The Market

5 things we learned from a room packed with brokers

By Virginia K. Smith  | September 18, 2014 - 11:59AM
image

Proving that they're as set on becoming a source for connections as they are for information (and handy, interactive maps), the real estate data tycoons at Property Shark threw a Manhattan bash Tuesday night packed with brokers, lenders, and just about everyone else in the business of helping New Yorkers find a place to live (with BrickUnderground as a media sponsor).  With that many real estate minds in the same room, there were bound to be a few teachable moments (even with drinks flowing). Five key things we learned along the way:

  • The Park Slope effect continues to ripple outward. "People tell me how much they've sold for, and I can't even tell if they're lying or not," says one stunned, wet-behind-the-ears Prospect Park-area broker.
  • Consider it an unfortunate confirmation of long-held suspicions: according to one inspector for environmental assessments we chatted with, Greenpoint is far and away the most contaminated neighborhood in Brooklyn. Ah. 
  • If you build it, they will come: the event itself was held at Space Ibiza, the enormous, brand-new West Side Highway outpost of Spain's club of the same name.  With the Hudson Yards development looming ever larger, we have a sneaking suspicion this isn't the only new mega-club headed to the West Side.
  • In case there were any lingering doubts, time to cross Harlem off the list of "best kept secret" neighborhoods: one broker we chatted with had just moved from England a few weeks prior, and immediately set up camp uptown.
  • Above all, you can never, ever have enough business cards. Even if you think you have enough? Bring more.

Related:

PropertyShark QuickTip: Find out how much your apartment is worth (sponsored)

What's up with Brooklyn, according to real estate developers

PropertyShark Map of the Month: find Manhattan's best real estate deals (sponsored)

 

Brick Underground articles occasionally include the expertise of, or information about, advertising partners when relevant to the story. We will never promote an advertiser's product without making the relationship clear to our readers.

topics: