There are more real estate agents in New York City than you can count, so how can you tell the difference between a good one and a great one?
Here are 10 qualities you’ll find in top NYC real estate agents.
A problem solver
Whether you’re selling or buying a house, problems will inevitably surface because there are so many moving parts and so many players — especially when closing. A good real estate agent has been there, done that, and will be able to anticipate problems before they happen.
Self-motivated
Solid real estate agents are self-motivated and have a lot of drive. If you want someone to be able to advocate for you, your home or family, you should be sure they can advocate for themselves first. One sure-fire sign of a self-motivated agent: they have a website and post content on LinkedIn.
Honesty and integrity
Your broker’s professional reputation is crucial. Do they have high ethical standards? Are they a member in good standing of the Real Estate Board of New York (REBNY)? If they are, they adhere to a strict Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice.
Hustle and tenacity
The best real estate agents have a great work ethic, but it’s not just about putting in a lot of time—it’s about working smart. This comes into play especially when they’re devising a pricing strategy for your home sale. You don’t want it to sit too long without an offer, so make sure they have a sound strategy.
Interest in architecture and design
If your real estate agent has an interest in architecture and design, that can give you an advantage. Are they fluent in design speak? When they’re showing you homes, what kind of insights do they offer? If you’re selling your home, do they have tips to help you maximize its potential?
Engaging personality
It’s been said many times: A good real estate agent doesn’t just sell properties—they sell themselves. How do they connect with you? Do you get the sense that they’d go the extra mile to accommodate you? Make sure it’s a “match” from the start — real estate can be a long process, it’s best to have someone on your side that you gel with.
Attention to detail
A good real estate agent is attentive to the unique needs of their individual clients. Are they organized? Do they follow up? Most importantly, do they pay attention to your needs?
Understand the local housing market
This one’s crucial: understanding the nuances of the New York City housing market is imperative when either putting in an offer or setting a price to sell. New York City is different from anywhere else in the country. Are they sending you local market reports and translating them for you? Also, it might be worth identifying a specialist if you’re looking for a specific type of property like a brownstone or townhouse.
A network
The best real estate agents have a wide network of contacts, including other real estate agents and brokers, potential buyers, and all the other players in the real estate industry, such as appraisers, home inspectors, and mortgage loan officers.
Knowledge is power
The best real estate agents stay current on the latest topics and technology. Do they have an online presence? Are they doing any continuing education and professional development? Are they involved with any organizations that can increase their level of knowledge and contacts? What are they doing to expand their business options and stay at the forefront of the real estate field?
Here are 5 real estate agents worth checking out:
Malcolm Louis Adams – Compass
136 North 10th Street
Brooklyn , NY 11249
(917) 972-6166
Malcolm is a savvy real estate buyer, seller, investor, consultant, broker, renovator, and property manager in the New York City area, with a focus on but not limited to the Brooklyn market.
As a former marketing and advertising professional for over 24 years at a reputable apparel and accessories manufacturing company in Manhattan’s Garment District, Malcolm’s keen eye for design, creative thinking and problem solving, and strong business acumen carried with him, assuring a seamless transition to the like-demands of real estate.
Gabriele Sewtz – Compass
(718) 360-7326
A seasoned real estate investor and landlord, having owned several properties in Park Slope and Prospect Heights, Gabriele and her husband currently own a four-story brownstone in Park Slope where they are raising their two children. She understands the market, neighborhoods, area schools, parks, restaurants and more. “I would never recommend my clients or customers to do anything that I would not do myself, whether it’s buying, selling or investing,” she says. “In Brooklyn, it’s happening before it’s happening,” says Gabriele who moved to Park Slope in 1999 with her husband after briefly living in Manhattan. “We were looking to form roots in a family-oriented community, and that’s what Brooklyn means to us. As a Brooklynite and a Broker, I know what buyers and sellers want.”
https://www.brownstoner.com/services/real-estate-agents-nyc/d563bc5bd39b5a/gabriele-sewtz-compass/
Charlie Pigott – Corcoran Group
125 7th Ave
Brooklyn, NY 11215
(917) 771-5346
Charlie is a lifelong Park Slope resident, and the fourth generation of a family who has been in the area since the late 1800s. A father of four, he is proud to pass on his love of Brooklyn to the fifth generation. Charlie brings passion, energy and sensitivity to serving the unique needs of his clients. As a longtime resident and successful owner, investor, buyer and seller, Charlie has a breadth of first-hand experience with an exceptional knowledge of the market. A strong negotiator, he keenly recognizes value and potential in a property. Drawing on his experience from all sides of a real estate transaction, he enjoys sharing with clients the knowledge he’s gained through success in real estate.
The Breese Team – Compass
136 N 10th Street
Brooklyn, NY 11249
(917) 727-6325
It is easy to envision living in the impeccably furnished, meticulously crafted home of your dreams. But what if the big picture is harder to see? It is in these circumstances that the Monica Breese Team thrives. They relish in the hidden gems, the tiny details, and the historical significance of properties that are oft-overlooked.
Their niche is in gut renovations and boutique developments – projects that combine their collective passions and unique skillsets. Obsessed with the melding of past & present, they use the historical features of a property to reflect the past and serve as an inspirational vision for the future. They apply this same care and attention to detail to all of our boutique development properties as well.
https://www.brownstoner.com/services/real-estate-agents-nyc/d63655ae6d5add/the-breese-team-compass/
Susan Molloy and The Molloy Team – Compass
2150 Broadway 2nd Floor
New York, NY 10023
(917) 592-4927
Susan Molloy and the Molloy Team take great pride in providing clients with exemplary service, making your real estate adventure enjoyable and as pressure free as possible. Their promise is transparency, honesty, and comfort in the knowledge that they’ve got your back through every step of the process. After all, happy clients make better real estate decisions.
If you’re considering other kinds of team members for a real estate transaction, check out interior designers, architects, and contractors.
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