Who’s Selling What in the Big Apple?

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A cautiously positive outlook was prevalent among New York City’s leading real estate brokers, as they tackled issues like low supply and elevated interest rates earlier this year. However, the stock market turbulence and economic downturn concerns that arose in April following President Trump’s broad tariffs have caused some apprehension. Despite financial uncertainties such as political instability, job losses, and global tensions, Steven Cohen of Douglas Elliman noted before the market turmoil that New York’s real estate market demonstrates robust resilience. He described it as operating independently, maintaining its allure for discerning buyers and investors, and presenting a good number of opportunities in the current market scenario.

After hearing Cohen’s warnings about market volatility and potential slowdown in the luxury real estate sector, I must admit I was a bit concerned. However, my optimism as a New York City gamer remains undeterred. The city’s resilience is legendary, and I truly believe it will continue to prosper in the long run, regardless of broader economic ups and downs. As Eleonora Srugo from Douglas Elliman put it, “The NYC market is unique because it’s always adapting.” Manhattan, being an island, has a limited supply of real estate, making it an ecosystem teeming with opportunities for those in the property market.

The brokers on THR’s list of top real estate agents in NYC and the Hamptons employ creative strategies for marketing and pricing, and they are more than capable of tackling any challenge that comes their way. It’s worth noting that all interviews were conducted prior to the market disruption caused by tariffs. Despite this turmoil, influential clients from sectors such as entertainment, finance, business, and art remain a driving force in the luxury real estate market. These brokers are committed to catering to the unique preferences and requirements of these elite clientele.

Noble Black

DOUGLAS ELLIMAN

In 2024, Noble Black & Partners, a renowned realty firm with Mississippi roots, reported a staggering $417 million in sales. This successful company manages an illustrious clientele that includes Bethenny Frankel, Chrissy Teigen, John Legend, and the estate of Joan Didion. At present, they hold the contract for 1120 Fifth Ave., a property previously owned by Paul Newman and Joanne Woodward. “We had our best year yet in 2024,” Black notes. “I am captivated by the diverse real estate landscape of New York City.

Serena Boardman

SOTHEBY’S INTERNATIONAL REALTY

Known for consistently leading as the highest-producing broker at Sotheby’s International Realty, the enigmatic New Yorker Boardman has closed deals worth more than $5 billion throughout her distinguished career. In 2024 alone, she achieved a sales volume of $403 million. With an extensive understanding of NYC architecture and design, gained from her previous role at Sotheby’s Auction House, and her expertise in off-market transactions, she continues to provide traditional, high-quality service in a rapidly evolving industry.

John Burger

BROWN HARRIS STEVENS

Ranked as the top agent at Brown Harris Stevens’ prominent Park Avenue branch in New York City, local resident Burger has worked with an array of clients that includes Jeff Bezos and Bette Midler. With over three decades of experience in Manhattan real estate, he has also represented Rupert Murdoch, Conan O’Brien, and Tom Hanks in numerous deals. Proficient in both Spanish and German, Burger frequently handles international clients through the firm’s global marketing partnership with Leading Real Estate Companies of the World, a network consisting of 610 firms across 70 different countries.

Jessica Chestler and Ben Jacobs/ The Chestler Jacobs Team

DOUGLAS ELLIMAN

In 2024, Chestler and Jacobs aim to join forces for sales worth $215 million. They are renowned for their premium service and tailored approach, catering to an exclusive clientele that comprises Academy Award-winning actors, tech entrepreneurs, CEOs of Fortune 500 companies, athletes, and more. As they shared with THR, there’s a clear trend emerging – buyers are becoming increasingly selective, necessitating strategic moves from sellers. They emphasized that accurate pricing from the get-go is now more crucial than ever.

