Life In The Slow Lane: Semantics Is Everything When It Comes to Understanding Kids

“Personal Responsibility” buzzes around a lot these days, in and out of political ads, talk shows and campaign platforms. Fine.

I realized a long time ago that parents have a personal responsibility to teach and demand personal responsibility, I just never knew how hard it is! From the cradle, our instinct is to pass the buck, avoid punishment.

It starts very early and innocently enough, with routine announcements like “Mom, the milk spilled.” Translation: “Mom, I spilled the milk but I want you to clean it up.” Children would have you believe the spill occurred spontaneously. If you’ll buy into it, they will too. After all, you weren’t there, all you have is circumstantial evidence. All you REALLY know is “it spilled.” So why make a big stink?

Now you may be thinking that saying “the milk spilled” versus “I spilled the milk” is merely a question of semantics. With children, however, semantics is EVERYTHING. Children’s word choices are not about shades and nuances in meaning, though, it is about one thing and one thing only: “It’s not my fault.” It is an exhausting task, but if I don’t explain these important differences to them, they could grow up to be adults who duck behind semantics saying awful things like “Mistakes were made” or, God forbid, “It depends what ‘is’ is…”

When I ask for detail about spilled milk, for example, they will elaborate with “it tipped over.” I remind them that if they were the only person who witnessed this spontaneous phenomenon they have to clean it up anyway, so they might as well ‘fess up because I am not as dumb as I look. They rarely budge so I must look REALLY DUMB.

Not long ago enough, I found myself heading to Atlanta with four children in a not big enough van. They are all would-be scientists, developing a new adhesive made of sweat, used Band-Aids, crumbs, and masticated gummy bears. Since it at least kept them firmly in their seats, I tolerated it, even when shoes and socks entered the mix.

Then the first grader child asked me to fix her sock which had “got a knot in it.”

This knot defied all human strength. HOW the sock was knotted defied logic.

“HOW did this happen?” I screeched.

“I don’t know,” she marveled, “it just did!”

“Maybe I’m going out on a limb here, but it looks like SOMEONE tied this sock in a knot, pulled it tight, and then sucked on it with gummy bears in her mouth for the last two hours so that it would stay knotted FOREVER. What do YOU think really happened?” I asked.

She had her story and she was sticking to it, bless her little heart: “I don’t know, Mom, it JUST DID.”

“Honey, did YOU tie this sock in a knot? Is that how we treat socks? Are socks FOOD?”

“I don’t know, Mom. It just got a knot in it.” Real progress.

I then lost it, delivering a fire and brimstone version of my normal sermon about the importance of word choice, of owning up, of not driving your mother nuts on the hope that she MIGHT buy “it got wet” this . . . one . . . time. “Repeat after me,” I raged, “Mother would you please untie this sock that I have knotted and chewed on?”

She recited the words and then even ad-libbed that she was sorry. SUCCESS!!!

I lavished her with praise for taking responsibility and pointed out to her and the three other gawkers how HAPPY Mommy is when they own up.

When we arrived at my sister’s house, their aunt prepared to pressure wash the car’s interior for me. She asked, “What happened to your sock, honey?”

“Oh, it got a knot in it.”

I handled the child’s relapse pretty well, actually. My bald patches only took a few weeks to grow in.

Joan Herlong

This post was originally published in The Greenville Journal on July 30, 1999,  as part of Joan’s Life In The Slow Lane series. Copyright 1999 Joan Herlong

Confessions of a first-time poll worker (Greenville Journal, Oct. 28, 2020)

In my almost 30 years living in Greenville, I’ve experienced nearly every part of the political spectrum.

I’ve been a candidate (Greenville County School Board). I’ve campaigned for candidates. I’ve given money to candidates. I’ve put up yard signs. I’ve voted in every election. I’ve been to victory parties. I’ve been to — for lack of a better phrase — non-victory parties. But in 2020, I decided to do something new. I decided to become a poll worker.

