Vanessa Shives

Vanessa Shives has been a dedicated real estate professional serving the Greater Princeton area since 2005. Over the course of her career, she has successfully guided clients throughout Mercer, Middlesex, and Somerset counties and beyond. A licensed Broker since 2019, Vanessa holds several distinguished certifications, including Accredited Buyer’s Representative (ABR) and Seller Representative Specialist (SRS), reflecting her commitment to excellence and continued professional development.

After building a strong foundation with nationally recognized firms such as Sotheby’s and Weichert, Vanessa took the next step in her career in 2021 by becoming a partner and co-owner of Queenston Realty, LLC, a boutique brokerage based in Princeton, New Jersey. Her transition to ownership underscores both her leadership and her dedication to delivering a more personalized, client-focused real estate experience.

Vanessa brings a uniquely compassionate approach to her work, shaped by her earlier career as an Emergency Room and Trauma nurse. This background instilled in her a deep sense of empathy, composure under pressure, and a genuine commitment to helping others—qualities that have proven invaluable in navigating the often complex and emotional process of buying and selling homes. For nearly two decades, her guiding principle has been simple: prioritize her clients’ wellbeing and help turn their real estate goals into reality.

Her global perspective further enhances her ability to serve a diverse clientele. Having spent over a decade of her childhood living in Europe as the daughter of a U.S. Air Force serviceman, Vanessa developed a lasting appreciation for different cultures and lifestyles. Today, she is particularly attuned to the needs of international clients and those relocating to the area.

Now settled in Princeton, Vanessa lives on a farm with her husband and their four children, along with two dogs, 14 chickens, and a thriving community of bees. Outside of real estate, she enjoys traveling, cooking, playing tennis and golf, and enthusiastically supporting her children’s soccer and equestrian pursuits.