From the Upper West Side to Rye: Fiona Led the Way

Pregnant with her second child, Bettina was looking for more space for her growing family. But she was in no rush. The Upper West Side two-bedroom apartment she shared with her husband and first child was convenient for their jobs and social life. Then Covid hit and her husband’s and her offices closed. The apartment became confining.

“Our five-year plan became our ‘now’ plan,” says Bettina. 

A family friend who knew the area referred Bettina to Fiona Dogan, whom she knew for real estate and Rye expertise. When Bettina met Fiona, she felt an instant connection. “Fiona was thoughtful and she made an effort to understand what mattered to us and what would inform our real estate decisions. I felt like she would lead us down the right path.”

Not knowing the area, Bettina’s challenge was to learn all she could about Rye — the community, the landscape, and the housing stock. Fiona organized several tours for Bettina and her husband, designed to showcase varying styles within an array of budgets. “I trusted Fiona because she’s walked in my shoes. It was the most thoughtful way for us to get to know the area,” Bettina notes. 

Throughout the process, Bettina gained a thorough understanding of the both the rental and buyer’s markets, while looking at new construction, contemporary, and older homes within their price range. Fiona also educated the couple on the art of home pricing and what Rye offered to young families. 

“Fiona educated us on all that Rye has to offer, she gave us a great sense of the neighborhoods and helped us to feel comfortable here. Rye has so much family-oriented activity, from the beaches and nature centers, to golf, Playland, and parks. It felt like a really great place to raise a family. It checked off all the boxes,” she explains.

Contacts and connections 

When Bettina and her husband first walked into the home in Rye’s Midland neighborhood, it “felt like it was home,” says Bettina of the stately stone Colonial that was built in 1925. After their offer was accepted, the contract and closing phases were seamless, even with Covid restrictions. Fiona understood the health guidelines and helped them to navigate the whole process remotely.  

Then it was time to do some work on the house. Fiona’s experience and network of contacts served as an excellent resource for the new homeowners. She referred them to painters, electricians, and contractors to assist. 

“Fiona is such a great contact to have because she stays in touch. She is helpful on everything and helped us to settle into our new community. We are so grateful for what she is doing to help.”