Did you know that according to the United States Census Bureau, the average person will move 11.7 times in their lifetime? Sometimes these moves are planned, and sometimes they are unexpected. Regardless of the situation, there is a lot to consider and navigate. Whether the right option is buying a new home, or accommodating the home you have through renovation, we can help guide you through your options so that you can find the solution that is perfect for you.
We are a fully licensed and insured residential real estate and home renovations company, serving New London County for over 10 years. With 30+ years of combined experience, we can answer all of your questions about buying and selling a home, renovating a home, and also connect you to relevant resources to make your transition easier. We specialize in assessing your current housing needs, consider your life stage, opportunities, and the financial investment necessary to best accomplish your goals.
At The Dependable Group, we strive to provide service that exceeds your expectation. We provide support for our clients with decades of personal experience and professional expertise, compassionate hearts, and creative solutions for any hiccup that may arise.
Meet Susan
Susan Swain lives in New London with her husband Tom. She was born and raised in New London County. Susan has had her real estate brokers license for over 20 years. She has continued her studies in real estate and has the following additional real estate certifications & designations:
- GRI (Graduate of the Real Estate Institute) this designation represents a REALTOR® who has gained in-depth market knowledge, increased proficiency in a broad array of subjects to enhance professionalism and business success.
- PSA (Pricing Strategy Advisor) this certification is specifically designed to enhance skills in pricing properties, creating CMAs (comparative market analysis), working with appraisers, and guiding clients through the anxieties and misperceptions they often have about home values.
- CSHP(Certified Senior Housing Professional) This designation is awarded only to a select number of elite real estate professionals in any market, the CSHP designation equips senior housing professionals to serve the distinct needs of seniors and their families with an unsurpassed level of compassion, expertise and connectedness.
- SRES (Senior Real Estate Specialist) This designation provides the knowledge and expertise to guide homebuyers and sellers over the age of 50 through major financial and lifestyle transitions.
Susan is known for her honest insights, and passionate about being a collaborative resource in her community.
Meet Dave
Dave is an energetic and enthusiastic self-starter who is project-focused and offers practical insights and expertise so that each client can feel confident in their decisions. He was born and raised in New London County, and now resides in Norwich with his wife, Stacey. He has 16+ years of professional experience in contracting and is a dependable resource in noting where costs can be saved and should be invested. When he is not building and renovating, Dave can be found enjoying nature through fishing, beekeeping, and off-roading with his Jeep club.
Like his partner Susan, Dave is a lifelong learner who enjoys thinking out of the box and is always up for a challenge. He is continually thinking of ways to expand and add more value to the clients we serve. In addition to his Home Improvement Contracting license held for twenty years, Dave secured his Residential Real Estate license in 2013.
Our Story
In 2013, Dave and Susan both experienced an unanticipated life transition. Susan’s husband, who was also Dave’s business partner, was unexpectedly taken from them, and both their worlds came to a screeching halt. Of the many decisions that arose during this season of grief, one big decision for Susan was housing. Should she keep it? Sell it? Renovate it?
After exploring all of the options, Susan decided to stay until she felt ready for her next chapter. As she muddled through personal decisions of where to call home, she also faced business decisions with Dave.
At this time, The Dependable Group was known for their contracting services, but each team member had recently decided to pursue real estate licensing as well. When Kenny unexpectedly passed, Susan and Dave were at a crossroads. After a long season of exploring and processing, they both realized that they loved their work, and this collision of professional and personal experience equipped them to serve clients beyond the logistics of housing.
Beyond their professional experience of navigating real estate and home renovations, they also had a profound personal experience in understanding all of the facets that come along with an unanticipated transition. Susan transitioned out of an administrative role and became official business partners with Dave, combining real estate and contracting expertise, with the commitment to offering comprehensive expertise and options to their clients so that no one would have to navigate these transition decisions alone.
Susan is an expert in real estate, and personally acquainted with all of the decisions that come with a home transition. She walks with her clients through every step to ensure they are confident in their decisions, and they are in love with their home.
The Dependable Group was formed not only as a business solution, but as a personal solution that stemmed from empathy and desire to serve others, so that no one has to navigate a life transition alone. The Dependable Group was birthed in 2018 and continues to be a trusted resource in the New London community.