New Haven Register (Sunday) (New Haven, CT)
A natural fit in new career
Cara Bernard is an advocate for her clients throughout the real estate process. Bernard, who serves the Shoreline and the Connecticut River Valley, is a classically trained artist and was an art director in New York City for big publishing houses including Penguin Random House, Simon & Shuster and Macmillon, running their creative departments and designing book covers.
Since 2004, she ran an illustration firm with clients including Google and the Wall Street Journal. More recently, she worked in finance as a licensed financial planner helping people work toward future financial goals, including homeownership.
“The transition to real estate really for me has really been a natural one,” she said. “The common theme through all my professional transitions is — it’s always been — helping folks solve their problems and being there to help people through their major decisions.”
Bernard began analyzing the market while buying a home during a challenging market. She continued those analyses afterward and with her understanding of the complex, ever changing market can see when changes are about to come and adapt.
“I’m incredibly fluid and adaptable,” she said.
Bernard also has firsthand experience relocating, having moved out of state five times.
When working with sellers, Bernard creates unique marketing plans, including one-of-a kind videos of properties. She also takes advantage of professional photographers and her own artistic background to bring “that wow factor” to listings.
When working with buyers Bernard listens and does whatever it takes to achieve their goals from taking them to see hundreds of houses to finding a condo that fits their budget. She takes newbies on road trips to introduce them to the area.
“With me, you will have an advocate,” she said. “I will do exactly what you are asking.”
Bernard is married with one daughter, three rescue dogs and a 17-year-old cat. She enjoys painting, cooking without recipes and trying new restaurants with her family.