Get to Know Sonja Torkelsen

Before moving to New London 10 years ago, Sonja grew up in Princeton, New Jersey where she was educated at The Lawrenceville School. In the summers, Sonja would travel abroad for immersion programs hosted by Sons of Norway and Insitut Le Rosey in Rolle Switzerland. Growing up, Sonja's parents had been very politically active on both sides, but she discovered her own love of politics after attending an inspirational speech by the late John McCain in Philadelphia. She moved to DC to study at George Washington University. After working on a Presidential Campaign, she was honored to have been given the incredible opportunity to work in White House Communications. Sonja managed a series of websites about Nightlife and Charitable Events in Washington DC. After 15 years, however, Sonja and her family made the decision to find the polar opposite of DC. She found it here in the land of mountains and lakes, and where everything closes by 9pm.

FUN FACTS: While preparing to model for a News segment before the Oscars, Sonja shared a bottle of wine with the Armani Face Designer. They told her she wouldn't have to speak. They lied. She was also asked to stay away from the First Daughters for fear that she'd be a bad influence. They were wrong. She would have been much more discreet when sneaking them into the VIP areas of nightclubs.

You may know Sonja as an avid dog lover. You might also have seen her outside with her dogs and family all November long setting up an elaborate Christmas display around her lovingly restored historic home and barn to bring joy to everyone who drives by during the cold winter months. Sonja is a people person who also works at The Refinery to further connect with neighbors and meet new friends.

In Real Estate, Sonja brings cultural experience and insight to buyers eager to trade in the fast paced life for a more fulfilling quality of life here in NH. Whether you're interested in buying or selling, her years working as a staffer in DC has made Sonja uniquely qualified to work with challenging people.

Get to Know Deb Rees

When it comes to finding the perfect home or selling your current one, having a passionate and knowledgeable real estate professional by your side makes all the difference. I’m Deb Rees, a proud New Hampshire local who combines a love for our state with a dedication to helping my clients achieve their real estate dreams.

A LITTLE BIT ABOUT ME: I am a lifelong musician and have been an elementary music teacher for over 26 years. Teaching music continues to be one of the most rewarding parts of my life. There’s nothing quite like seeing the excitement on a child’s face when they discover their own creative voice. I also am an avid golfer who enjoys playing anywhere and everywhere I get the chance. Whether I’m teeing off at a local golf course, kayaking on Elbow Pond, or relaxing after a day of work with a walk with my dog Willow, I’m constantly reminded why New Hampshire is such a special place to call home.

Beyond my professional life, I’m also the proud mother of daughter Emma, son Sean, and grandmother to my one-year-old granddaughter, Peyton. There is no better time than when we are all together on our dock or around the fire.

FAVORITE QUOTE: “Everything works out in the end; if it hasn't worked out, it's not the end” — Tracy McMillan, The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel

As someone who’s deeply rooted in this community, I understand the unique nuances of the local real estate market. I take great pride in offering personalized service that reflects each client’s needs and dreams. Whether you’re buying your very first home, upgrading to your dream house, or selling a cherished property, I’m here to guide you every step of the way.

Let’s work together to make your real estate journey as seamless and rewarding as possible. I’d be honored to help you discover the joys of living in New Hampshire — a place I’m so proud to call home.


Get to Know Donna Forest

BACKGROUND: I grew up in Townsend, MA and graduated from UMass, Amherst with a forestry degree. After graduation, I was offered a position with the US Forest Service and moved to Northern California. I became the first fulltime professional female forest service ranger in the region. During that time, I worked in several different capacities - logging sales, recreation management, snow ranger & chairlift inspector, etc. While in CA, I met my husband, Rick Flint, who was in ski resort management. Over the years we’ve lived and worked in southern NH, western Maine, and at 10,000 ft. in southern Utah (with an avg. snowfall of 400” a year). I’ve also owned and operated a bed & breakfast in Maine and managed the lodging reservations department at Sunday River Ski Resort. We have resided in New London since 2000.

MY REAL ESTATE CAREER: My real estate career started in Utah in 1994. I feel I bring a breadth of experience and calmness to every transaction. I have a direct, no-nonsense approach and my goal is to make sure buyers and sellers have the information they need to make good decisions so they can be successful in achieving their goals. I always have my clients’ best interests at heart. I’ve won many awards including realtor of the year and was an active member of the Sunapee Region Board of Realtors for years (including serving as president one year).