Carrie Chiang

THE CORCORAN GROUP

International buyers consistently recognize New York City as a top spot for property investments,” notes long-time real estate broker Chiang, who’s been in the game since 1988 and has represented stars like Jim Carrey and Barbra Streisand. “I take pride in having sold a variety of high-end condominiums on Billionaire’s Row and unique townhouses.” Recently, Chiang closed a deal for one of Stanford White’s last remaining Gilded Age townhomes to an unnamed buyer, with a price tag of $49.9 million in January.

Steven Cohen

DOUGLAS ELLIMAN

In 2024, Cohen, who represents high-profile clients such as the Winklevoss twins, Kim Cattrall, and David Rothschild, made a staggering $152 million in sales. Furthermore, he manages iconic historical and architectural landmarks like The Brentmore, The Beresford, and The Belnord, which was famously depicted in the exterior scenes of Hulu’s hit series, “Only Murders in the Building.” A video he created about New York City townhouse stoops attracted over 1.4 million views on YouTube.

Tim Davis

THE CORCORAN GROUP

As a dedicated fan, I can’t help but marvel at the legendary status of Davis, a native of the Hamptons. With an impressive career sales volume exceeding $5 billion over 45 years, this remarkable individual has truly left his mark on our region.

In the year 2024 alone, Davis clinched a jaw-dropping $178 million in sales! He was even entrusted with the co-listing for Louise Blouin’s former estate in Southampton – a sale that set a new record for the East End at an astounding $89 million.

But Davis didn’t slow down in 2025; he kicked off the year with a bang, selling 1320 Meadow Lane for a staggering $49.5 million! Simply amazing!

Fredrik Eklund and John Gomes

DOUGLAS ELLIMAN

For two decades, “Million Dollar Listing” star Eklund and his partner Gomes have been dominating the NYC real estate scene, catering to high-profile clients such as Doja Cat, Benny Blanco, Joe Jonas, Jennifer Lopez, and Sarah Jessica Parker. In 2024, their team achieved a monumental $4 billion in sales, setting new records for Manhattan’s priciest condo and the most expensive downtown property. Despite market ups and downs, Gomes and Eklund find it all worthwhile. “The best part of working in real estate,” Gomes expresses, “is helping people realize their American dream.

Stephen Ferrara and Clayton Orrigo

COMPASS

In 2024, The Hudson Advisory Team, comprising Ferrara and Orrigo, achieved sales worth $1.2 billion, earning them the top spot among all teams at Compass nationwide. Furthermore, it’s worth noting that an impressive 38% of West Village townhouse transactions in the past year were managed by The Hudson Advisory. According to Ferrara, there has been a steady flow of high-end market trades and unprecedented pricing for key assets. Interestingly, he also pointed out that the entry-level market is showing signs of revival, which was relatively dormant in 2024.

Nikki Field

SOTHEBY’S INTERNATIONAL REALTY

As founder of The Field Team, Field has played a crucial role in attracting international property buyers to New York City. Field explains, “New York City’s real estate market, particularly Manhattan, offers an excellent opportunity for our clients to expand their global investment portfolios.” In 2024 alone, Field achieved $150 million in sales. For those who appreciate fine real estate as much as they do fine art, the process is just as exciting as the outcome. Each day here brings something new and different.

Cathy Franklin

THE CORCORAN GROUP

For a seasoned real estate broker like Franklin, who has been in the industry for 30 years, it’s the relationships she nurtures that make her job so rewarding. She expresses this by saying, “I strive to treat everyone as if they were part of my family.” Last year alone, she achieved sales totaling $215 million, and one of her listings was a full-floor residence valued at $25 million owned by William P. Lauder, located at 775 Park Ave. Franklin notes that today’s buyers value properties that are ready to move into (turnkey) and those that offer a uniquely New York experience. She adds that properties near Central Park, with iconic landmark views and classic architecture, will always hold an enduring appeal.

