We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Cheri Longo. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Cheri below.

Cheri, appreciate you joining us today. What’s the backstory behind how you came up with the idea for your business?

From Naples to the World: A New Chapter in Global Real Estate

While I may be newly licensed as a real estate professional, this chapter has been a long time in the making.

For over 20 years, I’ve called Naples, Florida, home—and during that time, I’ve had the chance to buy, renovate, stage, and sell a number of my own properties. What began as personal passion projects slowly evolved into something more meaningful. Today, I’m proud to take that experience and formalize it into a business that allows me to support others—whether they’re local residents or global investors—through one of life’s most significant journeys: buying or selling a home.

Growing into a Global Role

My entry into real estate wasn’t driven by the need to start over—it was about expanding the ways I could serve. I’ve always had a deep appreciation for what makes a home feel special, and over time, I became more involved in the behind-the-scenes work: navigating the market, understanding local regulations, and creating spaces that resonate emotionally and practically.

Along the way, I earned my Certified International Property Specialist (CIPS) designation, which opened the door for me to help clients beyond U.S. borders. As a dual citizen of Canada and the United States, I understand many of the financial and legal complexities that come with cross-border transactions. I also know what it’s like to make a major move—and all the emotions and logistics that come with it.

My goal is to simplify those steps for others. Whether it’s assisting Canadian buyers who want a winter retreat in Florida, or helping Americans explore opportunities abroad, I work closely with a trusted network of professionals—attorneys, CPAs, lenders—so my clients feel supported every step of the way.

Design Meets Function

My Certified UltimateStager™ background gives me the chance to bring a little extra value to the table. I love seeing the transformation that thoughtful design can create—not just in how a space looks, but in how it sells. Staging is more than styling; it’s storytelling. And I’m passionate about helping sellers present their homes in a way that truly connects with buyers.

On the flip side, I also enjoy helping buyers find hidden gems, many of which surface through my personal and professional network. Real estate can be fast-moving, but I try to slow it down enough for people to make decisions that feel right—not rushed.

Staying Connected, Staying Curious

I’m a proud member of several organizations including NABOR, AREAA, NAR, RESA, FRA, and the United Aklanon Association of Toronto. These communities help me stay informed about everything from zoning changes in Collier County to global investment trends. More importantly, they keep me grounded in service and connected to cultures and voices that enrich this work.

One of the most rewarding parts of this new chapter has been the relationships I’ve built. I’ve had the chance to assist people relocating to Naples, families navigating FIRPTA regulations, and investors purchasing retirement homes in the Philippines. Each journey is different, but the common thread is trust—and I don’t take that lightly.

Looking Ahead with Gratitude

I didn’t set out to “break into” real estate—I simply followed the path my life had already been laying out for me. Now, I have the opportunity to do work that feels aligned with who I am: someone who values people, places, and the connections between them.

Whether you’re moving across town or across the world, I’m here to help make the process smoother and more personal. Real estate is about more than transactions—it’s about transitions. And I consider it a privilege to guide people through them.

Cheri, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

Cheri Longo, REALTOR® | Certified International Property Specialist | Certified UltimateStager™ Bridging cultures, creating comfort in every home

I was born in Toronto to Filipino parents, and I carry with me a mix of identities that I’m incredibly proud of—Filipino, Canadian, and now American. Growing up, I watched my mother help build community through the United Aklanon Association in Toronto. It left a lasting impression on me and taught me how important it is to stay rooted in culture while welcoming others in.

When I moved to Chicago as a teenager, I continued to stay involved with Filipino and Asian-American organizations, often finding joy and meaning in connecting people and celebrating shared traditions. My travels to the Philippines and around Asia deepened those values—particularly family, hospitality, and entrepreneurship—that now guide my work in real estate.

A Global Lens on Naples Real Estate

I moved to Naples over 20 years ago and immediately felt at home. Since then, I’ve spent years buying, renovating, and staging properties here—not professionally at first, just as someone who genuinely enjoyed the process. Eventually, I decided to earn my real estate license and now draw on both my Certified International Property Specialist (CIPS) training and personal experiences to help clients—especially international buyers—navigate the real estate journey with understanding and care.

A Thoughtful Approach to Staging

Alongside real estate, I also run a boutique staging company. As a Certified UltimateStager™, I’ve seen how a well-presented home can create an emotional connection and often lead to better outcomes for sellers. Staging for me isn’t just about decor—it’s about telling a story and helping buyers imagine a future there. Research backs this up, but what matters most to me is the impact it has on my clients’ confidence and peace of mind.

Why Work With Me?

Cultural sensitivity and connection
I’ve spent much of my life moving between cultures, and that perspective helps me understand what matters most to multicultural and international clients—especially when buying far from home.

Deep Naples knowledge

After two decades living and investing here, I offer more than data—I bring lived experience and long-standing local relationships to the table.

Creative, tailored marketing

My staging and marketing approach is personal, not cookie-cutter. Every home is treated with care and positioned thoughtfully for the right audience.

Kind, clear communication

I’ve been told I’m approachable, honest, and persistent in the best way—and I try to live up to that with every client interaction.

Supporting the Asian and AAPI Community

I’m also proud to be part of AREAA, where I do my best to give back to the Asian American and Pacific Islander community. Whether it’s guiding first-time buyers, sharing knowledge about investment options, or working toward more equitable lending, I believe in using real estate as a way to help others build security for the future.

