Interview by Kelly Postiglione.
Meet Ali Finnegan, a Rye-based real estate agent, mom of three, and former nurse with a passion for helping families find their perfect home. In this interview, Ali shares what drew her to Westchester, her favorite family-friendly neighborhoods, go-to local spots for dining, shopping, and self-care, plus how she balances motherhood with a busy real estate career.
How many children do you have and what are their ages?
I have an 11-year-old son and two daughters who are 9 and 8.
Where are you originally from, and where do you live now? What attracted you to the Westchester area?
I grew up in Bergen County, NJ. After college, I moved to New York City, and about ten years later, I decided to move to Rye. What sold me on living here is the small-town feel—its perfect blend of coastal charm and city sophistication. I love that I can be barefoot on the beach with my kids after school and then dressed up for dinner on Greenwich Avenue or downtown Rye just a few hours later.
Each neighborhood in Rye has its own traditions—block parties, Halloween parades, barbecues—and there’s a strong sense of community. Your neighbors become family, and that’s something you can’t put a price on. When I bought my first house in 2010 from a family who had lived there for 40 years, the seller tearfully said to me, “I know you’ll take good care of this house, but please promise me you won’t remove the back gate—the neighborhood kids play manhunt at night and love cutting through the backyard!” That moment truly embodied what this community is all about.
What inspired you to get into real estate, and how long have you been in the business?
I realized that no matter where I went, people would ask me about real estate—whether it was my opinion on a street in Rye or if I could connect them to a realtor in Palm Beach County or the Hamptons, where my family lives. I love connecting people, and I love real estate, so I thought, why not make this my job?
Additionally, through the process of renovating my own homes and developing an investment property, I learned a lot about construction and adding value to a property. I love looking at real estate from an investment perspective—helping clients make smart decisions so they can easily transition when life changes. That’s what excites me most about this industry.
How do you balance being a mom and a real estate agent? Any tips for other working moms?
Before real estate, I was a nurse for 20 years, which made me an expert in time management. I break my day into chunks, always planning ahead. I’ve learned that outsourcing certain tasks—like laundry (my weakness!)—frees up time for the important things. My house may not always be spotless, but my kids are happy, and that’s what matters most to me.
Being a single mom has forced me to streamline everything. My household runs like a well-oiled machine—after plenty of trial and error! Now that my kids are in school, my schedule has shifted. It’s not uncommon for me to drive a baseball carpool to White Plains at 7 PM while also checking out a listing and talking to clients. Multitasking is key, and having a solid support system makes all the difference.
What makes the local real estate market unique? Any trends buyers and sellers should know about right now?
Having a local agent who knows the nuances of each street and neighborhood is crucial. I was lucky that the agent who helped me buy my first home became a mentor and now a colleague. Over the years, we worked through multiple transactions together, reinforcing the importance of strong client relationships.
A big trend now is realtor teams, which is a huge benefit to clients because there’s always someone available to you 24/7. I’m fortunate to be part of the Jess Sigmund Team at Compass, which covers NY, CT, and northern NJ. Our network allows us to track larger market trends while each agent remains an expert in their specific community. Real estate is about more than just the right price—it’s about relationships, trust, and having an advocate who can navigate a highly competitive market.
What are some of your favorite family-friendly towns and neighborhoods in Westchester?
I’m biased because I live in Rye, but I also love Larchmont, Harrison, and Pelham. Each offers a similar community feel and is great for families.
What’s the most rewarding part of your job?
Helping first-time homebuyers navigate the process. It’s incredibly rewarding to be their advocate and guide them through such an important milestone.
What are some of your favorite things to do in the community with your kids?
My kids love walking through the daffodils in Rye Town Park each spring. I’ve come to enjoy Playland when it’s open but not too crowded, and I personally love walking through Edith Read Wildlife Sanctuary—it’s so peaceful and right on the water.
What are some of your go-to local spots for dining, self-care, and shopping?
-
Hair: Simone at Hudson Paul Salon
-
Gifts/Party Needs: Dabney Lee in Rye
-
Home Accessories: Kristin Mirabile Designs in Mamaroneck and Emily Mezckat for interior design
-
Gym: Lifetime in Harrison
For restaurants, my go-tos are:
-
Sergio’s in Port Chester
-
Frankie & Johnnie’s in Rye
-
Buddha in Rye Ridge (my kids love it for hibachi!)
How can people reach you if they’re interested in learning more or working with you?
My contact info is all on my website: AliFinneganRealEstate.com
We’re incredibly grateful for our amazing community and the wonderful people and places that make it so special. Explore our Blog page for features that spotlight local businesses and more. Looking for something to do in the Sound Shore area? Check out our Local Guides and Calendar pages to discover what’s happening locally and follow along on Instagram for more!