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For Lauren Holleran, vice president of Gibson Sotheby’s International Realty, a career in luxury real estate was not only a huge draw because she could showcase beautiful properties. For her, the most fascinating aspect is helping people at different stages of their lives.
“It’s a complete honor to be a part of people’s journey home, whatever that means to them,” Holleran said. “I love the concept of home – a place where we are down to earth and surrounded by family. place. I’m so grateful to be a resource for people making big decisions at important times in their lives, whether it’s getting married, getting divorced, buying their first home, or downsizing. All of this comes with a psychological thrill.”
This excitement is matched by enviable success as a luxury real estate agent. This advantage stems from the close relationships she has developed in the markets she has served over 28 years. Holleran is deeply integrated into the Cambridge, Massachusetts community, with sales exceeding $100 million in 2020 for the first time. Here, she shares her thoughts on the critical role that community and Sotheby’s International Realty can play in the development process of real estate agents and individuals.
Blending the professional and the personal
Lauren Holleran and Michael George – Gibson Sotheby’s International Realty
When you serve the same area for as long as Holleran has, the blend of business and leisure is inevitable. “Over the years, customers have become friends, friends and neighbors have become customers, and the entire community network has become tighter,” she said. “I have some second-generation clients now, and it’s been a lot of fun helping the children of past buyers.”
After working in Cambridge for more than two decades, Holleran sees tremendous value in honing in on specific geographic areas. “A strong focus on one or two towns can develop these complex and beneficial relationships. I think of relationships like strengthening muscles—the more fibers connected, the stronger the muscle.”
The benefits of a strong team
Lauren Holleran and Michael George – Gibson Sotheby’s International Realty
As a four-time All-American in lacrosse and a former member of the U.S. Lacrosse team, Holleran understands the heights achieved by trusting his teammates. Although it may initially seem easier to carve a path forward alone, this solo approach does not pay dividends when adversity arises.
“About 10 years into the industry, I had four kids and a healthy pipeline, but I felt like I couldn’t manage great parenting and great business practices at the same time,” she noted. “It was this tension that led me to create a team structure. My team is now probably the most valuable part of the business to me – it allows me to attend my kids’ doctor appointments and teacher meetings, while also Being able to provide an exceptional level of service to our clients.”
It’s this “strength in numbers” approach that has defined her career at Sotheby’s International Realty. “I am a member of Sotheby’s International Realty Market Leaders, a group of 50 agents located in markets around the world. We are able to cross-market each other’s listings, gaining incredible access to high net worth clients domestically and internationally Exposure. If I have a ‘ride or die’ coworker, these are the guys I’d go to.”
Overcome adversity to achieve victory
Lauren Holleran and Alberto Ovalle – Gibson Sotheby’s International Realty
As any former athlete knows, occasional failure is to be expected. Before you can win, you need to learn how to fail—real success is the product of resilience, not endless easy wins. As Holleran explains, “I’m proud of the way I handle setbacks. As painful as they are, they need to dig deep and find another gear and come back stronger. Every setback gives me a Motivation to push my career forward.”
The results speak for themselves. “When I came to Gibson Sotheby’s International Realty in 2015, I was a $30 million producer and our partners told me I could be a $100 million producer. I didn’t completely believe him, but I met some colleagues in Boston who were at this level. This network of agents showed me that $100 million was not impossible, and we’ve been adding to that number ever since.”
looking for your person
Lauren Holleran and Alberto Ovalle – Gibson Sotheby’s International Realty
For Holleran, discovering the group of real estate agents you want to align with isn’t just about identifying the top producers. Instead, “focus on the people you like who seem committed to learning and growing, and think more about how to make referrals. Everyone you know is a referral opportunity.”
It’s also a big help when you have the power and resources of an iconic brand. “Find your Sotheby’s International Realty network,” says Holleran. “The culture of the brand is very generous. It’s like introducing a friend – it feels great to connect with good people.”
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