Kelly Nelson, Global Real Estate Advisor and Associate Broker at Sotheby's International Realty, opened Charlie & Kelly's Restaurant in Greenwich Village in l971 and was prep chef for 14 years in addition to all hostessing and administrative duties that go hand-in-hand with such an enterprise. Having vacationed in the Hamptons, she felt the logical move was to migrate to East Hampton in l986, where she decided to try her hand at real estate. She started at Hampton Apple in Bridgehampton that year, and had a chance meeting with Frank Newbold and Michael Braverman, who then were owners of Braverman Brokers. Frank and Michael purchased Hampton Apple, at which point, Kelly joined them in their East Hampton office.

All parties fared very well. Sotheby's International Realty purchased Braverman Brokers in l996, and business then skyrocketed. Kelly has remained virtually with the same company for over 25 years.

Among her best successes is the highest sale in the Hamptons for 2012, which was an 18.7-acre oceanfront parcel in Sagaponack that traded for $38 million. Others included the sale of the Edsel Ford Estate on the ocean in Southampton for $21.7 million and the sale of 42 oceanfront acres in Sagaponack for $12 million, which was part of the Paley Estate. Current listings include a 1.27-acre oceanfront parcel in Amagansett, with approved plansincluded, listed at $4.795 million, a very charming waterfront department store in Shelter Island with a legal apartment above that offers stunning views onto Dering Harbor, and a dock withample room for two substantial crafts. Additionally, Kelly has some lovely Village homes that are convenient to all that East Hampton has to offer, including the ocean.