By Robin Jovanovich
Siobhan Dolce began her professional life as a prosecutor in the Nassau District Attorney’s office and cut her teeth on negotiation, so she’s not easily shaken up by the small stuff. “Once you’ve tried felony cases, you come away with a different perspective on how to handle real challenges,” she says thoughtfully.
After five years, she segued into real estate law with the help of Hunter Economic Zone (HEZ), which in turn gave her a step up when she and her young family moved out of New York City to Westchester in 2008, and she decided to become a realtor.
“My legal background enabled me to do commercial sales and leases, and my business has grown organically in recent years as I’ve found ideal downtown shop space for friends like Dabney Lee — her husband Peter Woglom and I grew up summering in Shelter Island and she and I became friends the day Peter introduced us.”
When Carrie Heffernan, to whom Siobhan is related by marriage, wanted to open a boutique with a wellness theme, Siobhan knew who to call — her mother-in-law, Beth Dolce, who owns the buildings that anchor the southwest corner of Purdy Avenue/Purchase Street, starting with Arcade Books. The old Sarza space was the perfect fit for Misfit Bazaar.
She is proud to have found the buyer for 24 Smith Street, an old house across from Carpet Trends that was transformed into an inviting mixed-use commercial/residential space.
Having and making good connections with agents like lyons estate is essential in local real estate, says Siobhan. “Real estate is not just a series of transactions. You are building relationships that last lifetimes. You are part of a community you want others to join and love as much as you do.”
Becoming a real estate lawyer appealed to her because as her family grew — she’s the mother of four, two attend Resurrection, two Fordham Prep — she wanted to be available for her children. “I also think a woman sets a good example for her children when they see her handling that life/work balancing act,” she notes.
If there was an upside to Covid-19, Siobhan found it in the fact that her husband, Jake Dolce, was home and not traveling for his job with Salesforce. The pair go way back: Jake was Siobhan’s freshman date at the St. Vincent’s Dance, but they didn’t start dating until law school.
Siobhan is also “wedded” to Julia B. Fee Sotheby’s — “because Pati Holmes is the captain of the ship and always there for you as role model, friend, and colleague.”
In this year’s highly competitive and crazed market, Siobhan says one of the highlights was finding a first home for a couple who are older than most first-time buyers and just had their first child. “They love Rye Neck, the neighborhood, and the house!”
When you look at every day as a gift, as Siobhan Dolce does, you’re likely to find that life is not only beautiful but a good deal.
