GREENVILLE, S.C. — The first book by Joan Herlong, one of the Upstate’s most respected and accomplished real estate professionals, will be published nationwide in September.
As Is: An Insider’s Guide to Real Estate by Joan Herlong will be on the shelves of retailers on Tuesday, September 26 via Forbes Books with pre-orders available now at www.joanherlong.com.
Herlong shares her insights on the changing world of real estate with her well-known wisdom and wit developed from her years as an award-winning humor columnist and with an eye for the funnier parts of the business world and life. The book is a must-read for buyers and sellers, any person looking to enter real estate, seasoned industry professionals or anyone looking to learn more about real estate.
“This book is my effort to raise the bar, hopefully inspiring more dedicated, full-time real estate professionals, who will treat this high-stakes business with the seriousness that buyers and sellers deserve,” she said. “Whether you’re a buyer, a seller, an agent, or aspiring agent, you’ll find insights and strategies that will help you become better informed, to get the most out of your experience. The consumer has the right to expect more, but first you have to know what more to expect.”
Here are some of the amazing endorsements of the book.
“If you are in real estate, buy this book. Joan Herlong is one of the greatest real estate minds around. You will learn a ton. Plus; her humor is fast, strong, and real. Her sales accomplishments are mind blowing. This book made feel like she is talking to me. It’s so authentic. These pages contain her straight approach to life. Plus, her wit is worth the price,” said Leighton Cubbage, Chairman & Co-Founder, Allie Capital, LLC.
“This book is awesome. I laughed out loud a few times and it was an easy read. I think she has a true knack for writing. It kept me amused which kept my attention. I think some of it could be the fact that I know her but I also think people will get a feel for her humor without knowing her which makes it fun,” said Jay McDonald, Production Manager, Prime Lending.
“I’ve known Joan for more than 20 years both personally and professionally. She is a consummate professional. I have seen her updating MLS listings on New Year’s Eve while at the beach and everyone else was watching bowl games. Her customers are raving fans, with good reason. She responds to all calls within 24 hours and her phone is never off. This book reflects her experience as well as her wit and savvy. I highly recommend this book to anyone in real estate as well as anyone thinking about getting into real estate,” said Jim Sobeck, Managing Member, New South Real Estate Partners, Sobeck Holdings, and Sobeck Investments.
“This book is exactly what agents need in order to survive and thrive in the world of real estate, and it’s long overdue. Joan’s no-nonsense style breaks down the industry basics and lays bare the areas agents, at all levels of the business, struggle with every day. With her insider expertise, she guides agents to cut out the noise, emotion, unnecessary work, and drama that derails their business and success. You will find yourself laughing out loud as you read about Joan’s real-life stories, mishaps and mistakes all while picking up invaluable strategies and knowledge that will enable you to excel in this ever changing and competitive business,” said Liz Bentley, President of Liz Bentley Associates.
Herlong moved to Greenville in 1989 and began selling real estate in 1993, always full time. After years as the top producing solo agent for a national brand, she started her own boutique agency in December 2011 – in the midst of the recession and housing slump. At the end of her first year on her own, she was the number one Realtor in the Greenville MLS by sales volume, and repeated this accomplishment numerous times since, including in 2022. She was the number one Realtor by volume for the entire decade of 2012-2021 with sales of over $388 million, which is 25% ($75 million) more than the next agent and even more than any team in the Greater Greenville MLS.
In 2017, she affiliated with Sotheby’s International Realty and launched Joan Herlong & Associates Sotheby’s International Realty. The company has more than tripled in size since that time in sales volume and the number of Associates.
With a well-earned reputation for expertise, fairness, and advocacy, Herlong has often been called upon for advice by agents from other companies. She has served as an expert witness in real estate litigation and related hearings, and negotiated thousands of deals.
A two-time honoree as one of Greenville’s Most Influential, Herlong grew up in Winnetka, Illinois. She earned a bachelor’s degree in English Literature at the University of Virginia. She and her husband, William, have four adult children and six grandchildren.
More information on where she will be signing books will be coming soon, but people interested in having Herlong speak to their group or sign books can go to www.joanherlong.com.
About Joan Herlong & Associates Sotheby’s International Realty
Joan Herlong & Associates Sotheby’s International Realty is one of the leading and most trusted names in real estate in the Upstate of South Carolina. First founded by Owner/CEO Joan Herlong as AugustaRoad.com Realty in 2011, the firm has since handled thousands of properties in the Greenville and Upstate area. In 2017, the company affiliated with Sotheby’s International Realty, becoming Joan Herlong & Associates Sotheby’s International Realty. The company has more than tripled in agent count and production volume since that time. Learn more at www.jha-sothebysrealty.com.
About Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC
Founded in 1976 to provide independent brokerages with a powerful marketing and referral program for luxury listings, the Sotheby’s International Realty network was designed to connect the finest independent real estate companies to the most prestigious clientele in the world. Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC is a subsidiary of Realogy Holdings Corp. (NYSE: RLGY), a global leader in real estate franchising and provider of real estate brokerage, relocation, and settlement services. In February 2004, Realogy entered into a long-term strategic alliance with Sotheby’s, the operator of the auction house. The agreement provided for the licensing of the Sotheby’s International Realty name and the development of a full franchise system. Affiliations in the system are granted only to brokerages and individuals meeting strict qualifications. Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC supports its affiliates with a host of operational, marketing, recruiting, educational, and business development resources. Franchise affiliates also benefit from an association with the venerable Sotheby’s auction house, established in 1744.