Notable real estate firm partners with Douglas Elliman in Sarasota

The Schemmel Soda Group, a prominent real estate firm with a footprint in Sarasota and Lakewood Ranch, is now part of Douglas Elliman’s Sarasota office after previously operating under Premier Sotheby’s International Realty.

Douglas Elliman Realty is a nationally recognized real estate brokerage based in New York City, with extensive operations across 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 new agents to its office at 1350 Main St. in downtown Sarasota, as part of its strategy to enhance its local presence. The integration of the Schemmel Soda Group—a team specializing in the luxury real estate market—is a significant step forward in this expansion effort, according to their statement.

The Schemmel Soda Group was co-founded by Joel Schemmel and Donna Soda, who will be joining Douglas Elliman alongside agents Sharon Chiodi and Patti Tebo, as well as Marketing Director Katie Kurbiel and Client Service Coordinator Preston Lane, according to the announcement.

“Joel and Donna’s unmatched expertise and leadership in the Sarasota luxury markets make them a perfect fit for Douglas Elliman,” said Jay Phillip Parker, an executive with Douglas Elliman Florida. “They have established a strong, trusted brand, and this addition represents a strategic advancement for our Sarasota operations and the clients we serve.”

Schemmel, who has been leading a real estate team since 2008 and is also an attorney and former CPA, has notable sales under his belt, including a Casey Key compound that fetched $16.5 million in 2021 and a $11.5 million beachfront home on Longboat Key in 2022.

Soda adds decades of real estate expertise to the firm, particularly around the Lakewood Ranch area. Recently, she closed a deal on an estate in the Concession that sold for $6.9 million this month.

Douglas Elliman Realty also operates offices in Naples and St. Petersburg, further solidifying its presence in the region.

Key Information

• New Affiliation: Schemmel Soda Group joins Douglas Elliman’s Sarasota office.
• Headquarters: Douglas Elliman Realty is based in New York City.
• Expansion Efforts: New managing broker and agents added to enhance presence in Sarasota.
• Founders: Joel Schemmel and Donna Soda co-founded the Schemmel Soda Group.
• Notable Sales: Schemmel has sold properties for $16.5 million and $11.5 million; Soda closed $6.9 million estate this month.
• Additional Offices: Douglas Elliman also operates in Naples and St. Petersburg.