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Rockett joined the William Pitt Sotheby’s International Realty team in Fairfield in January. After working in the commercial leasing sector of real estate, Rockett felt he had an understanding of the residential side.
“I underestimated the business,’’ Rockett said. “I didn’t give agents enough credit. I thought it would be easier than commercial, but unless you work really hard, you’re going to fail. Any business you’re in is a relationship game. I didn’t realize how much residential real estate is focused is on customer service, and how diligently you have to keep in touch with your contacts.”
Rocket worked in commercial leasing in New York and then purchased nearly 100 rental units in upstate Connecticut. He re-developed those low-income units and worked with teams in construction, management and leasing. Weary of the seven-day grind and with a young family, Rockett returned to New York. A family friend introduced him to William Pitt Sotheby's brokerage manager in Fairfield, Brad Kimmelman.
“I tested the market like I was a consumer,’’ Rockett said. “The obvious brand that I liked was Sotheby’s. It was the most attractive, it had the most brand recognition. I also found that Sotheby’s had the best exposure in institutional media. It had the best brand name of all the agencies that I researched.”
Rockett feels especially fortunate to land a position in Fairfield. A long-time resident of Bronxville, N.Y., he believes the town exudes similarities to his Westchester roots.
“Fairfield feels like a small Westchester town,’’ he said. “It’s a small city. One of my favorite things in New York City is there’s always a lot of restaurants and bars, you can always go to a different place. That’s what you have here. There’s a vibrant restaurant scene, bars, beaches, and it has that nautical New England feel.”
Rockett joined other new agents from William Pitt Sotheby’s for an intense week-long training session and has been working with an online training system. “Everybody has been supportive and friendly,’’ Rockett said. “Brad is always accessible. There is no such thing as a dumb question.”
After working for so long in the commercial side, Rockett anticipates the feeling will be much different among clients when closes deals on residential sales. “Purchasing a home is one of the biggest decisions they’re going to make,’’ Rockett said. “It’s where they’re going to form their memories. It feels really good to be helping them.”
If you’re interested in buying or selling in Fairfield, Southport or neighboring communities, contact Rockett at 646-201-6743 or via email at cjrockett@williampitt.com
