MIDDLESEX TWP., Pa. — A new locally owned real estate brokerage has opened along Route 8 in Middlesex Township near the Valencia Donut Company, just off the busy Route 228 corridor, bringing a boutique approach to home buying and selling in southern Butler County.
Community members and business leaders recently gathered with the Butler County Chamber of Commerce to celebrate a ribbon-cutting ceremony for Keystone Signature Realty, the new brokerage founded by longtime real estate professional Stacey Kovaly.
The company’s office is located at 1158 Pittsburgh Road. For Kovaly, the location carries special meaning.
She attended elementary school nearby at the former Middlesex Elementary School, which now serves as part of the Concordia campus.
“Everything comes around for a reason,” Kovaly said. “That was my elementary school years ago.”
A Career Leading to Entrepreneurship
Kovaly brings more than two decades of real estate experience to the new brokerage.
She first earned her real estate license in 2000 and later became a broker in 2011. Over the years she built a successful career helping buyers and sellers throughout the region.
The decision to open her own brokerage came quickly.
“I literally made the decision in December,” Kovaly said. “We had the office ready to go by January 15.”
Within weeks, Keystone Signature Realty was operating from its new office space and serving clients throughout Butler County and the surrounding region.
A Boutique Brokerage Approach
Kovaly describes Keystone Signature Realty as a boutique brokerage, focusing on personalized service rather than competing with larger firms based on size alone.
“We realize we’re not going to compete with the bigger brokerages based on sheer numbers,” she said. “But we want to provide a more hands-on experience.”
Clients who walk into the office often comment on the welcoming atmosphere.
“The first thing people say when they walk in is ‘wow,’” Kovaly said. “It feels more like walking into someone’s living room.”
She believes that smaller teams allow agents to focus more closely on each client’s needs.
“We look at each deal like it’s our own family buying or selling a house,” she said.
A Team Effort
Two agents joined Kovaly in launching the brokerage: Debra Monteleone and Jordan Jenkins.
Kovaly said their support has been instrumental during the company’s early months.
“They came in and just started doing what they should be doing — working with clients, listing homes, and helping buyers,” she said. “I’m really proud of them.”
Despite opening during what is traditionally a slower season for real estate, the team already has several transactions underway.
“We’ve got many deals on the books right now,” Kovaly said.
Choosing the Right Location
After searching multiple spaces, Kovaly discovered the property along Pittsburgh Road near the Valencia flats.
The office is easily accessible with a turning lane from Route 8 and provides convenient access for clients traveling throughout the Butler County area.
Kovaly also noted that there are relatively few real estate offices along the corridor.
“The next real estate office isn’t until downtown Butler,” she said. “So it felt like the perfect place to put a real estate agency.”
A Community Celebration
The ribbon-cutting ceremony drew strong support from the local business community.
Kovaly said the turnout exceeded her expectations.
“It was really very humbling,” she said. “So many people I never expected came out.”
The Butler County Chamber of Commerce coordinated the event, with several local businesses also contributing to the celebration.
Seeing that support, Kovaly said, reinforced her decision to build the business locally.
“It meant the world to me to see the community come out,” she said.
Looking Ahead
Kovaly hopes to grow Keystone Signature Realty in the coming years by adding more agents and continuing to expand its presence throughout Butler County.
For now, the focus is on building the brand and delivering the personalized service she believes defines the brokerage.
“My goal is to help my agents succeed and help our clients reach their goals,” she said.
Her message to local homeowners and buyers is simple:
“Just give us a try. Try us one time and you’ll be referring us to your friends and family.”
