In a significant move that marks the fusion of local heritage with global expertise, Dilbeck Real Estate, a longstanding fixture in the Southern California real estate scene, has announced its partnership with Engel & Völkers, the renowned luxury real estate brand hailing from Hamburg, Germany. This transformative merger sees Dilbeck Real Estate adopting the Engel & Völkers identity, underlining a commitment to enhancing the real estate experience for both agents and customers.
Founded in La Crescenta and La Cañada in 1963 by Ray Dilbeck as Dilbeck & Associates, the company merged with San Marino-based Bliss Keeler in 1993. In 1996, Ray bought out the Keeler’s interests. The company has been steered by Mark Dilbeck, the current President and CEO, since 1998. Under Mark’s visionary leadership, Dilbeck Real Estate achieved annual sales exceeding $1.3 billion. Now, this second-generation majority owner is steering the company into an exciting new chapter, leveraging Engel & Völkers’ global network.
Dilbeck Real Estate’s footprint extends beyond Pasadena, encompassing offices in San Marino, La Cañada Flintridge, Glendale, Burbank, Camarillo, Encino, Santa Clarita, and Westlake Village, serving both Los Angeles and Ventura counties. Following the merger, Engel & Völkers will bolster its presence with a total of 15 locations in the greater Los Angeles area.
A Shift Towards Consumer-Centric Real Estate
Mark Dilbeck, in a recent interview, underscored the importance of a customer-centric approach in an evolving real estate landscape. In an era where technology increasingly dominates, the real estate business remains a people-centric endeavor, with agents being invited into the homes of buyers and sellers, forging a personal connection in the process.
Dilbeck Real Estate, now a part of the Engel & Völkers Gestalt Group, strategically expanded its reach to cater to a broader demographic. The real estate market’s challenges, particularly the limited inventory and rising interest rates, necessitated a shift toward a larger network. However, Dilbeck stressed the importance of preserving the core values of customer service, local involvement, and community support.
Enhancing the Customer Experience
The merger doesn’t change the real estate market’s dynamics, but it empowers Dilbeck Real Estate to offer an enhanced experience to homebuyers and sellers. With access to Engel & Völkers’ global network and marketing prowess, the company can cast a wider net, offering broader options for buyers and sellers alike.
In a market where the demand often outstrips supply, having access to a larger pool of resources can be a game-changer. The partnership allows Dilbeck Real Estate to serve not only the local market but also clients with specific needs in other areas, thanks to Engel & Völkers’ diverse regional expertise.
Navigating a Changing Landscape
The real estate market’s ongoing evolution, shaped by factors like limited inventory and fluctuating interest rates, presents unique challenges for both buyers and sellers. Dilbeck Real Estate, now with Engel & Völkers’ underpinning and support, is poised to guide its clients through these changing times with a commitment to personalized service and a global perspective.
As Mark Dilbeck aptly notes, “It’s a business transaction, but it’s a business transaction that has a lot of emotion around it.” With a customer-centric philosophy at its core, the merger between Dilbeck Real Estate and Engel & Völkers is a testament to the enduring importance of relationships and the promise of a brighter, more connected future in real estate.