River Valley’s success is due in large part to our roster of experienced and hardworking agents. Here is an introduction to Barb Berardo
What did you do before Real Estate?
In my first career I was a model represented by City Models in Paris, France and Elite Model Management in NYC. This was a fantastic experience because I worked with an incredibly diverse group of people and was fortunate enough to travel all over the world. I then attended Rutgers business school, graduating with a Marketing Degree and a minor in Art History. After graduating, I worked as a marketing consultant and also chaired numerous charity fundraising events.
What do you enjoy doing when you’re not working?
On the off-chance that I am not working, I do enjoy hiking, interior design, gardening and traveling, with my latest trips including Prague and Panama! Taking time to attend my children’s college athletic events is also important. My daughter, Jackie, runs track for Princeton University and my son, Christian, is a collegiate swimmer for Mary Washington in Virginia
What is the most challenging/gratifying aspect of what you do?
I am a true entrepreneur at heart who loves a new challenge or project! I look at each home listing or property purchase as an event, needing out of the box thinking, marketing, planning, staging, coordinating and due diligence. The end goal is always success and I work tirelessly for my clients to make that happen!
What designations do you have and what does that mean for the people you work with?
I am an ASP or Accredited Home Staging Professional. I cannot over emphasize the importance of visually preparing a home for sale. It is important to tackle deferred maintenance issues so your home is in good condition, but it is the homes visual appeal that gets the buyer to walk through the front door. I work with my clients, creating a plan to declutter, and rearrange their furnishings and accessories, creating an updated, fresh look that photographs beautifully and helps attract buyers to the home.