Brown Harris Stevens

Rita McKenna Marber has been delighting clients with property acquisitions and transformations for more than a decade, including renovating four properties of her own in Darien alone.

Before becoming an agent, Rita worked as a trader in equity derivatives. There she sharpened negotiating skills and learned the importance of assessing risk. She learned to identify an opportunity and quickly engage the people necessary to make the most of that opportunity.

All the while, Rita loved houses and land. She loved everything about houses –from elevations to floor plans and window specs. All of it. As her children grew, Rita had the time to focus on her love of real estate. She embarked on a three- year full- time course of study in interior design for which she received a Certificate in Professional Interior Design. This is a prerequisite for her Allied Membership in the Association of Interior Designers.

As an agent, Rita really loves finding just the right setting for clients that serve the exact stage in their lives. Sometimes clients need a big flat yard for family football games. Sometimes clients shift to simpler spaces for when the nest needs a bit less feathering.

When working with buyers, Rita can spot a property, suggest changes to make it perfect and help find the folks to make those changes a reality. When helping sellers, Rita can quickly hone in on staging techniques that make your existing property a buyer’s exciting new beginning.

Rita serves as the Board Chair for Family & Children’s Agency (“FCA”) based in Norwalk. She is a recipient of the FCA Family Champion Award. Rita is a member of Harmony on the Sound, a chorus that competes internationally and is a member of Sweet Adelines International. Rita has served on the Darien Board of Realtors and continues as a member of both the Connecticut and National Association of Realtors. Rita is married to Buzz Olson. They share five children and two dogs.

Testimonials:

“We had a wonderful experience working with Rita as byers during the historically hot market of Summer 2020. Rita’s deep knowledge of the region helped us find a great house at an excellent value, and her quick-moving skillset helped us secure the bid and close quickly in a competitive landscape.” LB

Working with Rita was an excellent experience. I completely trusted her guidance and market knowledge. She went above and beyond to make our buying our home a seamless success. I highly recommend working with her. She makes the process fun.” KM

“Rita is thoughtful and intuitive. She takes the time to get to know you and your needs, and she finds the perfect fit.” MSM

“A huge thank you for finding and facilitating the purchase of my new home. Finding a new home during COVID was a daunting task. Youi not only found the perfect home, with the perfect view, but also made the whole process easy and successful. When time was of the essence to submit a successful bid, but the inspection report lacked both termite and radon inspections, you found a termite inspector the very next morning and a way to expedite radon testing. Your sound advice and counsel facilitated a seamless purchase with minimal stress and on my schedule. Even several months in my new home, I still can’t quite believe I found my perfect home.” BH