About Us
Our beginnings
Our beginnings
Our beginnings
Direct Access Real Estate was founded in over 20 years ago in 2005 by Nicholas Cerato, seasoned New York real estate broker with a vision: to offer clients a more personal, pressure-free alternative to the big-name agencies. After working together at a national real estate firm, Nicholas and Lisa O’Neill recognized a gap in the market—bu
Direct Access Real Estate was founded in over 20 years ago in 2005 by Nicholas Cerato, seasoned New York real estate broker with a vision: to offer clients a more personal, pressure-free alternative to the big-name agencies. After working together at a national real estate firm, Nicholas and Lisa O’Neill recognized a gap in the market—buyers and sellers were craving a more human, frictionless real estate experience.
That insight led to the launch of Direct Access, a boutique real estate agency serving clients from Manhattan to Montauk, with a strong focus on Nassau County, Suffolk County, and New York City basing ourselves out of central Massapequa. Our approach is simple: local expertise, personal service, and zero pressure. We help clients navigate residential sales, home buying, and real estate investing with clarity and confidence.
Now led by Lisa O’Neill, the first agent in 2005, and a licensed real estate broker with almost three decades of experience, Direct Access continues to stand out for its client-first philosophy and creative eye for potential. Whether you’re staging a home to sell or searching for your forever place, we make the process feel seamless—and even enjoyable.
If you're looking for a trusted real estate agency in Nassau or Suffolk County, including Massapequa and surrounding Long Island communities, you’ve just found your team.
Lisa O'Neill
Our beginnings
Our beginnings
Lisa O'Neill brings over 20 years of real estate experience—and an eye for design that makes every space shine. A graduate of the Fashion Institute of Technology, Lisa began her career in textiles at Fortunoff, where she developed a deep love for interiors and a knack for visualizing potential. She transitioned into real estate drawn to
Lisa O'Neill brings over 20 years of real estate experience—and an eye for design that makes every space shine. A graduate of the Fashion Institute of Technology, Lisa began her career in textiles at Fortunoff, where she developed a deep love for interiors and a knack for visualizing potential. She transitioned into real estate drawn to the balance for family and the chance to blend her creative instincts with sharp market insight.
Known for her charismatic nature, approachable style, and expert guidance, Lisa helps clients see not just what a property is—but what it could be. Whether staging a listing or helping buyers spot hidden gems, she brings vision, warmth, and over two decades of hands-on expertise to every deal.
Over the years
Our beginnings
Over the years
Over the Years
From classic brownstones in Manhattan to family homes in East Meadow, Hicksville, Massapequa, Babylon, and beyond, we’ve helped hundreds of clients find their ideal property. We’ve sold everything from cozy starter homes to luxury waterfront estates across Long Island. Our track record spans city living, suburban neighborhoo
Over the Years
From classic brownstones in Manhattan to family homes in East Meadow, Hicksville, Massapequa, Babylon, and beyond, we’ve helped hundreds of clients find their ideal property. We’ve sold everything from cozy starter homes to luxury waterfront estates across Long Island. Our track record spans city living, suburban neighborhoods, and quiet coastal escapes—with a common thread of tailored service and trusted results.
For some examples click learn more below