Milford native enjoys helping clients prepare their homes to sell

ARealtor since 2016, Sandy Burnell first began her career working in the auto industry for 25 years, having owned and managed a local dealership in Milford.

The experience she developed being one of the first women managers in the industry translated well into her real estate career.

“The skills you need working in management, customer service and sales are all very similar to the skills you need for working in real estate, you’re just selling a different product. But in real estate, the transaction is much bigger and more involved,” she said. “There is also an educational component explaining the process to buyers as well as sellers.”

Burnell takes pride in her customer service skills and the fact that she is very selfmotivated.

“In this kind of business, you have to be self- motivated. No one’s ‘ cracking the whip.’ If you don’t do it yourself, you won’t succeed.”

When working with sellers, Burnell stresses the importance of pricing the home properly and helps her clients prepare to put the home on the market. She uses a professional photographer and will give suggestions for staging and de- cluttering as well as recommend any improvements that can be done without spending too much money.

She credits her brokerage for providing her with extensive training, systems and resources to help market her listings and to be successful. She also acknowledges her manager Joan Divincenzo for being an outstanding resource and source of support and

Company: Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage

Office: Milford

Lives: Milford

Expertise: Residential sales

Contact: ( 203) 988- 8694, sandy. burnell@ cbmoves. com

guidance.

“Joan is totally hands- on. She will drop whatever she’s doing to help you in any way possible.” Burnell takes a page out of that book and “pays it forward” by helping the new agents in the office and showing them the ropes.

Burnell specializes in working with buyers and sellers throughout New Haven and Fairfield counties. The Milford native is an active member of the community and coaches the girls volleyball team for Foran High School in Milford and Notre Dame in Fairfield. She also participates in fundraisers that support animal organizations.