The realtor was fired for trying to lure buyers from New York to Florida by using a photo of an NYPD van on fire during George Floyd's recent protests.
«Looking for a change?» — this was the beginning of a letter from South Florida agent Joseph Swedro, who represented Corcoran. In addition to a photo of a burning police car, he added images of boats and sandy beaches in Florida.
According to the letter, Swedro asked potential buyers if they wanted to live in «chaos or comfort», citing the violent clashes and looting that rocked New York during the massive protests over Floyd's death.
According to The Real Deal, the realtor said he saw «nothing offensive» in his message because «everything from the email was readily available online, in the newspaper or on television.»
“It's no secret that riots and vandalism took place in New York, while South Florida is much quieter,” said Swedro. «It was just a marketing ploy to get attention.»
Corcoran Group representatives quickly responded to the incident and fired the employee. A spokesman said the company «categorically rejects any form of racist and fear-based rhetoric.»
“I want you to know how seriously we take this … and that by no means does this type of marketing reflect the way we see ourselves,” said Corcoran President and CEO Pam Liebman.
