Meet the Team
In the world of New York City real estate, The Schaffer Cella Team brings a new standard of service excellence.
With 20 years of combined experience and over $125M in sales transactions, Lauren Schaffer and Heather Cella deliver extensive market knowledge, unwavering work ethic, and utmost commitment to each and every client they serve. They understand that every buyer and seller has unique needs, and therefore take an intentional & curated approach to each transaction.
With a proven sales record across Manhattan, Brooklyn and Queens, The Schaffer Cella Team is your trusted strategic advisor on all things process, positioning, pricing, and negotiation, and delivers a white glove approach to the ever-evolving market landscape. The team looks forward to helping you reach your real estate goals.
The Team's Areas of Expertise
Licensed in the great state of New York, The Schaffer Cella Team proudly offers their professional support in the following areas (and beyond):
- Buying, Selling, Renting, Leasing – in Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Queens – across all building types and at every price point
- Condos, Co-ops, Townhomes (Single Family + Multi Family)
- Primary Homes, Pied-a-terres, Investment Properties
- Broker referrals across the tri-state area and countrywide
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Lauren is a natural entrepreneur, bringing high energy and a positive spirit to everything she does. She is known amongst her peers as a masterful connector, project manager, and problem solver, always thinking 10 steps ahead and streamlining the customer experience along the way. This innate drive, coupled with a keen eye for style and a love of people, is what fuels her passion for luxury real estate sales in New York City.
Lauren’s real estate business spans across Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Queens where she enthusiastically partners with her clients to buy, sell, and rent homes. Her knowledge of New York City’s complex and evolving real estate market is extensive. Above all else, Lauren brings a warmth and ease to the process that makes those around her feel comfortable in any high-stress scenario.
Lauren is a proud graduate of Vanderbilt University. Prior to real estate, she kick-started her career as an HR Manager within the niche start-up markets. She worked in fast-paced industries such as entertainment, digital media, and technology, where she built “people programs” aimed at maximizing employee potential. No matter the task at hand, her primary goals remained the same: put the client’s needs first, identify creative solutions to difficult problems, and build trusted relationships through action. Lauren proudly brings the same client-centric approach to her work in real estate.
In her spare time, Lauren loves attending Broadway shows, biking around the city with her husband, relaxing at her family’s cabin in New Hampshire, and taking her miniature schnauzer on long romantic walks. As a Chicago native, Lauren always knew she was destined to call New York City her home, but that doesn’t stop her from showcasing a healthy dose of Midwestern charm along the way!
Heather is a native New Yorker and seasoned real estate veteran, with almost 9 years of experience under her belt. With a proven track record representing buyers, sellers, and renters across Manhattan and Brooklyn, she is consistently known for her “no challenge is too small” attitude, humility, and positive work ethic. She prides herself in her commitment to her clients, extensive knowledge of the market, and her ability to cultivate long term relationships.
Heather is notoriously known for her positive attitude and considers herself an eternal optimist and creative problem solver, both qualities that are critical to ensuring a stress-free real estate transaction. As every client is unique, Heather takes a customized and curated approach to each and every single transaction, and services a diverse range of clientele. Whether you are a first time home buyer navigating the complexities of the condo and co-op market, seasoned investor exploring new construction opportunities, or seller looking for a smooth transition, consider her your strategic partner for a seamless, stress-free real estate experience.
Prior to real estate, Heather worked in Corporate America for several years, which has allowed her to apply a unique standard of customer service and professionalism in an incredibly nuanced and competitive market. She previously worked in Human Resources at a private wealth management firm for several years, and also worked in the fast paced tech start up sector prior to shifting her career to real estate. Heather has also worked for a family business in the camping industry, which has served thousands of children from NYC from the Upper East Side and Upper West Side for years. Therefore, she brings a special perspective to the industry and is intimately aware of the needs of parents and children living in Manhattan.
When she is not selling real estate, she is an avid health and wellness advocate (healthy treats are her specialty!) animal lover, a-cappella music aficionado, and enjoys spending time in her current neighborhood of Murray Hill with her husband, John (whom she met through real estate!).
Rae has specialized in high-level sales for the past eight years. Her trajectory first began with recruiting new students at Cedarville University and rapidly evolved to working in luxury real estate in NYC since 2017.
In college, she quickly worked her way up through the ranks while fulfilling a role within the admissions team and by her senior year, was the Lead Assistant Admissions Counselor leading a team of over thirty students in recruitment. Working with high school students and their families on one of their largest financial investments made her transition to the world of real estate feel seamless and the next logical step.
Rae came to New York City immediately upon graduation to join an Inside Sales Team at a boutique luxury residential real estate firm and quickly proved to be one of the top producers. Rae developed efficient methods for the team to create a better client and agent experience, all while pursuing her own career as an agent. After several years in the real estate industry, Rae has navigated through a multitude of different New York City real estate markets demonstrating her pliancy and creativity to help each individual client achieve their goal.
