Our Stories

"Prior to joining Better Living Real Estate®, I owned and operated RE/MAX franchises for nearly two decades. Wanting to simplify, and having been burnt out on the typical franchise brokerage model, I sold the company, and planned on having my own independent brokerage. 

Within a few weeks from opening my own new brand, I just happened to have a call with my old friend Bob Simone to ask some technology advice and systems for my new Fairhaven, MA office. That started a great conversation about all the technology, training and innovation that was happening at Better Living Real Estate®. It was a lot more than what I had seen during my years with RE/MAX and it got my gears turning.

A few days later we decided to have lunch together to catch up. I had no intention of changing my course as I was already well into the process of opening my new brand, but three hours later, having looked at the Better Living Real Estate® platform, I began to question my rationale for continuing in the broker/owner business. The tools, resources, and simplicity the company offered were staggering.

Looking deeper, it became apparent that the Better Living Real Estate® organization had attracted high caliber people, any of whom could have gone into business for themselves. As I compared the state of the art technology, training, mobility and particularly, the residual income potential that the company already had in place, with the prospect of trying to reinvent similar components for my own firm, my mindset quickly shifted.

After 18 years of recruiting from and studying competing real estate brokerages, I well understood the franchise models, and simply had never seen a more efficient system. And, all without risk, cost or liability! 

Consulting with another broker who worked at Better Living Real Estate® who said, "I much prefer to be signing the back of checks, instead of the front of checks" was the tipping point. I proceeded to scrap my plans (at a significant cost to myself since I had already invested much time and money into my own brand) and joined  Better Living Real Estate®. 

I have never been more motivated, am growing my team, expanding my social media presence and collaborating with some tremendous people. The environment that has been created here is a community of agents and brokers from diverse backgrounds who clearly find value in a holistic approach to balancing life and work. I am looking forward to continuing to contribute to our growth and cannot speak highly enough of my experience. Better Living Real Estate® is changing the way real estate is practiced,.... and for the better."  -  Nick Helgesen

"For more than 30 years, I have been involved with the daily aspects of a family owned custom home construction business.  I am also involved with buying and selling homes in need of repair, renovating them and selling them as an investor.  Having years of experience as a REALTOR®,  helping people with their dream of home ownership is paramount in my career as a Realtor®. 

Better Living Real Estate's motto "Better Living for a Better Life® " couldn't be more true in why I love what I do.  I have worked with the big "Franchises" and Independent brokerages and found that the training and human component hadn't met my expectations until I found and joined Better Living Real Estate®.  

Better Living Real Estate® gives you every opportunity to be a successful REALTOR.  With four tiers of support, and real time training from wherever you are in your daily life - whether you are away on vacation or home taking care of your family - Better Living Real Estate® gives you the tools to work from anywhere and close more business.

If you are looking for independence, yet are in need  to connect any time of the day or night for support and guidance,  Better Living Real Estate®  has every tool available to you in real time. "  -  Susan Rossi

"My career in real estate started in 1974 before I was even born.  This was the year my father opened his own brokerage.  He raised me in the business, and I started working in his office at a young age, receiving my sales license shortly after high school.  In 2000 I became the Manager and Vice President of Dumont Realty.  Our mission statement was to continuously strive for improvement. To learn, educate and apply ourselves & to work together as an independent team.

We built our brokerage on grounds of respect for our agents and to assist each other by communicating and sharing our ideas, concerns, and desires thus increasing our quality and effectiveness.  Our goal was to interact with our customers, our clients, our fellow REALTORS®, consciously and professionally.

A little over a decade later we thought the best way to serve our agents and clients was to make a move to a large national franchise.  After the transition to the national franchise system, I felt we left our core mission behind and we needed to make another change.  It was soon after that, I was offered an employment position as the New England Regional Trainer for one of the largest brokerages in the country, and I brought our team to that brokerage.

After a few years, I learned that corporate attitudes and red tape were not for me.  After speaking with my family, we decided to open our own brokerage under a new franchise.  As I was about to sign a Franchise Agreement, one of my friends introduced me to Bob Simone and Better Living Real Estate®.  After about 2 hours of conversations with Bob, I decided there was no need in me recreating the wheel.  Everything that I wanted to do in a brokerage, Better Living Real Estate® was already doing.

