Howard Hanna opens real estate office in Medina

Photo by Tom Rivers: Real estate agents working out of the new Howard Hanna office in Medina include, from left: Nicole DeRosa, Matthew Kennedy and Patty Schutt. They are located in the S.A. Cook building on the second floor at 534 Main St., suite 20.

MEDINA – A real estate office has opened on Main Street in Medina for Howard Hanna, a company with a big real estate presence in the northeast.

Howard Hanna has nearby offices in Lockport, Batavia and Brockport. Matthew Kennedy thought an office was needed in Medina. Kennedy was working out of Howard Hanna’s Lockport office.

The company agreed to a Medina site, and Kennedy pushed for a spot on Main Street. His late father, Don Kennedy, served as Medina’s mayor and for many years ran the Kennedy Brothers clothing store on Main Street.

“I saw the pride he had in Medina,” Matthew said during an interview at the office on Saturday, which was the grand opening for Howard Hanna at 534 Main St., Suite 20.

Kennedy’s first job was working for his father cleaning windows at Kennedy Brothers.

“He taught me to treat people right and take pride in your community,” Matthew said.

He was working for Brunner on the third shift when he decided to pursue a real estate license nine years ago. He wanted more balance in his life and work. He is thankful for his first six years with Zambito Realtors (now Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Zambito, REALTORS.).

“They were great to work with,” Kennedy said. “They taught me how to be a real realtor. I owe them a lot.”

Kennedy joined Keller Williams, the largest real estate company in the world, for two years but Kennedy said that firm isn’t well known in Medina and the nearby area.

He joined Howard Hanna in December 2021 and focused on Lewiston and Niagara County where the sale prices tend to be higher. Howard Hanna in recent years acquired two well-known WNY real estate companies, Buffalo-based Realty USA and Rochester-based Nothnagle Realtors.

Kennedy, a Middleport resident, said the prices took a dramatic turn, going way up in Orleans and eastern Niagara, improving the chances for a better livelihood for the real estate agents.

He also saw a need for an office in Medina, and pitched it to Howard Hanna. The Medina site is a satellite for the Lockport office, with Jim Watson of Medina serving as manager of the two sites.

Kennedy said the Medina office is a base for him, and two other real estate agents, Nicole DeRosa and of Kent and Patty Schutt of Medina.

They can meet with clients to review listings, prepare listings and go over contracts and other paperwork.

Kennedy also believes being on Main Street offers great exposure for the company.

Nicole DeRosa became a licensed real estate agent in July. She also was working long hours at Brunner and wanted more flexibility with her schedule.

Patty Schutt of Medina is the niece of Raymond Bates, who once ran Lyndonville Realty. Schutt said she enjoys showing houses to prospective buyers, seeing their excitement while hunting for a home.

“I enjoy the people, and helping them to find their dream home,” she said.

Although home prices are up, Schutt said there is a shortage of inventory.

“There are many buyers but not enough homes,” she said.