Mary Ellen Gallagher


Mary Ellen Gallagher is a personable, caring, top producing realtor with a straightforward manner. Driven by her smart, analytical approach and passion for the local community, Mary Ellen delivers resounding success for buyers and sellers. Extensive experience living throughout the tri-state area and as an expat in Switzerland has given Mary Ellen a deep understanding of, and appreciation for, the true meaning of home.

She credits her educational and professional background in finance for forming the core of her business-like approach to real estate. In the business since 2007 and backed by the strength of the KMS Team at COMPASS, Mary Ellen is the realtor of choice for clients seeking skilled, trustworthy guidance in their next search or sale.

Dedicated and diligent, she is passionate about helping every client make their real estate dreams a reality. Buyers commend Mary Ellen's attentiveness, patience and encyclopedic understanding of the local real estate market. For sellers, she delivers a seamless path to success with her keen eye for staging and marketing. By consistently exceeding her clients' expectations, Mary Ellen has built a substantial repeat and referral business.

Her unwavering commitment to real estate, family and community is demonstrated by extensive, hands-on involvement in local nonprofit organizations. In her free time, Mary Ellen enjoys an active lifestyle taking in all that Fairfield County has to offer, including golfing, racket sports, skiing, hiking and boating on Long Island Sound.


~ Q & A with Mary Ellen ~


Why did you choose real estate as a career?

Real estate is a good fit for me in several ways. I have a strong analytical
and finance background, am a hard worker, a good listener and am very
detail oriented. I’m a very social person and love the Fairfield County
lifestyle. All of these traits seem to blend well together for a successful
career in real estate. It’s a people business!

What is your most memorable real estate transaction?

Representing buyers who were purchasing a weekend home on the water in Westport. The entire transaction had multiple levels of inspections & issues (experts needed for pool, dock, tidal & coastal wetlands, reconstructed sea walls, raising a house for FEMA compliance, contractors, town officials, etc). KMS coordinated all of these professionals as our clients were not local. It was a steep learning curve but I loved the challenge despite it being very complicated and tedious. In the end, our clients were successful and thrilled to have purchased this beautiful property!

What do clients love most
about working with you and
the KMS Team?

I have been told countless times that I’m a very good listener and far from pushy. I sense what my clients like/dislike as we delve into the inventory and work through a transaction. I’m very efficient with everyone’s time & because I make the effort to learn what is important to my clients, I do not waste their time. We, at KMS, are also very experienced and skilled at real estate transactions. We all have an in-depth knowledge of the inventory and marketplace. I can confidently say that any one of my partners can step in for me to provide excellent service, guidance and market knowledge. And I can do the same for them.
 
Mary Ellen Gallagher pointing out home features
Reviewing magazine presentation of home for sale
Working with the finest real estate agents in the business is part of Mary Ellen Gallagher's success.

What is your favorite outing in the main communities
served by the KMS Team?

Westport—the annual Blues, Views & BBQ at the Levitt Pavillion, the outdoor art festival in July as well as time spent at Compo Beach including walking dogs on the beach during the colder months; beach BBQs with friends & family during the summer; book club discussions at summer sunsets and time spent on our boat at Compo Marina.
Weston—hiking in Devil’s Den
Fairfield—enjoying concerts at Fairfield Theater Company, take out from The Pantry and motoring into Southport Harbor at sunset by boat.
Norwalk—the Oyster Festival and biking on the Norwalk River Trails.
Wilton—grabbing a bite at The Village Market.

And advice for your
selling client?

If you could give one short piece of advice to your buying client?

Use an experienced agent (preferably one who has lived in that community), with in depth market knowledge and proven contacts for services, inspectors, mortgage brokers, etc.
Listen to your agent! We understand what’s trending in the market and how buyers will be approaching your home/the transaction. We understand the inventory that has sold and how this affects pricing. We’ve become experts in this area.

How have you seen the market change
in your time as a broker?

The growth of the internet has really changed the market. There is so much information at everyone’s finger tips. It’s not 100% accurate, but everyone is quite knowledgeable. Social media has also put a lot of pressure on agents to sell themselves & to promote their inventory. Do we sell the lifestyle? Or the actual house? Or a blend of both? These are aspects that we work through all the time. There is still a strong need to find an expert in your neighborhood to help guide you through the buy/sell process. We are that expert!

What do you wish you
knew when you sold your
first home?

What do you wish you
knew when you bought your
first home?

To have been a little bit less conservative on what we could have initially afforded.
Actually, I was not part of that process. As a returning ex-pat, our relocation company did all the work! But this has given me first hand insight into what a family experiences when they are transferred into a brand new community, even a new country!
 
Mar Ellen Gallagher opens doors for all looking for real estate in Fairfield County CT

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