The recently opened Au-Delá, a boutique real-estate agency in East Hampton, is decidedly run with a woman’s touch — in fact, four of them. It opened for business this past January by real estate broker Jessy Fingleton, who brought Claire Ambrose, a long-time friend, peer and fellow East Hampton mom, on board to help steer the all-female firm, which launched with four agents. The name, French for “beyond” reflects the agency’s ethos of going beyond the sale to truly cement long-term relationships with clients. “It means our commitment to do a good job, because if we do they’re a client forever,” she says. Fingleton brings her past experience at the Compass and Douglas Elliman agencies to her new venture.
Southforker: What was the biggest challenge of setting up your own agency?
Jessy Fingleton: It was a year in the making, figuring out how everything worked. As an agent with a big corporation, you don’t know the back end of things and legal stuff like trademarks, forming an LLC and licensure. I did a lot of research behind the scenes, deciding how I wanted to run things. It was stressful but worth it.
SF: What inspired you to create an all-female firm?
JF: I would love anyone on my staff that was capable and fit with our personalities but it just came out this way. My biggest thing for anyone who comes on is people who are friendly, understanding and with no ego. We are all on the same level, we are all teachers willing to lend a hand. I want to create an atmosphere where people love coming into the office and share information. Information makes the world go round and it helps our business when we share that.
SF: How would you describe your business philosophy?
JF: We want to take care of our clients and the local people. I want to help that person who wants to retire and move south, I want to help them get the most money in their pocket when they sell. We are honest about expectations—we don’t want anyone to fail. I’m in the business of selling houses but I have no problem saying ‘let’s walk out of here: There are red flags everywhere and this is not for you.’
SF: What distinguishes your agency from others in the local market?
JF: We have built over the years an amazing black book of tradesmen — electricians, landscapers, plumbers. We have a number for everything and everyone, and our list is vetted. Our job does not stop at the closing table. We stay in touch with clients and tell them ‘we got you.’
SF: A fun day for you looks like …?
JF: I am a foodie and loved going to new restaurants and the classics around here. Claire and I play golf; we’re trying to join one of the women’s league out here. I really enjoy family time: I have two teenage kids and like spending time with them. One of my favorite things to do, and I don’t get to do this often, is go out for karaoke. We also like going to Steven Talkhouse to listen to good music, loading up the four-wheel drive, driving to the beach and plunking a chair down in the sand.
