25 years of serving the community

Almost a fixture in the community, Century 21 Scully Real Estate is celebrating its 25th anniversary of serving the people of Island Park and Oceanside.

Founded in 1985 by Scully’s mother, Roberta, Scully Real Estate has remained a family run business, expanding over the years to serve not only Nassau County, but Queens and the Bronx as well.

“My mother opened up in April of 1985 and I joined her in June of 1985,” said Scully. “It’s a family business — I’ve had my sister Sharon and my brother Matt work with us.”

Scully has weathered ups and downs in the housing market, including the recent housing-bubble burst.

“We’re fortunate to have loyal customers and a high percentage of repeat business,” said Scully. ‘That’s the whole key of any business — to have people come back to you. We’re grateful for the loyalty of our repeat customers.”

Over the years, Scully has seen lots change in the way that real estate business is conducted. And the biggest catalyst for that change has been technology.

“Every agent is, in some sense, a portable office. You can sell anytime, any place, anywhere. Most are equipped with technology in the palm of their hand that can allow them to do business in their car,” Scully said. “In 1985, people would drive to your area and call you or stop into the office. It’s very different now.”

The Internet has changed the way that realtors advertise listings, Scully said. Things are much more accessible now and customers generally have a better sense of what’s available before they even come into the office. Customers, he said, also generally expect a quicker response.

“We’re part of the community—we live here, we work here,” said Scully. “But my agents, for the past 25 years, have been the reason we’ve been successful. And I appreciate that.”