The Dumont Group decided to make the move to Better Living Real Estate® because we felt we were returning to our original mission statement.  Better Living Real Estate® takes a different approach to real estate, one that is built on personal interaction, win-win experiences and positive results. The motto says it all… “Better Living for a Better Life® - it is their baseline that guides everyone in the brokerage to leave a client in better shape and a better place than when we first met them.”

After an extensive search, we found a company that was once again closely aligned with our own mission statement; we also found a company that has all the tools and resources our agents need to grow their business and expertly service our clients.  From Mentoring, Weekly Face to Face Training, 24/7 On Demand Support, Weekly round-table conversations, to the technology components and tools needed to be a paperless agent, as someone who has been an “e-Agent” for over 15 years, it is great to find a brokerage where I am not the only one.  Better Living Real Estate® is built for all our agents to become e-Agents if they choose.

The Dumont Realty Group team is thrilled to have found a home that allows us a “Better Living for a Better Life®” while thriving and keeping true our original core values."  -  Kevin Dumont

"I learned about Better Living Real Estate® while attending  a Better Living Real Estate® MeetUP networking event.  While there, I connected with multiple real estate agents and decided to have a meeting with Bob Simone to learn more.  After seeing all the tools, software, and unique business model that Better Living Real Estate® has to offer, I immediately knew that Better Living Real Estate® was aligned with the way that I was looking to elevate my real estate career.  

The abundance of personalized training includes in-depth orientation for real estate agents joining the brokerage,  weekly training and roundtable discussions with your colleagues, and exclusive trainings from industry professionals, deep-diving into topics such as homeowners insurance, real estate law, negotiating skills along with so many other real estate related topics that further sets Better Living Real Estate® apart from other brokerages.  

The fun part of Better Living Real Estate® are the MeetUPs and networking events organized on a regular basis, allowing you to stay socially and personally connected with your teammates, as well as opening up new opportunities to expand your network.  

Better Living Real Estate® is fully invested in their agents, providing an array of tools and first-level education needed for an agent to be a leading professional in the industry.  I would recommend any real estate agent striving to succeed in their business joins our brokerage." - Isa Helena

"Joining Better Living Real Estate has been one of the best decisions I’ve made in my career.

When I met owner Bob Simone, I was at a very small brokerage at the time and had begun my career as an agent a few years earlier. Although I was happy at the agency, I was beginning to realize that I needed more if I was to grow as an agent. I knew in the back of my mind that I needed more education, more guidance, and more practice honing my skills. I didn’t know yet how this was going to happen. Then I met Bob through one of those serendipitous events.

My daughter Tara and I were both so impressed with what Bob presented to us the day he came into our office to talk about his brokerage and at a second meeting the day after.  We could see the incredible value in Better Living Real Estate's culture, in their systems, and in their resources. We felt a connection with the entire company that Bob and his wife Bebe had built. I knew joining Better Living Real Estate® was the exact next step I was meant to take.

Now, I can’t say enough about being a part of this amazing company. There’s a pride that runs through the brokerage that shows we’re happy to be here - helping each other, rooting for each other, learning and growing together.

There are so many resources available to us, allowing us to give the best service we possibly can to our clients. From the extensive Team Intranet to the Four Channels of Business Development, and much more. We have two Zoom meetings every week where we are constantly learning and keeping up with the latest developments in the real estate industry.

The seasoned agents and vice presidents here are so generous - always ready to share their knowledge and give their support to newer agents. We have regular meetups and events that are always a fun way to network and spend time together. Aside from all this, the technology we have at our fingertips is amazing. Proprietary software like BetterLivingPRO™ and our Transaction Management systems are cutting edge in our industry.

As our slogan goes, “Better Living for a Better Life™” is so true and I’m proud to be a part of this great organization." -  Paula Sullivan

"One word describes Better Living Real Estate®:  COLLABORATIVE!

Whether it’s our twice per week company Zoom calls and roundtables in which we discuss any and all topics openly or the help and support that we each provide to one another, we are always promoting learning across the company.  

