William Raveis
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Paula Nelson

About Paula Nelson

Sales Associate - Old Saybrook Office
33 Main Street, Old Saybrook, CT 06475

Email: Paula.Nelson@raveis.com | Cell: 860.659.7276 | Office: 860.388.3936
Website: https://paulanelson.raveis.com

Exceptional Homes. Expert Guidance. Strategic Results.

Every move is different. I bring the strategy, insight, and advocacy to help you make the right one.

Agent Credentials

Personal

I've always believed that real estate is about people first and property second. I grew up in Naugatuck, Connecticut, in a close-knit community that shaped my appreciation for neighborhoods and the sense of belonging they create. My husband and I later raised our two sons in Burlington, where we spent years enjoying the Farmington Valley's open space, strong schools, and community spirit. Today, as our family enters a new chapter, we recently rightsized to the shoreline in Westbrook near Chapman Beach. Living along the Connecticut coast has given me an even deeper appreciation for the lifestyle choices people make when they decide where to live. Our family also includes our two Havanese dogs, Fidel and Pearl, who happily accompany us on walks and shoreline adventures. Having lived, worked, and raised a family in different parts of the state gives me a personal understanding of Connecticut's communities from shoreline towns to suburban neighborhoods to more rural areas. Real estate decisions are rarely just financial. They are deeply personal transitions, and I approach every client relationship with that perspective.

  • 860-659-7276

Experience

Before entering real estate, I spent 26 years with the Connecticut Judicial Branch, serving in leadership and public service roles that required sound judgment, strategic thinking, and strong communication. I began my career as an Adult Probation Officer and ultimately advanced to Regional Manager, overseeing five probation offices including two of the largest in the state and managing teams of more than 150 professionals. Working in high-stakes environments taught me how to: -Evaluate complex situations quickly -Communicate clearly under pressure -Advocate effectively for outcomes that matter -Lead with integrity and accountability These same skills translate directly into real estate. Today, I bring a calm, strategic, and highly organized approach to every transaction. My clients rely on me for honest guidance, thoughtful negotiation, and clear communication throughout the process. Whether navigating competitive offers, timing the market, or helping clients plan their next move, I approach every transaction with the same discipline and professionalism that shaped my leadership career.

  • 26 years with the Connecticut Judicial Branch in leadership and public service roles
  • Former Adult Probation Officer, advanced to Regional Manager
  • Led and mentored teams of more than 150 professionals
  • Managed complex, high-stakes decision-making environments
  • Licensed REALTOR since 2022 with experience across diverse transaction types
  • Represented buyers and sellers in relocations, rightsizing, and transitional moves
  • Hands-on experience with investment properties and student housing

Professional Association

  • Greater Hartford Association of Realtors
  • National Association of Realtors
  • Connecticut Association of Realtors

Areas Covered

Connecticut may be small, but its communities are incredibly diverse?and understanding those nuances is essential when guiding clients through a purchase or sale. Having grown up here and built my career across multiple regions, I bring a well-rounded, real-world perspective of the markets that influence both buyers and sellers. My experience spans New Haven, Hartford, Middlesex, Litchfield, Tolland, and Fairfield Counties. From early roots in New Haven County to years of professional and public service work throughout Litchfield and Fairfield Counties, I?ve developed a deep appreciation for the distinct character of each area. Today, I primarily serve clients across the Farmington Valley and the Connecticut shoreline, as well as throughout Hartford, Middlesex, and New Haven Counties. I also assist clients statewide when the right opportunity arises.

  • Connecticut

Bilingual Talents

  • English
  • Portuguese
  • Spanish

Niche Marketing

I work with a wide range of clients navigating important life transitions, including: * Homeowners preparing to sell and position their property strategically in today?s market. *Buyers relocating within Connecticut or from out of state. *Move-up buyers seeking the right next home as their needs evolve. *Homeowners downsizing or rightsizing into their next stage of life. *Buyers and investors evaluating opportunities across Connecticut?s diverse housing market. As both a Realtor and a real estate investor, I bring a practical understanding of property value, market timing, and negotiation strategy. My goal is simple: to help clients make confident decisions while protecting their financial interests and long-term goals.

  • Residential Buyers & Sellers
  • Relocation & Transitional Moves
  • Rightsizing & Life-Stage Transitions
  • Student Housing & Investment Properties
  • Investor-Informed Pricing & Strategy

Education

  • BA Psychology/Criminal Justice UCONN
  • Experimental Psychology University of Hartford
  • Certificate for Latino Community Practice- University of St. Joseph, CT

Additional Languages

  • Portuguese
  • Spanish