realestate

Ryan Serhant's Leap into Commercial Real Estate: Sales and Marketing Insights

Million Dollar Listing" star trades buildings with tech and social media savvy.

R
yan Serhant's meteoric rise to success is a testament to his unrelenting drive and adaptability. From his early days as a soap opera actor and hand model, he transitioned seamlessly into the spotlight as a breakout broker on Bravo's "Million Dollar Listing New York" in 2012. This marked the beginning of a decade-long journey that would cement his status as one of the world's most renowned residential real estate brokers.

    Throughout his illustrious career, Serhant has closed nearly $10 billion in sales for top firms like Nest Seekers International, Town Residential, and Brown Harris Stevens. In 2020, he took the reins and founded his eponymous company, which quickly gained traction under the spotlight of Netflix's "Owning Manhattan." This show, which premiered last year, follows Serhant's team as they navigate the high-stakes world of New York City real estate.

    Headquartered in a 15,000-square-foot space at SoHo's 372 West Broadway, Serhant has become a household name in New York City residential real estate. With $4 billion in inventory and nearly 50 new development projects in 2024 alone, his firm is poised for continued growth. But Serhant's ambitions extend beyond residential – he's also making waves in commercial real estate.

    In its biggest commercial deal to date, Serhant's team sold the four-story mixed-use building at West Chelsea's 548 West 22nd Street for $50.5 million just before the new year. With a growing commercial division and a roster of top agents, Serhant is confident that his firm can offer a unique value proposition to clients seeking exposure to more qualified eyeballs worldwide.

    As Serhant looks to the future, he's keenly aware of the challenges that lie ahead. "Starting my own company was a wild ride," he admits. "I didn't anticipate every hurdle, but I knew I had to move forward regardless." With his firm now boasting over 1,000 agents and 110 employees across eight states, Serhant is focused on expanding his reach into new markets – including Texas, where his president, Josh Team, is based.

    Despite the challenges of high interest rates, Serhant remains optimistic about the market's prospects. "People are adjusting their expectations," he notes. "It's not about buyers; it's about sellers." With a keen eye on trends and a deep understanding of the industry, Serhant is well-positioned to navigate the ever-changing landscape of New York City real estate.

    As for his own future plans, Serhant remains tight-lipped – but one thing is certain: he'll continue to push the boundaries of what's possible in the world of residential and commercial real estate. With a growing team, a thriving brand, and a reputation as one of the industry's most innovative thinkers, Ryan Serhant is poised for continued success in the years to come.

    Serhant's firm has also made significant strides in the commercial sector, with a growing roster of top agents and a focus on offering a unique value proposition to clients. "We sell brand, we sell story, we sell value appreciation," he explains. "That building we sold at an incredible premium because of how we sell residential property and the fact that we can put buildings in front of more qualified eyeballs all over the world than any commercial real estate brokerage combined."

    As Serhant looks to expand his firm's reach into new markets, he's keenly aware of the importance of staying ahead of the curve. "The trend right now is people want to live the way they travel," he notes. "They want full-service, high-end amenities and a luxurious lifestyle." With a focus on delivering exceptional results for clients, Serhant is confident that his firm will continue to thrive in an ever-changing market.

    In terms of tech, Serhant sees AI as a game-changer – not just for dealmaking but also for content creation. "We have an AI service called S.mple," he explains. "It's life-changing. It makes people smarter and helps them do their administrative work more efficiently." With a focus on innovation and a commitment to delivering exceptional results, Serhant is well-positioned to navigate the ever-evolving landscape of New York City real estate.

    As for office-to-residential conversions, Serhant sees both opportunities and challenges. "It depends on the building," he notes. "Sometimes it's hard to create the best floor plans and experience when you're working with a conversion project." Despite these challenges, Serhant remains optimistic about the potential of these projects – and is excited to explore new opportunities for creating amazing residential products in New York City.

    With a growing team, a thriving brand, and a reputation as one of the industry's most innovative thinkers, Ryan Serhant is poised for continued success in the years to come. As he looks to the future, Serhant remains focused on delivering exceptional results for clients – and pushing the boundaries of what's possible in the world of residential and commercial real estate.

Ryan Serhant, real estate agent, discusses commercial sales and marketing strategies.