Testimonials

"We always felt like Julia was looking out for our best interest - she was a consummate professional and a trusted advisor throughout our entire home buying experience. She fully listened to our wish list, completely understood our ideal home, went far out of her way to find potential candidates; and she worked quickly and seamlessly with us through a complicated for-sale-by owner, mortgage and closing process. We recommend her wholeheartedly and without hesitation!" - Ben and Ali - Lyme, CT

"Had my family home on the market for 14 months, NO offers despite a multitude of visits. Found my "dream home" which I could NOT purchase until my mortgage was paid off. Julia provided advice as to "sales presentation" that my prior realtor did not suggest. BINGO & remarkably my home sold to the 1st couple who visited. Seemed impossible, but all transactions accomplished in 6 weeks because of her intense work within the Coldwell network. I am astonished!!!!
WHY? Julia has exceptional "insight", "determination", "interpersonal skills" and WORK ETHIC --- all not consistently demonstrated by my previous realtor." - Dan - Waterford, CT

"Having Julia Rathkey as our agent meant working with someone who knew the real estate market, understood our needs, found the perfect property and handled all the details leading to a timely closing on terms very satisfactory to us. We highly recommend her." - Ernie and Hazel - Old Lyme, CT

"Julia Rathkey went “above and beyond” in selling our home. She was very professional and personally caring as well.
All showings, negotiations, inspections and closing went smoothly and were done on a timely basis due to her professionalism.
Julia was referred to us by our neighbor, after, she successfully sold their home. We in turn would extend the same recommendation.
It truly was a pleasure working with Julia and will miss her." - Carol and Bill - Waterford, CT

Testimonials Continued
"In the Fall of 2012 my wife and I began a search for a home for our daughter and her three school age children.
Julia listened and took the time to understand some of the unique qualities we were looking for in a perfect home and community.
Rather than inundating us with listing after listing, she thoughtfully considered our hectic personal schedules and only then presented the most suitable of properties for our daughter’s consideration.
Although we had planned on searching into the Spring to coordinate a move at school year end, Julia found a home that exceeded our expectations and had a motivated seller.
With Julia’s skillful negotiations and the savings that resulted, we were able to do some cosmetic work and landscaping before our family arrived and still come in under our target budget.
While I could go on and on about her professionalism and how high a bar she sets in her work, I would simply say that what makes working with Julia such a pleasure is her obvious joy in making her clients happy.
You will not be disappointed, I am sure, when you choose to work with Julia." - Linda and George - Old Lyme

Business Philosophy
While real estate is often a financial decision, once involved in the process, emotions can run high and concerns can mount. My job is to get a home to a closing without losing sight of the emotional element, needs, personalities, objectives and motivation of my clients. Buying and selling can be a stressful experience but by transferring the weight from your shoulders to mine, I hope to make the process a bit more manageable.

Areas of Expertise

All buyers are looking for their own special property that suits their needs and desires, while all sellers are looking for that buyer to love their home. I am able to put the two together.

Client relationship, negotiation and staying one step ahead are just some of the strengths I bring to the table.

Education

• Renbrook School -- W. Hartford, CT
• Miss Porter's School -- Farmington, CT
• Ancaster House -- English Speaking Union scholarship year abroad -- Bexhill-on-Sea, England
• Colgate University -- Hamilton, NY
• University of Basel -- Switzerland semester abroad
• Lee Strasberg Theatre and Film Institute -- London, England

Personal Background
Born at the Hartford Hospital, with direct ancestry to the original settlers of Hartford and Middletown, I am thrilled to be back in the Nutmeg State after spending some years in New Jersey and London. A published author and actively engaged in my community, I am a mother of identical, twin boys and a daughter, as well as an avid golfer and paddle tennis player.

Communities I Serve

• Lower Connecticut River Valley and Connecticut Shoreline

Community and Volunteer Involvement

• Florence Griswold Museum -- Patron, Hot Air Club and Annual Benefit Committee Member
• Child and Family, Old Lyme Chapter -- Committee Member
• Old Lyme Historical Society -- Member
• Essex Platform Tennis Club -- Member
• President League of Women Voters -- Mountain Lakes, NJ
• President Citizen Search Committee, to find Board of Ed candidates -- Mountain Lakes, NJ
• Borough Appearance Committee -- Mountain Lakes, NJ
• Miss Porter's School -- Nominating Committee Member
• Morris County Mental Health Association -- Board of Directors
• Elementary and Middle School Track Coach
• Preschool Sunday School Teacher

Awards and Designations

• Published Author, 2004
• 2005 NJAMHA(New Jersey Association of Mental Health Agencies) Courage and Compassion Award
• "At Home with Diversity" Certified
• National Association of Realtors -- Member
• CT Association of Realtors -- Member
• Middlesex Shoreline Association of Realtors -- Member