Now, this was not some bucket list item or dream position. I did this in response to the klaxon call of need that Greenville County put out over the summer. There were fears that many longtime poll workers would not be returning in 2020 because of COVID-19 pandemic fears. In addition, the added crunch of expected record absentee voting made me realize it was my time to do my part.

What have I learned?

  • The biggest lesson is that it would be next to impossible to pull off wide-scale voter fraud in South Carolina. There are too many people in too many places watching the security of the elections here. Every voter is checked and checked again before they even head to the voting booth. There are fail-safe mechanisms throughout the system that would keep a person from voting more than once or trying to vote using someone else’s name. In addition, there is almost zero chance that a person could unintentionally vote for the wrong person or vote the wrong way since there are human and machine witnesses making sure the system goes smoothly.
  • It’s a lot of work. I took about four hours of online courses and two tests before going to County Square for an additional three hours of training. That is just the start. On election day, poll workers will be on site for a minimum of 13 hours, and likely clock in closer to 14 or 15 hours. Plus, they may work for a few hours before election day. If anything, that is a problem in the system. Not many people can commit to that many hours in one day for little pay. Not that most do this for the pay, which is getting bumped up from $165 to $265 this year in Greenville because of a grant from Facebook.
  • Not all voters are the same. Before the training session, it never occurred to me that there were detailed procedures in place for people who might not have a photo ID; can’t read or write; may have moved too soon before an election; and so on. The toughest part of the training is remembering the proper steps to make sure every voter gets fair treatment.
  • It’s important. Greenville needs 2,400 poll workers for a general election to handle everything from greeting people to checking them in to handling curbside voting to making sure people have voted properly to making sure no one tampers with the machines. These 2,400 people are everyday Greenvillians who are going to be handling the decisions of the future of our country.

This year’s election is going to be one of the most unpredictable ones yet, and the pandemic has only increased the unpredictability. Ensuring that there are plenty of poll workers on hand to help things run smoothly during the absentee and Election Day voting process is incredibly important.

William Herlong is widely respected as a litigator, having tried more than 100 cases across a variety of topics including business litigation, computer law, corporate law and many more. In 2014, Herlong received the coveted Litigator Award, a prestigious distinction only given to the top 1% of lawyers in the United States. He is a former member of the Greenville County School Board and is the legal counsel for Joan Herlong & Associates | Sotheby’s International Realty.

This article appeared as an Op-Ed in the Greenville Journal on October 28, 2020. The original article can be see here:

Op-ed: Confessions of a first-time poll worker

Grace Herlong Loveless Transitions from Director of Operations to Sales Associate

Greenville, SC, (March 1st, 2019) – Joan Herlong & Associates Sotheby’s International Realty is pleased to announce that Grace Herlong Loveless is the firm’s newest Real Estate sales associate.

Owner and CEO Joan Herlong said, “As our former Director of Operations, Grace made our transition positively seamless. In early 2017, we were a small independent firm, and in Sept of  ‘17 we became part of the Sotheby’s International Realty network. In the past 18 months, our affiliation has had such a positive impact on our sales, our number of associates, and on the Upstate’s luxury market. Grace was integral to that process.  Her plan has always been to transition to sales full-time, and we’re thrilled. Grace has learned the business from the inside out, has been licensed for over a year, and has already sold over $1mm in volume. Client Service and residential real estate sales are part of her DNA, she will be an invaluable asset to her Clients.”

Prior to joining Joan Herlong & Associates Sotheby’s International Realty, Grace was BMW’s Corporate Liaison to all the BMW dealerships in the Southeast. A Greenville native; she attended Blythe Academy, League Academy, Greenville High, and graduated from Furman University with a B.A. in Political Science.  She met her husband Ryan at Furman, and they live in the Augusta Road Area with their toddler daughter, in the house they found on the HGTV House Hunters episode! Grace is a member of the 2019 Greenville Young Professionals PaceSetters Class of 2019, Ronald McDonald House Red Shoe Society, and has been an advisor for ADPi sorority at Furman.

