Hi, I’m Stacey Donadio — a residential real estate professional, wife, mom of three boys, and dog mom to our boxer pup, Roxy. We call Little Silver home, and honestly, I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else.
A lot of people see the polished side of real estate on social media — beautiful homes, sold signs, staging moments, and closing day celebrations. And while I love all of that, there’s also a very real behind-the-scenes version of my life that looks a lot more like controlled chaos… and a lot of coffee.
So if you’re new here (or if it’s just been a while), consider this my official reintroduction.
6:00 AM – Coffee First, Always
Before I am a Realtor, I am a person who cannot function without coffee.
My Nespresso coffee machine is truly one of the hardest-working members of this household and arguably my greatest life investment.
Before the emails, phone calls, and school chaos begin, I need that first cup.
No exceptions.
Morning Madness: Three Kids, Three Schools
This is where things get interesting.
Getting three boys ready for school somehow feels like training for an Olympic event.
And yes…we have three different school drop-offs.
Every. Single. Morning.
By the time backpacks are packed, lunches are accounted for, permission slips are signed, and everyone gets where they need to be, I already feel like I’ve worked half a day.
My Attempt at Sanity: Life Time Fitness
Once the boys are dropped off, I try to carve out one hour that’s just for me.
That usually means heading to Life Time Fitness for a barre or Pilates class.
Some days I feel strong.
Some days I wonder why I voluntarily signed up for lunges.
Either way, it helps me reset before diving into work.
And yes, I absolutely try to sneak in a quick sauna session and shower before heading to appointments.
The Real Estate Workday: No Two Days Are the Same
This is one of the reasons I love real estate.
Every day looks different.
My workday can include:
- Client phone calls
- Emails
- Listing appointments
- Home inspections
- Appraisals
- CO inspections
- Negotiations
- Showings
- Marketing meetings
- Vendor coordination
And somewhere in between all of that, I’m usually answering texts while sitting in my car.
Lunch…Usually in My Car
Very glamorous.
I know.
Lunch is often eaten between appointments while driving from one town to the next throughout Monmouth County.
If I’m lucky, I’ll stop at one of my favorite local spots like The Blonde Shallot or Brennan’s for something quick.
A few times a week, I’m able to slow down enough to grab coffee or lunch with clients, referral partners, or local business owners, which is one of my favorite parts of what I do.
Relationships are everything in this business.
Afternoon Shift: Mom Mode
Before I know it, it’s time to pick the boys up from school.
Then begins the second full-time job:
- Snacks
- Homework check-ins
- “First dinner”
- Sports practices
- Sports drop-offs
If you’re a sports parent, you understand exactly what I mean by first dinner.
Evening Showings
While many people are winding down for the evening, I’m often heading out for buyer showings.
Evenings are often when clients are available, so this is when I’m back in Realtor mode.
Thankfully, I genuinely love what I do.
Dinner at Home
If I planned ahead (which happens about 50 percent of the time), dinner is already prepped.
I’m a big fan of easy one-pan meals and sheet pan dinners because at this point in the day, no one needs complicated recipes.
We try to sit down and eat together as a family as often as possible, even if life feels busy.
Those moments matter.
The Night Routine
After picking the boys up from sports, getting everyone settled, and making sure backpacks are ready for the next day, I try to squeeze in a little quiet time.
Usually that looks like:
- My skincare routine
- Reading a few pages of a book
- Immediately falling asleep mid-chapter
Very aspirational.
Final Thoughts
My life is busy.
It can feel chaotic.
And there are definitely days where I wonder how everything gets done.
But I truly love this life.
I love helping families find homes in the communities I care so deeply about.
I love being present for my kids.
And I love building a business that allows me to create a life that feels full — even when it’s messy.
And if you see me driving around Little Silver with coffee in hand and a packed schedule…just know I’m probably exactly where I’m supposed to be.
Realtor Stacey Donadio 