Four decades of experience
Beginning when she watched her father buy land and raise livestock in her native Ireland, Phyllis Doonan has always had an interest in real estate.
“I really grew up with a sense of the real estate business. My father started out with 14 acres of land in Ireland and he ended up with 150 acres,” said Doonan, who has lived in Stamford for the better part of 48 years. “It was an easy transition for me to get into selling properties. It comes naturally to me. You must know your product and the inventory and the market value and I do.”
Doonan is no real estate novice: She’s been a Realtor for four decades, including 22 years at William Raveis Real Estate over two stints. Today, she leads a team of 10 Realtors at William Raveis. Members of Phyllis Doonan & Associates, the team average 12 years of experience.
Doonan said she encourages new agents to start with a team.
“Absolutely search out a team,” she said. “It will give them such an advantage as opposed to being on your island not knowing which way to turn.”
Doonan said she has a passion for real estate — and it shows. More than half of her business is repeat customers who trust and recommend Doonan to others.
“I love real estate because there is never one day that is the same,” Doonan said. “There are always challenges and, on some days, I need a fire hose to put out fires.”
It’s important to note, Doonan said, “that there is no deal that will go 100 percent smooth. There is always an issue that will arise, whether it’s radon in the air, mold or septic and well issues. Prospective homeowners want an agent that can help them navigate through these issues and can recommend experts in the field.”
Down the road, Doonan said, she’d like to dramatically increase the number of people on her team from 10 to 50.
Doonan covers all lower Fairfield County, with an emphasis on Stamford.
“I know Stamford inside and out,” she said. “Stamford is basically a mini-New York City. There is so much going on from the theater, restaurants and active nightlife.”