Carl Gambino

COMPASS

A prominent figure with a presence on both coasts – active in Los Angeles, New York City, and Miami – Gambino boasted sales exceeding $400 million in the year 2024. Known for his expertise in catering to high-net-worth individuals and celebrities, he has lately worked with Louis C.K., Joe Jonas, members of the Bronfman family, and the Qatari royal family. At present, Gambino manages the listing of Joan Rivers’ renowned New York penthouse, priced at $26 million. Despite his international career, New York remains the city closest to Gambino’s heart: “My family has been here for over a century, and I feel a strong bond with New York.

Rachel Glazer

COMPASS

17 years ago, I embarked on a journey as a luxury real estate broker, representing high-profile clients like Kendrick Lamar. In 2024, I raked in an impressive $119 million in sales. Now, I’m noticing a trend: New Yorkers who left during the pandemic are trickling back, humbly in tow.

“New York City isn’t what it used to be for some of those who moved or were considering a move to sunny Florida,” I mused. “Its distinct culture, thriving industries, and top-notch education system are sorely missed.” (Apologies to the Floridians out there!)

Steve Gold

THE CORCORAN GROUP

2024 saw Selling the City‘s leading actor, Gold, accomplish a staggering sales volume of $850 million. Approximately half of these transactions surpassed the $10 million mark. The glitzy world of high-end real estate is increasingly focusing on downtown Manhattan, with numerous projects underway below 34th Street. As stated by Gold, popular areas such as Chelsea, the West Village, Tribeca, SoHo, and the Financial District are becoming magnets for today’s affluent individuals. Despite facing market hurdles, Gold is convinced that buyers have grown accustomed to the unique characteristics of New York City real estate, including low inventory levels and rising interest rates, viewing these conditions as the current norm.

Michelle Griffith

DOUGLAS ELLIMAN

In 2024, Griffith, an individual broker operating in the bustling NYC real estate scene, covering both Manhattan and Brooklyn, achieved remarkable success, concluding sales totaling over a quarter-billion dollars ($276.6 million). With a knack for strategic marketing and a fervor for brand partnerships, Griffith takes her listings to new heights by incorporating well-known figures such as supermodel Helena Christensen and music sensation J Balvin into promotional efforts for the properties she manages.

Deborah Grubman

THE CORCORAN GROUP

In 2024, a seasoned broker with 30 years of experience showcased a whopping $154.9 million in sales volume. Ever since the start of 2025, Grubman has noticed an uptick in transactions, such as her recent sale of Scott Rudin’s residence at 22 Bank St. for a staggering $19.75 million. Known for catering to high-profile clientele, Grubman has represented stars like Hugh Jackman, Rupert Murdoch, David Geffen, Harrison Ford, and Tommy Hilfiger. Looking ahead, she maintains an optimistic outlook on the future of the market: “I am consistently excited about New York City real estate because it’s simply the greatest place in the world to call home.

Frances Katzen

DOUGLAS ELLIMAN

Katzen from The Katzen Team asserts that the real estate market in New York City is robustly resilient and quickly picking up speed, offering exceptional chances for purchasers,” states renowned broker Katzen. A previous professional ballerina, she now handles sales worth approximately half a billion dollars each year. Her clientele features notable figures such as Naomi Watts, Trinny Woodall, Michael Strahan, Dave Grohl, and B.J. Novak. She has successfully sold some of NYC’s most sought-after new development projects like The Charles, 35XV, Chelsea Modern, 34 Greene St., 60 White St., and 64 East 1st St.

Preston Kaye and Gary Cooper

HEDGEROW EXCLUSIVE PROPERTIES

Kaye and Cooper, real estate brokers from Ace Hamptons who made $200 million in sales in 2024, are renowned for their off-market deals. Currently, they are handling the sale of 67 Surfside Drive in Bridgehampton, a property listed at $32 million that was once Gordon Gekko’s beach house in Wall Street. In a statement to THR, they mentioned that there was a significant decrease in oceanfront transactions in the Hamptons in 2024, mainly due to a scarcity of premium inventory. However, they expect new, high-end properties to enter the market soon, leading to increased activity, especially in the ultra-luxury segment.

