Agent Spotlight: Matthias Fretz in South Florida

The road to becoming a successful real estate agent is full of ups and downs that usually include learning curves. Douglas Elliman agent Matthias Fretz knew that in order to become successful, he had to soak up experience and knowledge from anyone who was willing to teach him. Elliman Insider sat down to find out how Matthias’s humility has been one of his best attributes for growing his business and how connecting with like-minded clients proved that real estate was his calling. EI: When did you realize real estate was your calling? Matthias Fretz: After about a year or so in the business I recognized that selling real estate came naturally to me. Especially in the markets which I serve. The water lifestyle of boating, fishing, surfing, spearfishing, free-diving etc. surrounded me with like-minded individuals and families. In turn, finding a home that fits our lifestyles has been an enjoyable process. EI: What’s your biggest challenge as an agent? MF: My biggest challenge would be time management. A 30-hour day would be more appropriate to be able to spend time with my family, work, engage in my hobbies and relax. Or perhaps an 8th day. EI: Do you live by a personal mantra or favorite saying? MF: Throughout the day I often will breath in and say “God’s Will,” and breath out saying “My Will.” Helps especially in times when I may want to react with emotions rather than logic. EI: Why did you choose Elliman? MF: I chose Douglas Elliman as I saw an enormous growth potential with their platform. Our broker, Don Langdon, came across as honest, fair, knowledgeable and confident in the brand. His consistency and insight, as well as the entire management team seemed to truly care about their agents and the future of the organization. I knew making the switch would be the best option for my buyers and sellers in marketing their property due to Elliman’s advertising power, exposure and global network. EI: How has Elliman changed your business plan? MF: Being around many top producing agents, some who are top in the world has pushed me to be better every day. The creativity I see behind the agents I work amongst is phenomenal. I am constantly a student, working on bettering my craft and staying open minded as to how luxury real estate markets react to different methods of marketing properties and trends. EI: How has Elliman upped your real estate game? MF: I tripled my production my first year at Douglas Elliman from 2016 to 2017. The connections, platform and leveraging resources truly afforded me opportunities I previously did not have. I was a core agent at my previous firm, but just starting to really make a splash in the luxury market. Since making the switch I have closed in excess of $150M in residential property as an individual agent. EI: Any advice for new agents? MF: Say yes to almost everything. I handled all types of rentals (thank you Craigslist), co-listings, any and all things real estate so I could be a well-versed agent. Knowledge is key in any business and knowing your market is critical. Try to team up with an experienced core agent, or someone who is starting to phase out of the business (even better), that needs assistance with showings, open houses, typing up contracts. I was fortunate in my 1st year to link up with a woman who needed assistance in this facet and I was a sponge. I was willing to take less (commission) for knowledge. This foundation I built is a big reason behind my success. EI: Where can we find you when you’re not working? MF : With my wife and our two beautiful children. Typically, at the beach, on the boat or surfing in our spare time. View Matthias’s Listings: 515 S Beach Road, Hobe Sound FL | $9,880,000 A singular opportunity in the secluded enclave of Jupiter Island, this unique property spans 142′ of direct ocean frontage. Unfurling back from the waterline a sprawling waterfront estate rests on over 2 acres. A private drive situated under a lush canopy of banyan trees ushers guests to the stately entrance of the home. To the southwest, nestled below the classically inspired courtyard, the secluded pool area complete with pool house is its own oasis.Inside, a tasteful foyer opens to the soaring ceilings of the main living room, a welcoming prelude to the home’s four bedrooms and six and a half baths. Floor to ceiling windows and French doors lend to the airy aesthetic of the space providing sweeping vistas of the Atlantic waters beyond…tucked into the northeast corner of the room. 107 Ebbtide Drive, North Palm Beach | $3,499,000 A preeminent opportunity in a coveted North Palm Beach neighborhood, this unique home boasts 152′ of deep-water frontage, providing accommodations for vessels up to 80′. Complete with a brand new 20,000 lb lift, the property and dockage are situated along a picturesque canal providing direct access to the Intracoastal Waterway in close proximity to neighboring Jupiter or Palm Beach inlet. Across the canal: Pristine lawns of Lakeside Park, preventing obstructed views from neighboring homes. Accenting the stunning interior of the home an inviting pool and hot tub punctuate the back terrace with the same unobstructed vista of the Intracoastal Waterway. 2380 Bay Village Ct, Palm Beach Gardens | $2,599,000 Modern perfection in the heart of Palm Beach Gardens. Spectacular renovation with no expense spared. The finest finishes and highest attention to detail on this waterfront residence. Over 80′ waterfrontage with 24 lb boat lift. Down to the studs gut renovation. See documents tabs for all renovation items. 210 Debra Lane, Palm Beach | $2,498,000 This quintessential Palm Beach Bungalow represents a singular opportunity on one of Palm Beach Island’s most idyllic North End lanes. The cottage’s circular drive under a canopy of mature palms presages the hushed and private aesthetic continued throughout the property. A manicured, hedge lined backyard expands on this intimacy with a sprawling deck greeted by a large and inviting pool. Located less than a block from one of the island’s most renowned beaches this residence is a rare opportunity in this coastal neighborhood. 18900 SE Crosswinds Ln, Jupiter | $2,450,000 A pilot’s dream home. 2008 built and entirely remodeled in 2017. This immaculate approx-5600-living-sqft residence sits on 5 acres with incredible attention to detail. From the custom built ins to the oversize club room the features of this residence are far and above the competitive offerings in this price point. Perfectly situated in Tailwinds adjoining the air strip, an approved hangar is waiting for the next homeowner to be able to freely fly in and out of their private residence. 18900 SE Crosswinds boasts full impact windows and doors, a greenhouse, spa, pet-spa, heated salt pool with over-sized sun shelf, gas fireplace and a personal favorite, the panoramic roof deck to star gaze at night. The seller truly spared no expense in the recent remodel of this pristine residence. 14100 Paradise Point Road, Palm Beach Gardens | $1,399,000 Phenomenal direct intracoastal opportunity. Build your direct waterfront dream home with preserve views. There is a lifetime land lease to the neighbor to the north of the northern 50′ of the subject property. Contact Matthias for all of your real estate needs.