Top-producing Manhattan agent joins Elegran

Aimee Fink recorded over $25 million in sales volume in 2021 Top-producing Manhattan-based agent Aimee Fink has left Douglas Elliman for Elegran Real Estate, according to an announcement on Thursday. Fink, who had been with Douglas Elliman for nine years, has 30 years of combined experience in both the luxury real estate market, and as one of the fashion industry’s leading salespersons, having represented high-end designers like Prada, Fendi and Gucci. In addition, she has also working with high-end retailers like Saks and Neiman Marcus as both buyer and seller of luxury goods. “Aimee combines her eye for all things luxury with her expertise in closing deals, both of which afford her clients a decisive leg up when looking to buy or sell property in New York City,”  Michael Rossi, the founder of Elegran, said in a statement. During her time at Douglas Elliman, Fink was consistently ranked in as a top 25 agent, according to the press release. In 2021, Fink closed 27 transaction sides, recording $25.69 million in sales volume, good enough for a top 500 ranking in sales volume in the 2022 RealTrends America’s Best Volume agent rankings. “I am excited to join Elegran; their unparalleled global reach thanks to their exclusive partnership with Forbes Global Properties and their tech driven approach will certainly benefit my business,” Fink says. “I felt an instant connection with the company’s leadership team and was immediately impressed by the remarkable resources and support provided by the firm. I look forward to continuing to serve my current and future clients backed by the reputation and power of the Elegran brand.” In addition to her careers in fashion and real estate, Fink has also bought, grew, and sold her own home care business, as well as a not-for-profit helping seniors with medical care, called Medical Angels. Fink also donates a portion of her commission from each transaction to the charity of her client’s choice. RealTrends  

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Keep Calm And Carry On: How Leading Real Estate Experts Are Easing Client Worries In Uncertain Times

There are many factors that separate real estate from other forms of investing but, perhaps the most important is that, unlike stocks or bonds, there is a direct emotional component. When a buyer purchases a property that they are going to live in or an owner sells, the sale is not just a financial investment but an emotional one as well. After all, this is—or is going to be—their home.   This mixing of money and sentiment can often be a recipe for unease. Ask any experienced real estate agent and they may share with you numerous stories of volatility, tears and clients calling at 3 a.m. with concerns. The best of the best, however, understand that curbing client worries is all part of the job, with some even arguing that it is the most important part of being a successful broker.   Read on to find out how top agents across the country are keeping their clients’ confidence in today’s market. Fighting Misinformation With market news and data more readily available than ever, any extreme examples and misinformation that can cast doubt can be cast across the client-agent relationship. Advising clients on the nuance and specificity of the real estate world can help drown out the noise, says Barak Sky, managing partner of the Sky Group of Long & Foster. “Most of the information they’re seeing doesn’t pertain to their subdivision—it’s usually national or regional. Real estate is hyperlocal. So, you just have to remain confident in your role as a leader to them and remind them that this is your career, it’s what you do all day long.” Fellow Long & Foster agent Anna Mackler says that historical recessions and housing market crashes loom large in the minds of many buyers and sellers, who become “risk averse because of everything that they read.” continued that information found online or on television can also be misconstrued or misappropriated, and that comparative data can paint an incorrect picture of the current market. “Our market now is steady and still moving. What happened in the last few years was an outlier and not sustainable. So, let them know that you understand today’s market and provide them with an amazing experience they can’t get anywhere else.” Establishing Experiential Authority The internet is also full of many self-proclaimed experts whose opinions may contradict an agent's. Eric Moreland of Austin, Texas-based brokerage Moreland, says that he maintains authority on real estate matters by reiterating to clients that wisdom is most often attained with experience. “I tell them that I don’t have to be the smartest one in the room but that I’ve seen every sale in your neighborhood for the last decade and that our market knowledge is a historical one. That’s why you are hiring us—for our market knowledge.” Mackler echoed this point, stating, “Remind clients that we work with buyers and it allows us to be better listing agents, and vice versa. We know both sides of it, and also that we work with agents in the area, so we know what’s going on more than anyone else.” Honesty Is the Best Policy The relationship between client and agent is at the end of the day one of business and this can cause some clients to question their agent’s motivations. Mick DiStasio of Elegran says the easiest and simplest way to combat this uncertainty is to always put the client’s best interests first. “You want the client to be comfortable and that really comes down to honesty—giving them all of the possibilities, all the different options.” The New York City broker added that even if certain advice would delay the sale, a prudent and successful broker puts a premium on building long-lasting relationships. “Tell a seller that the market isn’t hot right now or that they’d be off renting for a little while because that council doesn’t go unnoticed and it’s appreciated.” Read Between the Lines Rick Higgins, chairman and founder of the Higgins Groups Private Brokerage out of Fairfield County, Connecticut, says that one of the key tenets taught in the classes his team takes on how to deal with anxious or upset clients is understanding root causes. “When you’re buying or selling a house, it’s very emotional. You have to know that people are selling or buying for a variety of reasons—they’re empty nesters, they’ve lost their job or they’re buying their first house. So, just understand why they’re buying or selling and don’t just treat it like a number.” Higgins continued, “Let them beat it to death because they deserve to. Listen and don’t argue. Let them talk and take whatever time it takes.” Forbes  