Says Loveless, “I’m excited to move into sales full time.  I learned so much about real estate by osmosis through my mother, so the last 18 months with the company felt very familiar from day one. I’ve so enjoyed helping the firm’s transition to the amazing Sotheby’s International Realty network, and now I’m ready to put the power of the Sotheby’s International network to work for my own clients.”

Amy Hammond Joins Joan Herlong & Associates Sotheby’s International Realty

Greenville, SC, (February 22, 2019) – Joan Herlong & Associates Sotheby’s International Realty is pleased to announce the addition of Broker Associate Amy Hammond to the company.

Owner and CEO Joan Herlong said, “Amy is a seasoned real estate professional with over 20 years of experience, a Multi-Million-Dollar producer. She has a tireless work ethic, and she makes it look easy because she loves her work, and her clients. In turn, her clients often become personal friends because they respect her candid advice, and her consistent determination to put their interests first. And — Amy has a great wit, she tells it like it is, and she’s fun to be around. We’re thrilled to have her join us.”

Amy is an Anderson native, but she lists and sells across the Upstate. She and her husband Jody have two daughters. If you ever can find Amy taking some time off, you’ll find her on the golf course, or in one of their boats on our beautiful Upstate lakes.

Says Hammond, “I was attracted to Joan Herlong & Associates Sotheby’s International Realty because I wanted to expand my horizons and affiliate with the best in the industry. Joan has a wealth of knowledge, a reputation for uncompromised ethics, working hard, and for always advocating for her clients. The company’s Non-Compete BIC is also a key support feature to their agents. Joan’s group and the Sotheby’s International brand represent all that is good in the industry. I’m so excited to be the newest member of their team.”

About Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC
Founded in 1976 to provide independent brokerages with a powerful marketing and referral program for luxury listings, the Sotheby’s International Realty network was designed to connect the finest independent real estate companies to the most prestigious clientele in the world. Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC is a subsidiary of Realogy Holdings Corp. (NYSE: RLGY), a global leader in real estate franchising and provider of real estate brokerage, relocation and settlement services. In February 2004, Realogy entered into a long-term strategic alliance with Sotheby’s, the operator of the auction house. The agreement provided for the licensing of the Sotheby’s International Realty name and the development of a full franchise system. Affiliations in the system are granted only to brokerages and individuals meeting strict qualifications. Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC supports its affiliates with a host of operational, marketing, recruiting, educational and business development resources. Franchise affiliates also benefit from an association with the venerable Sotheby’s auction house, established in 1744. For more information, visit www.sothebysrealty.com.

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CONTACT
Venetia King
venetia@jha-sothebysrealty.com
864-414-5991

ASCENDING to New Heights: Joan Herlong & Associates BIC, Jackson Herlong, admitted to 5th class of Realogy’s ASCEND program

46-Week Leadership Experience Leverages Realogy’s Deep Industry Expertise and Resources to Coach Leadership Succession Planning within Brand-Affiliated Companies

[GREENVILLE, SC, 2/20/19] Joan Herlong & Associates Sotheby’s International Realty is celebrating the admission of its Broker-in-Charge, Jackson Herlong, to the 5th class of “ASCEND: The Executive Leadership Experience,” an intensive Realogy Corporation program designed for brand-affiliated real estate brokers and/or owners who seek a smooth and profitable business succession transition, as well as rising senior leaders of large multi-office franchisees and company-owned stores. The program leverages Realogy’s deep industry knowledge and engages senior leadership, real estate industry experts, as well as more than 70 brand franchisees who have participated in panels and webinars over the four years of the program’s existence.

