New real estate company makes its debut in Darien By Susan Chaves February 5, 2004 For owner David Epprecht, the name describes his month-old business perfectly. "I wanted a company that wasn't all about Dave," Epprecht said. "I tried to create a company name that would not have to be based on someone's name, but on the real objective - finding real estate." A licensed real estate agent for 10 years, Epprecht knows quite a bit about the business. He began working in January 1994 for Pollock & Williams, which eventually merged to become William Raveis. Always wanting to strike out on his own - accompanied by his own ideals about the business and a few colleagues - Epprecht finally made the move. Ironically, he set up shop on Corbin Drive in the offices previously occupied by his former employer. "The whole decision to actually do this came together in a week," Epprecht said. "But I've been thinking about doing this all my life." With so many real estate offices in Darien, was he nervous about opening another? "I was confident that we would be fine," said Epprecht, a former Darien resident who now lives in Rowayton with his wife and their two children. "It's always a gamble to start a business, but I think we have the tools we need to succeed." And a different philosophy as well. Epprecht has built his company around a team concept, meaning that all 11 licensed brokers in the office are aware of one another's clients and properties as opposed to having each person working independently on a specific job, as is common practice is most real estate offices. "This allows us to give better customer service," Epprecht said. "For us, it's all about what the client needs, not what works for the individual agent." What is also working for their clients is the access they have via RealtyQuest's website to the daily listings in Fairfield and New Haven counties. Clients - some from as far away as Ohio, California and even Australia - also receive e-mails and direct mailings about properties in which they may be interested. Epprecht feels this approach "empowers" his clients. "I have a strong belief in informing clients about what is going on in real estate," he said. "It allows clients to have confidence and feel more comfortable in acting when the time is right. It also takes a lot of work out of finding property and makes it more fun." Additionally, he has made things easier for his realtors by providing them with the necessary equipment and most up-to-date technology - for free Most companies charge their agents for a computer, a desk, access to e-mail, the Internet, the database and direct mail and access to potential leads on buyers and sellers. "I feel it is my responsibility to do that for them and in return, they work harder to help clients for my company," Epprecht said. "I'm not nickel and diming them." What he is doing, however, is competing with companies much larger than RealtyQuest. But his company, unlike his local competitors, specializes in real estate in Fairfield and New Haven counties. In fact, his company has sold 85 houses in areas such as Orange, Stratford and New Milford as well as in Darien and New Canaan. He is currently representing property on Delafield Island, Edmond Street and West Ave., to name a few. "When someone comes to us, we're with them for the long haul. We don't send them to another real estate agent just because of where they want to live," Epprecht said. "That 'I'll do' attitude is really refreshing." Equally refreshing is his new job. He described it as going back to visit a former work place and realizing how much happier one is now. "I feel like I'm unburdened," Epprecht said. "I feel like the goal, the dream of starting my own company has finally come to be and now I can really get down to business." The favorite part of the business, he added, is "helping people find the place they love." Back to News Articles