In her 40-year career, Gail Petersen Bell has consistently met people where they are—but she never leaves them there. She's practiced in compassion, has intimate knowledge of the marketplace, and has mastered the art of helping people buy and sell homes, build new ones, and move through big life transitions.

Her career in real estate has roots in both her mother and father's careers. Growing up, Gail and her family traveled for her father's successful career as a traveling salesman. Though her father passed away unexpectedly when she was just eight, Gail's mother served as another role model in business, having started her own real estate company in Hingham when she was 60.

Gail, however, didn't start her professional life working in sales. As soon as she graduated college, she moved to Cambridge. She initially worked as a partner for an environmental start-up called ECOS, then joined the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in Boston as the Public Participation Manager for air quality.

As the EPA was just coming of age, "It was pretty intense but it was a lot of fun," she said.

Gail would travel across New England, meet with the state heads of environmental protection, and share new regulations and ideas .

In the 1980s, as the regulatory environment shifted and as she was getting married, she and her husband decided to move to Cohasset. She had a baby and spent the next two years raising her son.  

"I admit that I started going a bit stir-crazy," Gail said.

Gail is not the type to let life pass her by. She's always carving niches for herself and to help others carve theirs.

Her mother started trying to talk Gail into joining her real estate office.

"At first, I was very reluctant to work with family," Gail said. "But I did and in the first weekend, I sold two houses!"

She had caught the real estate bug, but really, the South Shore had caught an excellent new Realtor who would shape new construction, steer real estate boards, and help countless families to buy and sell homes.

After her start in 1983, she eventually bought her mother's company, which she took to new heights, and was later recruited by Sotheby's where she owned offices in both Hingham and Cohasset for the next 30 years. 

Five years ago, she joined Compass, which she believes is the only Real Estate Brokerage “that has altered the heart and soul of Real Estate.” At Compass, she has built a successful and passionate team as “The Gail Bell Group.”

Gail, although modest about her achievements, has earned countless awards throughout those years.

For starters, Gail was very involved in the Board of Realtors and served as the President of the South Shore and Plymouth Board of Realtors, and on it’s advisory board for many years. 

She's been named a “Boston Power Player” by the Boston Globe. Gail also earned her spot among Boston Herald's Top 10 Women in Greater Boston Real Estate and is still considered one of the most dynamic and successful realtors on the South Shore. 

Gail credits much of her success to what she calls the “Four Pillars” of her career, they include New Construction, Antique Properties, Luxury Homes and her unique Transitions program.

Gail has brokered most of the large subdivisions in her market area including Conservatory Park, Baker Hill, Canterbury Village, Sherman Way and Julian Way. 

On the other end of the spectrum, she is the only broker on the South Shore who is certified by the National Trust for Historic Preservation to market antique and unique properties. She is a big fan of homes that have such an interesting history. 

The luxury homes pillar is the leader of the pack as she continues to sell many of the high-end luxury  homes in Hingham and Cohasset.

And finally, Gail started a company called Transitions, which she is very passionate about as it was created to be the helpmate for sellers wanting to move to a more manageable lifestyle. 

The Transitions program caters to anyone wanting to downsize; from empty-nesters to those looking at smaller homes or retirement communities. 

Gail lights up when she talks about Transitions. "It’s often a very emotional and difficult time for people moving out of their family homes after many years. I’m passionate about being supportive and helpful and providing guidance and support—from declutterers to handymen, all the way to bringing a closing gift to the sellers!”

That unmistakable passion and unparalleled enthusiasm has not only earned Gail dozens of awards, but it has also earned her a reputation as a realtor-educator of sorts. She became Tom Brokow's "Featured Realtor" on NBC, and she even won the Best Educational Program for being the Producer and Host of the award-winning and 20-year running cable show "The Home Center with Gail Bell."

Outside of real estate, Gail finds solace in meditation, enjoys playing golf, and cherishes time spent with her adored grandkids. Gail is also an avid poker player and can hold her own at the professional tables.

And at the end of the day, she always comes back to the relationships in her life that she’s nurtured throughout the years.

The most important thing Gail has learned is that it’s not just about the properties and transactions; it is about the people, relationships, and the aspirations that drive us all; where dreams come to life, communities grow and the tangible impact Real Estate has on individuals and families. 

"I just hope that all of those who I have enjoyed serving are still truly happy with the decisions I feel honored to have helped them with.”