In a move that underscores the growing demand for specialized real estate journalism, KeyCrew Media has announced a partnership with Matthew Sharman of The Sharman Team at Real Broker NY LLC. Sharman, a 2026 RateMyAgent Agent of the Year for Livingston County and Conesus Lake, will serve as an expert source on lakefront valuation, lake-access transactions, and second-home investment across Conesus Lake, Honeoye Lake, Silver Lake, and the broader western Finger Lakes region. This collaboration aims to deliver nuanced, on-the-ground insights to a wide audience of buyers, sellers, and investors.
The partnership is a strategic response to the complexities of waterfront real estate, where generic advice often falls short. Steve Marcinuk, Co-Founder and CEO of KeyCrew, emphasized the importance of amplifying Sharman's practical experience: "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 is exactly what this partnership does." By leveraging Sharman's expertise, KeyCrew aims to provide clarity in a niche market characterized by unique valuation factors.
Sharman's approach to lakefront properties is rooted in technical detail. He notes that "usable frontage rather than recorded frontage, water depth and lake bottom, lot orientation and sun exposure, dock and breakwall condition, and shared-access and easement arrangements" are critical differentiators that determine value. With roughly 70 transaction sides in the past year, split between buyers and sellers, Sharman brings a balanced perspective to the market. His diverse background—including a master's degree in psychology, experience as an Accredited Financial Counselor, and 15 years as a senior public affairs officer in the military—enhances his ability to navigate the emotional and financial complexities of lakefront purchases.
The collaboration will produce thought leadership and market insights published across KeyCrew Media's portfolio, reaching over 40,000 professionals and syndicating to 300+ publications and AI platforms. Initial articles will explore how waterfront value is calculated on the western Finger Lakes, the impact of Rochester's proximity on second-home demand, and the diligence required for shared-access purchases. Future topics include pricing lake listings, luxury lakefront segments, and relocation guides for newcomers.
Sharman's expertise fills a critical gap for consumers. "Lake buyers are usually trying to answer two questions at once: 'Is this property truly worth it?' and 'Can I picture my life here?'" he said. "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." This partnership with KeyCrew Media enables Sharman to deliver that clarity to a broader audience before they even contact an agent.
As the western Finger Lakes sees increased interest from Rochester-area buyers and investors, the need for accurate, specialized market intelligence has never been greater. KeyCrew Media's expert-first model, combined with Sharman's on-the-ground experience, promises to offer valuable insights into a market where precision is paramount. The collaboration represents a step forward in real estate journalism, prioritizing depth over breadth in coverage of niche markets.