The ASCEND alumni network, as of January 2019, boasts 180+ members across all of Realogy’s brands, in 125+ different cities around the world. The Alumni Network continues to meet for structured events, knowedge sharing, and networking. 

Jack Herlong said, “I was attracted to ASCEND as part of the unmatched offerings that our Sotheby’s International Realty branding provides. The reviews from past participants are nothing short of stellar. One colleague told me it was ‘life changing.’  I’ve always been drawn to leadership roles, but the best leaders are always striving to become better. This is a critical step in the ever-evolving process of becoming the best leader I can.”

“Realogy’s ASCEND leadership experience is a unique and compelling learning opportunity within the industry,” said John Peyton, president and CEO of Realogy Franchise Group. “Across Realogy, we strive to offer valuable and effective programs that support the growth and success of our franchisees and affiliated agents.”

ASCEND features intensive learning experiences that prepare participants to become successful brokerage leaders by challenging them to significant growth in three core areas identified by the program’s mission statement: Leading Self, Leading Others, Leading Organizations. The challenging curriculum combines on-site classroom learning sessions at Realogy’s New Jersey headquarters along with online learning modules and individual case study presentations.

Joan Herlong & Associates Sotheby’s International Realty launched in 2017. Sotheby’s International Realty is the foremost luxury service provider in the worldwide real estate industry.  Each affiliate is independently owned and operated.

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Mood Board | Scholarly Studies and Libraries

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Clockwise from top left: 1. Patrick Fore / Unsplash 2. beeboys / Shutterstock Inc 3. Briggs Freeman Sotheby’s International Realty 4.2M media / Shutterstock Inc 5. New Zealand Sotheby’s International Realty 6. Adriana Massa Sotheby’s International Realty 7. Mexico Sotheby’s International Realty

There is something otherworldly about libraries. The array of colorful spines, the shuffle of paper, entire universes captured in print. First editions and best-sellers, autobiographical prose and fantastical verse—all these and more are found along a well-curated shelf. A library is a space to retreat, replenish, and dive in.

And then there is the study, a room that implies academic thought and intentional—if reclined—mental labor. Whether stacked with tomes or anchored by an impressive desk, studies carry with them an air of intentional curiosity, and a dedication to the reading life.

While a home has many purposes, studies and libraries make the claim that curling up with a good book should not be left to the bottom of the list. Read on for how to add fresh detailing to your existing reading rooms, or glean inspiration for outfitting a library for the first time.

Sotheby’s International Realty®Mood Board | Scholarly Studies and LibrariesFollow On

Creative Shelving

Acquiring books is easy; having the perfect place to put them can be more of a challenge. Arguably the key feature of any good study or library, how you organize your books can add to your enjoyment of them. Opt for floor-to-ceiling built-ins to create a visual wall of books, or spread standalone bookcases around a room to allow for breaks in the scenery. Backless shelving in a contrasting shade lets your walls shine through, while painting cases the same hue as the room can help them blend seamlessly into the existing décor. Angled, floating, and square box shelves have all made design waves in recent years, meaning that whatever your stylistic tastes, you can mount your books to match. In rooms that need to serve multiple purposes, low shelving around the perimeter can store your treasures while allowing for art display and bench seating; elevated storage and rolling ladders can make the most of high ceilings.

Complementary Furnishings

While the masculine leathers and mahogany furnishings of yesteryear are still relevant today, a study can be as light and playful as the person designing it. The building blocks of an excellent library or study remain the same: comfortable seating, functional workspaces, and plenty of surfaces for setting down drinks or picking up a game of cards. Whether you opt for a traditional desk or a repurposed workbench, aim for what feels personal to you: resurrect an antique find or commission a custom piece to make space for your best creative sparks. Angled seating makes a space feel welcoming; add depth and texture with woolen blankets. Director’s chairs, Eames Lounge chairs, area rugs, bar carts, and window benches all have their place here.

