iStock illustration

Brokerage Douglas Elliman Realty announced the launch of a new “personal assistant” service for buyers that it said would help its agents build stronger relationships with their traditionally high-end clients.

“Elliman Showroom” lets buyers connect “in real time” with a personal assistant to find and access a curated range of moving-related services, from setting up utilities to contractors and designers who can help make any necessary renovations. The vendors would come recommended by Elliman agents.

The software was produced by MoveEasy, a company Elliman owns through its proptech division, New Valley Ventures.

“The best real estate professionals understand that helping a client to buy a new home is often when the real work–and joy–of being an agent begins,” Douglas Elliman Realty CEO Scott Durkin said in a statement. “Elliman Showroom enables clients to stay in touch with their agents and continue to tap their knowledge, networks and trusted guidance long after the deal closes. It is just another way we enable our agents to continue to build their businesses.”

The new software will begin rolling out to local brokerages this month.

The service is part of a larger trend that’s seen brokerages alike offer concierge-type services to smooth the transaction process for buyers and sellers and elevate their brands above the competition, even among less well-heeled clients. Many that have launched in the last two years, like William Raveis’ Raveis Refresh, Compass’ Concierge or Coldwell Banker’s RealVitalize, focus on sellers with homes in need of updating.