowboy hat while smoking a cigarette. It was almost as if he was enjoying the scenery on a beautiful sunny fall day.

Up ahead, a man appeared on the left side of the road. He was standing in front of his motorcycle with his helmet resting on the seat. Again, enjoying the day as if the rain had no effect on him.

Barbara called her clients to let them know she was only seconds away. They told her they were no longer interested in the home because the area gave them an eerie feeling. Barbara notified the listing agent to let her know they would not be viewing this home and to make the owner aware.

Barbara decided to make a K-Turn in the road to head back towards the highway; the road was so narrow it became a disheartening task. The rain continued to come down and her heart began to race. Barbara called her husband to ease her uncomfortable feeling, and he remained on the phone until she made it back to the main road. She told her husband about the strange occurrences that she had seen and yet, moments later after turning around, the man by his motorcycle, the man with the cowboy hat, and the couple on a tandem bicycle had all disappeared.

When Barbara got home she spoke with the seller’s agent who suggested she look up “Clinton Road in West Milford NJ”. Barbara gasped at what she read; apparently what she had seen were APPARITIONS; Ghosts of the past!

This is a true story based on the experience of Barbara Tesa.

A Spine Chilling Story

An experience like that is sure to give you goosebumps for years to come. A quick google search will show hundreds of other stories similar to Barbaras, perhaps you even have your own. If you’ve never visited Clinton Road would you be brave enough to?

Agency News and Awards • October 19, 2022

Meet Renee Williams

by Nicole McCormick

Renée Williams is bringing her expertise to Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Green Team!

Renée began her career as a political analyst in London’s Parliament. Following that she spent nearly a decade in Private Equity as a Financial Analyst. She worked in Midtown, Manhattan, at a global real estate-oriented merchant bank, asset management, and investment company. This company was the industry leader in distressed and value-focused real estate investing. This position earned her unrivaled experience across the real estate industry.

At the end of 2019, Renée relinquished her role at C-III Capital Partners to devote more time to social impact matters. Following this, she became a part of a minority-led, technology and social impact company in SoHo, New York. Providing top millennial, corporate professionals access to philanthropic, board leadership opportunities within well-known nonprofits and foundations. While a part of this company Renée led Corporate Relations, Diversity Training, and Partnership Engagement.

An expert in her field

Renée now works as a licensed real estate advisor. With extensive experience across mixed-use commercial and residential real estate. Additionally, she has firsthand property development and interior design experience. Thanks to her nearly 10-year career in private equity investment real estate she has lots to bring to the table as a real estate advisor.

“I enjoy all the different aspects of real estate and it doesn’t feel like work.” Say’s Renée when asked about her experience as an agent.

Additionally Renée is a Political Science Graduate of Boston University and Foreign Language Studies at London School of Economics. She is also an active member of the prestigious Alumni Society. This elite network is composed of senior-level Latinx leaders who graduated from the country’s top universities.

Making a house into a home

Four years ago Renée and her husband made the decision to leave Brooklyn and to relocate to the Hudson Valley. While house hunting in Greenwood Lake, they found a hidden gem in the form of a small lakefront bungalow. This home had recently gone into foreclosure and was in desperate need of some TLC. Thankfully Renée and her husband had a vision and were ready to make it a reality. After some hard work, they had completely transformed this property. They were now proud owners of an idyllic, three-story, contemporary-modern, designer lakefront home.

Renée’s dedication to her community

Now Renée is a proud member of the Warwick Valley Rotary Club and recent graduate of Leadership Orange Class of 2022. She is happy to go above and beyond for her community and serves monthly at the Greenwood Lake Food Pantry. Furthermore, she is honored to sit as the Chairwoman of the Rumshock Veterans Foundation.

As a former nationally ranked Rhythmic Gymnast and New England Patriots Cheerleader, Renée enjoys an active life. She can often be found on new adventures and traveling with her husband and two young children.

A new team to call her own

When it came time for Renée to leave her previous brokerage she wanted to find a group that would help her achieve her goals. When she met with us at Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Green Team she could tell she found her new “home”. With our entire team ready to support her every step of the way she was ready to begin her newest adventure.

When asked why she picked Green Team she said: ” I chose to make a move because I feel that at BHGRE Green Team I would receive support. I also knew that they would truly focus on my success and help me to achieve my goals. That kind of support and personal touch is difficult to find in this industry.”.”

We are so happy to welcome Renée to our team and can’t wait to see all her future accomplishments.

Agency News and Awards • Uncategorized • October 18, 2022

Agent Spotlight on Krissy Many

by Nicole McCormick