Notable real estate firm partners with Douglas Elliman in Sarasota

The Schemmel Soda Group, a real estate firm located in Sarasota and Lakewood Ranch and previously affiliated with Premier Sotheby’s International Realty, has officially joined Douglas Elliman’s Sarasota office.

Douglas Elliman Realty is a nationally recognized real estate brokerage based in New York City, boasting operations across multiple states including Florida, New York, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Maryland, Massachusetts, Nevada, Texas, Virginia, and Washington, D.C.

Earlier this summer, Douglas Elliman appointed a managing broker and welcomed three agents to its downtown Sarasota office at 1350 Main St., reinforcing its commitment to expanding its footprint in the area. The addition of the Schemmel Soda Group, known for its luxury real estate specialization, is another strategic move aimed at growth.

Joel Schemmel and Donna Soda co-founded the Schemmel Soda Group and will transition to Douglas Elliman alongside their team members, including agents Sharon Chiodi and Patti Tebo, Marketing Director Katie Kurbiel, and Client Service Coordinator Preston Lane.

“Joel and Donna’s unmatched expertise and leadership in Sarasota and the surrounding luxury markets make them an ideal addition to Douglas Elliman,” stated Jay Phillip Parker, an executive at Douglas Elliman Florida. “Their established, trusted brand signifies a strategic advantage for our Sarasota operations and the clients we serve.”

Schemmel, an attorney and former CPA, has successfully led a real estate team since 2008. His recent high-profile sales include a Casey Key compound that sold for $16.5 million in 2021 and a $11.5 million beachfront home on Longboat Key in 2022.

Soda brings decades of real estate experience and a particular expertise in the Lakewood Ranch area. Her recent accomplishments include the $6.9 million sale this month of an estate in the Concession.

Douglas Elliman Realty also maintains offices in Naples and St. Petersburg, further solidifying its presence in the Florida real estate market.

Key Information

• New Affiliation: Schemmel Soda Group joins Douglas Elliman’s Sarasota office.
• Brokerage Overview: Douglas Elliman Realty is headquartered in New York City and operates in multiple states.
• Growth Strategy: Recent addition of new agents and a managing broker in Sarasota.
• Founders: Joel Schemmel and Donna Soda lead the Schemmel Soda Group.
• Expertise: Both founders have strong backgrounds in luxury real estate sales.
• Recent Sales: Schemmel sold properties for $16.5 million and $11.5 million; Soda closed a $6.9 million sale.