CLIENT EXPERIENCES

“After years of buying and selling property in both Litchfield County and the Hudson Valley, I had come to expect a certain level of frustration when working with real estate agents. Too often, I found myself doing much of the follow-up, chasing information, or feeling as though my priorities were secondary to closing a deal quickly. It became discouraging. A friend finally suggested I speak with Ann Stettner, and the difference was immediate and striking. Ann’s approach felt entirely different from the start. She was thoughtful, prepared, and incredibly perceptive about what mattered most to me. Rather than rushing the process, she was deliberate, strategic, and thorough. What stood out most was how effortlessly she managed every moving part. I did not have to ask twice for anything. She anticipated questions before I had them, kept me informed without overwhelming me, and navigated each step with a quiet confidence that comes from real experience. I always felt that my interests were being carefully protected. Working with Ann was the first time in a long time that a real estate experience felt calm, organized, and truly professional. She raised the bar so significantly that it changed my expectations of what an agent should be. I would recommend her without hesitation to anyone who wants a higher standard of representation.”

“I had given up hope of finding someone who could help me sell my home and find a new one. It was time to downsize. Other brokers had told me they could get a lot of money for my home, numbers that seemed unrealistic to me at the time, but I went for it because I hoped maybe it was true. It was not a realistic price and the house did not sell. One day, someone recommended Neil Charles Real Estate to me. I was hesitant as I had lost all trust in Real Estate Brokers, but I called. From the first time I called and spoke to a very nice woman who answered the phone, I had good experience. I left my name and number and within an hour, I had a call back. To make a long story, short, I met with Neil and his wife, Ann, and liked them immediately. They were sophisticated, but very humble, and were completely honest and direct. Working with them was a game-changer for me. They priced my house at an aggressive price, but one that made sense. They helped me with everything I needed, going way above and beyond what any broker did before. It taught me a very important lesson - going with a smaller firm gets you much more support and attention. I also learned that all the brokers access the same listings, so going with a big firm really means nothing. So I would recommend Neil Charles Real Estate above any other firm I have dealt with! Thank you Neil, Ann and your team!”

“We can’t speak highly enough of Lisa and the Neil Charles Real Estate Agency. From the initial interview through closing, we were impressed with her enthusiasm, communication, and accurate marketing strategy to attract the proper buyer for our home. When we interviewed Lisa, we presented her with an aggressive timeline to sell our home because it was on the market for four months prior to that contract expiring. She listened to our concerns and answered all of our questions with her honest opinion (i.e., not just what we wanted to hear). She promptly returned an evaluation of our home, the strategy for marketing our home with her agency, and offered seemingly minor suggestions for presenting our home that ultimately proved to have a larger impact based on the positive responses we were receiving from potential buyers. Lisa proved to be very accommodating and available for any questions or assistance we needed. She was positive and always made us feel like our efforts were paying off. We commend her on all her hard work in selling our home within our time constraints, and wholeheartedly, and without reservation, recommend her to anyone.”

“When I was looking for someone to sell my house and then help me find another, a friend recommended Neil Charles Real Estate. I interviewed them along with two other firms, and their professionalism, knowledge of the market and unbelievable follow up, made my choice very easy. They were very personable, not slick, sophisticated and down to earth. I never met anyone who worked so hard to help me sell my house. Neil Charles rolled up his sleeves, doing things brokers would never do to try and get a house sold. He even managed contractors in my absence to make the house more salable. He successfully sold my house. I honestly don't think anyone else would have sold it for as high a price because no other broker that I know, would have done so much to make it happen. When it came to buying house, he really helped guide me so that I could make an informed decision. He helped me understand where the local market was and where he thought it was headed. We found a great house and he was able to negotiate excellent terms for me. He is really one of a kind and I can't say enough about Neil or his team. Thank you.”

“Working with Ann Stettner was an exceptional experience, particularly because discretion and privacy were of the utmost importance in our situation. From the very beginning, Ann understood the sensitivity involved and handled every aspect of the process with remarkable care and professionalism. She was thoughtful about how showings were arranged, mindful of who had access to information, and always several steps ahead in protecting our privacy. Communications were handled quietly and efficiently, and there was never a moment when I felt exposed or concerned about confidentiality. Ann has a natural ability to be both highly effective and extremely discreet — a rare combination. Beyond that, her market knowledge, calm demeanor, and meticulous attention to detail made the entire transaction feel seamless. She navigated negotiations and logistics with confidence while keeping everything low-key and respectful. Just as importantly, Ann is an exceedingly kind person who is genuinely enjoyable to be around. She brings warmth, good humor, and a gracious presence to what can otherwise be a stressful process, making every interaction pleasant and reassuring. If you are someone who values professionalism, competence, discretion, and working with someone you truly enjoy spending time with, Ann Stettner is the person you want representing you. She understands that for some clients, privacy is not a preference but a necessity, and she handles it flawlessly.”

