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Agent Spotlight on Tammy Scotto
“It will all work out in the end”.
Tammy Scotto is a big believer that even when there are some bumps in the road throughout a transaction, it will all work out in the end.
Having many players at the table throughout a deal can sometimes be challenging but staying on top of everything can definitely contribute to a smoother transaction.
What separates Tammy from other realtors is her communication and responsiveness to clients. She is big on communication; whether there is information to be relayed or a period of time while under contract she always keeps the line of communication open.
23 Years and Still going strong!
Tammy obtained two licenses in 1999; her real estate license and her marriage license. She is happy to report that both are still thriving. Tammy initially became a real estate agent as she had always had a passion for sales and working with people. With her marriage and the thought of children on the horizon, she knew this career enabled her to be a stay-at-home mom while working part-time. As her children grew, so did her business moving into full-time real estate.
Now with two children off to college, she has ample time to dedicate to her clients. Tammy works long days and always tries to be available for calls, from early morning right through after dinner time. Regardless of whether a client is buying or selling, it’s stressful; Tammy feels that having the ability to connect with her clients and answer questions or concerns as they arise is “priceless” and helps ease their worries.
A memorable deal.
When Tammy was asked about her most memorable real estate transaction this is what she told us:
“I recently worked with a single woman moving to Warwick from another area. We met during the summer of 2020, in the midst of covid, with a home price range of $350-450K. When we finally found a home, we had inspections done and it turned out there were structural concerns that made her uncomfortable with moving forward. My client then saw a house for 700K and asked me to show it to her. She wound up closing on that home and said to me ” See what happens when you double your budget?””
-Tammy Scotto
Pride in her work.
Tammy is proud to be able to say that each year her sales volume grows. She loves to set goals for herself every year and while she might not hit every goal, each one helps her improve her business. Tammy has her CIREC (Commercial & Investment Real Estate Certification) and while she may not have one specific specialty she does work a lot with first-time home buyers as well as many sellers. Tammy has lived in Orange County her entire life and has a vast knowledge of the Greenwood Lake and Warwick areas as well as the surrounding towns. Working with an agent who knows the area as well as Tammy does comes as a huge advantage.
While Tammy has been in the business for over 23 years she attributes the success of her current business to all the training and support given by Geoff Green. Now that we are affiliated with Better Homes & Gardens she is excited to grow her business even further.
Carol Buchanan Promoted to Broker Manager
“Carol is, and always has been, one of the most professional Realtors I have ever met. We have been blessed to have her as part of our Agency now for 3.5 years. During this time she has been nothing but a pleasure to work with. Additionally, from the moment you get to know Carol, her depth of knowledge and work ethic shine. She is going to make a fantastic Broker Manager for many years to come.”
Over 30 years of business experience
Carol brings with her a diversified real estate background. She started in real estate working for a marketing company. That company managed sales and marketing of new construction developments. While there, she earned her Associate Brokers license and became the Manager of several New Home Developments throughout Orange County and Peekskill. Once she went back to being a selling agent, she worked for both small real estate offices and large real estate corporate offices. Her work experience also includes working at the corporate headquarters of Benjamin Moore & Company as the Assistant to the Regional Director and Major Events Coordinator. Each of these positions challenged Carol to develop new skills. And it is these skills that she now brings to her new position with Green Team New York Realty.
The Largest Green to Green Residential Sale
Congratulations to Jennifer DiCostanzo as the listing agent for 30 Cardinal Lane. This magnificent home sold for $1,490,000, the largest residential Green Team to Green Team listing sale to date. Tiffany Megna represented the buyers.
Jennifer DiCostanzo
Listing and showing high-end luxury homes requires a real estate professional who understands the quintessential details the property offers, aligning to the buyer’s specific criteria. Jennifer has expertise in marketing such homes, as was the case with 30 Cardinal Lane. This magnificent home was built to provide sustainability, privacy, and luxury living, both indoors and out. By customizing marketing approaches for her selling clients, Jennifer understands the uniqueness of each property. She intuitively captures buyers’ interest with strategic strategies emphasizing the lifestyle and story these prestigious homes offer to prospective buyers- case in point 30 Cardinal Lane.
Tiffany Megna
Tiffany Megna works hard, with her goal to be better every year. A former teacher, Tiffany understands the importance of listening and understanding her clients’ needs. She has achieved designations as a Pricing Strategy Advisor, Accredited Buyer Representative, and an At Home with Diversity certification. Furthermore, she has her Seller Representative Specialist and Short Sales and Foreclosure Resource certifications. With each designation, she feels she has more to offer her clients.
