Business Beat: Larry Jaeger of Douglas Elliman Real Estate

Larry Jaeger, of Medford, is a independent contractor licensed by the New York Department of State as a Real Estate Salesperson for Douglas Elliman Real Estate. The business just recently moved into the former Teachers Federal Credit Union building in Farmingville. Jaeger is the Vice President of the Medford Chamber of Commerce.

Patch: Describe what your business is?

Jaeger: I am an independent contractor that is licensed by the NY Dept of State as a Real Estate Salesperson. My licensed is held by the Prudential Douglas Elliman Co. in our new office at 2401 N. Ocean Ave, Farmingville. (former TFCU Building) Douglas Elliman combined the Medford and Ronkonkoma offices into the new Central Suffolk office under Manager Brian Jata to provide better service to a wider area. Prior to the move our office was and still is the No. 1 office in Suffolk County for the number of homes sold. We provide the service of assisting buyers and sellers in real estate transactions. 

Patch: Where are you from and what is your personal/professional background?

Jaeger: Born and raised in Queens and moved to Medford after I was married. I have been a member of St Sylvester's Church since we moved here and have been an usher most of those years. My two daughters graduated from the Pat-Med school system and both went on to graduate from Geneseo State College. I represent my office in the Medford Chamber of Commerce and now serve as 2nd Vice President. 

I had a successful career in telecommunictions starting as a technician, promoted to foreman then on to engineering and retiring as a Project Engineer. I then worked as a District Manager for a contracting firm, then as one of the first Installation Managers when Cablevision Lightpath was started. I have been in real estate for the last ten years 

Patch: Why did you decide to work in Medford?

Jaeger: My roots are now in this area and I have many friends and contacts in the area. I chose Prudential to place my license because of they resources they have and the caliber of salespeople they attract. 

Patch: What do you hope to accomplish with your work? 

Jaeger: To build a reputation as an honest and ethical salesperson and increase my business. I also enjoy being a part of the Chamber of Commerce and contributing to the community. 

Patch: What types of sales do you specialize in?

Jaeger: Residential homes, condominiums and vacant land. We also have a commercial real estate representative in our office. We can handle all forms of real estate transactions. 

Patch: What is your favorite and least favorite aspects of this business?

Jaeger: I enjoy meeting and working with new people, doing my best to meet their goals and the satisfaction of see them find their dream home. Least favorite is occassional frustration of working with people and then you never hear from them or they make appointments to view homes and never show up or call. Much effort goes into finding and scheduling appointments to view homes they are looking for. 

Patch: What are the challenges your business faces in today's economy?

Jaeger: Since 2006 we have been dealing with the high number of foreclosures and short sales, falling prices and sometimes over stringent regulation in the mortgage industry making it especially difficult for first time homebuyers. Due to reduced prices and record low mortgage rates, many of these potential buyers that are renting could buy a home and have monthly payments equal to the rent they pay and would be building equity. But, they are concerned about job security and the disproportionaly high property taxes in relation to home prices. 

Patch: How can people reach you?

Jaeger: People can best reach me by calling 631-363-5451. The call will be forwarded to my mobile phone if I am not at my desk. My email is laurence.jaeger@elliman.com.

In Business Beat, Patch will talk to local businesses in the Patchogue and Medford area of new and established places in the area. Want to be featured? Email michael@patch.com.

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