We're constantly having the opportunity to have one to one discussions and direct support provided by our Support Vice Presidents to help us get through any issue or career obstacle.  This spirit of cooperation and support within Better Living Real Estate® extends to how we help our clients and customers. We further extend this spirit of collaboration to other real estate agents in our co-brokered transactions, making it a better experience for everyone. 

One of our favorite hashtags is #BeBetter, and we live it every day by always learning how to be better real estate professionals and performing at the highest standards.  The mindset to help our agents succeed is top-down, and permeates the whole company.  For us it’s not about awards or who is the top earner in the company, it’s about making a difference in the lives of our clients, co-workers, and peers in the industry which ultimately leads to our success as REALTORS.  We are well-trained and educated through the outstanding training offered by Better Living Real Estate® and always strive to provide the utmost in customer service to our clients while achieving their real estate goals.  I personally interviewed many companies before signing on with Better Living Real Estate®, and this company perfectly reflects who I am as a person and REALTOR!" - Susan Kelley-Brian

"I decided to get my license in real estate back in 2018.  My husband and I had purchased a multifamily property and enjoyed being landlords.  We were thinking of purchasing additional properties down the road, and I wanted to know more about real estate, its laws and the business. In 2020, we purchased another multi and in 2022 we purchased our first short term rental, an Airbnb®.

As a brand new agent, fresh out of real estate school, there are many choices of companies to hang your license. As a new licensee, I started looking for a real estate brokerage that would offer me support and continue to teach me new skills year after year. I also wanted a brokerage that would help me start making money fast.  After attending a few interviews with other companies, I found that Better Living Real Estate® felt like the best fit for me. 

Better Living Real Estate's  "4-Tier Support System" is a solid system. There is help literally 24/7, in addition to having a Support Vice President and a sponsor to contact if needed. Their "Start-Orientation Program" is very structured, and began immediately.  I was able to meet my Support Vice President and attend a weekly in person review of how to get organized, branded, learn their technology and steps to be successful by developing a business plan.  The brokerage's detailed "Channels of Business" gave me a guide to follow that supports me throughout my career.  All of these resources prepared me to be a knowledgeable and successful real estate professional.

I love the collaboration throughout the brokerage.  Although we each keep our individual compensation, all of our agents support each other as one team verses the typical competition you see with other companies. The biggest take away is, you get out what you put in. Our weekly roundtable meetings are outstandingly helpful as well as our weekly "Learning Thursday" meeting topics.  I have witnessed firsthand that if you put in the work, follow the Channels of Business  Development, attend the weekly meetings and the monthly networking events, you “will not fail!"

All of the support and resources you could ever need is right here with Better Living Real Estate®.  I am AMAZED and truly thankful to this day at the amount of time Bob puts into the weekly meetings, the videos in the Team Intranet, attending most of our Networking events thereby supporting each of his agents and always being just a phone call away if we need him.  He always challenges us to “Be Better,” which pushes us to be better Realtors® as well as better people. You will never see this level of dedication from any other company.  I am honored to be on this team. “Better Living for a Better Life,” it’s not just our motto, it’s a way of life." - Gail Sebastiao

"I made the best decision of my career when I joined Better Living Real Estate® as a real estate agent working across New Hampshire and Massachusetts. The support structure at Better Living Real Estate® is truly incredible, providing an environment where I can thrive.

One of the aspects that drew me to Better Living Real Estate® is their team culture, encouraging "co-sharing" business opportunities to both learn and earn simultaneously. The collaborative atmosphere is further enhanced by the Team Intranet, a valuable resource that answers all my questions, and a support forum "hot-line" where I can pose queries and receive answers almost instantaneously from fellow agents. I use these resources frequently and it has made the transition not only easier, but genuinely enhanced my knowledge and skills for the benefit of my clients. 

What sets Better Living Real Estate® apart is the hands-on training provided by the Support Vice President, a unique approach in the industry. We also use a 4- Channel business system to obtain leads and connections including creating LSN Networks. This has been invaluable, equipping me with the skills necessary for success in the competitive real estate market, and has proven far superior to expensive advertising. 

