We are excited to celebrate the one-year anniversary of our brokerage opening in Great Barrington, Mass. The opening of the brokerage at 308 Main Street last year marked the first time that Sotheby’s International Realty®’s full luxury real estate services were available in the Berkshires.
During its first year, we achieved numerous accomplishments, including company-hosted events, philanthropic initiatives, agent achievements, the development of unique marketing advances for area sellers, and business growth, which now includes approximately 100 listings in all price ranges county-wide.
“We are thrilled to be here in the Berkshires providing our company’s world-renowned services to buyers and sellers, and proud to reflect on our many achievements during our first year in this destination market,” said Carolyn Fugere, Brokerage Manager of William Pitt Sotheby’s International Realty’s Berkshire County and Litchfield County brokerages. “At the same time, we are looking forward to the coming year and participating in a strong and healthy market, while continuing to connect with all of the wonderful people from Boston, New York and beyond who are attracted to this wonderful community.”
Fugere added that in its first year, the brokerage launched over 150 listings for sale and rent in the Southern Berkshire market. She said that the brokerage’s success was attributable to the local expertise of her agents, a hand-picked team of top producers.
Agent Dawn Farley, who lives in Lenox, Mass., credits Fugere with helping the brokerage achieve such a successful first year. “I am constantly amazed by how much support and encouragement we receive from management,” Farley said.
Agent Pat Melluzzo, who lives in Great Barrington, agreed. “It has been an exciting year with a variety of new experiences. I appreciate the opportunity to work with a company that brings a new vision and a group of true professionals to this market,” she said.
The brokerage hosted several events in its first year including a two-hour grand opening celebration on April 26, 2013, with attendees filling the office to capacity, as well as a Chinese Works of Art Valuation Day on October 21, 2013, with Sotheby’s auction house specialist Cynthia Volk visiting and acquiring potential auction pieces from members of the local community. In addition, in February 2013 the company promoted its arrival with a window display at local high-end grocer Guido’s Fresh Marketplace, featuring a raffle drawing prize contest.
William Pitt Sotheby’s International Realty’s Berkshire Brokerage was very active in philanthropy in 2013. We donated to Construct, an organization working to prevent homelessness in Berkshire County, with several agents joining an October Construct Walk, the company making a contribution to a silent auction in May, and agent Anita Schilling volunteering her time for both. Agent Gladys Montgomery was a business sponsor at Chesterwood, in Stockbridge, Mass., the only artist’s home and studio owned and operated by the National Trust Historic Preservation, and of its Vintage Motorcar Festival. Broker Agent Karen Climo served as the Marketing Chair for the Southern Berkshire Chamber of Commerce and organized their Enjoy! the Southern Berkshires online auction in May benefiting the Chamber’s mission to build economic growth in the area. Ms. Climo also co-chaired the third annual Charley’s Ride in June for Charley’s Fund, supporting research for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. Pat Melluzzo chaired the Southern Berkshire Chambers’ Holiday Stroll in Great Barrington, with the office joining in to offer refreshments on the cold December night.
Additionally, the brokerage participated in company-wide philanthropic efforts including fund-raising for Americares’ humanitarian work in El Salvador and the Philippines and participation in the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer.
Lending their time and expertise to the Berkshire County Board of Realtors, Dawn Farley was elected to serve as a 2014 Berkshire County Board of Realtors Director, and Karen Climo was elected 2014 President of the Berkshire County Multiple Listing Service Board of Directors.
We also produced a number of unique marketing pieces over the year including several introducing consumers to the community, such as a town tour video on Great Barrington, an additional tour video of Berkshire County and a video profile of local ice cream business SoCo Creamery. In addition, we released Berkshire County Style, a publication highlighting significant listings currently on the market.
