By: Matt Emma

Lisa Giannetto Santilli has been selling homes north of Boston since 2002. A longtime resident of North Reading and now living in Boxford, she has built her career on something that sounds simple but is remarkably hard to maintain: consistency. Her approach is rooted in three words she uses to describe herself: dedicated, reliable, and honest.

From Finance to Real Estate

Before entering the industry, Lisa worked as a financial analyst and accountant at Fidelity Investments after graduating from Boston University Questrom School of Business. That background in numbers still shapes how she works today. She studies pricing trends, analyzes recent sales, and digs into market data so her sellers are more likely to be priced correctly from the start, and her buyers are less likely to overpay. Her analytical training gives her a thorough understanding of the local market that benefits every client she represents.

Navigating Every Market Condition

Over more than twenty years, Lisa has navigated every kind of market. She began her career during the aftermath of 9/11, worked through the recession of 2008, and the upheaval of COVID. Each shift brought its own challenges, and she adapted to all of them while keeping her clients’ interests at the center of every transaction. Whether representing a seller or buyer, she works to structure the transaction to the client’s best advantage through her grasp of contract negotiations, current market information, and strategic marketing.

A Powerful New Partnership

In 2024, Lisa made a significant change. After years of working as a solo agent, she partnered with Felicia and Seamus Kennedy, a husband and wife team. The decision came as she began managing mobility challenges, and the partnership allowed her to share responsibilities while helping to maintain the level of service she has always provided.

“By joining forces, we believe we offer increased availability and hands-on support, unmatched market knowledge and negotiation skills, and a seamless, team-driven approach to buying and selling,” Lisa explained.

The numbers back up the partnership. In 2025, the Kennedy Team helped over 65 households make moves across every phase of life, from first homes to growing families to downsizing and relocations. They finished the year as one of the top sales teams at Classified Realty Group, a boutique, independent company that has been voted Best Real Estate Agency by readers of The Readings Magazine for ten consecutive years.

Reducing the Stress of Real Estate

Lisa knows that buying or selling a home is often described as stressful. Her response to that stress is practical. “I use my calming demeanor, knowledge, and expertise to help reduce the stress for my clients,” she said. “I pride myself in the ability to anticipate and address issues before they become problems. When problems do arise, I tackle and resolve them head-on to keep my deals on track.”

Her systems are built to guide clients through transactions without overwhelming them. She believes in structure, preparation, and honest communication. Lisa also belongs to several referral groups of successful agents across different regions, so if a client needs to buy or sell outside her market area, she will provide a referral to a respected agent wherever they are.

Life Beyond the Listings

Outside of work, Lisa is married to Mike Santilli. They have two adult children, Michael and Lauren, a daughter-in-law named Courtney, and two grandsons, Brayden and Mason. She is affectionately known as “Nonna” to the boys. She spends her free time reading (she belongs to two book clubs), listening to podcasts, cooking, and escaping to Wells, Maine, where she and Mike have a second home. When asked about her daily routine, she put it simply: she spends her mornings perusing MLS while drinking coffee, structures her days around her client’s needs, and sometimes treats herself to a nightcap of wine.

After more than two decades in real estate, Lisa has seen every kind of market condition and guided clients through each one. The work continues the same way it started: with attention to detail, honest advice, and a commitment to getting the job done right.

For more information, visit: www.LisaSantilli.com.