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The Breitenbach's : Susan & Matthew

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Susan Breitenbach and her son, Matthew, of The Corcoran Group are two different agents; one a seasoned agent, and the other a tech-savvy innovator. Their easy-going conversation set the tone for two great interviews, with emphasis on the importance of communication and twenty-four hour workdays for illustrious results.

Q:  What brought you into the real estate business?
Matthew: I always grew up around real estate; my father is a builder and my mother a agent. I realized in my senior year of college that I should try it, and within three weeks I sold my first house at twenty-two years old.
Susan: I’m a people person and have always loved real estate.  When my husband and I moved out to the Hamptons 33 years ago full time, with him doing high-end residential construction, working in real estate seemed like a good fit.

Q: As one of the more seasoned real estate agents in the Hamptons, what is it that sets you apart from the others?
Susan: I’ve been out in the Hamptons during the summer all my life and have been selling real estate here for the past 24 years full time, with over 2 billion in sales. The clients we work with want the best representation that they can have; the most knowledgeable, a great negotiator, someone who knows the market better than anyone, has connections, and able to get them the greatest possible results. Our commitment and dedication to giving that service and constantly improving our business and marketing has kept us at the top. I’m currently ranked #2 nationwide by the Wall Street Journal and #1 in the Hamptons.

Q:  Speaking about the Breitenbach partnership, how was the transition for you two to work together and the effect on your real estate business?
Susan: In the beginning, Matt was going to come in temporarily, but we found out quickly that we worked  so well together, and it was a great combination.  The success that we gained from his new ideas and cutting edge technology convinced him to stay. We complement each other. My clients follow me and get to know Matt at the same time. While he has his own clients as well, we cover each other and our customers, and clients appreciate the double service they get.
Matthew: Mom and I have always had a healthy relationship, and that has continued as we work together. We make sure to stay business partners at the office, and at home she’s my mom. But that designation is key.

Q:  Continuing the conversation on relationships, what makes a good builder or developer relationship? We hear your husband is also a high-end custom builder?
Susan: My husband Stephen, owner of Breitenbach Builders, has been in the business for thirty years. His extensive knowledge has always been a great help.  I’ll call him up and ask him how much does this cost; how much does that cost; can you look at this and tell me what you think? I think it’s very helpful for me and my customers to understand the “nuts and bolts” side of real estate.
Matthew: Like what my mom and I have at the office, communication is key. We like to be upfront with people we are working with, know their plans and motivations, while also respecting their opinions. We’re all working together as a team.  We work with many of the high-end builders selling their product and also land to build, We are known for selling a tremendous amount of land and subdivisions.

Q:  What is the best advice you can give a second homebuyer when searching for a vacation home in the Hamptons?
Susan: Get the best representation. Listen to what your agent says. When I look for a home, I want the most knowledgeable person who can identify with their area. Inventory is still high and interest rates still low… now is a very good time to buy!
Matthew: Despite it being the era of information and any person can go onto websites to look up data online, you need to find a good agent. Collaboration is key when buying a home; interview multiple people, figure out who you trust.  There are eight thousand plus properties on the market, and trying to navigate all the different steps to buying a home by yourself is extremely difficult.

Q:  What is the most personally satisfying part of your work?
Matthew: I love working with people. I come in contact with a lot of young entrepreneurs & athletes, and we become like a large family. I have developed great relationships with so many different people.
Susan: In this business, people can get so caught up with the money aspect. I find that being  knowledgeable and helpful to my clients is the most satisfying thing. People respect and trust my opinion; and even if  I have to make a call saying I don’t think a property is not right for them and lose a commission, I know that I’m doing the best for them, and that is more important than anything, and I think all my customers know and appreciate that. That means the world to me.

For more information on Susan & Matthew visit them online at BreitenbachRealEstate.com

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Matt Breitenbach
631.255.6221
[email protected]
&
Susan Breitenbach
631.875.6000
[email protected]

 

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