In the midst of losing almost everything, I was determined to rebuild. Transforming setbacks into stepping stones, my experiences inspired me to embark on a new venture in real estate. This business has allowed me to create a meaningful impact, guiding my clients and giving back to the community.
Everything had been perfect, purchasing my dream home at the height of the market. Then, the 2008 economic downturn destroyed the American dream I thought I was living. Despite my efforts, it became clear that I wouldn't be able to recover financially if I continued to hold onto the house. The best option was to short sell the home. This process was emotionally and financially draining. I ultimately had to file for bankruptcy—as an entrepreneur who worked hard for years to reach the point of buying my dream home, I was devastated.
It was a long journey to reach this point, one where I had to identify what my true passions were. Growing up, working side by side with my grandfather in our florist shop, I developed an interest in business. However, as a people pleaser, I thought I needed to pursue other careers, including studying nursing and ultimately choosing education as my major. I thought it was the safe, smart choice.
Everything changed when I was offered an opportunity I couldn’t refuse. During college, I worked at a gym, running the juice bar. Then, one day, the owner approached me, wanting to sell the business to me. Despite having no business experience and only $10,000 in the bank, I seized the opportunity and bought it! This marked the beginning of my entrepreneurial journey.
Making it through the market crash, I came out of it more determined and passionate than ever. The adversity I faced only strengthened my resolve. I successfully ran the gym for 10 years, during which I learned invaluable lessons about business management and customer relations. Later, I ventured into other businesses, including a hotdog truck and tanning salons and spas, all of which were successful. Each venture taught me when to trust my instincts and move on to new opportunities.
In 2015, I made the decision to sell my tanning salon—something in me knew it was time for a new venture. Then, someone suggested I get into real estate; I instantly felt a connection to the industry and saw a chance to help other people avoid the same setbacks I faced. It was an intense, fast-paced period of learning, but I was confident this was the right path for me. While my interest in education didn’t translate to working in a classroom, it did translate to real estate. It became a passion of mine to educate my clients, ensuring they make informed investment decisions, whether it is their first home or their tenth!
As an entrepreneur at heart, I opened my own brokerage, Castinetti Realty Group, within a year and a half to create a lasting mark on the industry that reflected my goals and values. I've built a team of 35 agents, opened several satellite offices and won "Best of Central Mass" for six consecutive years.
The Castinetti Realty Group is built on values of integrity, community involvement and a commitment to excellence. We are known for organizing food drives, charitable events and fundraisers throughout the entire year. I’m grateful that our community trusts and supports us, always contributing generously to our causes and participating in our events. Being recognized as a go-to person in the community for help and support is the ultimate sign of success for me. As a business owner, I not only want to have an impact through my work, but to use my success as a means to give back.
When not working, I love being with my fiancé, Dean, his two daughters, Gianna and Amanda, and my two golden retriever rescues, Brody and Tucker. Some of my earliest experiences volunteering were at dog rescues; they have always had a special place in my heart.
Real estate decisions are significant, and mistakes can be costly. My primary focus is to build trust, demonstrating through my actions time and time again that I always have your best interests at the center of the buying and selling process. By establishing this early on, I can help educate you throughout the process, ensuring you have the information and resources needed to make informed buying and selling decisions. It is important to me to learn my clients’ stories to create personalized experiences and build meaningful relationships along the way!
I'm fortunate to have a loyal and dedicated clientele who I treat like family. Over the past nine years, I have built strong bonds with many of my clients, who support me and the community causes I enjoy representing and fundraising for. These relationships are the heart of my business, allowing me to impact the lives of my clients and the community I serve. It is an honor for me to use my experiences and professional expertise to help people, sharing my knowledge in hopes of making a difference in someone’s life.