Luxury real estate at the highest level isn’t about volume—it’s about judgment, positioning, and trust earned over time.
In this episode of Dealmaker$, Shane sits down with David DeSantis, Co-Chief Operating Officer and Partner at TTR Sotheby’s International Realty, to unpack a career that spans public service, brokerage leadership, and some of the most significant residential transactions in the Washington region.
David shares how his early work in the public sector—including time at the Federal Trade Commission during the Clinton administration—shaped his analytical approach to negotiation, risk, and governance. He explains how that foundation translated into luxury real estate, where precision and credibility matter as much as relationships.
The conversation explores:
• David’s transition from public service to high-end residential brokerage
• How elite homes are priced, positioned, and presented at the highest levels
• Behind-the-scenes stories from landmark estates and high-profile clients
• What it takes to build and operate a top-tier luxury firm
• Leading, mentoring, and developing agents in a competitive environment
• The difference between selling luxury—and sustaining it over decades
This episode isn’t about flash or market cycles. It’s about institutional thinking, long-term leadership, and understanding that reputation is the most valuable currency in luxury real estate.
Whether you’re a top producer refining your approach, a brokerage leader thinking about scale and culture, or someone fascinated by how legacy firms are built and maintained, this is a thoughtful, strategic conversation with one of the industry’s most respected operators.
🎙️ Dealmaker$ — real estate, business, and the people shaping the industry
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