The transition from the bustling energy of New York City to the sophisticated charm of Naples, Florida, isn’t always seamless. But for Sherry L. Batrus, this geographical shift became the foundation of a successful and rewarding real estate career that is helping redefine luxury service in Southwest Florida’s prestigious market.
A New York Foundation, A Florida Future
After spending over 35 years living and working in New York City, with weekends and summers in the Hamptons, Sherry and her husband made the pivotal decision to transition to Naples in 2015. What began as a lifestyle change evolved into a professional calling that would see Sherry and her partner, Gwen Geletka, emerge as respected luxury real estate specialists.
“I was once asked what my hobby was, and I couldn’t think of an answer,” Sherry reflects. “After some introspection, it came to me that my hobby is my work. I love the customers I work with. I love meeting and getting to know people. I enjoy learning about their lives and families, where they’re from, and what kind of work they do. And most importantly, what their goals are and how I can be of service to them.”
Breaking Through in a Competitive Market
Sherry’s commitment to excellence is reflected in her impressive credentials as both a Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist (CLHMS) and a Certified Negotiation Expert (CNE). These qualifications proved invaluable in March 2023, when she achieved her significant professional milestone to date.
The property at 128 Bayview Avenue in Vanderbilt Beach presented a unique challenge as it had been destroyed by Hurricane Ian the previous fall. Although a waterfront listing, it was essentially land only – a proposition that required exceptional skill to navigate and would require a considerable additional investment to build on. Listed initially at $12.0 million, Sherry knew the realistic market value was around $10.0 million…