Category Archives: FAQs

You are more than welcome to call or email me with questions. I would be happy to answer them and hope that we can work together in the future. There are many nuances related specifically to New York City Apartments, that do not exist in the rest of the country, so when you are ready to buy or sell, it is important to have a knowledgeable broker, with experience in the market of your choice.

I have several excellent real estate attorney’s that I work with and recommend. I think it is important to interview and speak to at least 2 as you will be dealing with them during the contract and closing process.As for contractors, I would say the same thing. Interview at least 2 and make sure you are on the same page as to your expectations for the renovation process and timeline.

I started at Halstead Property in July 1999. I have been extremely fortunate to meet and work with hundreds of clients (sellers) and customers (buyers). I am proof that if you “love what you do, anything is possible.” I live on the Upper West Side of Manhattan, and although I started as a specialist in Upper West Side Apartments, I work all over the city.

Sure, as an investor myself, I am very familiar with this process. I also like the challenge of finding “good” deals for my investors and then finding them good tenants. Over the years, I have worked with many clients who are simply looking for investment property in Manhattan.

As a broker, it is important to not only take a perspective buyer to the “right” apartment, but the “right” building. After years of experience, you learn and understand which buildings allow pied-a-terre’s, parents buying with or for children, which are pet friendly and some are more difficult with a buyers financial’s, etc. This is an important aspect of working with a buyer as the cooperative board package and the presentation to the Board is the most important. I personally handle putting together each and every one of my packages.

I love helping buyers who are relocating from around the world or around the United States as I know New York City so well and each neighborhood offers such a different lifestyle. One of the many things I like most about this career, has been the amazing people I have met from “everywhere” who I have had the pleasure of working with, getting to know and sometimes becoming friends with through this process!

Absolutely – I have probably sold more studios than anyone in my office. I enjoy working with studio buyers as its usually a buyers 1st purchase. We then go on to work with one another multiple times as they then sell their studio and purchase 1 and 2 bedrooms…

“When you hire me, you get me” – As I say in my video bio. I do not have an assistant. This is very important to me. I personally take my buyers out to see apartments. I show all my exclusives as well. Sometimes when you hire a “team,” you never see the Team leader again. This is not what I want my business to represent. I am always available to speak to my buyers or sellers – at any time.

The answer would be No. You would be doing yourself a disservice. You only need one broker who is dedicated and excited to find your home. Otherwise, you will have multiple brokers calling you with the same listings as we all have access to the same listings. What is important is to find a broker who is enthusiastic, available and who gives you good advice. I have actually told buyers not to buy an apartment for various reasons. That is my job, to provide information, comparable sales and to negotiate on behalf of my customer. It is imperative to work with someone who has your best interest at heart.

“When you hire me, you get me” – As I say in my video bio. I do not have an assistant. This is very important to me. I personally take my buyers out to see apartments. I show all my exclusives as well. Sometimes when you hire a “team,” you never see the Team leader again. This is not what I want my business to represent. I am always available to speak to my buyers or sellers – at any time.

I am not any more expensive because I am a top agent. However, If an agent is willing to negotiate their commission quickly – seller beware. What kind of negotiator would they be for your apartment sale?

As a buyer, it does not cost anything to use me as the seller pays the commission. As a seller, commission is typically 6% of the sales price split between the brokers. If it is a high-end listing, the commission can be discussed. Halstead is not a “discount” firm. Our website in my opinion, is the Best, most user friendly, with the highest traffic of any. This causes us to be very successful for our customers.

I love working with both sellers and buyers. There are challenges to both and they are very different experiences. As a buyer, I do not cost you anything and when buyers are serious and know what they are looking for, I can find it! I guide buyers through the process from start to finish. From getting pre-approved for a mortgage to finding their home, to the contract and board process and then the closing… I love the look on a buyers face when I take them to “exactly what they want”. There is nothing I can say or do to have a buyer like something if they don’t. So, you won’t get that pushy, aggressive style with me. I have worked with buyers as little as a few weeks up to a year to find them what they are looking for. It is important that the buyer I work with is loyal to me as you only need 1 real estate broker. Companies share listings and I can show you any other companies listings. This is important to know as some buyers question what it means to be the exclusive broker. The exclusive broker works for the seller and the buyers agent works for the buyer.
The goal when selling someone’s home is to get them the most $. This is exciting to me and I love to negotiate. It is important to find a broker who represents you and your home well. I work all over the City in any neighborhood and sell everything from studios, to lofts to luxury homes and Penthouse’s. When you work with a top agent and top firm, your apartment gets incredible exposure through a variety of advertising venues. It is also important to remember that at least 70% of my deals are consummated with other brokers. We co-broke your listing to all firms, both small and large, and my goal is to get you the highest price – no matter how long it takes!

Finally, there are many nuances to New York City Apartments that do not exist in the rest of the country. When you are ready to proceed, having a broker with years of experience navigating through this market, is extremely important, and can save you time, avoid costly mistakes, make the process painless and enjoyable!!