Luminous is a good word to use when describing Michelle Genovesi, founder and principal of Michelle&Company at William Raveis Real Estate. A striking and stylish package, Michelle possesses equal parts businesswoman drive and personal warmth. These qualities were most evident when the team at WLM was given a behind-the-scenes look into one of her most exclusive properties—fitting for our premier September style issue.
“Though I’m known in the marketplace as a Luxury Properties Specialist, every property is a luxury property to me,” Michelle says. “We pride ourselves on giving the same boutique service and customized marketing regardless of price.”
And sometimes a property comes along that is truly exceptional.
Enter 10 Gray Lane, a California-inspired modern property, which brings a West Coast vibe to the New England coast, embracing seamless indoor/outdoor living. LaCantina glass doors open to 1,100 square feet of decks and balconies set against expansive vistas of lawn, water and sky and highlight panoramic water views. An outdoor kitchen pavilion and saltwater pool lend themselves to open-air living and entertaining. At $5,995,000, this Westport new construction is walking distance to Southport Beach and Southport Village.
Award-winning architect David Preusch led the design phase of 10 Gray Lane’s development. He chose materials that “meld to the landscape” creating seamless open spaces. With its modern façade and meticulous attention to detail, every element of 10 Gray Lane was chosen to showcase the space and capture the essence of a seaside lifestyle.
Michelle specializes in Westport, as well as the surrounding towns from the countryside to the waterfront.
“Our towns continue to have a lifestyle that people have been gravitating to for many years. Easy access to New York City, a waterfront lifestyle, culture, great eateries, top-notch schools and a great sense of community,” she says. “The Westport area has always been an artist community, so we still get a dash of celebrity.”
For our loyal WLM readers, Michelle imparts some insider market trends.
“The buyer today is seeking a sense of community more than ever. I feel that our lives have become so connected that we’ve become disconnected. At the end of the day, buyers are seeking community and want to be walking distance to town, the beach or the train.”
Michelle attributes this trend to technology.
“The same is true with the style of homes that seem to be most in demand. Our lives are busier, so our homes need to be more of a sanctuary. We are seeing more interest in modern, clean lines, lots of glass and calm colors,” she says. “10 Gray Lane perfectly captures this feeling; you just exhale when you step through the door.”
Michelle discovered the real estate industry while buying her first home 30 years ago.
“Real estate found me! I discovered that realtors were not looking at real estate as their own business. No one focused on listing and marketing. I saw there was a real niche to be filled and started branding myself along with my properties.”
Michelle identified that attention to detail makes all the difference. She was the first to form a team, and today it consists of a dedicated administrative and five-member marketing team, along with five ABR-designated buyer specialists.
Michelle&Company’s marketing team ensures every communication represents the properties at their best. Digital magazines, 3-D tours and online ad campaigns tell the story of each home.
“We’re selling more than a home; we’re selling a lifestyle,” Michelle says.
Does this innovative strategy actually work?
“Our approach has helped us get outside the search engine, connecting buyers with properties they would never have found by a simple town search.”
The proof is in the results. Michelle&Company’s focus on branding and creative thinking has garnered accolades from The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal and Forbes, recognizing Michelle as an industry leader. After our day at 10 Gray Lane, it’s clear that Michelle has honed in on what it takes to be an innovative leader in her field and has a natural ability to make you feel right at home.
To learn more about Michelle&Company and see their exclusive property listings, visit MichelleAndCompany. Michelle Genovesi can be contacted directly at 203.454.4663.
“Real estate found me! I discovered that realtors were not looking at real estate as their own business. No one focused on listing and marketing. I saw there was a real niche to be filled and started branding myself along with my properties.”