Choosing a real estate agent is an important decision that requires careful consideration. Like any professional you hire — whether it be a lawyer, accountant, or financial advisor — you want someone who is not only qualified but also has the specialized expertise needed to support your unique goals.
It's a common misconception that larger real estate firms naturally offer the best service because they can access top agents and the best listings. However, that isn't always the case. In reality, a smaller, boutique brokerage can offer key benefits that you won’t get with a bigger company.
They say that good things come in small packages. At Undivided, we know that bigger isn't always better. Our boutique approach enables us to provide personalized service and a team focused solely on you. Here is a closer look at the benefits of a boutique real estate brokerage and why less is often more when choosing a realtor.
What Is a Boutique Real Estate Firm?
In real estate, a boutique firm is a small, independent brokerage that offers specialized services to a specific clientele. Rather than dabbling in a bit of everything, the best boutique real estate firms often focus on a particular area or type of property. This narrow focus allows a boutique brokerage to become the authority in its niche and provide a higher level of service to the clients who need their help.
Benefits of a Boutique Real Estate Agency
While larger firms may have more brand recognition and a greater number of agents working for them, that doesn't always translate into superior service. In comparison, a small real estate brokerage may not have a foot in every facet of the real estate market, but it can provide individualized attention and dedicated support that would be challenging for a larger firm. So, it's crucial to consider the pros and cons of each when selecting a real estate agent. Here are some of the benefits of working with a boutique real estate firm in NYC like Undivided.
Personalized Approach
We firmly believe that bigger isn't always better. When you walk into the office of a larger firm, you may get the sense that you’re a single fish in the ocean of clients your agent plans to meet with that day. But when you step into a boutique real estate office, you'll receive dedicated support and individual attention from day one.
With a boutique firm like ours, you'll receive a level of devotion to your needs that a larger brokerage simply cannot match. Instead of one agent juggling a large roster of clients all looking for different things, our entire team will be focused on one goal — helping you achieve your real estate dreams through personalized attention and tailored service.
Finding the right real estate agent is all about building a team that is best equipped to satisfy your unique needs. With Undivided, we're not about fitting you into a system; we're about crafting one around you.
Unlike a larger firm where agents may focus on more generic services with minimal training, every agent at Undivided is carefully selected for their expertise, value, and market knowledge. We don't simply prioritize high-volume transactions; we focus on providing a higher level of service because we believe in quality over quantity.
Specialized Knowledge
Specialization is another key benefit of working with boutique real estate firms. It's common for larger companies to dabble in a bit of everything, including co-ops, condos, townhomes, and even commercial real estate.
At Undivided, we specialize in condos and the new development market. We want to be known as the best real estate agents in New York City when it comes to our specialty rather than being average at a bit of everything.
Our focus is narrow, allowing us to become true experts in our field with deep knowledge, unmatched connections, and a level of service that only comes with true specialization. That goes for everyone you work with at a boutique real estate firm; our agents aren’t just licensed, they're experts.
At a larger firm, you may have veteran agents working alongside complete beginners. The experience, skill level, and expertise of individual agents can vary dramatically, so you never really know what you're going to get. With a boutique real estate firm like Undivided, you'll receive a standard level of care with the entire team focused on your goals. Every client matters equally because our success is built on relationships, not sales.
Flexible Communication
We prioritize clear communication to ensure you feel valued and supported throughout your real estate journey. We use the same technology platforms as all the big firms, so you never have to worry about missing out on opportunities or listings when you work with a boutique real estate agency like us. However, what truly sets us apart is our ability to be flexible and adapt to meet your needs.
We know that everyone has a preferred way of communicating. Whether you use iMessage, WhatsApp, or WeChat, we'll chat wherever it's convenient. Prefer calls over emails or vice versa? No problem; we'll do whatever works best for you. Our flexibility puts you in control of the process without the stress, so you feel comfortable and supported every step of the way.
Common Misconceptions About Choosing a Real Estate Brokerage
Many clients have misconceptions about working with a boutique brokerage that stops them from choosing a smaller team when picking a real estate agent. Let's break down a few common myths.
Big Name = Big Service
It's a common assumption that larger firms offer better client outcomes because they have more exposure and a recognizable brand name. However, these expectations rarely translate into reality. At Undivided, our energies are solely focused on helping every client achieve their goals rather than splitting our attention across dozens of different transactions. We prioritize you, ensuring that every step of the process is optimized to meet your unique needs.
Larger Firms Offer Better Quality
Big firms are often solely focused on making sales and prioritize high transaction volumes, which may come at the expense of attention to detail or the client's best interest. With a boutique real estate agency like Undivided, you can always expect undivided attention, undivided loyalty and undivided service. We'll always look out for your best interest, even if it means advising against a deal that isn't right for you.
Undivided's founder Mukul Lalchandani says, "Often I've advised clients against purchasing a certain property because I know it's a bad deal. For example in 2023 when my buyer wanted to buy an incredible Lower East Side condo deal that had a massive $80,000 assessment."
Our client relationships are the foundation of our business and more valuable than any single transaction. That's why we've helped over 130 happy clients since 2022 save a combined $5.7 million thanks to our relationship-first approach. The client is more important than the deal - that’s why we have 48 five star reviews on Google.
Smaller Firms Lack Reach
Many clients falsely believe that just because a firm is larger, it means it has access to more agents and listings, so it must have a wider reach compared to a smaller firm. However, having access to a large volume of properties doesn't guarantee that they have access to the right listings.
At Undivided, our high level of specialization makes us exceptionally effective and well-connected in our niche — condos and new developments. We often have access to the best projects and opportunities before they hit the market. When you're ready to sell, we also have a vast network of New York City real estate agents we work with, including those at larger firms, ensuring your home gets the right audience, not just the largest audience.
So when you're choosing a real estate agent to sell your home, don't just think about who can bring you the most buyers but who will provide the most serious and qualified leads.
Understanding the benefits of working with a boutique real estate firm is a great first step, but experiencing them for yourself is the real game changer. That’s where Undivided can help…
