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18 HARTFORD BUSINESS JOURNAL | MAY 2024 | BUSINESS PROFILES Address: 125 LaSalle Road, West Hartford, CT 06107 Phone: (860) 748-1845 Website: marshallostoprealestate. com Product or Service: Residential real estate services Number of Team Members: 9 Team Leaders: Paula Fahy Ostop and Ellyn Marshall Year Founded: 2018 A guiding light through a cloudy real estate market R eal estate is not a business for the faint of heart. Market volatility, historically low inventory and rising mortgage interest rates are factors im- pacting people seeking to buy or sell a home and the agents assisting them in the process. Add in the strong feelings that almost always go along with real estate transactions and the process can easily become overwhelming. Realtors like Paula Fahy Ostop, team leader with the Marshall + Ostop Team at William Raveis Real Estate, are there to help. "Whether buying or selling, my clients are often overwhelmed when they reach out to me," said Ostop, whose team specializes in the Greater Hartford, Tolland County and Shoreline markets. "I pride myself on being an ear when one is needed, providing advice and removing as much of the stress as possible from the pro- cess. This market is fast-paced and changes quickly. Sellers and buyers need a full-time pro- fessional on their side to ensure they can make data-driven decisions. I understand that reality TV shows, HGTV and some of the consum- er-facing websites are fun for people, but as an agent, I am not a fan. It's not reality and the data is not up to date." The Marshall + Ostop Team, led by Ostop and Ellyn Marshall, routinely receives accolades from clients as a top team in customer service and sales, and is proud to offer buyers and sellers alike an unparalleled support system at all price points, from first-time home buyers to multimillion-dollar estates and everything in between. "Having multiple agents working for sellers and buyers behind the scenes allows us to have significantly more success than if we worked individually," Ostop said. "The energy and ideas that are created when we collaborate far ex- ceed anything we could do individually." Ostop is grateful for the positive word of mouth coming from past clients and is always looking for ways to strengthen those connections and improve processes. "People were very surprised that I chose to increase my investments in sellers' services when we shifted from a buyer's market to a seller's market," Ostop said. "But as a veteran of the marketing and advertising world, I saw an opportunity to help my clients maximize the value of their homes." The decision to invest more in sellers' services was unique. In addition to basics (professional photography and floor plans), the team hires stagers for each property, creates custom videos focusing on unique aspects of each home, and provides an exhaustive list of professionals who assist in preparing the home for the market. "Once the home is for sale, we do not sit back and let the market run its course," said Ostop. "We prepare a marketing plan that includes online advertising, print advertising and public relations." Born and raised in Connecticut, Ostop complet- ed both her undergraduate and graduate work at the University of Connecticut. "I didn't want to stay in Connecticut for grad school, but it ended up being the best thing that ever happened, " said Ostop. "People always mention Connecticut is a fabulous place to work and raise a family," she said. "But it is so much more than that. It is a special place during every stage of life." Having a passion for all Connecticut definitely plays a role in her success. "I take great pride in helping my clients," Ostop said. "To see their excitement or relief when a deal is complete, that is the ultimate reward." Pictured, front row from left: Mike Treviso, Kate King, Paula Fahy Ostop, Ellyn Marshall, Anne Decker, Amanda Layden. Back row from left: Elizabeth Daly-Standish, Nakia Alexander, Nicole Greenblatt.