Rae is thrilled to offer her expertise and help you reach your real estate goals!
Will Apicella
Licensed Real Estate Salesperson
(Licensed as William Giovanni Apicella)
will.apicella@theagencyre.com
862.812.7893
Growing up in and around New York City, Will Apicella brings a local perspective and knowledge of the city’s dynamic real estate market. He grew up in the world of New York City tourism and hospitality, where he learned how to communicate, listen, and perform in fast-paced environments. Combining that upbringing with longtime experience as a New York renter himself, Will understands how daunting the process can be. He strives to make the home finding process quick, cogent, and fun!
Will has had a wide range of experience: he’s worked in high-end furniture design, wine sales, hospitality, and even dog walking. For many years he was the lead bartender/mixologist at Azalea, a popular theater district restaurant. There he learned if you can handle a Saturday night working solo behind a Midtown bar, you can handle anything. In addition, Will is a consummate classical actor—he is a member of Actor’s Equity Association and has performed at many domestic and international venues (highlights including Hartford Stage Company and the Royal Lyceum Theatre, Edinburgh).
Coming from a bilingual household, Will speaks fluent English and Italian along with some basic Spanish. He loves to travel, having visited 24 countries and 3 continents. Will’s dual citizenship (American and Italian) allowed him to earn his degree from the prestigious Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London, validated by King’s College, London. When he’s not darting around the city on a Citi Bike, Will calls Brooklyn home, where he lives in Prospect Lefferts Gardens.
Closed Transactions
SALES
27 West 72nd Street #1102
3 Beds, 3.5 Baths • $6,000,000
45 West 67th Street #30ABF
5 Beds, 3.5 Baths • $5,500,000
6 Cortlandt Alley #R5
4 Beds, 4.5 Baths • $4,800,000
55 West 17th Street #1501
2 Beds, 2.5 Baths • $4,294,990
136 Baxter Street #1/2A
3 Beds, 3.5 Baths • $4,025,000
959 First Avenue #10A
3 Beds, 2.5 Baths • $3,299,990
15 West 61st Street #8B
2 Beds, 2 Baths • $3,150,000
15 Renwick Street #601
2 Beds, 2.5 Baths • $2,950,000
12 Wooster Street #2
2 Beds, 2.5 Baths • $2,750,000
301 East 50th Street #9A
2 Beds, 2.5 Baths • $2,730,910
325 Lexington Avenue #24C
2 Beds, 2 Baths • $2,470,000
174 Carlton Avenue
5 Beds, 4 Baths • $2,400,000
212 Warren Street #4J
2 Beds, 2 Baths • $2,400,000
265 State Street #1101
3 Beds, 2.5 Baths • $2,350,000
75 Wall Street #30O
2 Beds, 2 Baths • $1,995,000
45 Christopher Street #7G
1 Bed, 1 Bath • $1,930,000
215 East 24th Street #325
3 Beds, 3 Baths • $1,835,000
250 West 90th Street #PH1B
2 Beds, 2.5 Baths • $1,800,000
92 Horatio Street #2CDE
2 Beds, 2 Baths • $1,800,000
240 East 47th Street #39C
2 Beds, 2.5 Baths • $1,700,000
344 West 23rd Street #3C
2 Beds, 2 Baths • $1,700,000
585 10th Street #2
2 Beds, 2 Baths • $1,550,000
265 State Street #1214
2 Beds, 2 Baths • $1,500,000
175 West 95th Street #3B
2 Beds, 2 Baths • $1,490,000
261 West 28th Street #10C
1 Bed, 1.5 Baths • $1,425,000
910 Union Street #2A
2 Beds, 2 Baths • $1,425,000
937 Bushwick Avenue
5 Beds, 3.5 Baths • $1,390,000
117 West 123rd Street #3C
2 Beds, 2 Baths • $1,390,000
156 Franklin Street #1R
Studio, 2 Baths • $1,350,000
247 West 46th Street #701
1 Bed, 1.5 Baths • $1,290,000
30 West 60th Street #12A
2 Beds, 2 Baths • $1,235,000
2 Grace Court #5Z
2 Beds, 1 Bath • $1,220,000
45 East End Avenue #12F
2 Beds, 2 Baths • $1,200,000
205 Third Avenue #21E
1 Bed, 1 Bath • $1,195,000
354 Hawley Road
5 Beds, 4 Baths • $1,192,000
444 East 86th Street #3F
2 Beds, 2 Baths • $1,150,000
