Each Friday, Russ Anderson, the president and CEO of Briggs Freeman Sotheby’s International Realty and the CEO of Pacific Sotheby's International Realty, writes about luxury, trends, business and more in the advertising pages of the Mansion section of The Wall Street Journal. Below is his letter of August 28, 2026.
FROM THE PRESIDENT'S P.O.V.
You probably have a pretty solid idea about what a real estate advisor does.
And you’re probably right about it.
But I want to throw a spotlight on something that especially comes into play when you are buying a home: your advisor’s actual experience — in business, in life, all of it. Why? You are benefiting from it.
Our seasoned advisors know inspectors, mortgage brokers and other industry pros who can expedite processes and unearth opportunities for you. They also know trusted contractors, designers and tradespeople, vetted over years or decades. All of these connections can save you immeasurable amounts of time, energy and stress.
The advisor working for you — advocating, counseling, supporting — also partakes in near-constant continuing education. Offered by both the brokerage and various associations, those courses and certifications not only keep them accountable to a slew of rules and ethics but also keep them on the front edge of changes, trends and hot topics.
Our veteran pros are also well-versed in the complexities of real estate transactions and can help you navigate disclosures and reports, helping you avoid very costly mistakes. They have negotiation skills, too, refined through numerous and complex transactions. They can craft an offer on your behalf, then help you obtain the best possible terms. Overpaying is not a good thing.
As for life experience, I could go on and on. Our advisors have a lot of it. And every bit of it enriches the other things — a blend we are proud of, and have been for 66 years and counting. We are the brokerage that insists on experience — and you should, too.
Meet the industry’s most skilled advisors, at briggsfreeman.com/agents.
Russ Anderson
President and CEO, Briggs Freeman Sotheby’s International Realty
CEO, Pacific Sotheby’s International Realty
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