Meet The Team

There’s an indescribable rush that comes from helping clients achieve their dreams. This same rush drives every member of the Abbott Klar Real Estate Group, whether we’re helping you find the perfect neighborhood niche or stage your home for an open house. We come from wildly diverse career paths and life experiences, but what brings us together: a commitment to making your real estate process as smooth and stress-free as possible. (Even a little fun, too.)


Shamaya Klar

Shemaya Klar

Professional and experienced DC Realtor, Shemaya Klar knows every nook, cranny, neighborhood, and alley of the DC Metro area. Since 2002, he’s been the realtor of choice for hundreds of individuals and families throughout DC, Maryland, and Virginia. He’s certified as an Associate Broker with Berkshire Hathaway HomeService PenFed Realty and graduated from the School of Foreign Service at Georgetown University. Shemaya bought his first home in DC’s beautiful Brookland neighborhood in 2004.

Socially Acceptable Addictions: Bikes, motorcycles, anything on wheels
Life Motto: “So many interests, so little time!”
Favorite Trip (so far): Grand Canyon Rim to Rim with my brothers and father-in-law
Favorite Part of Real Estate: People
Best Real Estate Moment: Helping a family avoid foreclosure after a two-year fight
Wish for Clients: Joy


Jake Abbott

Jake Abbott

Jake first arrived in DC as an Americorps Volunteer charged with helping refugees settle into new lives. Something meaningful clicked in Jake during those days. He witnessed firsthand the transformative power of finding a home. A few years later when a friend started a real estate investment and development firm and needed help, Jake jumped at the opportunity to get into real estate. A firm believer in do what you love, love what you do, Jake is delighted to still be loving his real estate career 16 years later. He has a reputation for extraordinary customer service and is our go-to broker on matters concerning construction and house restoration. Jake is licensed in DC, MD, and VA. He lives in the Brookland neighborhood of NE DC, an area he loves for its small town vibe.

Socially Acceptable Addictions: Coffee, biking and home renovations
Hometown: Albuquerque, NM
Professional Affiliations: Greater Capital Area Association of Realtors (GCAAR), the National Association of Realtors (NAR) and the Washington, DC Association of Realtors (DCAR)
Volunteer Efforts: Greater Brookland Garden Club board member, Mary House board member, St. Anthony School
Languages: Spanish
Life Motto In Six Words: Go For It. Make It Happen.
Best Trip Ever: Vietnam
Previous Careers: Corporate fundraiser for NCLR and AARP Foundation. Prior to that worked for Mary House - nonprofit transitional housing program in DC (via Americorps)
My best moment in real estate: Helping a 1st generation American purchase a home after having worked in construction their entire life and saving up.
My wish for my clients is: That they're happy with their purchase, or choice not to purchase. I want them to feel informed and knowledgeable about the market and the choices they have.


Merry Miller

Merry Miller

A creative eye with a passion for efficiency and communication, Merry became a Realtor in 2013 and has never looked back! She gets great satisfaction representing buyers, hunting opportunities in real estate for her clients, and providing an education in buying, particularly to first-time home buyers. She prides herself on keeping long-term relationships with clients. Merry has lived in Arkansas; Oxford, England; Denver, Colorado; Kansas City, Missouri; but has found home in Capitol Hill with her husband, daughter, and a very opinionated Standard Poodle, Arthur. She is licensed in DC, MD, and VA.

Socially Acceptable Addictions: Cappuccino, Interior Design EVERYTHING, Modern Art
Professional Affiliations: Greater Capital Area Association of Realtors (GCAAR), the National Association of Realtors (NAR) and the Washington, DC Association of Realtors (DCAR)
Hometown: Pea Ridge, Arkansas
Life Motto in Six Words: "No Step for a Stepper"
Previous Careers: Supervisor at a Residential Treatment Center for Children and Medication and Medical Care Manager at a Boys' Transitional Group Home
Best Trip Ever: Annual Canoeing trip on America's First National River
My wish for my clients is: Empowerment


Ellen Czaplewski

Ellen Czaplewski

Experience:

  • Residential interior design
  • Commercial space planning and program planning (US Agency for International Development)
  • Product development and marketing (American Institute of Architects)

Education:

  • University of Nebraska at Omaha, B.S., Interior Design
  • Kansas State University, M.S., Interior Design
  • Cornell University, Ph.D. candidate in program planning and development

Ellen is an arts and nature enthusiast and a recent convert to yoga. She enjoys meeting new people and sharing them with family and friends.


Photo Credits:
Paul Fetters
Beverlie Lord/Satsun Photography