Joan Brothers, president of Manhattan Boutique Real Estate speaks on how her company goes above and beyond to serve their clients. Joan’s experience includes brokering commercial office space, retail leasing, building sales, real estate consultation and raising capital both in equity and debt from institutional investors such as Goldman Sachs, Citibank and Oppenheimer for developments.
Q:Â Joan, can you give me a brief history prior to your career in real estate? What lead you into the industry?
 A: I  received my  BA from Boston College, and an MBA from UHBS- Paris, France and University of Hartford, Hartford, CT. Out of business school, I traded steel for the trading giant Mitsui. My Understanding in the international nature of business lead me to a real estate career.
I founded MBRE as a boutique firm by choice with a tagline “We keep our roster small so we can give our clients the attention they deserve.”
I love the process from the first hello to the art of negotiation to handing keys over for each apartment. There is nothing more exciting than connecting fascinating people to spectacular homes and investments in our great city!
The combination of my ability to do financial analysis and negotiation, plus my international flair and intercultural understanding, made me a key mentor and ally for any client who wants to navigate the complex NYC real estate market.
Q: How is selling luxury properties different than selling in the common market?
A:Â Â The NYC real estate market is unique. The luxury real estate market is a multi-billion dollar business. Our clients rely on us to address fundamental needs as well as more complicated needs such as how to maximize the value of their NYC real estate.
Q: What trends have you seen in the New York real estate market, particularly since the market crash? What’s happening right now?
A: Current and Trend, people want “value”
Q: Can you give me an example of how your experience had guided a client to a better fit in a property than what they were originally after?
A: Years of experience picking apartments from floorplans, noting views, corners, special features, always add value to a client’s investment.
Q: What has been a key element of your success?
A:Â We understand the needs of our global and local clients and are ready to guide buyers, sellers, landlords and renters through this market. Our key elements to success are the following.
- Local Expertise and Networks with Global Knowledge
Utilizing our global knowledge and real estate expertise, we personalize our service to each of our client’s specific needs. We have represented individuals and corporations from all over the U.S. and over 50 different countries. Our team has 75 years of experience and has completed over $500 million in real estate transactions.
- We Go Beyond the Deal
Our clients rely on us to address fundamental needs as well as more complicated needs such as how to maximize the value of their NYC real estate. Our value-added network includes connecting you, our client, to expert accountants, attorneys, bankers, contractors, architects, school consultants, and more.
- We Lead to Success
With an eye on global news and local trends combined with market expertise, we educate our clients on what makes NYC neighborhoods and properties special.
- We Value Long Term Relationships
We take great pride in guiding our clients through a smooth “process” to realize their real estate vision. We continue our relationships long after the deal is done.
Q: What is the most common problem you see your clients have in selecting a property?
A: Waiting for the “ideal” property to come up. I have clients still waiting and they never pull the trigger.
Q: What are the top three questions your clients ask while showing a property?
A.:
1) What is this location like?
2) What is this building like?
3) What is my opinion?
 Q: If you were giving advice to a friend outside of the New York area who was in the market for a property, what would you suggest they look for in an agent?
A: Buyers and renters may need to open themselves up to different neighborhoods so they can find something in their budgets and look for an agent/broker that has the following criteria:
- Help with the disclosures and paperwork necessary in today’s heavily regulated environment.
- Well educated and experienced with the entire sales process.
- Act as a “buffer” in negotiations with all parties throughout the entire transaction.
- Help understand today’s real estate values when setting the price on a listing or on an offer to purchase.
- Simply and effectively explain today’s real estate headlines and decipher what they mean to you.
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About Manhattan Boutique Real Estate and Joan Brothers:
For 20 years, Joan has helped both American and International clients have their New York City real estate assets work for them. Excelling in luxury condominium rentals and sales, corporate relocations, as well as development and preconstruction sales, Joan and her clients have enjoyed access to every major new construction property built in NYC.
