High-net-worth clients expect an unparalleled level of service, and nowhere is that more pronounced than when they’re searching for their next home.
That’s why luxury real estate leader Douglas Elliman goes above and beyond to support its agents at every turn. Elliman agents leverage the brokerage’s unique platform, ample resources and high-touch support to get in front of qualified buyers and give luxury clients the bespoke experience they expect. The results speak for themselves: Elliman has been a leader in luxury for over 110 years. We spoke with a few Elliman insiders to learn how the company helps them rise above the competition.
A powerful platform
In today’s real estate market, agents need tech they can rely on. Elliman’s secure, cloud-based systems give agents access to the most sophisticated backend support platform in the industry, freeing them up to focus on building relationships with their clients.
“Whether I’m in New York, in Nantucket, or at home, I can log in and have the tools that I need at my fingertips,” says Michael Passaro, who has been with Elliman for 12 years. “From building marketing templates to looking at my CRM to using the search, the platform’s capabilities are huge.”
Elliman agents often work with high net worth individuals for whom privacy is paramount. That’s why the brokerage invested in a leading security infrastructure that keeps client information confidential.
“I don’t know that if I was at a much smaller firm or an independent firm, that I’d be able to provide that to my clients with the same certainty,” says Raphael De Niro, a broker with 20 years of NYC luxury resi experience under his belt. “The level of cybersecurity and operational security to keep client information private that we can provide because of Elliman is super important.”
PR and marketing, on-demand
A property is only as good as its listing. When dealing with luxury properties aimed at high-net-worth buyers, bespoke PR and marketing is the difference between getting a property in front of the right person or watching it languish on the market.
“Elliman has great creatives,” says Brittanie Rockhill, who is nearing her tenth year with the brokerage. Rockhill relies on Elliman’s PR and marketing resources when positioning luxury properties around Aspen. “They’re really good about pulling plans together to brand a unique listing.”
Elliman’s robust PR, marketing and research resources allow agents to spend more time with their clients, which makes all the difference with ultra-high-net-worth individuals who expect a highly-personalized experience.
“The most important part of my job is making people feel special,” says Passaro. “Everybody wants instant answers right away, so if I can free up my time from doing some of the other activities, I can be more engaged with the client specifically. That’s a tremendous help.”
Big network, small company feel
Elliman agents rely on support from one another and from leadership throughout the deal process. Rockhill pointed out how important networking among Elliman agents is when working in the close-knit world of luxury resi.
“We’re generally working with similar clientele, if not the same clients,” she says. “Being able to refer people out, have people referred to me, and just bounce ideas off of my colleagues has been invaluable.”
Juliette Hohnen, a global real estate agent and consultant who works primarily in Los Angeles, Malibu, Ojai and London, relies on Elliman’s staff just as much as she does her peers.
“Our network of agents and managers is brilliant,” she says. “If you want to know someone or meet someone that could help you find a buyer, there will be immediate help. Michael Liebowitz, the CEO of the company, answers texts all the time, and he’s a problem solver as well.”
Elliman has agents’ backs
When properties stretch into the eight figures, things can get a little messy. Elliman agents count on the brokerage to give them the support they need to navigate these situations and still deliver for their clients.
Passaro told us about an $11 million apartment deal in New York City that he would never have been able to close without backup from Elliman.
“There were issues with open permits and the apartment not having been legally combined,” he says. “The buyer had numerous opportunities to walk away, but the lawyers at our office figured out how to keep the deal alive.”
Elliman’s legal team worked with expeditors to navigate a year-long permitting process that resulted in the deal closing.
“Luxury is not always about the price point,” says Passaro. “It’s about service. Elliman allows me to go above and beyond for my clients.”
If you’re ready to take your luxury resi game to the next level, head over to Elliman’s website.
