Thursday, October 1, 2026
Margaret Biegelman, a licensed associate real estate broker with Douglas Elliman, has been working in Merrick’s real estate market since she began her career in 2001.
Throughout her career she has seen sellers make various mistakes while selling their homes — and she has helped them navigate to overcome those challenges. Across Nassau County, Suffolk and Queens, Biegelman offers sound advice for those looking to put their home on the market.
Biegelman sees some home owners choosing their agent based on the highest sales price or who offers a lower commission. “Those conversations can sound appealing,” Biegelman said. “But what really matters is having an agent know how to set the home strategically, market it aggressively, negotiate fiercely, and guide the transaction from contract to closing.”
She advises sellers to look for agents with a proven track record in the local market, a strong marketing plan, excellent communication skills, and the experience to solve problems before they impact a deal. When looking for the right agent to sell your home, a good personal connection is important according to Biegelman.
You should feel confident that the agent has the expertise to guide you through one of your biggest financial decisions.“Selling a home is often someone's largest financial asset,” she said. “So choosing an experienced professional can make a significant difference in both the final sale price and the overall experience.”
Agents not only listen to clients, they educate them about the choices that need to be made when preparing to sell. Biegelman often tells sellers that “a great agent isn't just there to put a sign in the yard, they are there to protect the investment every step of the way.”
“I believe every client deserves honest advice, consistent communication, and customized property strategy,” she continued. “I've never focused on just getting a listing. I'm focused on getting my clients the biggest possible outcome.”
“After more than 25 years serving Nassau, Suffolk and Queens, I've learned that every home has a story,” she said. “Every seller deserves a strategy that adheres to their goals, not a one-size-fits-all approach.
“Many sellers think that their home will go quickly because they remember the market a few years ago,” Biegelman said. “Today buyers are more selective.” She believes professional marketing and strong negotiation skills are more important than ever as a result. She also encourages sellers to improve curb appeal and have an experienced agent walk through the home before putting it on the market.
“Small improvements can make a big difference in buyer interest,” she said.
For those thinking about selling their home, Biegelman advises they don’t wait until you're ready to move to start planning your sale. “Meet with the realtor early, so you can understand your home’s value, what improvements make sense, and what the process looks like.
“Even if you’re six months away, planning ahead can save you time, money, and stress,” she continued.
Biegelman shared that people often ask her: What does the market look like right now?
“It's still a good market,” she responds. “But it's in my opinion a more balanced market then we've seen in recent years. Well priced, well presented homes continue to sell quickly. Overpriced homes can sit on the market, so pricing correctly from day one is more important than ever.”
When Biegelman began her career, she would walk around Merrick handing out open house postcards to potential clients. Now many of her clients come from referrals. “I’ve even gotten calls from sellers who I sold the house to 20 years ago,” she said “They had such a good experience they called me back to resell it.”
A longtime Merrick resident, Biegelman moved to the area while raising her children and has remained in the community. Biegelman is secretary of the Merrick Chamber of Commerce, a member of the American Legion Auxiliary and helps the Merrick Kiwanis Club.
“It's a nice distance from Manhattan,” Biegelman said about Merrick. “We’re a 40 minute express train from Penn Station. We have tons of shopping and restaurants. We have street festivals, fall festivals. We’re close to the parkway, Jones Beach, and Long Beach. It's a nice town in a great location.”
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