“Working with Lisa was exceptional! Our meeting came days after the passing of my father, as we were selling his home. She was sensitive and supportive and got to work immediately while allowing us the time we needed personally. She truly made the process feel effortless and within a very short time had open houses and showings. Her communication with us was incredible, not too much and not too little, always informative throughout the process through the closing. The timeliness of the sale and the selling price was beyond impressive. Her honest and open approach much appreciated. I would highly recommend her and would definitely call upon her again.”

“Over my lifetime I have had many pieces of property and have dealt with many brokers. I must say that Neil Charles is at the very top of that list of brokers. I have never before dealt with anyone like Neil before regarding the interest, attention, effort and love and care he gives my property, as if it were his own.”

“Buying a home is a crazy process, with countless moving parts. Ann brings a feeling of calm and order, is great at managing expectations, connecting dots, and facilitating intros to the right people who can get the job done quickly and efficiently. she has a great sense of the market dynamics and is incredibly likable and fun to be around...which goes a really long way in an industry with sharp elbows. We couldn’t be happier with the home we got, and the process to get it, and Ann played a critical point role in all of that, can’t recommend her enough”

“Ann has helped make our family's monumental shift from the San Francisco Bay Area to beautiful Litchfield County in Connecticut an almost seamless experience. We couldn't be more pleased with the end result - she found us our dream home at a time of pandemic, wildfires and when inventory was extremely tight. Her professionalism, foresight and attention to every detail from the start of our search through closing was impeccable. She was easily available to competently answer a vast number of questions from acquainting and educating us with the areas to consider in our search all the way through to finding the highest quality contractors for our beautiful home later on. I cannot recommend her services highly enough.”

“I don’t even know where to begin. Lisa has been with me for a few years, during a very tumultuous time in my life. She helped me get the best outcome imaginable, despite unbelievable circumstances. She is a straight shooter, will tell it like it is, and will go to bat for you well above and beyond any reasonable expectation. I don’t believe there is anyone better to help you sell or secure real estate. Highest possible recommendation.”

“Often buying a new property is a big challenge and the excitement of finding the perfect place is harder than anticipated, especially when you come from abroad and English is not your first language. I have never found a real estate agent who could really work with me (in Europe or the US). Recently, I decided to look for a property in Duchess County. I met Neil Charles, who said who could help me and he really did. After listening to me carefully, he went straight to the point, stating the facts and understanding my needs. He has been really able to understand and meet my requirements. I strongly recommend this real estate firm.”

“I can’t say enough good things about my experience working with Ann Stettner of Neil Charles Real Estate. From start to finish, Ann demonstrated a level of professionalism, dedication, and local expertise that truly sets her apart. Her deep knowledge of the market, keen attention to detail, and genuinely client-first approach made what can be a stressful process feel seamless and even enjoyable. Ann took the time to understand exactly what I was looking for, asked thoughtful questions, and provided valuable insights that only years of experience in the industry could deliver. She was always available to answer questions, respond to concerns, and walk me through each step with patience and clarity. What stood out most was her honesty, integrity, and unwavering commitment to ensuring I felt confident in every decision. What makes Ann Stettner truly exceptional is the culture of excellence she brings to every interaction. She is knowledgeable, responsive, and extremely well connected, and I consistently felt supported by someone who values long-term relationships over quick transactions. Ann’s reputation in the community for integrity and results is clearly reflected in the way she conducts business — with respect, professionalism, and genuine care.”

“All I can say is "wow". From the first contact with Neil Charles Real Estate, I have been wowed by the level of professionalism, sophistication, knowledge, work ethic and kindness of every person I have dealt with, every step of the way. I can't say enough great things about Ann, Neil and their team. A truly boutique agency (in the best sense of the word), incredibly knowledgeable and committed to always being honest. Thank you for making the process of buying a home a wonderful experience.”

“Ann is knowledgeable and attentive to detail as she helped us navigate significant nuances of our home buying process. She understands all areas of the process from refining the search to putting in an offer; from negotiating initial contract terms, to traversing concessions and closing the deal. She is even attentive to processes that occur after closing! Ann was extremely responsive and communicated about business topics in a way that was personable and attuned to my wife and my needs and differing styles. She brokered several conversations between various parties involved and talked us through challenging and sometimes complex times. Overall, Ann is an earnest, kind, responsible person who is a joy to work with and we recommend her wholeheartedly.”

