Locally-owned real estate venture launches in Sussex County

With an eye on southern Delaware’s commercial real estate market, a small yet experienced group of local businessmen recently launched the brand new Alliance Real Estate Professionals. With an office on Route 13 in Laurel, the firm officially opened its doors Feb. 1.

Spearheaded by veteran real estate professional Rob Harman, the group of four long-time Sussex Countians have focused on a team approach to making a dent in the local markets, with a focused eye on customer service and professionalism.

“All four of us have been around for quite a while, and we just decided that the time was right to venture out on our own and start our own company here in southern Delaware,” says Harman, a nearly 20-year real estate veteran and former president of the Sussex County Association of Realtors. “We are very excited about the real estate market moving forward, and we hope to be a big part of the growth that we feel is right around the corner.”

Alliance Real Estate Professionals has decided to focus exclusively on the needs of businesspeople and investors, thereby carving their unique niche in the local market. A partial list of clients already includes Peninsula Oil Co., Nanticoke Memorial Hospital and Towers Signs.

All four agents that are a part of the company share ownership in the firm and work closely with other real estate professionals in and around Sussex County, and throughout the mid-Atlantic region of the United States.

“Since we all have a stake in how the company does, we are obviously very motivated to see it, and us, succeed,” says Harman, who has more than 12 years of experience owning other brokerages. “It doesn’t really matter to us who makes the sale; we just all want to help each other be successful. If that happens, then the company will prosper, and hopefully be around for a long time to come.”

In addition to Harman, who serves as the broker for the group, Alliance is comprised of three additional seasoned professionals from Sussex County’s business circles.

Bob Wheatley is the owner of the Laurel-based Whayland Co., and also serves as the chairman of the Sussex County Planning and Zoning Commission. He brings more than three decades of experience in the commercial building industry to Alliance Real Estate Professionals.

Local business owner Carlyle Windley has more than 40 years of real estate experience and is seasoned in the resort real estate brokerage business. He also serves on the Blades Economic Development Committee, the group responsible for bringing the popular marina to the Sussex County town.

Rounding out the team is Don Dykes, a long-time local business owner with experience in mortgage, banking and management. He also serves as the executive director for the Laurel Chamber of Commerce and holds real estate licenses in both Delaware and neighboring Maryland.

“We think we have a very good team in place and we have been busy putting up signs and listing properties,” says Harman. “It’s an exciting time for us, and for our area. We feel we’ve weathered the economic storm, and good things are on the horizon.”

To learn more about Alliance Real Estate Professionals, call 302-875-5622 or go to are-pros.com.