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A longtime business name on Bainbridge Island has gone to the history books. Deschamps Realty was sold in October to Colwell Banker McKenzie, marking what many would describe as an end to an era.
“It’s one of the last island icons, and I was very conscientious about making sure to discuss the move with the Deschamps family and getting their blessings,” said Georg Syvertsen, who has owned the agency since 2000.
The new owners, Rod and Barb McKenzie, will merge Deschamps Realty with their Bainbridge Island office of Coldwell Banker McKenzie, and relocate the newly expanded agency to the building Deschamps has occupied for more than 45 years. The family has requested that the name of the business be retired, so the merged company will continue on as Coldwell Banker McKenzie.
“We’re not really planning any changes,” Barb McKenzie said. “We’ll keep the same ideals as we have at Coldwell Banker McKenzie, and we’ll bring in some practices from Deschamps… and mix their ideas with ours.”
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| The late Pauline Deschamps was not only a real estate pioneer on Bainbridge Island, but a pioneer in the business world as well. Before founding her real estate firm, she was very successful, making her mark in Seattle’s high-end retail business community as well. |
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Deschamps Realty was founded about 50 years ago by the late Pauline Deschamps, who owned and ran the company until her very unexpected and sudden death in 2000, at age 79. The realty firm was the oldest and first independently owned real estate agency on the island, and Deschamps has been recognized as a pioneer in the field of so-called “boutique” real estate agencies. A lady in absolutely every way, Pauline Deschamps, was long recognized as an icon on Bainbridge Island. The company’s record included selling the first Bainbridge home for more than $100,000 as well as the first home for more than $1 million.
Syversten started with the company more than three decades ago as an office manager. He and his wife, Michelle, bought the company from Deschamps’ husband, Robert, shortly after Pauline’s death. In an interview last year he told the Kitsap Peninsula Business Journal he didn’t plan to sell the company as long as he was around. Asked in mid-October what compelled him to sell, he said he has been friends with the McKenzies for many years, and they had previously stated their interest in buying.
“I think going into the future, with modern technology, in my opinion it would be better to be affiliated with another national company,” he said. “Being affiliated with a national organization is far superior… and gives better exposure. I felt Rod and Barb ran their business similar to the way I do — and they’re nice people.”
Barb McKenzie has been in the real estate industry for nearly 20 years, and Rod McKenzie has been a developer for 37 years. They opened Coldwell Banker McKenzie on Bainbridge more than five years ago, after buying the agency from Marie Gallagher, and added a second office, in Poulsbo, last year.
The move to the Deschamps building is expected to be complete by the end of November. Deschamps Realty has occupied the highly visible corner off State Route 305 on High School Road for about 45 years. All 15 Deschamps agents are staying with the new owners, according to the McKenzies.
“Our agents at Coldwell Banker were excited when we announced (the sale). They were thrilled with the thought of working with the agents of Deschamps,” Barb said. She said the two companies have the same values and culture, which should help with a smooth transition.
Coldwell Banker is the oldest real estate organization in the country, founded in 1906. It has nearly 4,000 independently owned and operated offices around the world. The brand recognition and reputation attracts a lot of people, and will help provide better services for the island’s residents, Rod McKenzie said. It will also help broaden their company’s market base, and especially move further into the luxury homes market.
Deschamps has been affiliated with Who’s Who in Real Estate, an international compendium of luxury real estate brokers limited to the top 500 luxury real estate companies in the world. Deschamps Realty was the only island real estate frim to be invited to join the list; Coldwell Banker McKenzie plans to continue that affiliation.
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