LAKEVILLE, PA – When the Pike-Wayne Association of Realtors had to decide on Realtor of the Year last Thursday night at Capri Restaurant on Lake Wallenpaupack, the answer was clear: Lynne Freda of Matthew J. Freda Real Estate in Callicoon.

A real estate veteran of 20 years, the recognition left Lynne with a sense of honor and humbleness.

“I’m very proud [to be recognized] and it just gives me motivation to keep doing what we’re doing,” Lynne said.

The award carries a deep meaning for Lynne, whose family is well-versed in the local real estate market. Having founded the Callicoon agency more than 50 years ago, her father – Matthew “Joe” Freda – was the very first recipient of the Sullivan County Realtor of the Year Award when it was established in the 1990s.

“I dedicated [this award] to my father, who never did get to see me do real estate because he passed away a couple years before I got into the business,” recounted Lynne.

Industry leadership is nothing new to Lynne either, as she has served six years on the Pike-Wayne Association of Realtors Board with a term as its president, as well as having served as President of the Sullivan County Association of Realtors in both 2016 and 2017. These roles saw Lynne and her team collaborate to handle policy, industry changes, and oversight of the regional Multiple Listing Service (MLS).

Her roles aren’t limited to governance, either. Lynne reflected on her many years of volunteer work and involvement in realtor events and committees.

“I always volunteer to do the majority of that work,” joked Lynne. “It’s all over now, thank goodness.”

Now more than 56 years old, the Freda agency continues to be a thriving family business. Lynne highlighted her strong family support in the business. Her brother Tom is the Agency Broker and her other brother Joe is an Associate Broker. Joe’s wife, Elise, is also an agent.

“So yeah, it’s a family business,” noted Lynne.

To Lynne, this award reflects not only longevity, but also the professional standard she has consistently worked to uphold.

“In real estate, besides your skills, what you have is your reputation,” she said. “It’s all about reputation: return business, referrals, and being respected by your peers as well as your clients and customers.”