Maryellen O’BRIEN O’BRIEN

from MAY 2023 - BUCKS COUNTY REAL PRODUCERS MAGAZINE

AS A REAL ESTATE PROFESSIONAL, WHAT SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORMS SHOULD I BE ON? AS A REAL ESTATE PROFESSIONAL, WHAT SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORMS SHOULD I BE ON?

Keller Williams Real Estate Doylestown

Master. Mentor. Make a Difference

As far back as she can remember, Maryellen wanted to be a teacher. She was the oldest daughter, and second oldest of seven children. Even as a young girl and teenager, Maryellen was often invited to serve in leadership roles. It seemed like second nature to her.

Maryellen attended Penn State University, where she started her journey to become a teacher. Her dual major in elementary education and education of exceptional children culminated in her student teaching experiences. It was easy to fall in love with Buckingham Township, and she found herself hoping to work in the area permanently. Her ﬁrst experience with teaching special needs students was at a South Jersey high school.

Her mother was a REALTOR® and encouraged Maryellen to study for her real estate exam so she could devote her “summers o ” to real estate. Although Maryellen took the licensing classes in 1981, she did not enter the real estate industry for another seven years.

Move With Maryellen

Two years into her new teaching career, Maryellen got married and moved to Bucks County. She continued teaching at the high school in South Jersey for six additional

Two years into her new teaching career, Maryellen got married and moved to Bucks County. She continued teaching at the high school in South Jersey for six additional years, followed by six years as a substitute teacher for the Bucks County Intermediate Unit. Her work as a substitute allowed her to become very familiar with many of the communities that comprised Bucks County. And Maryellen enjoyed traveling throughout the county to cover classes for absent teachers. years, followed by six years as a substitute teacher for the Bucks County Intermediate Unit. Her work as a substitute allowed her to become very familiar with many of the communities that comprised Bucks County. And Maryellen enjoyed traveling throughout the county to cover classes for absent teachers. pertains to the local and state economy. It also gave her a new perspective on the importance of the services provided by agents and brokerages, and how REALTORS® impacted individuals and entire communities. pertains to the local and state economy. It also gave her a new perspective on the importance of the services provided by agents and brokerages, and how REALTORS® impacted individuals and entire communities.

In 1987, Maryellen attended a career seminar about becoming a REALTOR®. Intrigued by the idea, she decided to postpone graduate school and devote her time to starting a real estate business. She took classes over the winter and started her career with an o ce in Doylestown in February 1988. Working in beautiful Bucks County with people who needed a patient and education-focused advisor was the perfect blend of business and teaching!

She also gained a clearer understanding of the impact that legislation has on the real estate industry. As the current Chairperson of the Suburban REALTOR® Alliance, Maryellen knows that good relationships with local government o cials and townships are critical for building successful communities.

After Maura graduated from college, Maryellen felt a renewed sense of freedom and purpose as a REALTOR®. She had grown a lot in the 27 years she had served as a real estate salesperson. Drawn by their reputation for giving back to the community, Maryellen joined Keller

Maryellen has spent her entire career in Doylestown. She often says that every o ce was the perfect place for her to be at that time. She gained experience and stayed teachable even as she led and mentored others.

She created a work-life harmony and spent every waking working moment serving her clients and their families. When they were available, Maryellen’s family served by her side. Her husband, Bill, helped put up signs and often accompanied her to drop o documents and drive to appointments. Even at a young age, her daughter, Maura, cheerfully volunteered to help with mailings and events. It truly felt like a family business.

“For me it’s all about the clients,” Maryellen explained. “It is a privilege to represent someone as their REALTOR®. We are given an opportunity to be part of a life decision, and my clients feel like family members. I watch their children grow and get to help them ﬁnd homes of their own one day. It is an awesome experience and never one I take lightly.”

Mastering Life

During Maura’s college years, Maryellen became more active with the Bucks County Association of REALTORS® and loved participating in volunteer activities through local and state associations. She learned more about the business of real estate and enjoyed meeting people from all over Pennsylvania and the country. Her involvement helped Maryellen understand the importance of real estate as it

Williams in January 2015. The teacher in her was excited about focusing on her own education as she learned the KW systems and processes and participated in training classes. She was also thrilled about the opportunity to serve as a mentor to other agents.

Making A Difference

As the daughter of parents who volunteered at all levels, Maryellen understood the importance of volunteering. It brought her a deep sense of satisfaction because she loves making a di erence in the lives of others. Maryellen discovered that she could have a far-reaching impact by participating in the community improvement e orts of her KW o ce. She also became actively involved in local, state, and national real estate organizations.

“As a teacher, I saw that food insecurity was often underestimated. I know that it continues to be an issue, regardless of the community and its resources” shared Maryellen. “The need is there every day for many people, especially seniors and families with children. It motivates me to donate to our local food banks.”

Maryellen has given back to the real estate community by serving on various committees throughout the years. She currently serves as the Chairperson of Suburban REALTORS® Alliance and is a past president of Bucks County Association of REALTORS®. In 2017 she served as District Vice President for The Pennsylvania Association of REALTORS®. That same year she received the Agent of the Year Award from Keller Williams Doylestown Market Center and previously was awarded the KW Cultural Icon Award from KW Great PA Region and her Doylestown Market Center. She also currently serves on the Professional Standards Committee through both local and state associations.

Maryellen was recognized as REALTOR® of the Year by BCAR in 2012, and Philadelphia Magazine has awarded her as a 5-Star Agent for over a decade in a row. She is humbled to have received this honor that less than 1% of agents can claim.

More Than A Career

She ﬁnds that it is easy to connect and stay in touch when sharing family memory-making events. In the fall, Maryellen invites her clients and their families to a local fall festival as a way of saying thank you. And she recently hosted a fun popcorn and movie event for her clients at a local theater.

Maryellen loves to learn by doing. She enjoys all types of classes including cooking and wine appreciation, and takes Pilates and Barre 3 classes in Doylestown. She and her husband love taking walks, and the pair also enjoy traveling with Maura. The O’Brien Family loves going to Ireland, and Maryellen also loves visiting Europe, especially Italy and Portugal. She is also passionate about traveling in the United States, especially anywhere close to water.

While serving as a Director for the National Association of REALTORS®, Maryellen continues to give back locally through her involvement with her o ce’s annual chili cooko and food drives, whose donations go to three local food pantries.

“Our clients are trusting us with their memories,” reﬂected Maryellen. “They are letting us into their inner circle. In the past I enjoyed teaching students. Now I have the privilege of educating clients and fellow agents, and making a di erence by volunteering in local and national organizations. ”