My passion for decorating and real estate came to me in my mid-20's. It began when I lived and worked in the Boston area with a housemate who had a flair for decorating even if she rented. While I was away on a business trip, she decided to paint the walls of our 1950's two-family, first floor, 2-bedroom apartment! When I came home from Logan International Airport, exhausted from a grueling flight back from San Francisco at
   Contact me at:
   [email protected]
​   919-597-9491
about 1 a.m., I was shocked to see a periwinkle dining room and butter living room. It took some getting used to but the colors grew on me after the shock wore off. My housemate showed me how your environment can affect your mood, productivity, and all-around well-being. 

​I’m a Massachusetts native but landed in southwest Durham in 1998, before The Streets at Southpointe was even built! I would consider myself an expert mover, having lived in Massachusetts, Maine, Colorado, North Carolina, Costa Rica, and Colombia. This history helps me understand what my clients are going through. In the early 2000's I moved to northwest Durham to have a larger lot for my dog to play in. I'm always amazed at how much sway our pets have on our homebuying decisions. I've seen it many times, both with my clients and myself. For personal reasons, I sold my house in Northwest Durham and moved to Raleigh for 7 years, before a transfer took me to Central and Northern Latin America. Upon my return to the States in 2015, I decided to settle down in my beloved North Durham once again. I love living nestled among the area's mature trees with open pastures a minute's drive away. Likewise, the drive to downtown is quick and easy for me so I can easily take advantage of the urban culture and amenities when the spirit moves me. 
 
In my free time I enjoy spending time with family and friends, playing golf, pickleball, SCUBA Diving, and spending quality time with my dog, Tica, as we walk and hike the local trails together. I've also been known to tool around the country roads on a motorcycle in my spare time. Between the opportunities to stay active, the food scene, and the area’s diversity and inclusion, I’ve found the Triangle—and Durham, in particular—to be a perfect fit for me.
 
Prior to real estate, I was a communications executive for a variety of public companies in the biotechnology and medical devices industries. In these roles, I honed the skills necessary for effectiveness and success in real estate: strong communication, organization, details, marketing, and a real love of working with people focused on their life journey. I have 20+ years of experience working with C-level and middle-level management, and connecting with the boards of directors of public companies, all of which gives me an advantage when it comes to negotiating and advocating for my clients. It also means that I am uniquely qualified to understand the importance of integrity, follow-through, and attention to detail at a high level. My clients need to know they can trust and rely on me to do what I say I'm going to do. I take that very seriously.
 
I have developed a specialty in selling real estate that is in Probate or Trusts. It takes a unique skill set to navigate through the complexities and legalities of inheritance. Frequent communication and patience are required because it often takes months to close on a property that is in Probate. That is why I am not just a Realtor® but I am a Certified Probate Real Estate Specialist (CPRES®). I have the knowledge and experience to draw on to work closely with personal representatives, administrators, executors, and trustees to navigate that journey with compassion and empathy.
 
My single career goal today is to devote myself to supporting and guiding my clients to make the buying/selling process as stress-free as possible. While every transaction has a bump or two during the process, I am committed to doing my best to foresee and fix issues before they arise. If an issue does arise during the transaction, it is my job to present you with solutions. I understand the special places that homes are and can be, so the primary focus of my role is to help my clients find a home where they can make the best memories, or sell the home they’ve inherited or lived in as smoothly as possible.
​
Favorite Spot off the Beaten Path
Hatteras Island
​Favorite Local Spots
Cedar Creek Gallery, West Point on the Eno,
Sarah P. Duke Gardens, William B. Umstead State Park
The Beer Study, The Boot Room
Geer Street Garden
3 Words to Describe Ellen's Personality
Driven, curious, and direct