View From the Top: Weichert's Arlene Gonnella

If you’ve passed a “sold” sign in Millburn-Short Hills during the past 40 years, chances are you’ve seen Arlene Gonnella’s name. She has sold more than $3 billion worth of homes, has been named Weichert’s No. 1 agent in the entire country for two decades, and has been the No. 1 agent in town for all companies for two decades. But behind the record-breaking numbers, Gonnella knows that buying a home is about much more than the transaction. She is a longtime resident who values the sense of community present in town. We caught up with the industry expert to talk market trends, local hidden gems, and the deep community roots that keep her at the top.

What makes buying a home in Millburn-Short Hills such a resilient investment, regardless of any national trends?

The Midtown Direct train line to New York City is one of many compelling reasons why Millburn and Short Hills are so desirable and such an excellent investment. Our public school system, which my five children enjoyed and my grandchildren are now thriving in, is a major draw. We also have access to excellent private schools like Pingry, Newark Academy, Morristown Beard, Kent Place, and Peck School. It is a very inclusive, diverse community. I describe our town as a community of the best and brightest from around the world.

With interest rates and inventory shifting recently, are there any misconceptions you see among buyers right now?

Millburn and Short Hills are very special towns. Interest rates are rising, but because this area is so desirable, we have tremendous demand and a shortage of homes for sale. That’s great for sellers, but it makes it very challenging for buyers. To manage expectations, I tell buyers they’ll be competing with as many as 10 other buyers who want to make a house their family’s home, and I show them how to position themselves to win the bid.

You’ve been the No. 1 agent for all companies in the Millburn-Short Hills market for 20 years. What keeps you motivated to break your own sales records year after year?

It is tremendously satisfying that families trust me to help them buy and sell their most expensive purchase or asset. They know I will give them the highest level of service and deliver the best result. I’m grateful for the confidence they have in me, and I do everything I can to help families enjoy living here for many years after they purchase. I also advise on improvements and recommend plumbers, electricians, contractors, snow plowers, and everything else to make life more enjoyable.

You support more than a dozen local causes, from Paper Mill Playhouse to the Millburn Education Foundation. Why is it important for you to reinvest in the community you serve?

I love the causes I support: Paper Mill Playhouse, the Millburn Education Foundation, the Sammy Gelband Foundation, and Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center. We are so fortunate to have an outstanding public school system; it’s the backbone of our community. Paper Mill is an amazing theater, and I love seeing the shows and watching my grandchildren fall in love with theater. Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center is a world-class hospital—four of my grandchildren were born there, and Dr. Stuart Leitner is a highly respected oncologist there who helped my daughter when she was diagnosed with breast cancer.

Looking back at the decision to pivot from finance to real estate in 1985, how did balancing a large family sharpen the skills you use today as a top-producing agent?

Raising five children helped fuel my passion for helping people. I have a tremendous amount of empathy and energy, and I became an expert in Millburn and Short Hills because I genuinely love living here. To be most effective, I eat, sleep, and breathe the market because my clients want me to seek opportunities for them before a home even lists. I’m the highest-producing agent here because buyers and sellers know they can trust me to deliver the highest level of service and the best results.

What is it about the culture at Weichert that has kept you loyal?

It’s an honor to work with Jim Weichert; his son James; Joe McDonald; and our office manager, Joanne Tedesco-Kloud. Weichert has an outstanding reputation for corporate networking, and as a result, I have a tremendous number of highly motivated relocation buyers, which helps the sellers I represent achieve the highest price.

SIDEBAR:

Local Loves From Arlene Gonnella

• Community vibe: “The amazing business owners here make everyone feel so welcome.”

• Morning ritual: “I am a huge fan of Liv Breads. I love their coffee and babka.”

• Grandkid favorites: “My friend just opened Musicologie, and my grandkids love the music classes offered there.”

• Pizza and ice cream: “We love getting pizza at La Strada, followed by Häagen-Dazs for ice cream cones.”

• Trusted service: “Carl at Millburn Camera always gives the best service, and Flor at French Nails & Hair Club gives great manicures—she always makes my granddaughters feel special.”

• Culture: “We are so lucky to have Paper Mill Playhouse. I just saw ‘Frozen’ there, and it was fantastic.”

• Night out: “For a special dinner, I love Basilico.”

Photograph by Melissa Spector