George Ballantynes path to real estate was not a straight line. However, it has led him to a career as one of the top agents at Gibson Sothebys International Realty. With over 30 years of experience in luxury residential real estate, George serves as a model for success in the Greater Boston Area and beyond.
George began his professional career with a masters degree in business administration, a graduate degree in art history, and an intent to become a museum directorhowever, as is often the case, these plans changed. He compares it to the movie Sliding Doors, saying that the path we take may be as simple as being at the right place at the right time.
This rings true, as George has since participated in more than 2,000 luxury sales throughout New England.He has achieved record-breaking sales of exceptional properties in every New England state which include "Castle-in-the-Clouds", the historic Lucknow Estate in Moultonborough, New Hampshire; "Skylands", the Seal Harbor, Maine estate purchased by Martha Stewart; "The Anchorage", the former Rockefeller estate in Seal Harbor, Maine; and "Brookhurst", an historic Berkshire estate in Lenox, Massachusetts.
However, he first began his career working in Finance in Manhattan. It was through this job that he developed keen analytical skills and a special knowledge of handling markets. Finance is problem solving, George notes, real estate draws on many of the same skills. With a mind for business and an eye for art, he was ready to take his career to the next level.
It was right around this time that Sothebys Auction House added a new division called Sothebys International Realty. George recalls that in these early stages SIR was looking for someone who could present this model to potential SIR affiliates, buyers and sellers. The perfect man for the job might have a greater degree in architectural history and perhaps some previous experience working with high net worth clients.
Cue George Ballantyne. George first joined SIR in 1978 as Senior Vice President, establishing the firm's affiliate network in New England, the Mid-Atlantic and Tri-State regions, the Midwest, and Eastern Canada.
Sharing the values of beauty, art, luxury, and expertise, George quickly found common ground with with the Sothebys brand. Additionally, he established and headed the New England Regional Office of the firm, providing comprehensive high-level services for property listings as well as programs for the on-going training of agents in the luxury market.
He relocated from New York to Boston, where he had previously attended Boston University for his M.B.A. He brought with him a deep understanding of the market and all of its nuances, along with a unique knowledge of pricing, marketing, and negotiation high-end properties.
Plusin his own words, George says he has always been in love with the region.
From where I live, can walk to The Museum of Fine Arts, the Boston Symphony orchestra, and the financial district, The Charles River, Back Bay, Beacon HillIt's difficult to find another city with so much available and accessible. George has also served on the boards of Historic New England and The American Repertory Theater in Cambridge.
For those looking to emulate Georges success, he offers this: never compromise your integrity. There are often two decisionsone approach is to take the advantageous path. The other approach is to take the ethical path. If you follow the latter, you will be further ahead.
For more information about George Ballantyne, visit his agent profile here.