“Neil Charles Real Estate is a small friendly firm with big ideas. Expect personal attention from a team that is 100% customer focused. There was great vision and insight that went into selling our house. Neil's honesty and integrity set him apart from the many other firms we spoke with. Neil and his team had a plan and put it into action. Thank you NCRE for a positive experience and results that mattered!”

“Lisa has been with us through almost two years of trying to find our home; through deals that didn't work out before the pandemic to keeping in touch with us during it and after to see if we were ready to look again. She steered us clear of properties that she knew wouldn't pass inspection so we didn't waste money, and when we found the home we finally did purchase,she was with us every step of the way, keeping in contact with all parties involved and helping out with any problems that arose. And now we don't just consider her our realtor, we consider her our friend!”

“Pick Ann Stettner to help you find (or sell) your home. We recently closed on our new property and COULD NOT have had a better experience with a real estate agent. She is super knowledgeable, professional and personable. She also replied to my many texts and calls, always within minutes (no exaggeration)! We have and will continue to recommend her to friends.”

“I had the good fortune to meet Neil Charles at a time when I was looking for some investment properties in Dutchess County. Neil spent a great deal of time with me, searching for properties that would give me a good ROI. He was very knowledgeable, thorough, intelligent, extremely personable and a very strong negotiator. He successfully found me two apartment buildings with 14 units and we did a 1031 Exchange. I was so impressed by Neil that upon closing on the properties, I asked him if he would be willing to take over the management of my investment properties. He agreed and it was the best real estate decision I have ever made. Neil’s work ethic, resourcefulness and high standards, have increased the value of my properties exponentially and the tenants are happy. I would recommend Neil and his team to anyone looking for residential, commercial or investment properties.”

“Ann was the absolute best. She worked with us for months to find our dream property. She had our back at every step of the way. We have recommended her to all our friends and will continue to do so. Hands down the best realtor we have worked with.”

“If you're in the market for buying or selling your home Ann at Neil Charles Real Estate is your only choice. As a real estate investor, I have done many deals on both sides of the transaction and I cannot say enough good things about Ann and Neil Charles Real Estate. They are true professionals in every sense of the word. Ann has worked tirelessly through each transaction and negotiated for me with every outcome a success. Ann definitely is a class act. Thank you, Ann for all you do!!!! JOB WELL DONE.”

“My name is Bruce Joel Rubin. I am an Oscar winning screenwriter for the movie GHOST. My wife and I have moved many times in our lives and have used many relators. I say without qualification that Ann Stettner is the best, warmest and most supportive realtor that we have ever had the pleasure to work with. Her knowledge of the area and extraordinary sense of our needs were a perfect match. It is hard buying a house from 3,000 miles away and yet she made the process both pleasurable and painless. More importantly she also did the same for my son and his family, finding us beautiful homes just fifteen minutes apart. It was a remarkable feat that has changed and enriched our lives. You will be lucky and grateful to use her.”

“We worked with Ann for more than a year. Ann was very patient with us and really understood what we were looking. Almost 1-1/2 years after starting our search, she found the PERFECT fit for us!! We were able to close very quickly and now have been enjoying our house for 6 months. We LOVE IT! I will definitely recommend Neil Charles Real Estate. They are the BEST!!”

“My husband and I have bought and sold properties a few times in our lives, but never before have we worked with a real estate company like Neil Charles Real Estate. From our first contact, they listened to our needs, asked well thought out questions and got back to us really quickly with some potential properties that met our criteria. We knew they had listened because all of the properties met at least the majority of our criteria. This was never the case before where we would get listings from other brokers that had nothing in common with what we had told them we were looking for. Our broker, Ann Stettner, at Neil Charles Real Estate was truly a pleasure to work with and negotiated really hard on our behalf, offering guidance at every step of the process. I cannot recommend them enough. I do know one thing for sure, if I ever buy or sell a property again, I will use them!”

“Neil helped us to find both a short-term rental in our area and our current family home. He has a thorough knowledge of the area, the homes available and the real estate market. He was patient with us as we had very particular needs/desires, especially when looking for our home. And even better he is a beloved member of the community so he could connect us to all sorts of wonderful people to improve and maintain our home as well as people that are just lovely to know.”

“Ann was absolutely wonderful! She was very professional, knowledgeable, friendly and patient. She was always available to answer questions (even when she was on vacation) and helped us walk through the process with peace of mind. The whole process was easier because of her, we are grateful she was with us!”