About Stephanie Barnes GRI, AHWD

Professional Association

2016-2017 President:Greater Fairfield Board of Realtors

President-Elect: Greater Fairfield Board of Realtors, 2014-2015

Vice President: Greater Fairfield Board of Realtors, 2012-2013

Member of the National Association of Realtors

State Delegate to Connecticut Association of Realtors

Consolidated Multiple Listing Service

Education

GRI Holder (Graduate, Realtor Institute)

At Home with Diversity, Certificate Holder

Bachelors Degree: University of Connecticut

Associates Degree, Culinary Arts: Johnson and Wales University

Real Estate Principles and Practices Course: Graduate

Achievements

2017 "Realtor of the Year" Greater Fairfield Board of Realtors

Top Listing Associate June 2016

Top Listing Associate October 2015

Top Mortgage Support 2015

Customer Service Award June 2015

Top Selling Associate December 2015

Top Producing Associate December 2015

2013 Recipient: The Yvette McDonald Award (for community involvement)

Top Selling Associate March 2018

Top Producer May 2018

Top Selling Associate June 2018

Top Producer July 2018

Top Producer August 2018

Professional Specialty

Water Community and FEMA Knowledgable

Beach Homes

Rural Properties and Land

New Construction

Historic Homes

Commercial

Full Range of Real Estate Knowledge and Experience

Community Involvement

Past - President: Black Rock NRZ

Founder: One Bridgeport

Past President: Greater Fairfield Board of Realtors

Bilingual Talents

I speak a little bit of Spanish - not a lot, but enough to get by! Would like to learn more!

Personal

Mom of a great kid!

Born and raised in Fairfield/Fairfield County IS my Specialty

Homeowner: have bought and sold three homes. I know the nervousness that comes with the transaction. I've got you covered.

Lived in Colorado in my twenties, but Connecticut is my home.

Went to culinary school - love to cook fresh healthy meals. "The food is the medicine and the medicine is the food."

Big animal lover.

House Junkie - love looking at homes with my clients.

I have a passion for urban planning.

Love to travel, but a day-trip can satisfy the urge.

Community Activist - I like to leave things better than I found them.

Yoga Instructor - Some spend their free time playing pickle ball, I spend mine teaching yoga!

Experience

Recently, at an event, someone asked me what I loved most about real estate and selling homes to my clients. I shared with her what has become my greatest passion: negotiation. She seemed surprised, expecting me to talk about the allure of glamorous homes showcased on reality TV. I explained that my devotion to negotiation stems from years of full-time experience in real estate, navigating diverse markets ranging from recession-era challenges with heavy short sale emphasis to the frenzy of the COVID market, where agility and assertiveness were paramount. Throughout these fluctuations, my ability to adapt and succeed has hinged on serving my clients impeccably, driven by my robust negotiation skills honed over years of diverse professional experience, including stints in the culinary sector and working at a hedge fund alongside Nobel Prize winners. Clients hire and refer me for my negotiation prowess because it's what determines whether a buyer saves money, secures favorable terms, or if a seller can strategically position themselves to leverage the best offer among many. My negotiation in the market, alongside other real estate professionals, starts the minute I begin working with my clients.

Full-Time Realtor since 2005

Past: Team Leader - OCIP Administrator - Westport, CT

Past: ISDA Swaps Documentation Specialist - Long Term Capital Management; Salmon Smith Barnes

Past: Professional Chef

Areas Covered

Fairfield County

Niche Marketing

I specialize in showcasing the benefits of energy-efficient homes, enlightening the public on the dual advantages of environmental sustainability and cost savings. With expertise in breaking down the intricacies of energy efficiency, I craft compelling marketing campaigns that underscore how these homes not only reduce environmental impact but also significantly cut down on utility expenses.

Homes situated in flood zones offer unique opportunities and challenges. I thrive on collaborating with a town's zoning, building, and conservation departments to gain a comprehensive understanding of a property's value within flood zone regulations. Effectively communicating this value to the public requires a strategic approach to marketing, emphasizing the property's story and its resilience in the face of environmental factors.

Condominiums and co-ops add extra layers to a transaction due to factors like common charges and unique financing requirements. From considerations such as flood insurance to potential assessments and board interviews, these properties come with their own set of complexities. Success in navigating these transactions hinges on understanding every step involved and proactively addressing potential issues. This involves not only effectively marketing the property and its amenities but also undertaking necessary groundwork upfront to preempt any pitfalls. By laying this groundwork, I ensure a smoother transaction for my clients and set the stage for stronger negotiations on their behalf.

Bio

Buying your dream home or selling your current can be a very exciting but stressful time in one's life. Stephanie knows what it’s like as she personally purchased three homes and sold two. Journeying through the experience of homeownership has made Stephanie very sensitive to what her clients are feeling. She knows how to be there for them in the way that her Realtor® was there for her. She will listen to what you are looking for, but through the lens of an experienced home buyer, seller, and agent. Knowledge of the current real estate market, communication, and persistence is key in a successful real estate transaction. Stephanie has received countless awards over the past several years; someone who understands the market receives such distinctions. She is extremely responsive and will stay on top of your file. Throughout the process, Stephanie will regularly check-in with the attorneys and agents involved with your transaction to make sure there are no surprises. Before becoming a Realtor®, Stephanie was part of corporate America, working as a Derivatives Document Specialist and a Lead OCIP Administrator. These experiences gave her a strong business sense combined with the know-how to best serve her clients. Stephanie was born and raised in Fairfield, Connecticut, and knows the entire area of Fairfield County intimately.