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Among all the Gilded Age mansions in the coveted neighborhood of Greenwich, Connecticut, Copper Beech Farm stands out. Not only is it the largest, it is legendary for its pastoral scenery, storied history and unparalleled grandeur. So of course when it came up for sale in 2023, the luxury real estate world took notice, and of course Leslie McElwreath was trusted to oversee it.
“The opportunity to represent Greenwich Estates makes sense and they have always been my favorite deal,” she said. “Many of these properties have been in the same family for generations and, to the delight of many, they are being seen for the first time. In fact, I wasn’t just looking for a buyer, I was looking for Greenwich The next steward of history.
The auction, which sold for $138,830,000, set a Connecticut record, becoming one of the most expensive real estate transactions ever in the United States and joining a string of notable Gold Coast properties sold by McElwreath. Rockfield. Sabine Farm. Old Mill Farm. Dunellen Hall. The list goes on and on, including more than $1.625 billion in lifetime sales and earning her the distinction of being one of the top luxury real estate agents in the world.
How did she do it? Here, McElwreath shares her insights and experiences on how to win in the demanding yet exciting and rewarding industry of luxury real estate.
Farewell Manhattan, hello beautiful paradise
Leslie McElwreath – Sotheby’s International Realty – Greenwich Brokerage
When McElwreath sold Copper Beech Farm, her 2023 sales hit an impressive $386 million and helped her earn the title of Sotheby’s International Realty’s top broker that year, one of a series of moves she’s made since her tenure The latest in a string of commercial successes.
“Before I started my real estate career, I ran the fixed income group at JPMorgan Private Bank,” she recalls. The transition to becoming a Senior Global Real Estate Advisor at Sotheby’s International Realty was intuitive. “Getting into luxury real estate was a very natural progression as I have always worked with high net worth individuals and their investments. As a real estate agent, I had the same clients but focused on different asset classes, and residential real estate was one A more interesting investment.
While selling a great Connecticut Gilded Age estate is always exciting, McElwreath’s first priority is understanding her clients’ unique needs, goals and perspectives and then securing the best possible outcome for them. “I believe all deals matter regardless of size,” she said. “It’s important to remember that they are all of the highest priority to the customer.”
A luxury brand without borders
Leslie McElwreath – Sotheby’s International Realty – Greenwich Brokerage
Another benefit of her success is her partnership with Sotheby’s International Realty, citing the company’s unparalleled global reach. “The importance of this presence in a community like Greenwich cannot be overstated and we have been seeing a number of buyers from across the country and overseas,” she said.
“Additionally, we have a symbiotic relationship with Sotheby’s where we can promote our exclusive auction items to their list of 11,000 of the world’s wealthiest clients. These tools set me apart from the competition and my results reflect these advantages .
McElwreath also contributed to Sotheby’s International Realty’s upcoming 2024 Midyear Luxury Outlook report. “This report is a great source of the latest real estate trends and is essential for making informed buying and selling decisions,” she explains. “Many of our buyers and sellers own significant properties in other luxury markets and their decisions are not always made with local purchase in mind. Understanding national trends and expected future trends can be important data points in the decision-making process.
Integrate success into management
Leslie McElwreath – Sotheby’s International Realty – Greenwich Brokerage
When agents act as representatives for clients and hotels, they actually represent the local community, and McElwreath has always recognized the importance of giving back. That’s why she donates a portion of every commission she earns to the Greenwich Land Trust, where she serves on the board of directors.
“The natural beauty of our beaches, parks and woodlands sets us apart from other communities,” she explains. “The Greenwich Land Trust has helped protect more than 1,000 acres of land in Greenwich, and this important work benefits all residents.”
A diamond in the Gold Coast’s crown
Leslie McElwreath – Sotheby’s International Realty – Greenwich Brokerage
Involvement and investment in the community have helped McElwreath become a market leader. But, as she points out, it doesn’t hurt that her area is known for its prestigious homes. “Real estate is big business in Greenwich, Connecticut—everyone wants to own real estate, and everyone wants to talk about real estate,” she said.
“What could be more exciting and relevant than a career that interests everyone? The reality is that our careers allow us to help people and their families throughout their lives – so if we do Do good work and we contribute to the overall well-being of our customers and communities.
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