As Homes By Connect marks five years, this update highlights recent recognition for Broker/Owner Katy Donovan, reflects on the values that have shaped the brokerage, and celebrates the community impact that continues to guide its growth.

Five years in, this milestone offers an opportunity to look not only at how far Homes By Connect has come, but also at what has defined its path. Since opening its doors on March 1, 2021, the brokerage has built its identity around relationships, thoughtful service, and a commitment to supporting both clients and community.

Recognition During Women’s History Month

This March, Katy Donovan, Broker/Owner of Homes By Connect, was featured in both Rhode Island Monthly’s Outstanding Women (see page 94!) and Hey Rhody’s Leading Ladies profiles. The timing feels especially fitting during Women’s History Month, as these features celebrate women making an impact today and reflect the leadership and values that have shaped Homes By Connect over the past five years.

With more than 15 years of real estate experience, Katy has spent the last five building Homes By Connect around the pillars of connection, communication, and collaboration. Those principles have shaped not only the client experience, but also the culture of the team. As Katy shared, “Our team is our greatest strength. We work together so our clients feel supported from start to finish.”

In Her Own Words: “Our team is our greatest strength. We work together so our clients feel supported from start to finish.” –Katy Donovan

Built on Values That Endure

Those same principles have led to meaningful milestones. Katy was named 2025 Realtor® of the Year by the Newport County Board of Realtors®, and the Donovan Group received RI Monthly’s 2025 Professional Excellence in Real Estate Award. These honors are certainly worth celebrating, but they also point to something deeper: a consistent approach rooted in integrity, teamwork, and care.

Homes By Connect has always been about more than transactions. From the start, the brokerage was shaped with intention—not only around how to serve clients well, but also how to support agents and foster an environment where people feel seen, valued, and empowered. That behind-the-scenes work is part of what has made the first five years so meaningful.

By Design: From the start, the brokerage was shaped with intention—not only around how to serve clients well, but also how to support agents and foster an environment where people feel seen, valued, and empowered.

Community Impact Beyond Real Estate

The brokerage’s work has also extended well beyond buying and selling homes. Through partnerships with organizations like FabNewport and the Women’s Resource Center, along with the broader work of the Connect Cares program, Homes By Connect continues to support nonprofits and local efforts that strengthen lives across the community.

That commitment reflects a larger belief: strong communities are built through service, generosity, and shared investment in the places we call home.

A Personal Reflection on the First Five Years

This moment of recognition also invites a more personal look at what has shaped Homes By Connect over the past five years. In a recent blog post, Erin Donovan—Katy’s daughter and now an agent within the brokerage—writes, “It’s not just about the growth or the recognition—it’s about the culture, the people, and the values that have been built along the way.”

That perspective captures exactly what this milestone represents. The recent profiles in Rhode Island Monthly and Hey Rhody may spotlight Katy’s leadership, but they also reflect the culture, relationships, and shared commitment that continue to define Homes By Connect.

Read Erin’s post: What I’ve Learned Growing Up in Real Estate From behind-the-scenes moments to the values that shape Homes By Connect today, Katy’s daughter reflects on what it really takes to build a real estate business rooted in connection, consistency, and community

This recognition feels especially meaningful because it reflects more than achievement alone. It speaks to the values that shaped Homes By Connect from the start, and that continue to guide what comes next.

Did You Know? Women’s History Month is celebrated every March in the United States to honor the contributions and achievements of women. What began as a grassroots effort in California grew into a national observance in 1980 and was expanded to a full month by Congress in 1987. March was chosen in part to coincide with International Women’s Day.

If you’re looking for a real estate team grounded in strong relationships, thoughtful guidance, and a genuine commitment to community, we’d love to connect. Contact us to schedule a no-obligation consultation.

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