First Coast Sotheby’s International Realty has merged with One Sotheby’s International Realty and the partnership will create resources up and down the East Coast.
According to vice president and Northeast Florida managing broker Jeffrey Chefan, the merger took place Feb. 2 and is the next step for First Coast Sotheby’s, which has been representing clients in North Florida since 1975.
“At heart, we are a company that treasures the uniquely beautiful and the simple joy of presenting to clients not just a house, but the perfect home,” Chefan said. “This is what the local area needed, especially with the growth that’s happening.”
He believes everything that has taken place over the years has been building to this point, including when he and his wife Jane bought the franchise in late 2009 to the partnership now created with One Sotheby’s under the leadership of Mayi and Daniel de la Vega.
“They are known for the use of innovative technology,” Chefan said. “In order to fulfill our promise to you (clients), we knew we needed additional support with partners that shared our beliefs and desire.”
When the Chefans first purchased the business, they had one office in Jacksonville, and over the years growth has led to them now having five offices and 95 agents across the First Coast located in Ponte Vedra, Amelia Island, San Marco, St. Augustine and Palm Coast.
“We made $770 million in total sales last year,” Chefan said.
Chefan expects that growth to continue now that they have the extra resources at their disposal, which he believes is the most positive take away from the merger.
“It’s all about giving our clients, both buyer and seller, a stronger support team than what we’ve had,” Chefan said.
Those added resources can be used as helpful tools for their realtors in the selling and buying process.
Sotheby’s International Realty’s network includes more than 1,000 offices in 72 different countries around the world.
“It is truly a global luxury brand,” Chefan said.
However, although their resources have exponentially grown with the merger, Chefan has strived to keep the goal and the culture of his business the same.
“We wanted to create a boutique office with a culture that truly cared for our customers and agents,” Chefan said. “We wanted you to believe that we had your back no matter what and that this is not just a business to make money but to help you reach your goals. There is no better satisfaction than seeing others become successful.”
He thanked the team of employees that has made up the business over the years, some of which have been there since the early days.
“This transition could not have happened without the tireless effort and dedication of our First Coast team,” Chefan said.
The merger has Chefan thinking big picture and the image of where he wants to be is pretty clear to him.
“We would like to be the leader in luxury real estate, while continuing to focus on our culture and family environment,” Chefan said. “It’s not just about growing to be larger; it’s about giving our clients the best that’s out there. We believe we’ve done that.”