A dynamic Team
The real estate market has been booming since the pandemic affected the way we live and our ideas of what a home should be. Jennifer has been working non-stop and for the 6th straight year, is GTNYR Yearly Sales Leader, as well as the Q1 Sales Leader for 2022. Tiffany, also working non-stop, is ranked 2nd in Green Team New York Realty sales for 2021.
Now take a video tour of this magnificent home and property…
For many homebuyers, the beauty of Orange County, NY, and its picturesque villages and towns provide the perfect lifestyle balance with all the recreational amenities they desire. Ultimately, this property showcases some of the best that Orange County has to offer.
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Green Team’s 2021 Awards Ceremony
A night to remember after a year we won’t forget!
Green Team’s 2021 Awards Ceremony was held on Friday evening, April 1, at Crystal Springs Resort in Vernon. Celebrating together was especially meaningful, after two years of virtual events. COVID-19 created challenges, however, it also created opportunities. Green Team Sales Associates worked non-stop throughout the pandemic. Furthermore, they had to adhere and adjust to ever-changing COVID regulations while meeting the demands of the market; in so doing, many Green Team Associates achieved their personal best in sales. Thus, new categories of Sales Volume Levels were created. For all categories, Green Team New York/ New Jersey Realty recognizes the dedication, determination, and excellent client service that resulted in these sales volumes. These sales volumes resulted in Green Team New York Realty being #1 In Warwick NY. And Green Team New Jersey Realty #1 in Vernon NJ.
Geoff Green, President, Green Team Realty, with the Top Three Producers of 2021: (From l to r) Jennifer DiCostanzo, Keren Gonen, and Tiffany Megna.
And the Sapphire and GTNJR Yearly Sales Leader Awards go to… Keren Gonen
The Green Team New Jersey Realty 2021 Yearly Sales Leader has been in this category several times before. Not only is Keren Gonen the 2021 Yearly Sales Leader, but with over $22 Million in sales, Keren is the first Sales Associate to reach the Sapphire level. This new level was created to recognize those with a sales volume of $20 to 30 Million. It is no surprise that Keren has earned this recognition.
Keren works hard, and it shows. She has been the sales leader at GTNJR for the past 8 quarters. In fact, Keren was the Yearly Sales Leader when she joined Green Team New Jersey Realty in 2017. Then, in 2020 she joined the MVP Circle with over $10 Million in sales volume. In addition, Keren received the 2021 NJ Realtors® Gold Circle of Excellence Award. Not surprisingly, she is in the top 20 agents in Sussex County.
Keren has been featured in Top Agent Magazine and recognized in a National Honors Program by Broker★Agent Advisor.
And the Diamond, GTNYR Yearly Sales Leader, and Momentum Builder Awards go to… Jennifer DiCostanzo
Jennifer DiCostanzo has been the yearly sales leader every year since joining Green Team New York Realty in 2016. In addition, she became the first Green Team Sales Associate to receive the MVP award for over $10 million in sales. In fact, Jen has achieved MVP status three times to date. She even surpassed these achievements with a sales volume, for the 3rd Quarter of 2021, of over $10 Million; she is now the first to achieve the Diamond level, for a sales volume of $15 to $20 Million.
Jen is among the top 20 selling agents in Orange County for 2021, which puts her in the top 1%. She is a Sales Representative Specialist and Accredited Buyer’s Representative. In addition, she has achieved Pricing Strategy Advisor and Seniors Real Estate Specialist designations. Jen has been featured in Top Agent Magazine. Furthermore, Jen has been named a Real Estate All-Star by Hudson Valley Magazine for the past two years.
In addition, Jen received the Momentum Builder Award, which reads:
” In recognition of her ability to create the most positive and consistent momentum in her professional career while maintaining the same impetus reflected in many aspects of her personal life.”
Platinum Awards for $10 to $15 Million in Sales were presented to:
Tiffany Megna, Green Team New York Realty, was Green Team Realty’s 3rd Top Producer of 2021. Kristi Anderson, Green Team New Jersey Realty, was the 4th Top Producer. And Nancy Sardo, Green Team New York Realty, was Top Producer #5.
Gold Awards for $5 to $10 Million in Sales were presented to:
Tammy Scotto (GTNYR); Charles Nagy (GTNJR), Theodore Van Laar (GTNJR); Carol Buchanan (GTNYR); Kimberly Lasalandra (GTNYR/GTNJR); Karen Gauvin (GTNYR); Kristine Many (GTNYR); Tom Folino (GTNYR); Vikki Garby (GTNYR); Pip Klein (GTNYR); Pam Zachowski (GTNJR); Angela Murphy (GTNYR); and Barbara Tesa (GTNJR).
