News Summary
SERHANT., a prominent real estate brokerage, is set to open its first office in Rhode Island on October 6. This expansion signifies SERHANT.’s growth into its 13th state, with a team of five founding agents who have an impressive combined sales volume of around $550 million. Located in Newport, the office plans to incorporate advanced technology and marketing strategies to stand out in the competitive real estate market. Founder Ryan Serhant expressed confidence in Rhode Island’s potential, marking this move as a strategic step towards greater opportunities in the region.
Rhode Island is set to welcome SERHANT., a leading real estate brokerage, which will officially open its first office on October 6. This expansion into the smallest U.S. state marks SERHANT.’s entry into its 13th state, highlighting significant growth for the company in the competitive real estate sector.
Founder Ryan Serhant announced that the Rhode Island office will be the largest single brokerage entry into the state market. Located in the coastal city of Newport, the office will be led by Deborah Hauser and will launch with five founding agents who have a remarkable combined sales volume of approximately $550 million over the past year.
Founding Agents and Expertise
The founding agents include a highly experienced roster of real estate professionals:
- Dina Karousos, with 15 years of experience and over $435 million in career sales, closed $68 million in 2024.
- Devin Sheehan, who has secured more than $114 million in career sales, including $17 million in 2025.
- Caroline Richards, who has logged over $120 million in career sales.
- Hillary Olinger, with a track record of over $70 million from 120-plus transactions.
- Tammy Bass, boasting over 23 years of experience in the Rhode Island market and more than $700 million in career sales.
The team will eventually expand to a total of 18 agents, positioning SERHANT. as a formidable force in the Rhode Island real estate market.
Technological Advancements
SERHANT. is known for its tech-forward approach, which will be adapted efficiently for the Rhode Island market. Agents will have access to a multitude of resources including:
- Serhant Studios, a production company to enhance marketing efforts.
- ID Lab, a marketing agency that supports agents in branding.
- S.MPLE, an AI operating system designed for sales optimization.
The strategic integration of these resources aims to help agents build their personal brands while maintaining the brokerage’s core operational strategies.
Market Potential and Future Outlook
Ryan Serhant stated that while Rhode Island may be small, it presents significant opportunities. The firm is completing its expansion along the eastern seaboard and is increasingly focusing on clients in Rhode Island, particularly those with vacation homes in the region. As demand for housing rises, SERHANT. anticipates strong market performance, despite broader concerns over mortgage rates and housing inventory shortages.
This move into Rhode Island not only fits with the company’s growth strategy but also symbolizes a connection, as Rhode Island was the 13th state to join the union.
Leveraging Popularity
The growth of SERHANT. has been influenced significantly by the popularity of its Netflix show “Owning Manhattan,” which has acted as a recruitment and growth catalyst for the firm. According to Serhant, the firm aims to create individual platforms for agents, enhancing their market leadership and branding.
In summary, the official opening of SERHANT.’s office in Newport, Rhode Island, signifies a strategic expansion with robust leadership and a powerful technology-driven support system that positions the brokerage to gain a strong foothold in the local real estate market.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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- HousingWire: Serhant Gears Up for October Rhode Island Expansion
- PBN: R.I.’s Luxury Real Estate Market Proving to be Attention-Getting
- Boston Globe: Netflix Owning Manhattan: Serhant Real Estate in Newport, RI
- GoLocalProv: Real Estate Industry Continues Shake-Up; Top South County Team Joins Serhant
Author: STAFF HERE PROVIDENCE WRITER
The PROVIDENCE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREProvidence.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Providence, Providence County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as WaterFire, Rhode Island International Film Festival, and Rhode Island Comic Con. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce and Providence Warwick Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in finance and manufacturing that power the local economy such as Citizens Financial Group and Textron. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Rhode Island's dynamic landscape.
