The real estate world has certainly seen its ups and downs in recent years. But with the right blend of talent, passion and luck, a good company can come out on top—way on top, in the case of Dielmann Sotheby’s International Realty. With more than 30 years in the business, Andy Dielmann reports that this year, a stable economy and pent-up buyers are creating record sales.
Dielmann has come a long way since starting his own company fresh out of college. “I figured I should just take the plunge,” he recalls. “If I succeeded, great. If not, at that age, I could do other things.” Things turned out well. After expanding and merging with two other companies along the way, he was officially Dielmann Realtors when Sotheby’s, an international group of respected real estate companies, approached him in 2005. “It’s been a wonderful experience,” he says, noting some clients call just for the upscale brand. “They want the Sotheby’s sign in their front yard. And we’re the only Sotheby’s affiliate in the state, so we list a lot of country properties like farms and ranches across Missouri, too.” He says Sotheby’s provides marketing strategies, technology and advertising that is unsurpassed in the industry. “It’s all first-class, and we’re able to offer our high-end buyers and sellers remarkable materials and service.”
Another significant part of the Dielmann equation is its approximately 100 agents, who Dielmann describes as “exceptional and extremely knowledgeable.” The company, which operates out of Clayton, specializes in the luxury, high-end market along the central corridor. “Our focus is on areas where people want to live, from downtown to Wildwood and everywhere in between.”
A huge current trend is walkability, he notes. “People want to live in a community where they can walk to restaurants and shops,” he says. Other top priorities today are outdoor entertaining spaces with fire pits, built-in fireplaces and outdoor kitchens. “And especially for families who need a place for their kids to run around and play, finished lower levels are a must,” he says. But the most essential selling points are price and condition. “People don’t want to do anything,” Dielmann notes. “They want move-in condition: updated kitchens and baths, the right paint colors, good curb appeal. Price and condition are what sell houses now, and they’re out there. Those are the homes that are selling fast with multiple offers, many over asking price.”
Dielmann says coming off the recession, the market continues to pick up. And attractive interest rates make buying even more enticing. “Last year was our best year ever,” he says. “We had a 36 percent increase in our sales line. And we’re already ahead of where we were last year at this time.” When asked the secrets to his success, Dielmann offers a few reasons. “I’m a fifth-generation St. Louisan and have lived here my entire life, so I know a lot of people,” he says. “It’s good to have contacts. Plus, I have exceptional agents. And a lot of it is just great timing mixed with a little luck.”
Pictured: Andy Dielmann
Photo: Bill Barrett
[Dielmann Sotheby’s International Realty, located at 8301 Maryland Ave., Ste. 100, specializes in the luxury, high-end market along the central corridor. For more information, call 314.725.0009 or visit dielmannsothebysrealty.com.]