Silver Awards for $3 to $5 Million in Sales were presented to:
Lucyann Tinnirello (GTNYR); Toni Vogel (GTNYR); Walter Ross (GTNYR); Toni Kreusch (GTNJR/GNYR), and Kasey Decker (GTNYR)
Bronze Awards for $1.5 to $3 Million in Sales were presented to:
From Green Team New York Realty, Linda Vandeweert; Rebecca Hundley; Cara Dumond; Guillermina “Gidget” Tavares; Chris Kimiecik; Robert Valentine; Ed Sattler; Kim Lesley, and, from Green Team New Jersey Realty, Jaime Dalton.
Team Players, Mentor of the Year, and Citizens of the Year:
Team Players are chosen by their peers, “in recognition of their reliability, positivity, and dependability, while exhibiting dedication and devotion to the agency and team.” The sales associates of Green Team New York Realty selected Britanni Gaucher as their Team Player and Green Team New Jersey Realty sales associates selected Charles Nagy as theirs!
Tammy Scotto earned her award for Mentor of the Year “in recognition of her dedication, dependability, and devotion to Her mentees.”
Finally, Citizens of the Year are selected in recognition of their valuable contributions and outstanding support to our community. This is a very special award, in that each winner will have $500 from Green Team Realty to be donated to the charity of their choice. Green Team New York Realty selected Wayne Patterson as their Citizen of the Year. Kristi Anderson was selected by Green Team New Jersey Realty as their Citizen of the Year.
Thank you to our sponsors!
We could not have held such a fantastic awards event without our wonderful sponsors!
First of all, a special thank you to Amy Green, Guaranteed Rate, our Diamond Sponsor. Next, thanks to our Platinum Sponsors! They are Michael Giannetto, CrossCountry Mortgage; Douglas Stage, Stage Law Firm; Gregory Romaine, Homestead Funding Corp., and Daniel Bounds, Chase Bank. Our thanks go to Gold Sponsors Chad Barris, Family First Funding; William Askin, Askin & Hooker LLC; Gary S. Goldstein, Esq., and Micaela Gandarinho, Seely & Durland Insurance. Finally, we thank our Silver Sponsor, George Tsakanias, VHT Studios.
Wait! There are more acknowledgments…
Inside Sales Associates
The Inside Sales Associates play an integral part in providing leads to sales associates. The Green Team ISA Team is Giovanni Lasalandra, Director of Business Development; Kevin Many, Sandra Medina, and Jimmy Cosenza.
In addition, Kevin Many received an award in recognition of great achievement for exchange opportunities for the NuOp platform, with over 500 Ops exchanged in 2021.
And where would we be without our phenomenal support staff…
Behind-the-scenes support is essential to providing our sales associates with the resources, training, tools, and services they need to best conduct their businesses. Geoff Green acknowledged the hardworking Green Team HQ support staff: Broker Managers Lucyann Tinnirello, Carol Buchanan, and Kim Lasalandra; Lora Chandra, Director of Operations; Andy Clough, Digital Marketing Support; Diana Clough, Controller; Nicole McCormick, Director of Marketing. In addition, we have Morgan Beattie and Natalee DiMichele, Agent Service Managers; Linda Vandeweert, Sign Installation Manager; Susan Wynn, Copywriter; Jane Tuomala, Marketing Assistant; and Brittani Gaucher, Agent Service Representative.
Team Up for Hope
Geoff asked the Board of Team Up for Hope, a non-profit organization he co-founded and chairs, to talk about what the organization has accomplished. Team Up for Hope is made up of an all-volunteer group of Green Team sales associates and staff. Locally, the organization addresses the challenges of mental health, drug use, and suicide by raising money for non-profit volunteer organizations at the forefront of addressing these issues. Team Up for Hope also produces webinars that bring in experts and advocates to provide knowledge, resources, and answer questions on these issues.
Globally, as the invasion of Ukraine began, Team Up for Hope began raising money for a relief organization in Poland assisting the refugees and will continue to do so. A webinar is planned with that organization so that we can all see the many needs that exist. Please visit the Team Up for Hope website and Facebook page for updates, to learn more about our organization, how you can help, and how to donate.
After the award presentations, the party got started…
DJ Chris Paul got the party started and kept it going as Green Teamers hit the dance floor. After a year of challenges, hard work, and dedication, it was wonderful to be able to celebrate with friends.