Layered Lighting

When it comes to designating the different areas in your library, lighting can do much of the heavy lifting. Desks and reading corners should have their own task lights, and accent lighting can be employed to highlight art, collections, and shelving. Ambient lighting on dimmers lets you adjust the level of warmth in the room upon entering. Wall sconces can be used to bookend notable bookcases or prints, and swing-arm lamps can be moved in closer for illuminating important texts. Select metallic finishes to give your light fixtures a bit of additional gleam, and settle in for a perfectly visible visual feast.

Custom Curation

As many good home libraries will attest, shelves have room for both the best books and the most treasured collections. Much has been made of how to display books—by color? by subject matter? back-to-front?—but the consensus seems to be that consensus isn’t required, and additional items are de rigueur. Fill out shelves with decorative pieces—photographs, sculptures, baskets, bookends—and don’t overlook the importance of the artfully-empty space. And if your shelves are feeling same old same old, companies like Juniper Books can create custom covers to take your bookcases from mosaic to mural.

There are fewer places in a home more delightful than the perfect spot to sit and read. And with a splash of organizational creativity and the perfect lighting for studying by, your library can be just that.

Find down your dream library in one of these homes, and shelve your classics in their proper place.

Augmented Reality (AR) is becoming a widespread real estate tool

A new survey found that 14.1% of consumers have used either augmented or virtual reality in their home searches

BY JIM DALRYMPLE II –  Staff Writer, Inman.com

Virtual reality has been struggling to break into the mainstream since Nintendo unveiled its not-so-great Virtual Boy console in the 1990s, but new research shows that in the real estate industry the technology is now, finally, making some serious inroads.

New survey results, from virtual home staging startup Rooomy, show that 14.1 percent of consumers have used either virtual reality (VR) or augmented reality (AR) when searching for a home. Though fairly small in an absolute sense, the number shows that the technology has reached a significant number of homebuyers.

And though Rooomy has not conducted similar previous research — meaning it’s hard to specifically quantify the technology’s growth — the company believes VR and AR are growing in popularity. As an example, the company pointed Inman to its collaboration this year with Sotheby’s International Realty, which produced Curate, a mobile AR app.

A vacant home, left, compared to the same property with Rooomy’s virtual staging technology. Credit: Rooomy

Virtual reality typically presents a viewer with an entirely digital world. Augmented reality, on the other hand, usually superimposes digital elements on an image of the real world. The most popular example of the latter technology is probably Nintendo’s Pokémon GO game, though companies like Rooomy are using it to show would-be homebuyers what a house might look like with various types of furnishings. The pitch is that virtual staging is cheaper, easier, and more flexible than hauling couches and dressers in and out of homes.

Credit: Roomy

The use of VR and AR technology is part of a trend toward increasing reliance on digital tools in real estate more generally. Rooomy’s research also found that seven out of 10 people have toured or viewed a home online before viewing it in person. In addition, more than 27 percent of the survey’s respondents used apps to alert them about new listings, and more than a quarter used the web to compare mortgages.

Rooomy also believes there is room for expansion and disruption in the real estate tech space. Though 56.5 precent of respondents haven’t used AR or VR in any capacity (including outside of real estate), the company said in a statement, the survey found that people have difficulty visualizing home interiors and are interested in better imaging technologies.

“The survey indicates,” Rooomy said in a statement, “that people are becoming increasingly more comfortable with using technology in regard to the home renting/buying process.”

Email Jim Dalrymple II

Article image credited to Rooomy / Windermere

Joan Herlong & Associates Sotheby’s International Realty Announces Broker In Charge Jackson Herlong Named to Two SCR Committees

Greenville, SC, (November 26th, 2018) – The South Carolina Association of REALTORS (SCR) has just chosen Jackson Herlong, Broker In Charge at Joan Herlong & Associates Sotheby’s International Realty, to serve on two, key SCR committees in 2019: the SCR Grievance Committee, and the SCR Professional Standards Committee. The SCR Grievance committee is tasked with reviewing all ethics and arbitration-related proceedings, and forwarding complaints determined to be “true” to the SCR Professional Standards Committee. The Professional Standards Committee is responsible for promoting REALTOR adherence to the NAR Code of Ethics, and for maintaining the Grievance and Professional Standards hearing processes.

