True Gotham

In this TrueGotham video blog I discuss my departure from Prudential Douglas Elliman to open a new office for The Heddings Property Group at Charles Rutenberg Realty. Exciting times and incredibly invigorating but moving smoothly thus far.  I also briefly touch on current Manhattan real estate market conditions, the discovery of a blog snafu and share some exciting news regarding the Wall Street Journal.  Check it out: 

Hi Doug, I am happy for your move. You must have your reasons.

I am a little curious as to have you thought about how it may affect you in your future new business as to not working with a big company? Do you think the seller nowadays would just go with the agent and not care about the firm/brokerage?

Thank you. Only time will tell but I think the best evidence I have for the consumer following an agent is the fact that all of my current sellers and buyers have chosen to move with me. All of them commented that they hired me, not Elliman. Several years ago I had 21 exclusives as I was contemplating a move to Brown Harris and at that time all of my sellers made the same comment and said they would come with me wherever I went.

I also have 2 new properties coming on the market this week and those sellers (personal contacts) waited for me to move.

I would have NEVER made the move if I thought is would negatively impact my clients or my business. The freedom I have running my own show will allow me to provide services that the larger companies have difficulty implementing because of their size.

I think the future is bright for the independent broker and the Rutenberg business model supports that end.

stop yelling doug. the mic is better than you think.

LOL!!! Sorry Jason. That is one thing for sure that my colleagues from Elliman won't miss...my loud voice. Will try to tone it down next time. I just get so excited :-)

I like the video blog Douglas. I think you adding this type of blog gives it a more personal touch. The idea on doing the presentation on your laptop through the usb device is a nice idea, But what do you leave the seller to look over when they decide to make a decision to sell? You will see the true freedom Rutenberg is going to give you vs Elliman. The only thing now is you have to responsible for your advertising. I know you have been in the real estate game for a long time so I can only see you do better in this game. See you in the field.

I am terribly sorry to learn that you are moving to where you are going.

If it doesn't work out the way you want, I am sure you will just go out on your own entirely, which is what you are destined to do anyway.

Thanks Ivan AND Bill. I think that people should know that I feel that with Rutenberg I AM out on my own as they provide me the freedom to run my own office with my own agents just as I would without the affiliation. The upside for me being sponsored by Rutenberg is that I don't have to worry about much of the back end office expenses and most importantly, I get to be a instrumental part of growing an already very exciting business model. I can focus on The Heddings Property Group brand and provide a greater level of service from both a technology and information standpoint.

Ivan, as far as the USB drive presentation, my thought was that I would ask the client if they would prefer me to burn a copy on DVD for them to keep or perhaps I can provide a minimal selection of printed materials.