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Touch The Sky: Manhattan Penthouse Features Private Rooftop Terrace, Access To Outdoor Kitchen

Elegran | Forbes Global Properties Expansive views and al fresco dining come with this penthouse residence in Manhattan's hip Chelsea neighborhood. A penthouse in Manhattan's Chelsea neighborhood comes with a large private terrace that takes in unobstructed western views of the city skyline and sunsets, providing a calm resting place in the bustle of the city. It also has access to a shared outdoor kitchen for easy al fresco dining. Elegran | Forbes Global Properties The three-bedroom, 3.5-bathroom residence is on the 12th floor of a full-service, luxury condominium built in 2008. A set of glass-enclosed stairs from the main living area lead to the 823-square-foot private terrace. The landscaped space is surrounded by built-in lighting. Elegran | Forbes Global Properties The penthouse’s private terrace has direct access to the building's common rooftop space, which is outfitted with two grills, a wet bar and outdoor shower. Elegran | Forbes Global Properties "You just walk through a gate and the grills are there, and you can come back to your own space and dine outdoors," said John Dugan of Elegran, who is co-listing the penthouse with Mick DiStasio. Elegran | Forbes Global Properties There are a few other penthouse units, but this apartment, Penthouse B, is "the crown jewel of the building," Dugan said. Elegran | Forbes Global Properties The 2,324-square-foot interior has 9 1/2-foot ceilings and dark wood floors and is bathed in light from wraparound windows that take in views of the city. The living room has a working fireplace and a built-in entertainment center with glossy white modern cabinetry. Elegran | Forbes Global Properties The open kitchen features a black lava stone island with a breakfast bar, exotic hardwood cabinets and new Sub-Zero and Bosch appliances with custom covers. There is an in-unit washer and dryer. Elegran | Forbes Global Properties The primary bedroom can accommodate a king-sized bed and has a walk-in closet outfitted with custom shelving. A large ensuite bathroom has a long double vanity and glass-enclosed shower. The two other bedrooms have ensuite bathrooms and spacious closets. All the bedrooms face north and have views of the Empire State Building. Elegran | Forbes Global Properties The 99-unit building has an outdoor pool surrounded by lounge chairs and bistro tables. Additional amenities include a 24-hour doorman, concierge services, an onsite gym that overlooks the pool area and attached parking garage. Elegran | Forbes Global Properties The building sits at 133 West 22nd Street at the center of the bustling Chelsea, Flatiron and NoMad neighborhoods, a mixture of quiet tree-lined streets and a main east-west thoroughfare. There are numerous restaurants, boutiques and galleries nearby, and there’s easy access to four subway lines and several bus routes. It's close to both Madison Square Park, which is a few short blocks away, and Union Square, along with markets including Eataly, Whole Foods and Trader Joe's. Elegran | Forbes Global Properties The penthouse is listed for $5.5 million. Forbes  

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