Years in real estate: 5
Originally from: Delray Beach, Florida
Career path: “I attended undergraduate school at the University of Colorado in Boulder and got my MBA at the University of Denver. After I finished in Denver I went to work for a telecommunications company called USWEST, Inc. as a business and corporate development specialist, working heavily in business acquisitions and finance matters. From there I transitioned to a high-tech company in the Silicon Valley. I met my wife and moved to Florida in 2000 and established SKY after working for Michael Saunders & Company.” Opened SKY Sotheby’s International Realty with one office location along with partner Brandyn Herbold.
Number of agents: 20 associates, 4 brokers and 15 agents
2004 Gross Sales: $100 million Projected 2005 GS: $225 million
Average sales price of home at your company: $1 million (From $750k to $6 million)
Average number of days a home is on market: 120 days
Personal motto: “The world is full of talented people who are unsuccessful, so I believe there is no substitute for hard work.”
Best advice you have been given: “You need to have a strategy or game plan, and constantly measure yourself against your goals.”
Favorite activities: “I love the water and water sports. I own a powerboat and enjoy fishing. Maintaining a boat like this is almost a full time job, so I don’t really have a lot of time for other activities, but I do enjoy running. For the next few months I’ll be in training for the next New York Marathon in November, 2005.”
What is happening in your market?
It’s a strong sellers market and we’ve seen prices generally double in the last five years. We’re selling a lot of new construction in the condo golf communities as well as private homes on the waterfront. Home sales in gated subdivisions are also very strong.
You’ve been chosen to partner with a relatively new name in the U.S. real estate market, Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates, Inc. How has this partnership been for your company so far?
Without question, the resources of the Sotheby’s International Realty® network and Cendant are incredible. The access to networking and referrals internationally is unparalleled. We’ve had at least one referral a month with sales for each of those clients in the $1 to $3 million range. The domestic referral experiences have been excellent as well, especially from the Northeast. Although the network is new, everything they are doing for their affiliates, and for our organization, is top notch.
How has the Sotheby’s International Realty name worked for you in terms of attracting new clients to your company here in the Sarasota market?
The number of listing opportunities has doubled since we started promoting the Sotheby’s International Realty affiliation. We find people know what the name stands for. You still have to execute, but the business has been plentiful. I can’t say enough about the organization. I know they’re still building, but at this point in talking to other Sotheby companies across the country, they are quickly becoming a major and competitive presence in any market where they choose to establish.
Source: RIS Media