The weekly meetings at Better Living Real Estate® are nothing short of fantastic. The Tuesday open forum allows for meaningful discussions among agents, fostering a sense of community and collaboration. I always come away with new ideas and approaches and renewed energy to pursue them. On Thursdays, we have the chance to learn from industry professionals. I love these sessions in particular because of the expertise drawn from those who have a wealth of experience and success. I haven’t heard of this level of learning in our industry with this regularity, anywhere. 

Having transitioned from a large, well-known real estate agency, I can confidently say that Better Living Real Estate® is a progressive brokerage with transactional practices that are ahead of the industry curve. This commitment to staying at the forefront of the real estate market make Better Living Real Estate® an exciting and rewarding place to work. 

Leaving my previous agency to join Better Living Real Estate® was a leap of faith, but it turned out to be the best decision I've ever made for my career. I love the people in this firm. Bob and Bebe Simone have been the ideal owners who are absolutely committed to my success. I am thrilled with my choice, haven't looked back, and am excited about the continued growth and success that Better Living Real Estate® offers."  - Diane Sullivan

"I decided to start a career as a real estate agent after working in management in the corporate finance and carpentry industries.  I heard from several people who had been in real estate sales world that finding the right company to work for is key, and can make or break you as you start your career.  Because of these warnings, I made sure I did my research before choosing a company.  What drew me to Better Living Real Estate® at first was the compensation structure and the ability to grow and become a mentor within the company.  After meeting with Bob Simone and learning more about the company, the reason I decided to join Better Living Real Estate® instead of another brokerage was their organized structure, resource availability, and the atmosphere of collaboratively working to help everyone within the company succeed. 

One of the great things about Better Living Real Estate® is that they function very similar to other industry corporations, but with a mobile platform built to allow flexibility and withstand ever changing times.  We have twice a week collaborative meetings to review, discuss, question and share ideas on building our real estate careers.  We have a monthly company lunch covering current real estate industry information.  We have a question and answer intranet to search for, or ask tenured agent questions for assistance.  We have a team Facebook page to share listings, important information and continue weekly training discussions.  Each agent is assigned a sponsor and a Vice President dedicated to them to reach out to and work with as they start their career.  All of these elements are part of a 4 Tier Support system built into the company's  business plan.  Since the day I started, I have used each of these support tiers and have found extreme value in each. 

Because the Better Living Real Estate's® business plan is built to foster collaboration, the ability to co-service clients and the encouragement to co-host Open Houses helps in starting your career, getting experience and exposure to new clients. In my first 4 months I was able to build relationships with my colleagues by following the business plan and putting what I learned into action.  By attending meetings and building relationships, I was able to gain opportunities to co-service clients and co-host open houses with teammates.  Having these opportunities available to me allowed me to start building my brand, prospect for new business and gain clients. 

One of the most amazing things to me was how I was welcomed and supported since the day I started at Better Living Real Estate®. Attending some of these outings and meetings only knowing one or two other agents in a room full can be overwhelming, but because of the team building structure at Better Living Real Estate® each new agent is flooded with welcoming support from the initial announcement and beyond."  -  Jen Medas 

“I was introduced to Better Living Real Estate® through the resounding recommendations of fellow agents who were already thriving under its banner. The network of agents working for the company spoke volumes about the sense of camaraderie and professionalism fostered within its community. It was clear from the outset that this wasn't just another real estate agency; it was a family of dedicated professionals committed to achieving excellence in the real estate industry.

 What sets Better Living Real Estate® apart, and what I appreciate most, is the unparalleled flexibility it offers. In an industry known for its unpredictable nature, the ability to adapt and tailor our approach to each unique situation is a game-changer. The supportive environment and collaborative spirit among colleagues create an atmosphere where everyone's success is a shared victory. The commitment to ongoing training further solidifies Better Living Real Estate® as a dynamic and forward-thinking agency.