Herlong said: “It’s an honor to serve with and for fellow REALTORS on these committees. At Joan Herlong & Associates Sotheby’s International Realty, understanding of, and commitment to, the NAR Code of Ethics is our first priority.  Our company’s commitment to unparalleled client service is impossible without total immersion in ethics. I look forward to working with like-minded REALTORS state-wide.”

About Joan Herlong & Associates Sotheby’s International Realty: Founded in 2017, Joan Herlong & Associates Sotheby’s International Realty focuses on luxury real estate sales in SC’s Upstate. This company represents the ideal fusion of the world’s leading luxury brand and Greenville’s #1 selling REALTOR. Joan Herlong has been a full time, top producing REALTOR for over 25 years, and the ONLY top producer in the GGAR to earn the rank of Greenville’s Number One Realtor for five years.* As CEO Joan Herlong often says, “Do the right thing, even when no one is looking.” She views Jack Herlong’s service on these two committees as a natural outgrowth of her company’s culture.

*Source GGAR MLS Sales Volume: 2017, 2015,2014, 2013 & 2012.

Sarah Lauren Orders Joins Joan Herlong & Associates Sotheby’s International Realty

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Greenville, SC, (November 14th, 2018) – Joan Herlong & Associates Sotheby’s International Realty is pleased to announce the addition of Realtor Sarah Lauren Orders to the company.

Owner and CEO Joan Herlong said, “Sarah Lauren’s years of experience in client services – first in luxury retail sales, and most recently managing her own boutique wedding planning business – will translate perfectly to the luxury real estate world. She has an innate understanding of the level of services clients expect, and is a quick study. We are thrilled to have her join us.”

Sarah Lauren is a Greenville native. She’s lived on the East Side, in Travelers Rest and the Augusta Road area. An Alumna of College of Charleston, Sarah Lauren now calls the Green Valley area home, and she loves how it’s blossomed in the past ten years. She enjoys exploring Greenville with her two sons, ages three and five.

Says Orders, “I have known Joan personally and professionally for several years. I was always impressed by her directness and tact in both personal and professional situations, and as I began to think about what I wanted to do next in my career I immediately wanted to get her perspective. After meeting with her, I was drawn to the fact that she’s built an incredible reputation and business, while raising four children. I am thrilled to be able to embark upon a career where I can truly do both, and I am excited to learn from the best in the business.”

About Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC

Founded in 1976 to provide independent brokerages with a powerful marketing and referral program for luxury listings, the Sotheby’s International Realty network was designed to connect the finest independent real estate companies to the most prestigious clientele in the world. Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC is a subsidiary of Realogy Holdings Corp. (NYSE: RLGY), a global leader in real estate franchising and provider of real estate brokerage, relocation and settlement services.  In February 2004, Realogy entered into a long-term strategic alliance with Sotheby’s, the operator of the auction house.  The agreement provided for the licensing of the Sotheby’s International Realty name and the development of a full franchise system. Affiliations in the system are granted only to brokerages and individuals meeting strict qualifications. Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC supports its affiliates with a host of operational, marketing, recruiting, educational and business development resources. Franchise affiliates also benefit from an association with the venerable Sotheby’s auction house, established in 1744. For more information, visit www.sothebysrealty.com.

 

What Service Means After the Sale

This post was originally seen on Inman.com

BY SOTHEBY’S INTERNATIONAL REALTY AFFILIATES LLC

The deal is done — but that’s only the beginning.

It’s an eternal question in real estate: is it more important to attract new clients or hold on to the ones you have? While the correct answer might be “both!”, successful luxury agents know that service after the sale is key to client retention — and retention breeds referrals.

