About

A woman with wavy brown hair wearing a blue blazer and white shirt poses outside near a white building.

Irene Nickolai is a top-tier commercial real estate professional with over 25 years of experience and a proven track record of high-value transactions. Formerly a Senior Broker and Division Manager at Douglas Elliman Commercial, she has consistently ranked among the industry’s best—earning the prestigious Gold Award and gaining recognition in major publications including The Real Deal, Curbed, Crain’s New York, Commercial Observer, Real Estate Weekly, Brownstoner Magazine, Brick Underground, and Congress for New Urbanism.

Now based in Sullivan County, Irene brings her extensive experience from the New York City market to the Catskills, specializing in the sale of commercial, mixed-use, and residential properties. She represents buyers and sellers across some of the region’s most sought-after towns, including Callicoon, Narrowsburg, Livingston Manor, Roscoe, Jeffersonville, and beyond.

Known for her strategic, results-driven approach, Irene utilizes professional staging, interior and aerial photography, and targeted marketing to maximize property visibility and value. With the Catskills experiencing a resurgence, she is dedicated to fostering sustainable growth and attracting new businesses to the region. Irene brings a deep understanding of the local market, paired with an investor mindset, to every transaction.

In addition to her real estate success, Irene owns and operates the lovingly restored Western Inn a historic 1852 hotel and event space in Callicoon. Her hands-on experience as a developer and investor gives her unique insight into property potential—especially in historic and underutilized buildings. She also recently completed the restoration of a 5,000 sq. ft. building in Lake Huntington, NY, converting it into a luxury rental development.

Irene’s work has made her a trusted advisor for investors and homeowners looking to capitalize on the Catskills' ongoing growth and resurgence. 

With a sharp eye for value, an unmatched local network, and a passion for revitalization through real estate, Irene Nickolai continues to shape the future of the Catskills—one successful sale at a time. She is excited to bring people into the community she loves and to help cultivate its creative and sustainable growth.

Testimonials

  • The Yang Family

    “Thank you so much for taking the extra effort to make our first home purchase successful. You were there guiding us through all the crucial and important steps! You really listened to what we wanted in our home and you found exactly what we were looking for - at an amazing price! If we ever outgrow this home, we'll definitely be calling you!”

  • John and Rhonda Robinson

    “Thanks for all your help in making our "dream home" a reality. We really appreciated that you went the extra mile to get us the best price for our home. You are truly a professional.”

  • Daniel and Barb Northfield

    “In all our dealings with Realtors over the past ten years, we have never met anyone as helpful and energetic as you have been. Without hesitation, we would highly recommend your service to anyone who is looking for an experienced Realtor who cares about getting things done and doing them right! Thanks for taking such good care of us, we couldn't have done it without you!”