When it comes to land development, Kazantzis Realtor Demian Sorrentino sees potential
Not everyone can look at an undeveloped parcel of land and see it for what it could be. But, then again, not everyone is Kazantzis Real Estate Agent Demian Sorrentino.
An AICP Nationally Certified Land Use Planner and regionally certified soil scientist, Demian recently explained how even as a part-time Realtor, he's able to give his clients full-time attention, experience, and knowledge.
How does your past experience translate into the Real Estate market?
Having been a practicing land-use professional in Rhode Island and Connecticut since 2002, I have nearly 20 years of experience in all facets of land use regulation, planning, zoning, wetlands, and development permitting. This knowledge and experience are value-added for my clients when it comes to properties that require design and permitting approvals. I get my clients to the finish line.
What sets you apart from other Realtors?
I see a lot of advertisements negatively portraying part-time Realtors as hobbyists or somehow second-rate to full-time agents. This is certainly not the case for me, as I work hard to create a symbiotic relationship between my primary career and real estate by focusing on quality of service over quantity. Having successfully designed and permitted hundreds of projects for clients in Eastern Connecticut, I recognize the potential of land and know exactly what it will take for buyers to successfully develop it. On the selling side, I know what information about a given property is relevant, I know where to find it, and I add it to my listings. I believe I have the most comprehensive and informative land listings on the MLS in New London and Windham Counties. Not bad for a part-timer.
What do you love most about being a Realtor?
I enjoy helping buyers achieve their vision, and sellers achieve their goals, whether for a house, an underdeveloped property, or a piece of vacant land.
What words of wisdom do you share most with prospective home buyers or sellers?
I deal mostly with land, so first and foremost, be realistic. Both buyers and sellers need to understand the unique characteristics of the land and the regulatory limitations that affect both its potential and its value. I do the required research, I will help you choose a path forward and execute to achieve your vision or goals.
What does the word "home" mean to you?
For me, home is where my family is. It's where I can comfortably shed the stresses of the day, relax and be myself in the company of those I love most. Unless of course, I'm working on a home improvement project, which I do. A lot. But even that can be relaxing in its own way.
More About Demian
Demian lives in Brooklyn with his wife, two daughters, and their golden labrador Katahdin.
Throughout his primary career, he's been Assistant Planner in Coventry, RI; Town Planner in Griswold, CT; Part-time Zoning Enforcement Officer in Chaplin, CT and Sterling, CT; and has been a Project Manager at Boundaries, LLC, a Land Surveying and Civil Engineering Firm in Griswold, CT for nearly 15 years.
He said it was his second year in real estate when he made the connection between being a Realtor and his primary career.
"In my second year I was able to increase my sales over year one and make a very important connection - Boundaries, LLC obtained approvals for a 10-Lot subdivision and my clients trusted me to be their Realtor for the sale of eight out of the 10 resultant development lots. The sellers recognized that no other Realtor could know more about those development lots than me, and that translated into high-quality service for them. We sold out the subdivision in seven months. On the back end, I prepared the Engineered SSDS Design Plans for the buyers on the majority of the lots that I sold."
In his free time, Demian enjoys fly fishing, home improvement, and 80's BMX bikes. He also is a member of the Brooklyn Inland Wetlands & Watercourses Commission.
"I like to keep myself busy and as a general rule, I'd rather be outside," he said.