FAVORITE QUOTE: “Remember, being happy doesn’t mean you have it all. It simply means you’re thankful for all you have.” ~Unknown

FUN FACTS: I paraglided while on a ski vacation in Verbier, Switzerland, have skied at over 60 different ski areas, been white water rafting on a class 5 river, and even tried parachuting in my younger years (once!). We happily boated on Lake Sunapee for 16 yrs. I enjoy volunteering at the local food pantry and my best vacations so far have been in the Cook Islands and also the Azores!


Get to Know Emily Campbell

FUN FACTS: I grew up in West Hartford, Connecticut, graduated from Mt. Saint Joseph Academy in 1966, University of Denver, BA in 1970 and Plymouth State University, MEd/Mathematics in 1999. I have two great sons: Brooks (who is married to Olivia), and Tyler. I am also most fortunate to spend time watching my two grandsons, Hazen (14) and Hudson (11) participate in various extra curricular activities.

OCCUPATIONS: I have lived in New London for 53 years and have been selling Real Estate for 46 of those years! I also have an established relationship with the Kearsarge Regional School District, which began in 1972 when I taught 4th grade. In 1978, I began a 12 year stint on the KRSD School Board and was Chairman for 6 of those years. In 1993, I was asked to substitute at KRMS for a three week 8th grade Mathematics position that lasted 20 years! I retired from KRMS in 2013. I have also been a Director of the New London Outing Club and the New London Historical Society, Chair of the New London Hospital Day Parade and currently serve as a member of the New London Planning Board as well as the New London Representative on the Tri-Town Assessors Board. I am also the vice chairman of the New London Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee.

FAVORITE SAYINGS: “After all is said and done, more is said than done.” “Good, better, best, never let it rest until your good is better and your better is best.” “No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.” ~Eleanor Roosevelt

INTERESTS: Family! Friends! Laughter! All things outside ~ skiing, walking, tennis, travel, the ocean, gardening, bike riding (I even purchased an E-Bike several summers ago so I could keep up with my grandsons on their bikes, I LOVE IT!).

STRENGTHS: I feel my 53 years of living and raising my family in this spectacular area has provided me with the expertise needed to put buyers and sellers together with very positive outcomes!

TESTIMONIAL: “Emily Campbell is a gifted people person. Selling my home was an incredibly emotional experience for me. Without any judgment, ever, Emily helped me navigate and balance the components of my emotional needs with what she knew made good business sense. I will be forever grateful to her for guiding me gently through the process, for her open and timely communication, for her understanding and respect of my feelings, and for making sure that we found buyers who would love the house as much my family did. Emily is a genuine treasure.” Seller, New London


What was New London's Real Estate Market Like in 2024?

Better Homes and Gardens at the Spelling Bee

Agents from our team participated in the Adult Spelling Bee this past weekend during the New London Winter Carnival! It was a great evening full of laughs and cheers while benefitting the co-sponsors, New London Recreation and New London Rotary Club.️ 

Are you thinking about selling? Winter is actually a great time to sell!


Our goal is to ensure that your real estate experience with The Best Team in Town surpasses all expectations! Get in touch! We’d love to make YOU our next success story!


We Know What Makes a Playroom Fit for Play

At Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate, we know that a playroom isn’t just about four walls and toys—it’s about creating a space where imaginations run wild, from cozy reading nooks to room for epic block towers, we understand the details that make playrooms truly fit for play. When you work with a Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate agent, you’ll find more than just a house—you’ll discover a home filled with spaces designed for every chapter of life!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving from all of us at Better Homes and Gardens RE The Milestone Team!

Community Involvement

Always Giving Back...

Our Team’s success has made it possible for us to contribute annually to the continuing efforts of over 35 local non-profits, both large and small. All are organizations which greatly enhance our communities, life experiences, and quality of life. In addition, a portion of each commission earned is given to the Lake Sunapee Region VNA & Hospice and the Ausbon Sargent Land Preservation Trust. Each provide invaluable services and opportunities to the communities we serve. A number of us also commit to volunteer personal time as well. Many thanks to all of these organizations that do so much, from The Best Team in Town!