303 West 66th Street #12CW
2 Beds, 1 Bath • $1,140,000
308 Mott Street #1D
1 Bed, 1 Bath • $1,125,000
187 13th Street #1B
1 Bed, 1.5 Baths • $1,115,000
689 Myrtle Avenue #5I
1 Bed, 1 Bath • $1,100,000
330 West 72nd Street #2C
2 Beds, 2 Baths • $1,065,000
389 East 89th Street #16B
1 Bed, 1 Bath • $1,065,000
160 East 65th Street #7F
1 Bed, 1.5 Baths • $1,050,000
2 Grace Court #2D
2 Beds, 1 Bath • $1,040,000
309 East 49th Street #6C
1 Bed, 1.5 Baths • $1,020,000
77 Park Avenue #14C
1 Bed, 1.5 Baths • $999,000
249 West 29th Street #3W
1 Bed, 1 Bath • $985,000
22 Leroy Street #21
2 Beds, 1 Bath • $975,000
505 Clinton Avenue #5R
1 Bed, 1 Bath • $945,000
100 United Nations Plaza #19F
1 Bed, 1 Bath • $940,000
343 East 30th Street #4B
1 Bed, 1 Bath • $925,000
411 West End Avenue #2E
1 Bed, 1 Bath • $880,000
180 West End Avenue #4R
1 Bed, 1 Bath • $875,000
41 Jane Street #4D
1 Bed, 1 Bath • $785,000
365 Bridge Street #9N
Studio, 1 Bath • $775,000
144 Clifton Place #3A
1 Bed, 1 Bath • $770,000
16 West 16th Street #5BS
1 Bed, 1 Bath • $755,000
303 East 33rd Street #5J
Studio, 1 Bath • $730,000
475 Sterling Place #3E
1 Bed, 1 Bath • $720,000
433 West 34th Street #12H
1 Bed, 1 Bath • $675,000
172 East 4th Street #2I
1 Bed, 1 Bath • $665,000
233 East 69th Street #9E
1 Bed, 1 Bath • $648,000
377 Rector Place #3G
1 Bed, 1 Bath • $640,000
308 West 106th Street #4B
1 Bed, 1 Bath • $639,000
319 East 50th Street #9J
1 Bed, 1 Bath • $636,500
41 Clarkson Avenue #2G
2 Beds, 1 Bath • $630,000
333 Pearl Street #19A
Studio, 1 Bath • $630,000
418 Saint Johns Place #4E
1 Bed, 1 Bath • $602,000
865 1st Avenue #4B
Studio, 1 Bath • $590,000
234 West 148th Street #2B
1 Bed, 1 Bath • $576,000
300 East 93rd Street #21C
Studio, 1 Bath • $570,000
252 West 20th Street #3A
1 Bed, 1 Bath • $560,000
139 East 94th Street #2D
1 Bed, 1 Bath • $550,000
250 Mercer Street #C609
Studio, 1 Bath • $530,000
401 Gates Avenue #2C
1 Bed, 1 Bath • $515,000
51 East 128th Street #1A
Studio, 1 Bath • $502,500
35 Crown Street #6F
1 Bed, 1 Bath • $485,000
1813 Greene Avenue #2L
1 Bed, 1 Bath • $485,000
180 West End Avenue #11B
Studio, 1 Bath • $450,000
118 West 72nd Street #604
Studio, 1 Bath • $415,000
35 Park Avenue #2H
Studio, 1 Bath • $405,000
229 East 28th Street #2G
Studio, 1 Bath • $395,000
321 East 45th Street #14E
Studio, 1 Bath • $330,000
RENTALS
2 Waterline Square #321
2 Beds, 2 Baths • $15,233
254 West 18th Street #3
3 Beds, 2.5 Baths • $10,500
163 Charles Street #5
1 Bed, 2 Baths • $10,500
22 West 77th Street #35
3 Beds, 3 Baths • $7,995
220 East 72nd Street #19A
2 Beds, 2 Baths • $7,500
8 Jane Street #C
1 Bed, 1 Bath • $7,450
1930 Broadway #24H
1 Bed, 1.5 Baths • $7,095
515 East 86th Street #1406
2 Beds, 2 Baths • $6,950
55 West 25th Street #7J
1 Bed, 1.5 Baths • $6,850
160 West 24th Street #6B
1 Bed, 1 Bath • $5,992
1930 Broadway #16H
1 Bed, 1.5 Baths • $5,900
166 East 63rd Street #10A
1 Bed, 1 Bath • $5,250
221 West 29th Street #15B
1 Bed, 1 Bath • $4,995
101 West End Avenue #8N
1 Bed, 1.5 Baths • $4,850
401 East 80th Street #11F
2 Beds, 1.5 Baths • $4,650
1 West Street #3517
3 Beds, 1 Bath • $4,500
525 West 52nd Street #12ES
1 Bed, 1 Bath • $4,350
520 2nd Avenue #7C
2 Beds, 1 Bath • $4,280
530 East 76th Street #12B
1 Bed, 1.5 Baths • $4,200
365 Bridge Street #9N
1 Bed, 1 Bath • $4,000
305 West 18th Street #5D
1 Bed, 1 Bath • $3,750
200 East 72nd Street #11L
1 Bed, 1 Bath • $3,650
425 East 84th Street #2B
1 Bed, 1 Bath • $3,600
30 West 18th Street #4A
Studio, 1 Bath • $3,495
420 East 83rd Street #2W
2 Beds, 1 Bath • $3,425
415 East 37th Street #15E
1 Bed, 1 Bath • $3,400
192 Sackett Street #1R
1 Bed, 1 Bath • $3,400
372 Second Street #1A
1 Bed, 1 Bath • $3,300
310 East 46th Street #19F
Studio, 1 Bath • $3,200
