Douglas Elliman began in 1911 as a real estate business in Manhattan and developed around Douglas L. Elliman's focus on luxury apartment living. The company operates as a residential real estate brokerage with a strong emphasis on luxury properties and client services. Douglas Elliman provides development marketing and sales, property management, title and escrow services, and mortgage-related services in select markets. The business has evolved into a broader real estate platform while keeping residential brokerage at the center of its operations.