For Christine O’Leary and Cynthia Furtado, co-founders of Salt Pond Realty LLP, it’s not just about selling homes, it’s about making dreams come true.
Boasting 18 and 17 years’ experience respectively in the local real estate industry, Christine and Cynthia forged a friendship when they first started out, working for a small, team-oriented company in Falmouth. There they built on their existing foundation of knowledge with hands-on learning and mentorship from their seasoned colleagues. They also discovered a shared philosophy – that real estate is much more than a financial transaction, it’s an emotional journey.
After interviewing separately at other local real estate agencies, unable to find the right fit for the next stage of their careers, Christine and Cynthia decided in 2012 to start their own business. While many would have been daunted by the struggling market and the dire financial climate at the time, undeterred, they decided to take a risk to pursue their own dreams.
Real estate was a natural progression for Christine, who hails from a family of developers. She fell in love with Cape Cod when she moved to Falmouth at the age of ten. The company name is a nod to her childhood, for she grew up in a picturesque home on Mill Road, overlooking Salt Pond.
“That’s where it all started for me, so it’s incredibly rewarding to share something I know so well with my clients. Whether it’s a secret path to the beach, my favorite shops and restaurants, or where to catch the best sunset,” she said. “We pride ourselves on being very educated about
real estate in Falmouth.”
Cynthia is equally passionate about not only meeting her clients’ expectations, but exceeding them, which she achieves by establishing a strong personal connection.
“I love the authenticity of the interaction I have with my clients. I get excited when I wake up in the morning, wondering what’s coming on our market, and which clients I’ll be reaching out to,” she said. “Because of my involvement in the Falmouth community, I’m able to educate people
about what makes Falmouth so special.”
A former longtime board member of Falmouth Museums on the Green (operated by the Falmouth Historical Society), Cynthia has spent the past two years volunteering her time by serving on the advisory board of E (Entrepreneurship) For All Cape Cod, a non-profit aimed at accelerating economic development and social impact through entrepreneurship on the Cape, in addition to other mid-sized cities. Since its inception a decade ago, E For All has helped start over 500 businesses, raised over 35 million dollars in capital, and created over 700 jobs, with more than half of the businesses owned by women and minorities.
“The Cape Cod lifestyle is what we’re offering to our clients. We’re not just selling houses, we’re selling a way of life,” Cynthia added. “It’s what we live, and it’s what I think about when I come to this office every day.”
Salt Pond Realty moved last January from Falmouth Heights Road to a new space on Queen’s Buyway, formerly occupied by Real Bodies clothing store. Nestled in the epicenter of historic Falmouth Village, the Palmer Avenue office is surrounded by bustling, independent businesses that enhance the local flavor of Falmouth, such as Coffee Obsession and Corner Cycle.
As Cape Cod residents, Christine and Cynthia know firsthand the importance of the “Buy Local” philosophy. As business owners, they are mindful of doing their part, sponsoring local fundraisers and donating to non-profit organizations, such as Tommy’s Place, the future vacation home
for children with terminal cancer, which will be located at the former Elm Arch Inn in downtown Falmouth. They keep their dollars local by frequenting the same businesses they recommend to their clients, many of whom continue to stop in to the Salt Pond office just to say hello, or to
share how much they love their Falmouth home.
“When you work with us, you’re a client for life,” Cynthia said.
They’ve come a long way over the past eight years, since they started out in their first office, on the second floor of the Falmouth Chamber of Commerce, of which they are members. Salt Pond now boasts a five-member team of dynamic Falmouth women – Deirdre Barry, Kerri Frawley,
and Jennifer Palmer – each of whom brings unique skills and life experience. The roles have reversed, and now Christine and Cynthia are the mentors, facilitating vibrant Monday morning “idea factory” meetings, full of brainstorming, information sharing, and support. And despite a global pandemic, the Salt Pond Realty team just celebrated another stellar year. Christine attributes their success to their passion.
“When you do what you love, it’s like rocket fuel,” she said with a smile.
Visit Salt Pond Realty LLP to get in touch with the team today!