Deborah Kern

THE CORCORAN GROUP

Kern, renowned as New York’s undisputed matriarch in real estate, known for her love of art, architecture, and historical aesthetics, has been a trusted advisor to NYC’s aristocracy and cultural high society, including Annie Leibovitz. In 2024, she concluded the sale of over $1.19 billion worth of properties. To start off 2025, she made headlines by brokering the March sale of Byron Allen’s lavish Central Park South residence for a staggering $82.5 million.

Kayla Lee

SERHANT

According to Lee, who recently made over $289 million in sales, there are indications that property values are increasing, particularly in Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Queens. In these areas outside of Manhattan, there’s been a robust demand for new development projects, especially luxury condos with modern amenities. Lee has been instrumental in the success of notable developments such as The Huron by Morris Adjmi on the Greenpoint waterfront. This year alone, she successfully sold and closed over 120 units at The Huron, breaking a record in Greenpoint with the sale of the penthouse for nearly $6 million.

Lisa Lippman

BROWN HARRIS STEVENS

Real estate powerhouse Lippman expresses her enthusiasm for the dynamic nature of her job, stating, ‘My work never stays the same; I’m constantly trying new things, encountering fresh faces, checking out various properties across the city, and moving around.’ With a staggering $274 million in sales in 2024 and a promising start to 2025, Lippman sees New York City recovering from its post-COVID slowdown. ‘The restaurants are bustling once more, and there’s a palpable energy in the air as people rediscover their love for this city,’ she remarks. However, she voices her concern about potential effects of certain federal government adjustments on city life.

Michael Lorber and Alexander Boriskin

DOUGLAS ELLIMAN

Since 2019, Lorber and Boriskin have been working together effectively, and in the year 2024, they achieved an impressive $285 million in sales. They both remark that New York real estate is always fascinating, as it’s filled with properties brimming with tales yet to be unearthed. For instance, a townhouse untouched for a century, a loft that once housed an artist’s studio, or an apartment steeped in secrets known only by a few – every listing presents something fresh and unexpected. Even when it seems like they’ve encountered everything, New York City continues to astonish them.

Adam Modlin

THE MODLIN GROUP

As a prominent figure and staple in the New York City real estate market, Modlin is experiencing a streak of success. In 2024, he handled the sale of four Tribeca condos worth $60 million for natural gas billionaire Michael Smith. Additionally, he represented “Real Housewives of New York” star Sonja Morgan in the long-awaited sale of her Upper East Side townhouse for $4.5 million. One might say Modlin possesses a certain Midas touch in real estate deals.

Lauren Muss

DOUGLAS ELLIMAN

Muss has a reputation for working with a diverse range of individuals, from CEOs to entertainers and developers. Despite numerous confidentiality agreements, her clients this year include musician Harper Simon, interior designer and philanthropist Mica Ertegun, PR expert Alison Brod, among others. Although she expresses concerns over escalating costs and dwindling supply, she is prepared to rise to the occasion, eager to brainstorm solutions and tackle challenges. “Buyers are becoming increasingly discerning,” she notes. “Deals above $5 million have remained consistent. Deals exceeding $10 million have been abundant. The market is picking up again.

Holly Parker

COMPASS

In 2024, Parker from The Holly Parker Team maintained her status as a real estate powerhouse in NYC with $400 million in sales, bringing her total career earnings to over $13 billion. In the first quarter of 2025 alone, she has made $105 million in sales. “What I’m most looking forward to in 2025 is seeing New York City regain its vitality and reclaim its status as the vibrant, iconic city we all love,” she shared. “I can hardly wait to observe how this rebirth unfolds.

Zeve Salman and Eric Brown

COMPASS

In 2024, Salman and Brown, rulers of off-the-radar transactions at Elevated Real Estate, reported a staggering $350 million in total sales. Out of this impressive figure, a significant $200 million was for properties that weren’t publicly listed. Among their notable deals were the historic sale of a downtown penthouse for an eye-popping $60 million and the acquisition of Peloton’s founder John Foley’s West Village townhouse for $35.5 million.

