Johnny Caruso is a seasoned real estate professional with a passion for helping people achieve their dreams. Through his years of experience in the industry, he has established himself as a top performer, a true expert in all things NJ, and a trusted advisor to his clients. He approaches each transaction with a tireless commitment to excellence, always going above and beyond to ensure his clients receive the best possible service with as little stress as possible.
Here, Johnny shares his real estate journey and what makes the New Jersey market unique.
I spent most of my life in hospitality, serving people with the highest standards of service. When the time came to shift gears and forge a new path, it wasn't a question; I had always known that real estate would be my next act. I love being able to meet people, find out what their hopes and dreams are, and help them get to that next step in life. I have worked with first-time homebuyers, empty nesters, and everything in between. I honestly can't think of a more rewarding business to be in.
I gained my love for serving people at a young age. My family owned a restaurant in Edison and a hotel in Pt Pleasant. Growing up, while my friends were going to movies and having sleepovers, I worked alongside my family. After college, I decided that I wanted to stay in hospitality but venture more into the hotel side, and I went to work for what was then the Somerset Marriott. I spent the next 20 years working in and managing some of the top hotels in New Jersey and New York City. In 2015, I decided that it was time to take a new course. Real Estate was, in my mind, the next natural progression. It allows me to continue to use the skills that a lifetime in hospitality taught me and allows me to keep being of service to people. In the 10 years since I have become a realtor, I have never regretted my choice. I knew from the beginning what my vision for my business was and have worked tirelessly to make the vision a reality. When I joined Christie's International Real Estate in 2024, it was the final piece of the puzzle. Their global reach and resources allow me to provide my clients with unsurpassed service.
90-392 Ocean Ave N, Long Branch, NJ 07740 - Price available upon request
In 2021, I met a couple. I literally knocked on their door because I knew that they had been trying to sell one of their homes but had not been successful. As it turns out, this home was where they had raised their family. They loved this home and had hopes of one of their sons taking it over, so they held on to it for years. Finally, they came to the conclusion to sell it. The home was not without some issues since no one had lived there for a few years, and it lacked proper maintenance. Two other agents before me had failed, but I knew that I wouldn't.
For one thing, I am always honest with my clients, even if it's hard for them to hear or might cause me to lose the deal. I pride myself on working with integrity and not yessing my clients just to get a deal signed. I told them what the challenges were and that if they wanted to sell the home, they needed to follow my suggestions. After some time and reflection, they realized I was right. I worked with them to get the projects completed; it took a couple of months, but once the home was ready, we put it on the market. Within a couple of weeks, the home was under contract and sold a few weeks later. A few months went by, and they reached out again. It turns out that family issues caused them to relocate from New Jersey to Buffalo; they needed to sell their current home and do it fast. This time, they said, "Just tell us what we have to do, and we will do it." I gave them some suggestions, worked with my contractor to get the home ready, and got it listed and under contract within 2 weeks.
Then came the task of helping them find a realtor in Buffalo. By now, I knew them well and what type of realtor would work well for them. I did the research, vetted a few agents, and put them in touch with someone I felt would work. That realtor came through and found them a perfect home. As they were closing on their new home, I worked with the movers and helped them close out their lives in New Jersey, and I was there to see them off. We still keep in touch to this day. These houses were not the biggest I had sold or the most expensive, but the relationship that I was able to build and the trust that I was able to earn from my clients, now friends, was immeasurable to me.
I grew up in Central Jersey and along the Jersey Shore, and I have found that one thing that makes those two areas special is that they have something for everyone, whether you are a young couple out looking for their first home, a UHNWi/F looking for a private estate or an empty nester looking for somewhere to relax with a beach view.
For more information, please contact Johnny A. Caruso at 908-227-3252 or jcaruso@christiesrealestategroup.com.
Johnny A. Caruso is one of the exclusive agents representing the Somerset County and Jersey Shore, New Jersey, real estate market as a member of the Haute Residence Real Estate Network. View all of his listings here.