A Collaborative Path Forward

With the support of Keller Williams Realty and a network of colleagues who share my values, I’m here to make the process of buying or selling in Southwest Florida as thoughtful and smooth as possible. If I can help someone feel more confident, more informed, or more at home—then I know I’ve done my job well.

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

I believe my reputation has grown from a blend of honesty, thoughtful preparation, and the relationships I’ve nurtured—both locally in Naples and internationally. Here’s what’s helped me earn trust and recognition as I’ve stepped into the real estate world professionally:

1. Owning “New—but Not Green”

I’m always upfront about being newly licensed, and I think clients appreciate that transparency. But I also share the deeper story: for years, I’ve been hands-on with my own properties—buying, renovating, and staging them with great care. That background in design and real estate preparation gives me a strong foundation to serve others today. People see someone who’s new to the title, but not new to the work—and that balance of fresh energy with real-world experience resonates.

2. Bringing Credibility Through Research and Results

I love when data backs up what I’ve experienced personally. Referencing the 2025 RESA study—that staged homes sell 73% faster and often 5–25% above asking—gives clients an evidence-based reason to invest in presentation. But I also remind them: this isn’t just a local phenomenon. Beautiful, well-prepared homes attract buyers whether they’re in Naples, Toronto, or Manila. Good staging travels well—and that gives sellers an edge, especially in a global market.

3. Providing Concierge-Level, Cross-Border Support

Because I often work with international clients, I put a strong emphasis on communication and clarity. That means being responsive with same-day updates, video walkthroughs, and transparent timelines. But it also means assembling the right team from Day One. I coordinate with:

Cross-border tax advisors (to clarify Canadian, U.S., or Philippine tax obligations)

International lenders (who can work in CAD, USD, or PHP)

Immigration attorneys (to support visas like E-2, EB-5, SRRV, or U.S. retirement paths)

All of this is organized into a shared dashboard so clients can see both the creative and legal sides of the transaction come together—without feeling overwhelmed.

4. Turning Experts into Community Builders

Many of the professionals I collaborate with—attorneys, CPAs, lenders—aren’t just resources; they’re part of the extended community I work to grow. When I mention them in client conversations or social posts, they often share the content, which helps expand visibility across their own networks. That mutual support has introduced me to incredible cross-border clients and opportunities. It’s never been about building a brand in isolation—it’s been about building bridges.

The Big Picture

What’s helped most, I think, is offering more than just real estate services. I’ve worked hard to create an experience that blends thoughtful design, global understanding, and genuine care. People aren’t just hiring a REALTOR®—they’re working with someone who brings in a full bench of trusted experts, while keeping the process grounded and human.

At the end of the day, I want clients to feel that they’re in capable hands, with someone who understands the numbers and the emotions behind every move—whether they’re coming from across the street or across an ocean.

Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?

The Ideas & Influencers That Shape My Approach

I’m incredibly thankful for the books, mentors, and creative influences that have helped me build a business with purpose and direction. Each one has shaped how I think about growth, serve clients, and stay aligned with what matters most.

1. The Millionaire Real Estate Agent by Gary Keller
This book has become my day-to-day operating system. It gave me a solid framework for everything from lead generation and budgeting to goal-setting and team-building. I return to it often—especially when I need to fine-tune a process or step back and look at the big picture. For someone newly licensed like me, it’s been a clear, structured guide that demystifies what success can look like in real estate.

2. Rich Dad, Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki
Kiyosaki’s mindset shift—from working for income to building long-term assets—really stayed with me. It helped me see real estate not just as a career, but as a vehicle for creating stability and generational value. His cash-flow philosophy influences how I reinvest in my own business—whether it’s marketing, education, or property.

3. The ONE Thing by Gary Keller & Jay Papasan
The focusing question from this book—“What’s the ONE thing I can do such that by doing it everything else becomes easier or unnecessary?”—has been a game-changer. It’s helped me stay clear and intentional with my time, especially in seasons where it’s tempting to do everything at once. This mindset keeps my calendar simple and my priorities aligned.

4. The CIPS Course with Neal Oates Jr.
Earning my Certified International Property Specialist (CIPS) designation through NABOR opened up a whole new world. But it was Neal Oates Jr.’s teaching style that brought it to life. His real-world marketing strategies, his global perspective, and his commitment to personal branding gave me permission to show up as myself—while reaching international audiences with clarity and authenticity. I apply what I learned in his course to almost every campaign I run today.

5. Architecture & Design—My Creative Fuel
For me, creativity lives in the built environment. Whether it’s centuries-old architecture in Asia and Europe or the fresh, innovative staging work I see here in Naples, design is what sparks my imagination. I’m always learning—through showroom visits, trade publications, or simply paying attention to how space makes people feel. That inspiration shows up in every staging plan and listing strategy I craft.

Bottom Line
I may be at the beginning of my official real estate career, but these resources and mentors have helped me build a foundation that’s clear, intentional, and client-centered. They’ve shaped how I think about growth—not just in terms of volume, but in terms of value, trust, and long-term relationships.

Each book or influence has reminded me that great businesses don’t just happen. They’re built thoughtfully—with strategy, clarity, and a deep respect for the people we serve.

Contact Info:

• Website: cheryllongo.kw.com
• Instagram: cheribelle04
• Facebook: Cheryl Belle Longo
• Linkedin: Cheri Longo