New York City’s residential brokerage industry came together on Wednesday, May 7, 2025, to celebrate the Real Estate Board of New York’s (REBNY) 36th Annual Residential Deal of the Year Charity & Awards Celebration. Held at Guastavino’s, the evening honored outstanding real estate deals and professionals from 2024 while raising funds for the REBNY Member in Need Fund.
The event was hosted by WNBC’s Dave Price and opened with remarks from REBNY President James Whelan. It served a dual purpose: recognizing excellence in residential brokerage and providing financial support to industry members facing personal or financial crises. The REBNY Member in Need Fund, which has distributed over $1 million in grants since its founding, received additional support throughout the night, with QR codes prominently displayed to encourage donations.
The celebration, organized by the Residential Member in Need Fund Committee, highlighted the resilience, creativity, and dedication of real estate professionals who navigated complex and emotionally charged transactions throughout the year. Awards were presented based on recommendations from REBNY’s Residential Advisory Board, Residential Ethics Committee, and Residential Committee Co-Chairs.
“This celebration is a testament to the resilience and heart of New York’s residential brokerage community,” said Whelan. “The stories behind each winning deal reflect not just savvy, but empathy, integrity and perseverance. The hallmarks of a strong, supportive industry.”
“This event reminded us that while we may compete in business, we are united in purpose,” said event Co-Chair Rebecca Mason. “Every contribution helped a fellow member find stability in the face of adversity.”
Topping the night’s honors was the First Place Residential Sales Deal of the Year Award, awarded to Paul Devlin of Brown Harris Stevens. Devlin was recognized for his unwavering commitment to a retired nurse seeking to downsize after 45 years in her Kips Bay co-op. Despite a challenging market and restrictive co-op board policies, Devlin worked for over a year to secure a deal that enabled his client to move into a more affordable studio with reduced housing costs.
Brown Harris Stevens also claimed the Second Place Residential Sales Deal of the Year Award, with Maryann Johnson, Anthony-Michael Alexander, and Sarah Buff recognized for a highly sensitive and complex transaction that began in the aftermath of a colleague’s sudden passing. The team navigated deep emotional trauma, legal hurdles, and seven years of procedural delays to bring the sale to completion.
The Third Place Residential Sales Deal of the Year went to Jeffrey St. Arromand of Serhant and Marlene Burns of Compass. Their sale of a Stuyvesant Place brownstone to a celebrity buyer involved extended negotiations, legal coordination across state lines, and a creative marketing strategy that included a wedding-themed broker open house. The transaction was also featured in the Netflix series Owning Manhattan, adding another layer of complexity to the high-profile deal.
In the rental category, Jessica Cloonan of Corcoran received the Residential Rental Deal of the Year Award for her quick thinking and bravery during a routine apartment showing that led to the discovery of a tenant impersonator. Her actions, in coordination with the NYPD, prevented a potential crime and safeguarded both landlord and property.
The evening also featured individual honors for leadership, service, and emerging talent in the industry. Douglas Williford of Brown Harris Stevens received The Henry Forster Memorial Award for his contributions to the brokerage community and his commitment to mentorship and integrity. Sarah Saltzberg of Bohemia Realty Group was honored with The Eileen Spinola Award for Distinguished Service, recognizing her advocacy for fair housing and industry ethics.
Brian Phillips of Douglas Elliman was named Residential Agent of the Year, a nod to his two decades of service and mentorship within the industry. Josue Gonzalez of Coldwell Banker Warburg received the Residential Rookie of the Year Award, celebrating his rapid ascent in the field and early-career achievements, including closing thirteen rental deals and transitioning into sales within months of starting.
Special recognition was also given to Neil B. Garfinkel, Managing Partner at AGMB, for his three decades of legal support and counsel to REBNY and its members. Garfinkel’s work includes hosting the REBNY Legal Line and authoring weekly columns that guide agents through the legal complexities of real estate.
With a mix of heartfelt tributes and industry accolades, the 2025 REBNY Deal of the Year Celebration reinforced the essential role of New York City’s residential brokers—not just as dealmakers, but as compassionate professionals and community advocates.
