Sheila Keenan
Sales Strategist & Referral Partner
Cell: 203.856.9172
As a founder of the KMS, Sheila continues to guide the team with her extensive knowledge of real estate and broad community connections.
During her career, Sheila was recognized with Coldwell Banker's President's Elite status for over 20 years. (top 1% of Coldwell Banker agents nationwide). She is trained as a Coldwell Banker Previews Property Specialist for Luxury Homes and a National Historic Property Specialist. Her insight is invaluable for her depth of experience in the Fairfield County, CT market.
A Westport resident since 1964, Sheila moved to the area with her husband Todd and raised their three children in Westport. A graduate of Boston College and passionate about community service, Sheila has been an active member of the Junior League of Eastern Fairfield County, Westport Sunrise Rotary, Westport Emergency Medical Service, Westport Young Women's League, Near & Far Aid Society and was the co-founder of CLASP and Pegasus - Therapeutic Horseback Riding . When not house hunting for her clients, Sheila enjoys her four grandchildren and their life in and around beautiful Long Island Sound.
~ Q & A with Sheila ~
Why did you choose real estate as a career?
“Thirty-three years ago, a friend who owned a real estate office called me to see if I wanted to join her. I had been a probation officer, a 1st grade teacher, owned a tag sale business and done all kinds of volunteering but my real passion was selling. I quickly discovered that I truly loved the real estate business and found it was a great way to work and still be at home with my family.”
What is your most memorable real estate transaction?
“Here’s my top three—so hard to choose!
~ I sold and listed Robert Redford’s home in Weston. It was really fun to get to know him. He would call Tod (my husband) and I for late dinners. He ate late so people would not hound him for autographs. When he called the office, everyone stood around and waited to listen to my voicemail!
~ I sold a house in Fairfield where there had been a brutal murder. I didn’t know at the time what had happened but in the selling process I learned a great deal about dealing with psychologically impacted homes.
~ I wrote a binder check for a client on a house that I knew they would want. They were away at the time and I told them when they returned. They loved the house and are still there today. Their daughter and her husband are now clients, having just purchased a home in Westport.”
What do clients love most
about working with you and
the KMS Team?
“Clients know they are very important people in my life and they trust me to do the best for them. Having partners assures them of always having a knowledgeable realtor to help them, even if I am not there.”
What is your favorite outing in the main communities
served by the KMS Team?
“Westport—Summer nights grilling at Compo Beach, concerts at the Levitt Pavilion and the fantastic Westport Library
Weston—Devil’s Den hiking and cross country skiing and the beef-a-roni from Peter’s Market in Weston Center
Fairfield—Lake Mohegan hiking trails, band concerts on the green and the Gaelic Club!
Norwalk—Silvermine Art Center and the Maritime Aquarium
Wilton—Weir Farm Nature Preserve and Village Market
”
And advice for your
selling client?
If you could give one short piece of advice to your buying client?
“Have realistic expectations. Keep an open mind. My job is to help you know the town you have chosen and to create a win-win situation for both buyers and sellers.”
“Price right. Do a pre-inspection to present best appearance. Be fair and willing to compromise if necessary. Listen to the current market conditions.”
How have you seen the market change
in your time as a broker?
“Today’s market is totally different because of technology. Agents have more to contend with—clients have so much more information—sometimes we learn from them! Attitudes are different—people know what they want. The market is switching too—from people wanting more land to now wanting downtown—new homes vs. older. Its always fascinating!”
What do you wish
you knew when you sold
your first home?
What do you wish
you knew when you bought
your first home?
“Everything was very different in 1964—both buying and selling. People were more trusting—willing to compromise, local banks were eager to help—it was a simple process. We loved our house —it wasn’t perfect but it was exciting and wonderful to be able to buy. The same for selling. We were able to buy a larger home, renovate it and stayed there for 35 years.”
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