As a gamer, I’d put it like this: “New York City is an incredible equalizer. Owning a slice of this globally admired metropolis is like owning a rare, top-tier gaming character – it sets you apart and gives you bragging rights.

Ryan Serhant

SERHANT

2024 was an exceptional year for me, a trailblazer in the real estate industry, known for shaking things up on social media and leading the charge at my brokerage firm, which boasts over 1,000 agents across nine states. I closed deals worth a staggering $878 million on prime properties that year. Embracing technology, including AI, to optimize efficiency and exposure has been a significant factor in my success. As I’ve come to understand from the 94 billionaires in my contacts, their most valuable asset isn’t their real estate or wealth; it’s their precious time.

Ian Slater and Michael Koeneke

COMPASS

Approaching their second year together at Trove Partners, Slater and Koeneke are flourishing, boasting a remarkable $267 million in sales volume in 2024. Notable victories include the record-breaking sale of a waterfront house in the Hamptons, located at 700 Meadow Lane, for $112.5 million, as well as the sale of the penthouse at Hudson Yards for $29.5 million. Their clientele includes celebrities such as Connie Britton, Jonathan Van Ness, and Bob Harper. The dynamic duo shared with THR that the New York City real estate market is shifting in favor of sellers due to inventory scarcity and high demand for properties requiring minimal renovation.

Eleonora Srugo

DOUGLAS ELLIMAN

For actress Srugo, who played in “Selling the City”, real estate embodies the essence of the American dream. She expresses, “Our profession is a manifestation of capitalism in its truest and most creative form. It provides a foundation for social mobility and enables you to begin with nothing and grow infinitely.” In 2024, her $125 million worth of transactions featured an impressive sale of Jennifer Lopez’s penthouse on East 26th Street for $23 million. “New York City stands as the financial epicenter of the United States — the stakes here are significantly greater.

Jim St. André

COMPASS

St. André, who boasts prestigious clients such as Julianne Moore, Ellen Barkin, Jennifer Lawrence, and Julian Schnabel, understands that entertainment and real estate often complement each other. This year, he has fostered new connections within New York’s arts and culture community by organizing a sequence of exclusive gatherings and chamber music concerts in his remarkable properties scattered throughout the city.

He remarks that the vibrant atmosphere of the 1920s seems to be alive today. People worldwide are eagerly seeking the unique Manhattan experience, making it an exceptional time to be in New York City.

Joshua Wesoky

COMPASS

Wesoky is widely known as the preferred art broker in New York City’s social circle. In 2024 alone, he made over $187 million in sales and has already accumulated more than $80 million this year. He has worked with notable figures such as David Chase, Julia Roberts, Marina Abramović, Bryan Cranston, and Jeremy Strong. Last year, he secretly sold the Max Hoffman House, a historic property designed by Frank Lloyd Wright in Rye, New York, to Marc Jacobs for $9.18 million on behalf of the Tisch family. As someone with a background in investment finance, he values his clients’ appreciation for the analytical and negotiating skills he brings to what is often one of their most significant investments.

Peter Zaitzeff

SERHANT

In the previous 12 months, Zaitzeff boosted his career sales tally of $4.5 billion with an additional $295.7 million. Nicknamed the “King of the West Village,” he represents high-profile clients such as Jon Bon Jovi, Ben Stiller, Martha Stewart, and David Yurman. His extensive network and strategic methods have resulted in a series of record-breaking deals, one being the sale of 150 Charles St. #9A for an astounding $60 million in 2024 – the highest price ever recorded below 34th Street. He expresses optimism about this year, stating it could turn out to be our most prosperous yet.

In the April 16 edition of The Hollywood Reporter magazine, this tale was published. To receive future issues, consider subscribing by clicking here.

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2025-04-17 20:26