144 East 22nd Street #4D
1 Bed, 1 Bath • $3,200
662 Pacific Street #7H
1 Bed, 1 Bath • $3,050
594 Third Avenue #4
2 Beds, 1 Bath • $2,910
475 Clermont Avenue #422
1 Bed, 1 Bath • $2,900
873 Union Street #4
1 Bed, 1 Bath • $2,825
306 West 18th Street #3A
1 Bed, 1 Bath • $2,750
517 East 77th Street #6E
1 Bed, 1 Bath • $2,700
500 West 43rd Street #12H
1 Bed, 1 Bath • $2,700
300 West 72nd Street #6A
1 Bed, 1 Bath • $2,650
30-50 21st Street #2B
1 Bed, 1 Bath • $2,500
342 East 76th Street #3D
Studio, 1 Bath • $2,450
180 Franklin Avenue #408
Studio, 1 Bath • $2,430
245 East 37th Street #3C
Studio, 1 Bath • $2,300
561 Gates Avenue #5
2 Beds, 1 Bath • $2,200
125 Macdougal Street #2C
Studio, 1 Bath • $2,150
300 Lincoln Road #3B
Studio, 1 Bath • $2,000
73 East 3rd Street #A3
1 Bed, 1 Bath • $2,000
312 West 87th Street #2A
Studio, 1 Bath • $1,850
Testimonials
Lauren and Heather share their knowledge and experience in the fascinating world of New York City real estate in their ongoing video series, Bright Lights in the Big City! New episodes drop on Instagram and YouTube biannually.
Press
Custom-Built Colonial Boasts Every Amenity Inside and Out in Short Hills, N.J.
Jersey Digs • Jul 21, 2021
This Apartment in New York’s West Village Has Exposed Beams, Bricks, and a Bookcase with a Ladder
Apartment Therapy • Mar 11, 2021
SARTORIALISTINGS: Brokers Weekly asks: What do you wear to show apartments?
Real Estate Weekly • Oct 31, 2019
The Team's Featured Listings
51 Farmstead Road
Short Hills, NJ 07078
Contact Us
Intro Guides
The Agency Buyer's Guide
The Agency Renter's Checklist
YOU DESERVE MORE
Real estate should be frictionless and empowering. With pre-market access, personalized service, and smarter results, The Schaffer Cella Team and The Agency deliver the experience you need – and deserve.
OUR ADVANTAGE
The Agency anticipates and capitalizes on future market activity, and matches prospective buyers, sellers, and renters.
INCREASED ACCESS
Make better real estate decisions by accessing our inventory of pre-market properties.
1,112 Properties researched26 Properties matched4 Showings1 Offer
Accepted Offer: $1.99MSearch Days: 14
Meet Ben, a Brooklyn-based Investor.
Ben was looking for a building that he could rent out, but was frustrated with the limited inventory on the market.
When Ben moved from another brokerage to The Agency, he saw a difference immediately. In just 14 days we identified and presented 26 quality pre-market properties. After viewing 6 properties with The Agency team, Ben purchased the first building he was shown as it perfectly matched his criteria. We negotiated his offer from the seller’s original asking price of $2.15M to $1.99M.
“I had a fantastic experience with The Agency. They found just what I wanted, for just the right price. Best of all, I barely did any legwork. Thank you The Agency!”
SMARTER RESULTS
Use data and predictive analytics to anticipate the market and deliver your best match.
16,941 Member profiles analyzed770 Total profile matches25 Introductions7 Showings1 Offer
Accepted Offer: $2.55MDays On Market: 13
Meet Kelly, an Opportunistic Marketer.
Hoping to find the most qualified buyers, Kelly turned to The Agency to sell her home.
Kelly, a published author and marketing executive, was selling her home at a time when the demand for Upper West Side apartments with outdoor space exceeded the supply.
We used our pre-marketing strategy to capitalize on the pent-up demand. Seven pre-launch showings and a full first open house led to a bidding war between numerous parties. The apartment was sold for $2,550,000, a price record for the building and $355,000 above the asking price. Needless to say, Kelly was delighted by the results.