ABOVE: Carol’s husband Philip (Phibby) died in 2003 at age 80. “My husband was my best friend and the love of my life,” she said. “We were married On Oct. 8, 1966, and we would have celebrated our 60th anniversary this year. He was a wonderful husband, father and Papa to our three granddaughters. We had a good life and got through the tough times together.”
Carol Scampone calls herself a people person. That’s how she became a successful Realtor. She enjoys helping people make their dreams come true. Though the real estate business has changed a lot in her more than 40 years on the job, she still believes the one thing she brings to the table is honesty and willingness to help her clients succeed.
You’ve been in the real estate business for years. How and why did you enter that profession?
I have been in real estate for 42 years. Our friend Thomas Mazzotta was talking to me about real estate and thought I would enjoy it and be good at it, as I like to meet people. So, I took the course and went to work for him (he had an independent office). And that was the beginning. I never looked back. I worked for Mazzotta Real Estate for a few years and then joined Coldwell Banker Faith Properties. After several years there, I realized I had built my name in the business and decided to work for ReMax Realty. ReMax at the time did business in a completely different way than most companies. Their commission structure was different, but as an agent you were responsible for most all expenses — advertising, signs, office space, etc. I think this is where I really became successful. I was working with builders in new housing developments as well as listing and selling existing homes.
Why did you decide to open your own business?
In 2002, after discussing the idea of opening my own company with my husband (who was always there to encourage me in my profession from Day One), I took the plunge and thus Scampone Real Estate was born. I wanted to be able to make my own decisions, treat people how they really should be treated — that they were simply not a commission check as they were making probably the most expensive purchase in their lifetime. They needed guidance and honesty and someone to walk them through the transaction from searching for the right house, signing the contract and being there for any questions and advice they needed, to the actual closing of the property when they are handed the keys to their “dream home.”
What advice would you give prospective homebuyers and sellers?
My advice to today’s homebuyers is to be sure you have the right agent working for you. Some will have you sign a buyer’s agent contract, which locks you to that agent for a period of time they insert in the contract. This could work for you, but if you find that you feel that your relationship isn’t what you had hoped for, you may find yourself paying a commission to that agent if you purchase a house from another agent. I always believed that the agent should be as honest as they could be, as long as they are not breaking any rules. If you have questions, ask; nothing is too ridiculous.
As a seller in today’s market, things have gotten a little crazy. There is still an inventory shortage of homes in a certain price range, so if you see something you really like in your price range and it meets most of your needs, don’t hesitate. Since COVID, the market has really become a seller’s market, with most times, multiple offers on a listing. I think that has slowed a little but not completely. Remember, no house is going to be perfect. You will probably always say, “Well, I wish it had this” but is that “this” a make or break for the deal. There are things you can always change and there are things that no matter what you can’t change — like location!
You once ran a small floral shop (strictly silk flowers) and made arrangement for weddings, showers, parties, etc. Please describe what that was like?
My small floral shop was called Carol’s Creations, and it was on the corner of Bleecker and Mohawk streets. I started out of my home, and when this space became available, I moved into it. I loved working with the brides and creating their arrangements not only for the bride and bridesmaids, but usually for the tables at the reception, decorating the church and back then, most people gave out “favors” to their guests, so I usually made some or ordered something for that as well.
You mentioned that visiting Lake George has a special meaning for you. Why is that?
Yes, Lake George is a very special place for us. It’s a place we went every year when we had our children. We sometimes went with another couple whose children were the same age and sometimes we would go just the four of us. It was different back then — not as many condos as now. Six Flaggs was Storytown back then, and right in town was Gaslight Village, a smaller amusement area. The beach was great, and every year we took the boat ride. It never got old. One year we had a “Fresh Air Child” from the Bronx come stay with us for a week and we took him there. What a joy that was to make that little boy happy and experience something he never would have had the chance to experience. When the girls got married and had children of their own we went with them occasionally and we were blessed to make more memories.
Your husband Philip (Phibby) died in 2003 at age 80. His obituary described you as his best friend.
My husband was my best friend and the love of my life. We met in 1965, I was working at a small insurance agent’s office above what was the Marine Midland on Bleecker Street. I’d walk up to the corner of Mohawk and Bleecker streets for lunch at Toni’s Sweet Shop, a small luncheonette. My friend was working there, and I got to know the regulars. One day I was sitting in the booth facing the door and in walked this very handsome young man and I said to the person I was sitting with, “Who is that?” The friend introduced us, and for me, that was it! Truly, love at first sight.! We started dating, and after he graduated from college that May he had plans to work as wait staff with two of his friends at the Hidden Dude Ranch in Lake George. I would go up to Lake George with my girlfriend on the weekends and Phibby and I continued our relationship. Then one day we were in one of the places we liked to go to when he was off work, and he proposed in his own sweet way. Thus, the reason Lake George is so special to us. We were married On Oct. 8, 1966, and we would have celebrated our 60th anniversary this year. He was a wonderful husband, father and Papa to our three granddaughters. We had a good life and got through the tough times together.
What does Mount Carmel / Blessed Sacrament mean to you?
St. Mary of Mount Carmel / Blessed Sacrament is an important part of my life. My grandparents, my parents were all members of Mount Carmel. All my sacraments have been received here and most of my children have as well. My father was active in the church. He was an usher and was a member of the Holy Name Society. So, the example was set for me. I feel like I have another family here. When I attend Mass on Sunday, not only does my spiritual mind get renewed, I get to visit with my parish family. It brings me peace and joy.
Carol Scampone
- Family: Husband Philip (Phibby) deceased 2023; daughters Gina Szuba (husband Wally is deceased) and Carla Dumoulin (husband Dan); granddaughters Gianella, Sophia and Mia.
- Education: Proctor High School. Took the salesperson course and Real Estate broker course through Mohawk Valley Community College and continue to take Real Estate continuing education courses online every two years through Realty Institute.
- Occupation: Owner of Scampone Real Estate.
- Previous occupations: At one time had a small floral shop (strictly silk flowers) and made arrangement for weddings, showers, parties, etc., and sold wedding invitations to the brides-to-be. Local manager for Sarah Coventry jewelry for many years. Worked part time for the Wedgewood Apartments as office manager from 2021-2024
- Volunteerism: Eucharistic minister and money counter for many years and served as a lector at one time and on the Parish Council. In the past my husband and I volunteered for the Parish Festival. I have also been on the committee at Mount Carmel that volunteered to make sandwiches once a month for Mother Maryanne’s Soup Kitchen.
- Music favorites: Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett, Steve Tyrell, Beatles and music of the 1950s.