ROBERTA'S BLOG

What should technology actually do for a real estate agent? For Coldwell Banker American Homes Chief Technology Officer Chris Manteria, the answer is simple: make the agent's job easier so they can focus on client relationships and selling homes. In a recent interview with Franklin Stoehr of Delta Media Group, Chris shared how technology, open APIs, structured coaching, and a family-first culture have powered the brokerage's growth into New York State's #1 Coldwell Banker franchise supporting over 1,000 agents.

From Video Production to Chief Technology Officer

Chris Manteria's path to becoming CTO was far from conventional. Coming from a background in video post-production, computer hardware/software sales, and running an ISP in the early days of the web, Chris brought a deep technical foundation when he earned his real estate license during an economic downturn in the early 2000s.

After working as a full-time agent and managing a branch office, Chris transitioned into the CTO role five years ago during a landmark acquisition that expanded the brokerage overnight from 600 to nearly 1,200 agents. That blend of hands-on sales experience and technical expertise shaped his approach to software: technology must serve the agent, not complicate their day.

"The best technology is the one that works without you knowing why it works or how it works. You just know it works. It almost looks like it isn't even there." — Chris Manteria

Building a Stable Base for Brokerage Growth

When Chris joined the leadership team, the company was running basic in-office servers—a common bottleneck for growing brokerages. Recognizing that long-term expansion required stability, leadership moved operations to Google Cloud, AccountTech (Darwin), and DeltaNET, creating an ecosystem connected by open APIs.

This open architecture allowed Coldwell Banker American Homes to automate backend operations and seamlessly onboard both individual recruits and entire office acquisitions, such as the recent addition of Vesian & Walsh in Long Beach. Today, when a new agent joins, data entered once automatically sets up their email, creates their DeltaNET dashboard, configures SkySlope transaction management, and triggers automated onboarding sequences.

To support this growth, owners Tom Gallagher and Mike Litzner built a comprehensive corporate infrastructure so managers and agents aren't left handling administrative burdens alone:

• Executive Leadership: Dedicated CFO, CEO/COO, and Regional VPs focused on operational scale and recruiting.
• In-House Marketing Team: Led by Marketing Director Joey Djemal and Social Media Director Jimmy McKenna to handle branding and digital collateral.
• Full-Time Coaching Director: Industry veteran Deborah Asher leads structured training 2–3 times a week.

One Central Hub: The JET Platform

A central pillar of the brokerage's technology strategy is JET . Built on DeltaNET, JET serves as a single-sign-on intranet where agents access their CRM, client contacts, marketing resources, education, and transaction tools in one place.

Rather than overwhelming agents with dozens of competing software options, the company curates best-in-class platforms for every category.

"I want my agents thinking about selling houses... Our agents are supposed to be out there making money for themselves and the company. It's a partnership. We provide the support; they go out and sell." — Chris Manteria

Practical AI & The "Human in the Middle"

Artificial intelligence is front and center on the JET platform. Coldwell Banker American Homes introduces agents to AI through practical, pre-configured Google Gemini "Gems" designed for daily workflow improvements:

• Virtual Staging Guardrails: Pre-built prompts that ensure proper compliance disclosures on enhanced property imagery.
• Listing Copywriters: Tools to help agents draft compelling property descriptions faster.
• Internal NotebookLM FAQ Gem: An on-demand assistant trained on company procedures to answer late-night agent questions.

However, Chris stresses that AI is an assistant, not a replacement for professional real estate advisors. Because New York features strict Fair Housing regulations, local municipal overlays (such as specific occupancy laws in Long Beach), and nuanced market valuations, human review is mandatory.

"The agents who learn to use AI are going to be the ones with longevity," Chris noted. "But clients remember personal attention, local expertise, and empathy—things AI will never replicate."

Organized Around "The Core 4"

Technology is only one part of the support system at Coldwell Banker American Homes. The company's agent development model is structured around four core pillars:

Giving Back to New York Communities

A key aspect of the brokerage's culture is its non-profit organization, Heart of American Homes. Rather than sending charitable funds to national corporate accounts, the foundation keeps 100% of donations local—distributing nearly $150,000 annually to community members and causes suggested directly by agents.

Agents can contribute a portion of their commission checks directly from closing payouts, and Coldwell Banker American Homes matches those contributions up to a designated amount.

What Should Agents Look for in a Brokerage?

When asked how he talks to agents considering other brokerages, Chris explained that conversations start by looking past shiny promotional offers or short-term split promises.

Instead, the discussion begins with a straightforward question: "What do you believe you're going to get somewhere else that you're missing today?"

Sustainable career growth comes down to whether a brokerage offers the coaching, infrastructure, and tools to help an agent increase overall production. When production increases, higher income and split tiers naturally follow.

Final Advice: "Keep Learning"

To wrap up the 45-minute discussion, Chris left viewers with a final thought on navigating real estate industry shifts, market changes, and evolving technology:

"Keep learning... Get out of your head that you're not technical. Stop telling yourself what you aren't. Ask yourself, 'What if I learned just a little bit today?' Learning prompt engineering and how to communicate effectively with tools will be key." — Chris Manteria

Building a successful real estate career across nearly four decades on Long Island requires absolute accessibility, direct hands-on representation, and deep integration into the local community. In Season 4 of the Work Hard, Play Hard & Give Back podcast, host Mike Litzner interviews Gold Coast luxury specialist Adele Kuczmarski to break down high-stakes negotiation, client privacy, and market dynamics in Manhasset.

Serving the Gold Coast Luxury Market

Representing high-net-worth buyers and sellers along Long Island's North Shore demands discretion and specialized transactional oversight. Adele Kuczmarski explains that high-profile property sales, including celebrity estates in Manhasset, require careful balance between obtaining maximum market exposure and preserving client privacy.

