Why is this transition happening now?
Brian Arrington made the decision that the Palm Springs’ sales associates and the market needed an owner who could make a bigger commitment to growth so that he could allocate 100% of his energy on his offices in San Diego and Orange County. Because of a close networking relationship with Scott Webber and Thomas Wright, who operate successfully in other California markets, he felt they would be better prepared to make a much higher commitment to the market at this time.
What is the new ownership structure?
The new ownership is Scott Webber and Thomas Wright who have been a part of Sotheby’s International Realty for 12 ½ years, and own and operate LIV Sotheby’s International Realty with offices in the Denver, Colorado Springs and Boulder metro markets, and the Colorado resort markets of Vail/Beaver Creek, Breckenridge, Dillon, Winter Park, Telluride and Crested Butte, and the southern California markets of Ojai and Ventura; Summit Sotheby’s International Realty serving metro Salt Lake City and the second home markets of Park City, Deer Valley, Heber City, and St. George, Utah; and Sierra Sotheby’s International Realty which serves Lake Tahoe, Nevada and California and Reno, NV. The combined company is the largest Sotheby’s International Realty affiliate in the world, based on sold dollar volume, with 850 sales and 175 support staff associates. In 2020, the combined companies will close nearly $9,000,000,000. Scott and Thomas have a combined 70 years in the business and are very hands-on in supporting agents and support staff in achieving their personal and professional goals.
Who will be leading Pacific Sotheby’s International Realty in the greater Palm Springs market?
Rick Hoffman will continue to serve as Vice President and Regional Manager. Scott Webber and Rick Hoffman have known each another for over 25 years and have enjoyed a mutually respectable working relationship. The business will continue to operate with the same business model as in the past. Scott and Thomas’ philosophies are built on a foundation of strong support. There will be an opportunity to consider some new resources moving forward. The plan includes a commitment to stay closely aligned with Pacific Sotheby’s International Realty sales associates in San Diego and Orange Counties moving forward.
What is the vision for the Coachella Valley region?
The new firm is committed to growing the brand presence in the market with quality and exclusivity, and to earn a leading position in the above average price points of the market. We will continue to do business as Pacific Sotheby’s International Realty.
What is the status of the Ninja Installation planned for next December?
We will present our own proprietary 4 day Ninja Installation program just for our group of sales associates in the desert offices December 1 -4th. The new ownership group is deeply committed to the Ninja Selling System and supports it at the very highest level.
What will be the commission split moving forward and related fee structures?
Short term, there is no plan to make changes. Long term, Scott and Thomas will closely examine the current business model and market opportunities, and consider a variety of enhancements to be even more competitive.
What will happen to real estate licenses, Realtor Association memberships and MLS subscriber agreements?
All transitions will be completed as soon as possible with the California DRE, local Boards and local MLS’s, and will not affect any transactions.
How will listing materials, marketing and transactional services be handled?
All marketing services will remain the same indefinitely.
What happens next?
A letter will be provided the listing agent of all active Sellers informing them of the legal name change to Pacific Desert, Inc, and that the company will continue doing business as Pacific Sotheby’s International Realty with no changes in service. It will be the responsibility of each listing agent to immediately forward the letter and make the communication.
Will there be any change Access?
No, Access will continue to be accessible via sothebysrealty.com email.
What about BLUE?
There will be a new site coming soon. Marketing information will be available here: https://pacific.livsothebysrealty.com/
Broker DRE
All paperwork has been submitted and the DRE information will be provided by end of week. Any new listing agreements shall be prepared under Rick Hoffman’s DRE# 00428604.