In an industry that often prioritizes scale and speed, Basking Ridge-based Realtor Melissa Arcudi (DeCristofaro) has built her career on something more personal. A lifelong New Jerseyan and Somerset Hills resident, she pairs generations of real estate knowledge with a client-first approach rooted in trust, accessibility, and long-term relationships.
A Career Built on Family, Foundations, and Finding Her Own Path
Real estate runs deep in Melissa’s DNA. Both of her parents, Marshall and Anne DeCristofaro, worked in the industry beginning in the 1970s, and her father has almost 50 years of experience, earning REALTOR® Emeritus along the way. She grew up hearing market talk around the dinner table and learning early on what ethical, client-centered service looked like.
Still, her own career began not with a brokerage, but with her brothers Matt and Jon at their construction company, Castle Ridge Construction, where she spent more than a decade running operations, coordinating client accounts, and learning how homes are built from the foundation up. “I essentially handled all the backend work,” she says with a laugh.
During the quiet of the COVID-19 pandemic, Melissa reassessed her long-term goals. She loved her position in the company - but missed working directly with people. Real estate offered the perfect bridge. “I’ve always been a people person,” she explains. “I knew I wanted a career where I could build relationships and help guide clients through such a meaningful process.”
A Boutique Agency With a Personal Touch
Today, Melissa is part of Vylla Home, a boutique, coast-to-coast real estate brokerage known for its collaborative, client-forward culture. She emphasizes that the agency’s boutique nature isn’t a limitation—it’s an advantage..
“With this agency, you’re not just another file being passed around,” she emphasizes. “There’s a personalized experience, real collaboration, and genuine attention to each client.”
Melissa’s business spans all types of buyers and sellers, in all price points, across the entire state of New Jersey. She is engaged in a full spectrum of real estate services - from traditional transactions to lender-owned properties. She also works closely with team members licensed out of state, including New York, allowing her to assist clients with multi-state needs.
“No matter your budget, everyone deserves the same communication, the same respect, and the same level of service,” she shares. “That’s really important to me.”
Calling Somerset Hills Home
Though her reach is statewide, Melissa’s heart - and her happiest moments - are firmly rooted in the Somerset Hills community.
She and her husband first moved to Bernardsville in 2010 before settling in Basking Ridge, where they’re now raising their family. “We’ve watched these towns grow and evolve over the past 15 years,” she says. “It’s such a unique place to live, with small-town charm, and a strong sense of community.”
Some of her favorite local spots include:
- Blue Café — “You’ll probably see us walking there for breakfast or lunch. I especially love the ‘Blue Cafe Plate’ for those days you really want to indulge!”
- Ninety Acres — A longtime favorite for seasonal, ever-changing dishes and warm-weather drinks outside.
- Red Horse by David Burke — Where her family hosted her parents’ 50th anniversary celebration.
- The Rebecca Collection — Her go-to for curated gift baskets, especially useful in her line of work.
- Penguin Ice Cream — A must-stop weekend treat with her kids.
These touchpoints, she notes, naturally reinforce her focus on expanding her listing presence closer to home.
“I’m local. I live here. I care deeply about this community,” she emphasizes. "I look forward to helping more neighbors navigate buying and selling in the Somerset Hills."
A Look Ahead: What to Expect in 2026
Melissa sees 2026 shaping up to be a year of opportunity for both buyers and sellers. With mortgage rates expected to ease, inventory should gradually increase - inviting more buyers back into the market. But one thing, she shares, remains vital: pricing strategy.
“If a home is priced correctly, it will sell. If it’s not, it sits,” she explains. “Even in strong markets like Somerset County, where demand remains steady, strategic pricing is everything.”
For sellers, proper pricing coupled with a trusted agent ensures strong positioning. For buyers, increased inventory and lower rates may finally bring relief.
Investment, Growth, and a Future Full of Possibility
While Melissa continues to expand her business, she’s also focused on building her own real estate portfolio - something her family has embraced for decades across New Jersey and even out of state.
“Real estate has consistently offered some of the strongest returns,” she says. “Investing wisely in our community is never a bad idea.”
A New Voice With Deep Expertise
Though a rising presence in the industry, Melissa’s background, local insight and natural people-first mindset create a compelling mix.
“I’m still growing, and I’m excited,” she notes. “I look forward to having even more people experience the level of care, dedication, and expertise I bring to the table as I build my career.”
In a community defined by connection, Melissa fits right in - reminding us that the most trusted guidance is often closer than we think.
“It’s such a unique place to live, with small-town charm and a strong sense of community.” - Melissa Arcudi