Rather than operating through a large corporate team structure, Kuczmarski provides direct personal access to every client. This hands-on management guarantees that property owners receive experienced guidance at every stage of the sale.

"If I'm listing a multi-million dollar house, they want to speak with me. You have to be available and treat every deal as if you were buying or selling it for your own family." — Adele Kuczmarski

Navigating High-Stakes Negotiations and Closings

In highly competitive North Shore enclaves like Munsey Park and Strathmore Vanderbilt, buyers frequently face multiple-offer scenarios above asking price. In this environment, sellers prioritize buyers who provide clean terms, short timelines, and non-contingent financing backed by verified funds.

Kuczmarski stresses that an agent's responsibility extends through the entire closing process. Showing up personally at the closing table ensures that final utility transfers, municipal documentation, and unexpected escrow questions are resolved without delay.

Community Connection, In-Person Presence, and Giving Back

Long-term success in real estate is deeply tied to active community participation and regional philanthropy. Having lived in Manhasset since 1978, Kuczmarski has served in leadership roles for the Association for the Help of Retarded Children (AHRC) in Brookville, local school associations, and neighborhood organizations.

Kuczmarski also highlights the critical importance of working from a physical office rather than remaining isolated at home. Going into the Coldwell Banker American Homes Manhasset office daily creates collaborative learning opportunities, keeps agents informed on unlisted inventory, and drives organic local connections.

"You don't learn sitting in a bedroom. Getting dressed, going into the office, and meeting people is how you build real market expertise and grow your business." — Adele Kuczmarski

Planning Your Next Gold Coast Real Estate Move

Whether navigating a luxury purchase in Manhasset or preparing a property for sale on Long Island, working with a dedicated advisor ensures a seamless transaction.

Sellers interested in reviewing their property's current market value can generate an initial digital evaluation using the CB Estimate Home Valuation tool. Buyers researching local community metrics and relocation options across the region can utilize the CB MoveMeter application. To connect with experienced real estate professionals across our regional offices, visit the Coldwell Banker American Homes Office Directory or explore our main CBAM Homes Blog Index.

Frequently Asked Questions

What defines Adele Kuczmarski's core approach to Gold Coast real estate?

Adele Kuczmarski relies on constant accessibility, direct personal representation, and uncompromising ethics. She personally manages every listing and attends every closing to protect client interests.

How are financing terms structured in the high-end Manhasset real estate market?

In the competitive Manhasset market, most winning offers are either all-cash or non-contingent on financing. Sellers consistently prefer buyers who present verified liquid assets and waive mortgage contingencies.

Why does Adele Kuczmarski emphasize working from a physical real estate office?

Working in an office fosters daily collaboration, market awareness, and spontaneous networking that cannot be replicated at home. Engaging in person keeps agents connected to local market inventory and neighborhood opportunities.

Supporting Our Neighbors When It Matters Most

Mike Litzer and I have been business partners for 38 years, and our commitment to the New York community has always been at the core of what we do. While working with organizations like Kiwanis and local Chambers of Commerce, we noticed a critical gap: families facing immediate, unexpected crises often had nowhere to turn for rapid assistance.

Whether it is covering insurance co-pays, securing equipment not covered by providers, or helping a family find housing immediately after a fire, these are "now" situations that cannot wait for a month-long approval process. This realization led us to establish the Heart of American Homes Foundation, a 501(c)(3) dedicated to filling those exact needs across Nassau, Suffolk, and Queens.

The Zero-Overhead Model: Every Dollar Counts

We believe that when you give back, your contribution should go directly to those in need. That is why we are incredibly proud of our zero-overhead model. I work for free, our board works for free, and our legal and accounting teams—surrounded by good, charitable people like Ted Rosenthal and Peter Mancuso—provided their services pro bono to ensure every cent is utilized effectively.

This allows 100% of the funds raised to stay within our local communities. When you work with a knowledgeable and skilled agent from Coldwell Banker American Homes, you are working with a professional who likely contributes to this cause out of every single commission check.

Rapid Response for Urgent Needs

Crisis doesn't follow a schedule. If we receive a request for assistance today, our committee of five typically reviews and votes on it by tomorrow. We understand that a family displaced by a fire needs a hotel deposit immediately, not weeks from now.

Pro Tip: Community support is about more than just financial aid. It is about expertise and time. Our foundation often pairs financial grants for materials with the volunteer labor of our talented network to solve problems like building wheelchair ramps for returning neighbors.

Fundraising for a Brighter Future

To date, we have raised over $750,000 and assisted with over 250 different situations. Our agents are the heartbeat of this effort, constantly asking, "What family are we adopting this year?" From our "Night at the Races" events to Super Bowl boxes and comedy nights, our fundraisers allow the community to come together for a common goal.

We prioritize the privacy of those we help, as many are going through the most difficult moments of their lives. Whether it is supporting a grandmother raising four grandchildren alone or helping a single mother with unexpected funeral expenses, we are here to provide strength and grace during the transaction and beyond.

How You Can Get Involved

If you would like to support our mission or if you are a member of the community in need of assistance, there are multiple pathways to connect with us. You can visit any of our 20 local offices or use the resources below to learn more about our impact and tools.

• Make a Donation: Visit our website and look for the "Heart of American Homes" donate button.
• Calculate Your Move: If you are planning a transition, use our Move Meter to compare locations and make an informed decision.

Success in our communities is never accidental; it is the result of intentional planning and unwavering support. We invite you to join us—whether through your time or your contributions—to help us continue guiding our neighbors home. For a professional evaluation of your current property, please visit our valuation tool.