Lia Ioannou and Debbie Russo both bring years of real estate experience to their new venture, Century 21 Full Service Realty. Today is the opening celebration of the office, located in the Clarkstown Plaza and Russo said realtors and the general public are invited to join the festivities, which run from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.
The office, which actually began operations in mid October, got its start earlier this year in West Nyack. Russo said it is the only Century 21 office in Rockland County and its staff expanded so quickly; they needed to relocate sooner than they anticipated. The office employs 26 licensed agents and brokers, most of whom are full time.
“Century 21 is a world renowned, recognized name,” said Russo. “We felt that there was a need in the New City area for a Century 21 franchise.”
Russo said she has been in the business for 28 years and has worked as a broker, trainer and manager in real estate as well for mortgage and title companies and an attorney’s office to get a full understanding of what is involved in selling real estate.
Ioannou owns the office, which serves Rockland and Orange counties, and Russo is the office’s broker and manager. Ioannou said she has lived in Rockland for 14 years and has worked in real estate for more than 40 years and owns other real estate firms in Ohio and West Virginia where she and her husband previously lived.
“I think we really have everything in place to help the agent succeed,” said Ioannou, explaining they have a full support staff, programs for research, constant training on the corporate and local level. She said they work with bankers, inspectors and other professionals who keep them informed of changes impacting real estate.
Potential customers who may not want to meet with an agent or broker right away have the option of using a computer in the Century 21 office to search for homes on their own.
Russo thinks the real estate market is on the right track.
“It’s tremendously improving,” she said. “Again the prices have stabilized and are on the upswing.”
The office at 212 South Main Street, New City is open Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Friday through Sunday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. The phone number is 845-639-1234 and click here for the website.
