In a move that underscores the growing importance of specialized real estate coverage, KeyCrew Media has announced a partnership with Matthew Sharman of The Sharman Team at Real Broker NY LLC to co-produce market insights for the western Finger Lakes waterfront. This collaboration aims to deliver expert analysis on lakefront valuation, lake-access transactions, and second-home investment activity across Conesus Lake, Honeoye Lake, Silver Lake, and the broader western Finger Lakes region.
The partnership comes at a time when waterfront properties present unique challenges that generic real estate advice often fails to address. As Steve Marcinuk, Co-Founder and CEO of KeyCrew, explains, "Waterfront markets are where generic advice does the most damage, and amplifying what Matthew is actually seeing on Conesus and across the western Finger Lakes to an open, non-paywalled audience of buyers, sellers and investors is exactly what this partnership does." This sentiment highlights the critical need for accurate, localized expertise in a market where nuances like water depth, frontage, and easement rights can significantly impact property values.
Sharman brings a wealth of experience to this role, having represented roughly 70 transaction sides over the past year, split nearly evenly between buyers and sellers. His practice is built on the technical details that differentiate waterfront properties: usable frontage versus recorded frontage, water depth and lake bottom composition, lot orientation and sun exposure, dock and breakwall condition, and the shared-access and easement arrangements that govern waterfront usage. This deep understanding is essential for both sellers looking to accurately price their properties and buyers seeking to make informed decisions.
Beyond his real estate acumen, Sharman's diverse background includes a master's degree in psychology, certification as an Accredited Financial Counselor, and 15 years as a senior public affairs officer in the military. This unique combination provides him with a distinctive perspective on client communication, decision-making, and negotiation—skills that are particularly valuable in the emotionally charged world of lakefront real estate. In 2026, his expertise was recognized when he was named RateMyAgent Agent of the Year for both Livingston County and Conesus Lake, as well as a Top 10 Agent in New York State.
"Lake buyers are usually trying to answer two questions at once: 'Is this property truly worth it?' and 'Can I picture my life here?' Lake sellers have a different concern: 'Will the person representing my home understand what makes it special and know how to translate that into value?' These are emotional decisions, but they still require precise, property-specific information. Partnering with KeyCrew Media gives me the opportunity to bring that clarity to buyers and sellers before they ever call an agent," Sharman said.
The collaboration has already begun producing content, with initial articles exploring how waterfront value is calculated on the western Finger Lakes, the impact of Rochester proximity on second-home demand at Conesus Lake, and the diligence required for shared-access or deeded-access purchases. Future topics will include pricing and preparing lake listings, the luxury lakefront segment, and a relocation guide for buyers moving to the region.
This partnership is part of KeyCrew Media's broader strategy to enhance its coverage of niche real estate markets by leveraging local experts. By integrating Sharman's insights into its editorial network, KeyCrew aims to provide a valuable resource for consumers navigating the complexities of waterfront property transactions. As the demand for specialized real estate knowledge grows, such collaborations are likely to become increasingly important in helping buyers and sellers make well-informed decisions in unique markets like the western Finger Lakes.
