Charles Rutenberg Realty, Inc. is Making Real Estate "Real" Again
Ten Years Later, The Agency Continues to Make Everyone a Winner
September 23, 2016
Anyone who steps inside Charles Rutenberg Realty's Plainview headquarters can tell that it's not an "old school" Real Estate Agency. Founded in 2006 by Pam and Joe Moshé, the Agency has differentiated itself by creating an environment in which everyone wins, beginning first with the Agents, which ultimately benefits its clients and the community. As Long Island's No. 1 office for both listing and selling, Charles Rutenberg Realty features talented in-office staff who are always busy interacting with their Agents via the phone or through the Agency's custom web portal and, occasionally, in person. In helping to bring the industry into the future, Charles Rutenberg Realty realized that Agents should be out in the field working. So, rather than paying for office space that is rarely used, the Moshés pay their Agents more for their efforts.
In the 10 years since the Agency's founding, the market has seen many other companies try to jump on the bandwagon, but none have had the success that Charles Rutenberg has achieved. "We helped to break down traditional notions of how a Real Estate office should function, for both our Agents and our clients," says Mr. Moshé. "We believe that an Agent who makes the sale should not have to give up most of their commissions to their Brokers. We know that Real Estate clientele have changed; they use the Internet to sell or find a home and they can review properties online and consult with their Agents from anywhere. Sit-down meetings are often replaced with Facetime or Skype. Most buyers do not want to waste time visiting a brick-and-mortar office, so we have scaled back on dedicated desks and added support resources."
Charles Rutenberg invests in training, technology and people, and has an Agent Portal in place so that Real Estate paperwork can be efficiently uploaded to the office from anywhere. The platform additionally doubles as a client management system for the Agents and also as a concierge resource to supply vendor names or estimates to clients. The program guarantees quick and easy access to all vital information and it is supported by the in-office staff, who work quickly to approve documents, provide guidance and close out files as necessary.
The majority of Agents currently joining Charles Rutenberg Realty are being referred by veteran Rutenberg Agents, which is a testament to their loyalty and satisfaction. The benefits of being associated with the Agency are unrivaled: commissions as high as 100%; constant office communication through multiple platforms; relevant weekly training – including Real Estate trends and laws, marketing and basic computer courses. In addition, constant professional guidance is provided, along with a variety of entertainment and team-building activities. As the market has improved, Rutenberg has seen a rapid influx of both new and seasoned Agents. In response, the company has added new branch locations throughout the New York metropolitan area in an effort to expand its footprint and grow its business in Suffolk, Nassau, Queens, Brooklyn, the Bronx and Westchester.
Just ahead of the Agency's celebration of its first decade in business, the company reached its longstanding goal: associating its 1,000th Agent. This summer, Denise Rueda joined the Agency, soon after passing the New York State Real Estate exam, through the encouragement of her mentor, Eileen Collini, who has been a top-producing Associate Broker with Rutenberg since 2009.
"I am honored to be the Agency's 1,000th Agent," wrote Ms. Rueda in a letter to Mr. Moshé, following her association with the Agency. "Your organization has a wonderful reputation as a Real Estate industry leader and I look forward to working with your Agency and the many talented people in it. I look forward to my exciting future as a new Agent with Charles Rutenberg Realty!"
Despite the size of the Agency, Charles Rutenberg Realty provides a close-knit atmosphere. Videos from Joe the Broker, which feature advice about business, life and balance, are a staple that everyone enjoys. There are charity events, family movie nights, wellness programs and office staff who know the names of all 1,000-plus Agents and provide each with personalized attention. The company promotes giving by enthusiastically supporting Pink Tie, rockCANroll and Community Housing Innovations (CHI) as recipients of time, effort and donations from the Agency.
"The reason we have been around for 10 years is the number of Agents who join and stay with us. They are skeptical at first but that doesn't last very long," adds Mr. Moshé. "Once these Agents see what we offer, they discover that they are not just part of a company, but part of a family."
Charles Rutenberg Realty will be hosting its Tenth Anniversary Gala at Crest Hollow Country Club on September 29. The event will reflect the culture that Pam and Joe Moshé have nurtured since 2006. Top Producers and Ten Year Members will be honored, and every Agent, staff member and supporting vendor has been invited. The party is a way for the Moshés to say "thank you" to those who have made the Agency a success. In addition, as giving back to the community is of utmost importance to the Moshés, tickets to the party are being sold as a 100% donation to Community Housing Innovations, an organization that works to ensure that everyone has an affordable place to live on Long Island and in the Hudson Valley region.
The National Association of REALTORS® has named Charles Rutenberg Realty, Inc. among the top five firms in New York State. As one of the nation's fastest-growing Agencies, with nearly 5,000 associated Real Estate Professionals nationwide, Charles Rutenberg Realty, Inc. is proud to serve Long Island and Queens, Brooklyn, Bronx, Westchester, Putnam, Rockland and Orange Counties.