Meet Michelle Spina
Michelle Spina is bringing her marketing expertise to Green Team New York Realty.
Michelle attended college at SUNY New Paltz where she earned her bachelor’s degree in Marketing. She spent the last 6 years working as a TV Media Buyer where she serviced a large variety of clients, some of which include movie studios, grocery stores, and kids’ toys. Michelle excels in sales, advertising, and has great communication skills.
For the past couple of years, Michelle had been interested in starting a profession in real estate. With her history in marketing, she knew it would be a great opportunity for her. In March of 2021, she decided it was time to start her real estate career. She obtained her license and now has started her new career with Green Team New York Realty.
Michelle has spent the last 3 years living in Wyckoff New Jersey. She comes from a big Italian family and her favorite thing is being with them for Sunday dinners. Cooking, working out, watching sports games, and doing activities outside in the sun are just some of the things she enjoys.”
Brian Cisek Earns PSA designation
Green Team New York Realty’s Brian Cisek earns his PSA designation!
Whether you are buying or selling, working with an agent who is a Pricing Strategy Advisor can help ensure you are getting the best deal for your home. One of the most confusing parts of a real estate deal is the pricing. However, a PSA takes care of that for you. By building a thorough Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) they are able to help ensure you are getting what your home is worth. In today’s market that is one of the most valuable assets that you can have on your team.
Brian decided that he wanted to go above and beyond to make sure his clients received the best possible service. Growing up in Greenwood Lake and now living in Warwick Brian has great knowledge of the area. He is a member of the Warwick Lions Club and is dedicated to improving his community. His clients can feel confident knowing they have such a diligent agent on their side.
Agent Spotlight on Kasey Malone
Hi! My name is Kasey Malone and I am a realtor with the Green Team. I have also worked in NYC on the upper East side as an agent before coming to The Green Team. I live and get to work here in the beautiful Hudson Valley.
Before entering the real estate profession, what did you do?
I am still a Physical Therapist Assistant and have been for 20+ years.
I also recently started my own business in the Adirondacks caring for luxury vacation rentals and Airbnb’s.
How and why did you become a real estate agent?
What do you like best about being a real estate agent?
Seeing beautiful homes
What do you like least about being a real estate agent?
What was your most memorable/unusual real estate transaction?
Helping a famous actress buy and sell a home would be my most memorable and most unusual would be showing a house that had a small cemetery on the property.
What is it like being part of the Green Team?
Fun! We’re always learning. Fellow agents are kind and helpful.
How would family and friends describe you?
Sweet and kind.
What is your proudest accomplishment?
My daughter!
What does “home” mean to you?
Home is wherever your soul is at peace.
What advice would you give to someone thinking about selling their home?
Make sure they have their permits in order so it doesn’t delay the selling process!
What advice would you give to someone thinking about buying a home?
Make sure they know exactly how much they can afford and have the financials to back it up!
What advice would you give to your younger self?
Invest in real estate!
Contact Kasey Malone TODAY!
Pip Klein Celebrates 10 Years with the Green Team
Congratulations to Pip Klein as she celebrates 10 years with the Green Team!
In the beginning…
When Pip started at the Green Team as a part-time marketing consultant, she had not even considered real estate as a career. But Geoff Green encouraged her because he felt she had the personality, contacts AND most importantly, her late parents’ home was on the market with another broker!!! “Get your license PIP,” she remembers him saying loudly. And so she did – a decision which she is very grateful that she made. In addition, her techie son Ben was in high school at the time and also joined the team, working on redesigning the Green Team website. It was the right time for both Ben and Pip. Plus, it was fun for them to work together during those last years of his high school.
Goals
One of Pip’s original sales goals was to earn Captains Club status by reaching the $3 million mark. Pip got her license in May 2011, and she made Captains Club in 2015, 2016, 2017, and 2020. She made Presidents Club (for $5-$10 million in sales) in 2018. In addition, she was the 3rd Quarter Sales Leader for that year. Pip achieved honorable mention (for sales of $1.5 to $3 million) in 2019. She found that once her business was up and running, it became easier to achieve goals. Also, the market improved, providing the opportunity for more sales. She is also very proud of being named the Green Team’s first “Momentum Builder,” a new award in 2015 for achievements and helping inspire others. Pip’s goals have been consistent. Keep learning, growing, and enjoying the work. And, to make at least Captains Club every year!
Teamwork and Friendship
Pip has found Green Team is truly a great “team” of people. Over her decade there, she has made valuable friendships with both agents and clients. Indeed, friends for life.
