Linda Ross Realty bucks consolidation trend

CHESTER — It’s happening across the country, large franchise companies are gobbling up independent local real estate brokerage firms. It is no different in Orange and Rockland counties, where Prudential, Weichert, Coldwell Banker and other national chains battle it out for market share by purchasing small independent brokers. Linda Ross, Broker/Owner of Linda Ross Realty in Chester, believes that small independent service-oriented firms such as hers have a very important place in the residential sales sector and are more critical now than ever before, especially with the housing market in transition to a buyer’s market. “We offer our clients the personal service they need in this difficult market,” Ross said. “Because of the advances in technology we offer the same level of service that a national franchise office does. “Where we are different is we will sit down and spend as much time as necessary to get to know the customer and what their needs are.” Ross, who previously worked for regional and national brokerage franchises, started her own firm almost four years ago, because she felt that buyers and sellers wanted the personal service that only small boutique firms like hers can provide. She related that she and her fellow agents are “family” and cooperate with one another without worrying about losing business to another agent with the firm. This office atmosphere is a tangible facet of the company’s service to its customers. “The Hispanic community is becoming a larger segment of the housing market in Orange County and I am happy that my firm has agents who speak and understand Spanish so that we can serve Hispanic buyers and sellers better,” Ross noted. “They feel comfortable sitting down with us because we take the time to learn what their wants and needs are.” Linda Ross Realty offers its agents, some of whom are working mothers of young children, the flexibility to succeed and yet take care of their family obligations. Two of Ross’ sales associates, Laura Jacobowitz and Steve Matise, are long-time residents of Orange County, while the others are residents of the Monroe/Chester area, are raising families and have a real commitment to the area. Ross and her agents are committed to making the area in which they live and work better. The firm has been a Silver Sponsor of the Make a Wish Foundation and has helped raise money the past three years by walking together at the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk held at Woodbury Commons. Call Linda Ross Realty at 782-4470 or log on to www.lindarossrealty.com.