News Summary
SERHANT., a rapidly growing real estate brokerage, is opening its first office in Rhode Island on October 6, marking its entry into the 13th state. The Newport office will start with five founding agents and aims to expand to 18. SERHANT. focuses on using innovative technology to enhance the real estate market in Rhode Island, amidst an evolving industry landscape and remaining optimistic about future market trends.
Rhode Island is set to welcome SERHANT., a rapidly expanding real estate brokerage, as it opens its first office on October 6. This marks SERHANT.’s entry into its 13th state nationwide, underscoring its commitment to growth in the competitive real estate market. The launch is noted as the largest single brokerage entry in the Rhode Island market to date, positioning SERHANT. as a key player in the region.
Founder Ryan Serhant has expressed enthusiasm for the unique opportunities Rhode Island offers, highlighting the state’s diverse luxury and lifestyle markets. The Newport office will be managed by Deborah Hauser, initially starting with five founding agents. Together, these agents are recognized for their impressive track record, having closed approximately $550 million in sales volume last year.
As part of the expansion, SERHANT. plans to grow the Rhode Island office to a total of 18 agents. Founding members include:
- Dina Karousos: With 15 years of experience, she has over $435 million in career sales and closed $68 million in 2024.
- Devin Sheehan: Formerly with RE/MAX, he has over $114 million in career sales and achieved $17 million in sales for 2025.
- Caroline Richards: Previously associated with Hogan Associates/Christie’s International, she has logged over $120 million in career sales.
- Hillary Olinger: Also from Hogan Associates/Christie’s, she boasts over $70 million in sales across more than 120 transactions.
- Tammy Bass: With over 23 years in the Rhode Island market, she has achieved $700 million in career sales.
Through this expansion, SERHANT. aims to tackle perceived deficiencies in the Rhode Island market by adopting a tech-driven business model. The firm is well-equipped with innovative tools such as Serhant Studios, ID Lab, and the S.MPLE AI operating system, all designed to enhance operational efficiency for agents. Additionally, SERHANT. capitalizes on its popular Netflix program, “Owning Manhattan,” to aid in recruitment and drive transaction growth.
Ryan Serhant emphasizes that the company’s strategic focus is not solely on increasing volume or headcount, but rather on achieving visionary goals that promote sustainable growth. Despite current uncertainties in the housing market, including fluctuating mortgage rates and inventory shortages, he remains optimistic about future trends. Serhant believes anticipated rate cuts from the Federal Reserve could unleash pent-up demand for housing, and he predicts that the next two years may yield the strongest housing market he has witnessed in his career.
SERHANT.’s expansion into Rhode Island comes amid significant shifts within the real estate industry, including notable acquisitions such as Compass acquiring Anywhere Real Estate. This evolving landscape presents both challenges and opportunities for new entrants like SERHANT.
The Rhode Island office’s establishment was initially reported in mid-August, where it was stated that SERHANT. had already enlisted 24 agents ahead of the opening. This proactive approach signals the firm’s readiness to integrate into the local market efficiently.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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- Google Search: Rhode Island real estate
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- Encyclopedia Britannica: Rhode Island
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PROVIDENCE STAFF 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.