Pip Klein, Associate Broker/Manager Lucyann Tinnirello, and Toni Vogel
A few of Pip’s favorite (and least favorite) things
Pip likes connecting people to the right home. She calls it being a house matchmaker. Once she gets to know people, she can really get a sense of the type of house they want. Pip and her husband Bob bought a unique home 30 years ago. It was a renovated onion barn! She also enjoys writing and hopes to continue with personal blogging about real estate. Pip’s least favorite thing? When transactions become tangled in situations beyond control while everyone is waiting to close. That can be frustrating. Red tape, legal snafus, etc. can be difficult. You have to focus on the endpoint, which is closing.
Biggest Accomplishments since starting at Green Team
Pip believes it has been a decade of accomplishments. Sometimes the smaller transactions are big victories as you help people buy or sell and make their next chapter easier to move on to. According to Pip, no one likes transition, and realtors are in the middle of that angst on all sides. They have to be calm and extend the best advice. Communication is key. She did have one memorable day in 2018. Three closings, $2.4 million volume in a day! That was a once-in-a-lifetime tsunami of good luck. What’s more, the commission hit her bank account on her birthday.
But of course, it’s not about the dollars. Truly, for Pip, it’s the culmination of hard work and getting things to the finish line. Her father always said, “Do what you enjoy, then you enjoy what you do.” Sage advice. He didn’t see his “work” as something separate. When you are a Realtor, you are living, breathing real estate all the time. And it doesn’t feel like “work” when you are truly happy with what you are doing.
Some sage advice from Pip
“Life is an adventure and you have to take risks!” Starting a new career at age 60 was challenge enough, but the best part was that she didn’t realize how much she would learn about herself and others. It really is the type of work that embraces a lot of different aspects of a “job.” Especially because Realtors deal so closely with people, most of whom they don’t know and never met. That keeps it fresh. According to Pip, it was sort of like having a baby in her 40s, which she did. It was a great learning experience and chock full of new friends and experiences. She has no regrets!
One of the biggest lessons that Pip has learned is to accept rejection. Not everything works out in your favor. Sometimes, you just don’t get the listing for whatever reason. Or the deal falls through. Don’t take it personally. Be yourself and carry on.
Memories
Pip has had many memorable experiences. One of her favorites is this:
“A family from NY was looking for their dream home/farm property. They had a very specific wish list, but I found 3 homes for them to see. The FIRST house was spectacular and everything they hoped for. The land, the extra house, and all redone – a great Victorian. While racing around the bottom level I noticed a painting on the wall. There was something familiar about it and I went up close to look. Yes, there it was – my mother’s signature – Phyllis Klein. This was a painting I had donated to a fundraiser years before and the owner of this house had purchased it. I turned to my new client and said, “Well, you simply have to buy this house. My mother’s painting is hanging on the wall!” They did!”
Toni Vogel Celebrates 10 Years with the Green Team
Congratulations to Toni Vogel as she celebrates 10 years with the Green Team!
Back in the day
Antonette “Toni” Vogel started working at Green Team in 2011, as an Agent Service Manager. However, she knew Geoff Green and his wife Laura from their high school days. Toni not only worked in the Green Team office; she and her husband also own a reputable local construction company, Harvest Valley Construction. Inc. Thus, her education in the real estate industry was very hands-on.
Flexibility and changing goals
When Toni first started at the Green Team, her biggest goal was hitting a million in sales. Now she far exceeds that every year! In the early days of her career, Toni was busy raising her three sons. As of this year, they are all in school. Thus, she is able to set higher sales goals. One of her biggest accomplishments was making Captains Club in 2019, for meeting $3 to $5 million in sales.
A few of her favorite (and least favorite) things
What Toni likes most about being part of the Green Team is the camaraderie and support that she gets from her colleagues and the admin staff. Needless to say, her favorite part of the job is closings! In contrast, Toni’s least favorite aspect of real estate is something we’ve been hearing a lot about: the lack of inventory.
Toni’s biggest “lesson learned?” Check all information, recheck it, and check it again! Don’t assume that all the information you’re provided with is accurate. It’s important to do your due diligence and go above and beyond for all of your clients!
Memories
“Denise Schmidt will forever be a huge part of my success in the industry. She took me under her wing after I got my license and helped me grow professionally. Also, I took my real estate course, as well as the real estate exam, with Pip Klein. She will forever be my classmate and dear friend!”
Denise Schmidt and Toni Vogel
Green Team Goals for the future
Forever growing as a professional, Toni’s current goal is to focus on listing more properties.
We have no doubt that Toni will reach that goal and we’ll be reporting it when her next Green Team anniversary rolls around.
