How long have you been in the business?
Two Years
What made you decide to get into real estate?
My interest in the real estate industry started when I would always find the best quality bargain deals for myself and others. This was around the same time I had an injury and could not play actively on the varsity basketball team. This was awesome timing; I had more free time, besides college work, and I decided to get my license and focus on real estate part time. I instantly developed a real passion for the dynamics of the industry.
Who inspires you?
Everyone inspires me; I could go down a list. But in all honestly, I keep an open mind.
What pushes you to the next level?
Reality itself. My father passed away suddenly three years ago, and his passing changed me forever. I have always been ambitious, but death, especially when it’s someone close reminds me that tomorrow is not promised. So I put my best effort out on a daily basis to be better than I was before.
What is the hottest deal you have made to date?
I focus mostly on residential sales and rentals, but my hottest deal today was a commercial space approximately 2600 square feet with a five-year lease option to extend in Fort Greene, Brooklyn next to the Atlantic Yards development site. It would be my highest gross commission to date and most exciting deal from beginning to end. It is now a beautiful Italian restaurant.
What is your secret weapon for sealing a deal?
It’s a secret; I can’t tell you! I prefer to work with facts by performing my due diligence thoroughly. It allows my clients to feel comfortable and confident with a deal.
What is the hottest area for deal right now?
Hottest area for deals in sales is in Battery Park - the River house, a totally green building. My sales listing there is a great deal, under priced with 54 feet of stunning unobstructed Hudson River.
For rentals, the Upper West Side. The duplex that are apartments available are gorgeous and spacious. Management companies are now offering owner pay commission and net effective rent in prime UWS.
What is the best season for deals?
Every season is good for deals, especially when using an AC Lawrence Realtor. Our goal is to get the customer as close as possible to his or her wants and needs. Having managers with 35 years of experience collectively, knowing the inventory, and having great relationships with sellers and landlords, we’re able to find a great deal all year around.
If you had to live/work in any other city than New York, what would it be?
Los Angeles, California at this time. I am very familiar with the neighborhoods there, and I love the weather.
What is the best piece of advice you would give to someone starting in the business?
Find a moment and try not to reinvent the wheel too much. This business is not an exact science, but you can learn a lot from other people’s mistakes and successes in the industry. Keep in mind the historical trends; it will allow you to project future trends.
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