It’s been said that there is no other industry where customer service is more essential than it is in real estate. So how do today’s agents craft a program that will build and sustain long-term client relationships? The following tips illustrate how you can cultivate lifetime clients by concentrating on effective customer service strategies.

Celebrate the closing

The time directly following a sale is an exciting one, but channeling some of that energy towards a meaningful gift can build important connection points between you and your clients.

Brittany Patterson Hill and Phyllis Patterson, Vice President and Senior Vice President of Patterson Real Estate Group at TTR Sotheby’s International Realty, make it a point to bring a one-of-a-kind gift to the walk-through or closing, such as a custom print of the client’s new home. Featuring the closing on social — via Instagram Stories, for example — can also give your client their moment to exhale and enjoy.

Be a trusted resource

Aspen Snowmass Sotheby’s International Realty

When buyers are moving to a new neighborhood, they may be in need of local services. The Pattersons refer clients to packing and unpacking services, movers and professional organizers. “We have a fabulous licensed and insured handyman who works exclusively with our group and is on call for us and our clients,” says Phyllis.

Be an expert on more than homes — have the knowledge on hand to get your clients settled. “I feel strongly that if I can’t tell the client what pools they should look into joining, where to get their nails or hair done, who is a solid dog walker, and even the postperson’s name, then I should refer to them to someone who can,” Brittany echoes.

Stay involved

Especially in the luxury market, you never know when a client will be looking to sell one of their homes or add to their portfolio — or when a client will have a friend or colleague who’s in the market for a new agent. Staying top-of-mind is key, especially when you consider that in 2018, only 12 percent of home buyers hired an agent they’d worked with in the past, according to the National Association of REALTORS® Buyers and Sellers report.

“We check in with our clients via email or text after a week, 30 days and six months after their move,” says Brittany. “Most agents shy away from so much contact; they want to close the deal and be done. We want to know everything. If something has turned up in the house, if they met a dear neighbor or found the perfect dog park, coffee shop or school for their child — no detail is too small. Selling our clients a house is only the beginning. What happens before and after closing is what makes you stand out.”

Make it personal

Berlin Sotheby’s International Realty

Thoughtful gestures breed customer loyalty. Sending birthday, anniversary and holiday cards is an easy way to extend your best wishes to your clients, but taking a more purposeful tack can also resonate. “We hold client appreciation parties, host seasonal exercise events with food and cocktails after and sponsor local fairs and historic events all year long,” says Phyllis. “Brittany also invites clients to her home many times during the year. This creates a personal friendship, with many forthcoming referrals.”

Adds Brittany, “We also contribute to the community clients have found, whether that’s through charity groups, blogs, events or personal connections. We are here to aid in the connection process and we want everyone to love and benefit from our fabulous community. The goal is to always focus on the customer experience.”

That experience only begins the day clients sign their paperwork. An ongoing focus on personal service after the deal is done gives agents their best chance at engagement without an expiration date.

About Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC

Founded in 1976 to provide independent brokerages with a powerful marketing and referral program for luxury listings, the Sotheby’s International Realty® network was designed to connect the finest independent real estate companies to the most prestigious clientele in the world. Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC is a subsidiary of Realogy Holdings Corp. (NYSE: RLGY), a global leader in real estate franchising and provider of real estate brokerage, relocation and settlement services. The Sotheby’s International Realty network currently has more than 22,000 affiliated independent sales associates located in over 960 offices in 72 countries and territories worldwide. In 2017, the brand achieved a record global sales volume of $108 billion USD. Sotheby’s International Realty listings are marketed on the sothebysrealty.com global website. In addition to the referral opportunities and widened exposure generated from this source, each brokerage firm and its clients benefit from an association with the Sotheby’s auction house and worldwide Sotheby’s International Realty marketing programs. Each office is independently owned and operated.