Residential Properties Ltd. is excited to announce that Broker Associate Cecile Cohen has joined the outstanding team of real estate professionals at our South County office. A pillar of South County real estate for four decades, Cecile brings unparalleled leadership, institutional knowledge, and a deep-rooted love for Rhode Island to every transaction. Beginning in 1988, she was the Managing Broker of the Randall, Realtors in Charlestown, guiding clients and agents through generations of market cycles. A prominent voice in the local real estate community, she served as President of the Rhode Island Association of Realtors in 2007 and was honored as Realtor of the Year in 2004.
Learn more about Cecile, her career, and her journey to RPL by reading our Q&A!
Tell us about your professional experience up to now.
At the very beginning of my career, I settled in Boston, working for the Boston Redevelopment Authority in the Planning and Design Department – where I met my future husband. After leaving the BRA, I worked briefly for the Boston Landmarks Commission, conducting the foundational research required to secure the Boston Common and other local landmarks inclusion on the National Register of Historic Places.
A defining chapter of my career was serving as the Managing Broker and Office Manager for Randall, Realtors in Charlestown from 1988 to 2019. I have always been deeply committed to leadership within our industry. I've had the honor of serving as President for the Kent/Washington Board of Realtors, the State-Wide Multiple Listing Service, and the Rhode Island Association of Realtors.
What made you want to join Residential Properties?
Residential Properties and Sally Lapides have always been at the forefront of real estate in RI. When I first became licensed in 1983, RPL was primarily known for its strong, foundational presence in the Greater Providence area. Over the years, as I became more involved in local and state boards, I had a front-row seat to watching the firm successfully expand its footprint across the entire state. Residential Properties was always top-of-mind for professionalism and integrity. So, when I decided it was time to move on, this was the only company I was interested in and wanted to work with.
Where are you from originally and where do you live now?
I was born and raised in Fall River, where my father owned a men’s shirt factory. My husband grew up in Rhode Island and was a RISD graduate, so in 1980 we moved to the village of Perryville, a lovely quiet oasis close to the beaches, restaurants, shopping, and more. We built our home on some of the family land, using a beautiful design he created himself. Sadly, he passed away 16 months ago, so my home life has changed quite a bit, but I have many wonderful memories of the life we built together in the home he created.
What do you enjoy outside of work?
I play golf and, up until recently, go to dog shows. I started breeding Labrador Retrievers in 1982 and sadly only have one chocolate Lab now and she’s getting on in years. I have also donated Labs to Guiding Eyes for the Blind in the past. Real estate keeps me active mentally and physically. I’ve been fortunate to have had success in the business and have made wonderful friends. It’s truly a great profession.
What are you most looking forward to now that you’re with RPL?
My focus remains exactly where it has always been: providing exceptional, dedicated service to my long-term clients. Joining RPL allows me to continue nurturing those trusted relationships with the backing of a fantastic independent, local brand. Additionally, I’m excited to lend my years of industry experience to the broader RPL team.
To learn more about Cecile, please visit ResidentialProperties.com.