 I wholeheartedly recommend Better Living Real Estate® to fellow agents looking to elevate their careers. The company's proactive approach to staying ahead of industry trends ensures that its agents are always equipped with the latest tools and strategies. Better Living Real Estate® is not just a workplace; it's a hub of innovation and continuous learning. The resources available, from cutting-edge technology to comprehensive market insights, are nothing short of fabulous. If you're looking for an agency that is truly like no other, where your growth is nurtured, and success is a collective endeavor, Better Living Real Estate® is the place to be. ”  - Denise Males

 "I have had my Real Estate license for over fourteen years, during that time I have worked with other agencies. I then took some time off to be a stay at home mom for my children. When I was ready to go back to my passion which has always been in real estate, after meeting with Bob Simone, Owner & Broker, and learning what Better Living Real Estate® had to offer, I immediately knew I wanted to join the team. After working at Better Living Real Estate®, I can honestly say that no other brokerage could ever come close to comparing to Better Living Real Estate®.

I am extremely impressed with the Business channels, continued training, and team support that all of the mentors and management have implemented. You are not only working with one manager, you're supported by entire team!

What I truly love about Better Living Real Estate®, is the flexibility. You are able to work from the comfort of your own home or while on the road, using a robust mobile office platform. I would highly recommend anyone to consider a position at Better Living Real Estate® because of the continued support from a highly qualified experienced team."  -  Holly Murphy 

"I feel very lucky to have been introduced to Better Living Real Estate® through a mutual colleague. I was going through the licensing process when Bob Simone reached out to me. He was considerate, engaging and really wanted to know what I was looking for in a brokerage. Since this was a new career path for me, my very first thought was that I didn’t want to feel alone. The business plan that Better Living Real Estate® offers with its support systems, mentoring and technology checked all the boxes for me. The weekly team round table offers invaluable  insight into actual issues that come up throughout the buying and selling process, with honest discussion on answers and working through possible scenarios that might arise as well. Along with self training through the Team Intranet site, I can not express how valuable these round tables have been. With the 4 tier support system, I always get the guidance I need for any question I have. I have utilized the Team Intranet and Help & Support Forum many times, always with success.  

The whole team approach is what I was looking for, and I have many experienced colleagues that have gone out of their way to help me when I have questions with transactions that I am working on. There are many ways to build your business and the Support Vice Presidents are one of  many resources to help your success for years to come. All in all, we have a very positive and motivating group of great agents to help me to help others realize their real estate goals." - Katie Fogarty  

"When searching for a brokerage, I wasn’t looking to be just a number in a large franchise or pushed where the focus wasn’t on my clients' needs.  I also didn't want a brokerage that focused on dollar volume or sales contests.  I wanted a brokerage that felt like I was part of a team; part of a family.  From the first day I interviewed with Better Living Real Estate®, I was welcomed in like a family member.  From my sponsor agent to our broker, you feel genuinely received by everyone you interact with at here.

The main focus at Better Living Real Estate® is to bring your client the best possible experience during a time that can be very stressful.  We all work together as a team to make this happen!  From weekly roundtable discussions to Networking MeetUps, we come together to build knowledge and relationships.  The experience at Better Living Real Estate® isn’t just about building a clientele to buy or sell, but to build relationships with other professionals that will better yourself to serve your clients." - Christie Lopes

"I've been with this brokerage since the early days.  Prior to joining, I was a real estate broker for one of the top three national and well know real estate companies, which had unlimited funds to advertise nationally on radio, TV, and media publications. I thought that working for one of the big three was the way to go, when in fact it lacked supervision, training, sense of family and caring for its agents. Immediately, Bob Simone, very busy with his own 24/7 schedule developing our brokerage's business systems, unselfishly found the time and took me under his wing. In spite of my prior reasonable training, he taught me the ‘golden business rules’ which he lived by, and proved to be a model for a successful career. This included building trustworthy relationships with clients, accomplished by means of diligent research of properties closely tailored to the needs of the clients at hand, the constant follow up and prompt contact with the client all leading to a successful closing, a happy buyer with a reasonable assurance of referral business. 

After sixteen years with Buyer's Network, as a top producer for many of those, much of the success I attribute to our brokerage's sharing environment and teamwork, we evolved into Better Living Real Estate®. It's been an exciting of growth into a full service agency with the exceptional training and business experience by all the managers. 

If you want a better career in real estate, and are presently dissatisfied with your present circumstance consider joining Better Living Real Estate®, where you will be part of growing family of successful brokers and agents who have found that the business models developed by Better Living Real Estate® bring not only financial rewards but equally important, personal gratification."  -  Faye Hillman