Interview by Kelly Postiglione
Meet Elana Zimmerman, a dedicated Westchester-based Realtor and local mom who brings passion, integrity, and deep community knowledge to every client relationship. As someone who understands the balance between career and family life, Elana is committed to helping others find not just a home, but a lifestyle that fits their needs and values.
How many children do you have and what are their ages?
I have two children: my son Axton is 8 and my daughter Arlo turns 7 in July.
Where are you originally from and where do you live now? What attracted you to the Westchester area?
I grew up in New Rochelle with a Scarsdale PO and now live in Scarsdale with a Mamaroneck PO—which can definitely be a little confusing! I moved to Manhattan after graduating college, and if I’m being honest, I always assumed we’d stay in NYC. In fact, we were about to buy an apartment in Manhattan when the pandemic hit, and we temporarily moved in with my parents into my childhood home here in Westchester. One of the unexpected silver linings of that time was how it gave us the chance to slow down and truly appreciate the suburban lifestyle. For me, Westchester was always home, and when it came time to put down roots, there really wasn’t any other suburb I would have considered.
What inspired you to get into real estate, and how long have you been in the business?
I couldn’t tell you exactly when my interest in real estate began, but I remember during my senior year of college having dinner with my cousin, a well-known broker in NYC. I told him I wanted to become an agent but was hesitant—I worried the job would require me to be overly pushy or ‘salesy,’ which didn’t align with who I am. Over the years, I found myself drawn to real estate again and again—whether it was searching for our own apartment or informally helping friends with theirs. It became clear that I had both a passion and a natural instinct for it. Being surrounded by architecture through my husband and father-in-law, both of whom are architects, only deepened my passion for homes and design. I’m now entering my fifth year as a Realtor® in Westchester, and through a mix of hard work, local knowledge, a sincere approach, and a genuine love for the work, I’ve become one of the top-performing agents in the county.
How do you balance being a mom and a real estate agent? Any tips for other working moms?
Balancing motherhood and a career in real estate isn’t easy—but like so many working moms, we find a way to make it work. I definitely experience ‘mom guilt’ at times, but I’ve found that doing work I truly love actually makes me a happier, more fulfilled person—and ultimately, a better mom. While people often assume Realtors® control their own schedules, the reality is that my clients’ needs often dictate my time. That means early mornings, late nights, and weekends are all part of the job. But the beauty of this career is its flexibility—I may be working around the clock, but I also never miss the important moments with my family. My advice to other working moms is to let go of the idea of perfect balance. Instead, focus on being fully present for the important moments—whether you’re with your clients or your kids.
What makes the local real estate market unique? Any trends buyers and sellers should know about right now?
While I cover all of Westchester, my primary focus is on Lower Westchester and the Sound Shore communities. What makes this market unique is the consistent, high demand paired with limited inventory. That’s been a trend across most markets for the past few years, but it’s especially true in Lower Westchester due to its unbeatable proximity to the city, strong school systems, beautiful neighborhoods, and overall ease of lifestyle. For buyers, it’s a competitive and often fast-moving market, which can feel overwhelming. I always remind my clients that they’re not just purchasing a home—they’re investing in a community and a way of life. For sellers, that strong demand creates real opportunity, especially when properties are priced and presented thoughtfully. But it’s important to work with someone who will hand-hold and lessen the burden that comes with preparing a home to sell.
What are some of your favorite family-friendly towns and/or neighborhoods here in Westchester?
Oh, there are too many to mention! It’s one of the things that makes Westchester so special. Each town has its own personality and unique features that make it great for families. What I love is how accessible everything is; even if you live in one town, you can easily enjoy what neighboring communities have to offer. Scarsdale is especially close to my heart—the sense of community is incredible. I don’t think I’ve ever gone for a walk or taken my kids to a park without running into a friend unplanned. Larchmont is another favorite, with its charming, walkable village and access to the water and beach. Mamaroneck has a similar appeal. As you head further north, there are some beautiful towns along the Long Island Sound for water lovers, as well as areas that offer a more country-like atmosphere with hiking trails, farms, and open space. There’s truly something for every family in Westchester.
What’s the most rewarding part of your job?
The most rewarding part of my job is happy clients. Helping a buyer find their dream home and witnessing their excitement is truly fulfilling. For sellers, there’s nothing more satisfying than exceeding their expectations while also minimizing the stress that often comes with selling a home. I love being deeply involved in every aspect of the process—whether it’s connecting clients with trusted tradespeople, matching them with the right attorneys and mortgage lenders, or even helping them choose furniture and finishes. It’s incredibly gratifying to be a part of their journey. I’m fortunate that many of my clients become long-term friends, and that connection is one of the greatest rewards of all.
What are some of your favorite things to do in the community with your kids?
When the weather’s nice, we try to spend as much time outdoors as possible. There’s no shortage of things to do, but some of our favorites include walking the trails, exploring Larchmont’s Manor Park, spending time at Rye Beach (and, of course, Rye Playland), and biking on the Bronx River Parkway when they close it off to pedestrians on Sundays during the summer. We also love checking out the farmers markets in different towns—it’s always fun to visit a new one. As the weather cools down, we enjoy apple picking at Harvest Moon, driving through the Winter Wonderland at the Kensico Dam, and, of course, finding the best hills to sled on, including our own front yard.
Do you have any go-to local spots for dining, self-care, shopping, etc.?
I have many go-to spots I visit regularly, and we could be here for days if I shared them all. Scoop Shop and Carvel are definitely on my list—ice cream is a guilty pleasure! When it comes to dining, Alessia Trattoria in Mamaroneck is a favorite. The food is amazing, and it’s the perfect spot for a family-friendly meal that also has a fun adult vibe on weekends. As for self-care, if you know me, you know my nails are my thing. I would be lying if I said I didn’t drive to Rye Brook just for a manicure at Colour Connie.
How can people reach you if they’re interested in learning more or working with you?
The best way to reach me is by texting or calling (914) 907-8070. You can also email me at [email protected]. I’m always happy to connect and discuss how I can help, even if it’s just informational.
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