Some experiences stay with you forever. Watching my family go through years of uncertainty inspired me to build a career focused on helping others.
I’ll never forget watching my parents struggle after the 2008 market crash. One month, their mortgage was manageable. The next, their payments nearly doubled because of an adjustable-rate mortgage they didn’t fully understand. They trusted the wrong people and ended up in a situation that almost cost them their home. I didn’t know all the details then, but I understood the fear. I saw the stress on their faces every day, the uncertainty that hung over our home for years.
And they weren’t alone. Countless other families had done the same thing and were struggling. It led me to ask myself: Why did this happen? And how can I help other people avoid the same mistakes? So, I got my real estate license to find those answers. I imagined helping everyone I knew buy a home and retiring early to live on a beach. But of course, it wasn’t that easy! I had a lot to learn and needed to show I was a trustworthy partner.
In the beginning, I juggled multiple jobs, working nights at Home Depot and managing a cell phone store during the day, all while trying to build a real estate career. There’s no boss, no structure, no guaranteed paycheck. If you want it to work, you create the plan and you execute it. It took me a few years to fully understand that, but once I did, everything changed.
I took every class, showed up for every training, and followed the systems that worked instead of trying to reinvent the wheel. By putting people first, clients knew they could trust me, and I began to see real progress. I never lost sight of my why: protecting people from the mistakes that nearly cost my parents everything. Every client I work with, I’m on high alert for the hidden pitfalls - the fine print, the shady characters - because I refuse to let anyone else’s family go through what mine did.
Today, I consistently rank among the top agents in my company and in the top 1–5% nationwide. I’ve built a small team, and I mentor other agents because I believe in sharing what I’ve learned. Success hasn’t changed my why, and with time, I have continued to find deeper reasons to keep going.
In 2015, my wife, Angie, was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. She’s strong and doing well right now, but MS has had a big impact on her. Time, not money, is the most valuable thing we have. Growing up, my dad worked two jobs, and sometimes I would only see him if I stayed up until midnight when he got home, I don’t want that for us.
That’s why I’m building something bigger than myself, and Angie helps too. As a struggling Spanish speaker, when I need extra help, she steps in to communicate and translates with our Spanish-speaking clients. It gives us time together, even on the busiest days, and reminds me why I’m doing all of this.
My goal is freedom, not just for my family, but for the people I serve in real estate, too. Buying or selling a home can dramatically shape your future. When it’s done right, it creates stability, security, and opportunity. That’s why I approach every deal with you in mind; to protect you, guide you, and make sure your investment sets you up for the life you want. Because in the end, the real value isn’t just in the property, it’s in the time and freedom you gain by purchasing early and building a strong foundation for the future.
My approach to real estate is simple: I treat my clients like family. There’s no pressure, no shortcuts - just genuine guidance to help you make the best decision for your future. Whether it’s walking you through a complex process step by step or being available when you need answers, I’m here to make the experience as smooth and stress-free as possible. Having lived in New York my entire life, I know the neighborhoods and markets very well and am confident I will help you navigate your next move.
Outside of real estate, most of my free time is spent with my two dogs, Champ and Fendi. Dogs have always been a passion of mine - I grew up rescuing strays, the dogs in our neighborhood who were homeless or mistreated, and finding them loving families. I also enjoy supporting people in the community whenever I can, whether that means pitching in with donations or quietly helping families in need. The most fulfilling thing to me is taking care of others and finding ways to help whenever I can.
With gratitude,
Matthew Schnepf
