Douglas Elliman Sports & Entertainment is a curated, sales division that provides an elite level of real estate brokerage services for clients within the sports and entertainment industries, as well as ultra-high net-worth parties.
Our Sports & Entertainment team is comprised of real estate agents who have an extensive history of working with professional athletes and celebrities, as well as the reputation for tending to every need involved with their transactions.
This highly-specialized and personalized division is the first of its kind to be created under one cohesive brand that offers unparalleled international reach.
Rochelle LeCavalier
Executive Director of Luxury Sales, Sports & Entertainment Division
How do you intertwine your background in sports and entertainment with your career in real estate?
In my experience, high-visibility people are wary of others as most people new to their orbit are looking for something from them, confusing the public persona with the person. The day to day life of a media personality, celebrity, or professional athlete is not understood by most people who imagine it is something it is not. My time working closely with athletes and celebrities has allowed me to better understand the world as they experience it and serve the person, not the persona.
How did you end up in real estate?
My first real estate related work actually came before my time in the entertainment space. I worked at a civil engineering firm preparing feasibility studies for master planned communities straight out of college. When I had the opportunity to work in the celebrity licensing and television space, I leapt at the opportunity and thought there would be no looking back. Real estate was my first love and I found my way back to it.
Do you remember your first deal?
I do! It was a builder spec model in a new homes subdivision in Las Vegas. Knowing I would be walking my customers through the contract once I was poised to make that first sale, I made it my mission to study the developer contract to understand it thoroughly and be prepared to explain each section and clause. Once I was finally in that position, I was so well prepared that I was able to relax and be fully present with the buyer. There is no substitute for adequate preparation, regardless of the endeavor.
What is it that you love about being at Douglas Elliman?
The camaraderie has been very meaningful to me. Before my boutique brokerage, Pink Palm, was acquired by DE in 2018, I had the opportunity to meet with some of the top agents in DE S+E in other markets, executives, marketing and PR, and development marketing. These people made it a very safe space to explore the possibilities and opportunities of aligning myself with DE. Today, I count myself fortunate to call these people my friends and colleagues. There is a level of trust, respect, and unity that words can’t fully describe.
What lessons have you learned in sports and entertainment that you have carried over to your career in real estate?
I have learned - in many cases the hard way - that being in the public eye involves a level of scrutiny that is not for the faint of heart. When you are in a public forum, people are closely observing your words, actions, and body language. There is an impact for every move you make. Having that experience has made me a better negotiator because I can control what I’m putting out there more than a person without media training.
What does a normal work week look like for you?
My life is very structured and I live by the calendar. There are days devoted to deep work, prospecting, appointments, networking, and leisure time. There are certain routines I follow every single day. I find this gives me more freedom to be present in the moment as I’m not wondering what to do next.
What do the next 5 years look like for you?
My focus is on being a key player in the transformation of Boca Raton luxury real estate currently underway. It is a very exciting time for South Florida in general and Boca Raton has always been a desirable place to live. Today, Boca Raton is emerging as an exceptional opportunity for our UHNW clientele making their way from urban feeder markets such as Chicago, Boston, New York, and Toronto. We have more new development opportunities in the downtown corridor than at any point in our history and our ultra-luxury segment is booming.
What trends do you see in the current market area you specialize in?
We are seeing a robust and growing demand for increasingly significant estate homes and luxury condominiums from our UHNW clientele making their way from urban feeder markets such as Chicago, Boston, New York, and Toronto. Meanwhile, we are seeing long-time Boca Raton residents re-evaluating their living situations and making changes toward a lifestyle that suits the way they want to experience home day to day. In general, people are more present to their feelings about their space and value their own happiness in their home above all.
Lastly, can you tell us your favorite spots in your area and why? Where do you like to eat, hang out and spend time with friends and family?
Some of my favorite Boca Raton hangouts are: The Beach Club or Spa at The Boca Raton Resort for the best lounging/relaxing day experience, the A1A jogging path for catching up with my bestie over cardio after a long week, Lemongrass Asian Bistro for Sushi/Thai takeout, Casa D’Angleo for osso buco or squid ink pasta, Kapow Noodle Bar patio for a casual happy hour, and Royal Palm Yacht & Country Club for the best golf.