Rachel Simpson, REALTOR®, lives in Florence with her husband Chris and dog, Mini. Her grown daughter, Michaela, lives in Boston and works in fundraising.
Often mistaken for a Northampton native, Rachel has only lived in the city since she was 6, except for a brief stint in Austin, Texas in the 1980s. She is a graduate of the Ada Comstock program at Smith College and worked for many years as a writer and editor. She began that profession as an obituary writer at the Daily Hampshire Gazette, was an editor at the award-winning magazine, Wondertime, and freelanced for small business, area colleges, arts organizations, non-profits, and two Fortune 500 companies.
Rachel is known for her calm, experienced approach to real estate and deep knowledge of the area. Clients have noted that her market experience and knowledge, negotiating skills, responsiveness, and sense of humor are part of what make buying and selling with her as low-stress as possible. Rachel is detail-oriented and proactive, and provides clear information and explanations throughout every step of the process. She is an excellent and clear communicator, typically responding within minutes to texts, calls, and email.
What is your motto? One day at a time.
What are you currently reading? James by Percival Everett, Ladder of Years by Anne Tyler, Still Midnight by Denise Mina.
Which living person do you most admire? Well, this changes all the time but right now I'd say Cory Booker and others who stand up for the rule of law and against bullies. Also I have a ton of admiration for Chappell Roan. Very different answers, I know.
How do you measure success? If I have been of service to others and kept my side of the street clean I call that a successful day. The rest is gravy.
What do you do to relax? Read, work out, meditate, stream trashy stuff on my iPad.
What do you consider your greatest achievement? Raising a smart, funny, compassionate, resilient daughter, and getting my certification as a death doula from UVM. Oh, also five-time adult spelling bee champion.
If someone asked you for advice on getting into business, what advice would you tell them? Work hard, act with integrity, and honor your word. Also don't speculate -- only share info you know is true.
What are your favorite parts of living in the Five College Area? I have lived here most of my life and value all the different and sometimes overlapping communities I have been lucky enough to be a part of, including old-timers and newer residents. Our landscape is beautiful throughout the year. I love that where I live now I can see deer, hear coyotes and owls, and am still just 10 minutes from Easthampton and Northampton and close to conservation land in several directions.
What are you currently streaming / watching? The Pitt, White Lotus, The Righteous Gemstones.
What do you like best about being in real estate? In addition to meeting nice (and sometimes famous!) people, I like multitasking and putting all the pieces together to help people find the home they are looking for or sell their home when they are ready. I like being busy and I am grateful for a job that allows me to use my social, communication, and critical thinking skills all together.
What are some of your favorite movies or shows? The Sopranos, Somebody Feed Phil.
What is your favorite musician / band? The Expandable Brass Band! I'm a member!
Rachel Simpson, (413) 386-8234, rachelsimpson413@gmail.com, https://rachelsimpsonrealtor.com/
