Introducing StreetEasy's 2025 Agent Advisory Board
As we settle into another incredible year of partnership between StreetEasy® and New York City real estate professionals, we're pleased to introduce our 2025 Agent Advisory Board!Now in its third year, StreetEasy's Agent Advisory Board (AAB) brings together top partners in NYC real estate to discuss industry topics, raise important questions, and voice concerns in a structured, candid environment. The AAB provides a year-round forum for members to share their feedback, insights, and expertise with StreetEasy leadership and each other, fostering a mutually beneficial exchange of ideas. Members meet for regular in-person sessions, virtual discussions, and other exclusive events.The 2025 AAB consists of 22 top-performing agents, each bringing their own unique knowledge, contributions, and role within the NYC real estate community. Congratulations to this year's board - let's get to know them!If you're a real estate professional interested in joining the 2026 AAB, find out how to be considered.Meet the 2025 Agent Advisory BoardNikolay AfanasyevCITY SPHERENikolay is the Founder and CEO of CITY SPHERE, with a career spanning over a decade and more than 140 properties sold across Manhattan and Brooklyn. Formerly affiliated with renowned brokerages such as Compass and Keller Williams, Nikolay and his partner Julia launched their own brand to redefine what a modern real estate brokerage should be.Read moreCITY SPHERE is built on three core principles to empower agent growth: comprehensive operational support for every agent, access to seller and buyer opportunities, and ongoing weekly education. With this vision, Nikolay is dedicated to fostering a culture of growth in the real estate industry.StreetEasy profile →Kristi AmbrosettiSotheby’s International RealtyYears spent residing in both Manhattan and Brooklyn have afforded Kristi Ambrosetti myriad opportunities to become a trusted authority in New York real estate and an invaluable resource to sellers and buyers alike. From renting in Chelsea and the Upper West Side to owning in Prospect Heights - where she served on the co-op's board of directors - Kristi's expertise and passion for this city are instantly apparent.Read morePreviously a longtime touring Broadway performer, Kristi has traveled the world - from the US and Canada to Russia, Japan, and China. This extraordinary experience supplied the foundation for her creative marketing of properties, instinctive people skills, and tenacity in a comparably competitive industry. It instilled in her a distinct appreciation for not only international living, but also the notion of home, a compelling concept she always returns to when conferring with her clients.Entering the real estate arena in 2011, Kristi is consistently ranked among Realogy Brokerage Group’s Top 2% of brokers nationwide and the "America’s Best" national ranking. Kristi is one of the top-performing brokers in the Sotheby’s International Realty – East Side Manhattan Brokerage and was named a "Pioneering Woman in Real Estate," attributed to her fresh perspective and professionalism, adaptability, and dependability. Kristi is frequently featured in the press and has been a contributor for Inman.Specializing in the sale of co-ops, condos, and townhouses in Manhattan with Sotheby's International Realty, Kristi's success in the field thus far may be attributed to her intuition and insight, organization, and discernment. A fierce advocate for her clients, Kristi prides herself on getting to know their goals, really listening, and guiding them through the entire selling and buying process. A skilled negotiator, she is no stranger to navigating difficult transactions, and has achieved record-breaking prices time and time again for her clients. Kristi takes a proactive approach to problem solving, providing superior service - steeped in communication and accessibility - at every step.Kristi served on the executive board of the Beverly Willis Architecture Foundation, is chair of the advisory board of The BETTY Effect, and is the co-commissioner and a volunteer head basketball coach for the Greenwich House Girls Basketball League; all of which have a mission of supporting the development and equity of women and girls.StreetEasy profile →Tali BerzakCompassTali Berzak has over 15 years of successful experience in the real estate industry. She has the unique ability to identify with her clients' needs during the various stages of their lives. She is able to help them realize their housing dreams while offering supportive guidance throughout the process.Read moreAs the married mother of a delightfully energetic seven-year-old boy, space, how it's utilized, and what parts of the home are most useful is the crux of Tali’s daily life, and she can appreciate that each client has their own wish list (aka the “unicorn” home).Having relocated internationally twice, Tali is well acquainted with the challenges of re-creating a home. She is eager to bring her tenacity and creativity to work for you to find the house of your dreams and hopes to exceed your expectations, as she has for many clients. Her foremost priority is using her extensive experience and strong relationships to find the perfect home for you.In today’s market, you need a real estate professional you can rely on to get the job done. Someone that can outline a path that will result in a successful conclusion. Tali’s track record speaks for itself, having represented many sellers, buyers, landlords, and tenants. She will be delighted to meet with you to get the ball rolling.StreetEasy profile →Maggie ChongSERHANT.Maggie has sold over $185M of real estate in her 12+ years in the industry. She has a wealth of knowledge from her diverse experience helping sellers, buyers, landlords, and tenants. She works with both end-users and investors across Manhattan and Brooklyn. Maggie possesses expert negotiation skills and a keen sense of value.Read moreHer vast knowledge of the overall industry, specific market trends, and local inventory enables her to provide a superior level of service.Her clients attribute her success to her empathy and ability to explain the process in an understandable and thorough manner. Diligently guiding clients to ensure a seamless process, she prioritizes discretion and client needs. She keeps her clients' best interests at heart, and helps them find the most promising opportunities. Her integrity and endless commitment to client relationships make working with her an enriching experience.As a second-time homeowner herself, she understands the technical and emotional elements that her clients go through during the buying and selling process. Having personally gut-renovated an apartment, she leverages her ability to optimize spatial layouts and help buyers or renters envision their ideal living space. She also has expertise with townhouses, new developments, first-time home buyers, the ins and outs of co-purchasing and co-op gifting processes, and high-end rentals.Maggie has lived in Downtown Manhattan and Brooklyn for 18 years. She is a true neighborhood expert and remains current on the latest restaurants, lifestyle destinations, and history of locales throughout New York City. You can see several of her historical videos from the series "Full Disclosure" on SERHANT.'s channel Listed.Before real estate, Maggie worked in the fashion and legal industries. She is an active member of the School of American Ballet Advisory Council, New York Junior League, the New York Public Library, and the Brooklyn Public Library. She served for several years as the Encore Co-Chair for the School of American Ballet's Winter Ball, as well as the Vice President of Success Academy's Young Professional Committee.She is a graduate of New York University with a double degree in History and East Asian Studies and a minor in Politics. While at NYU, she studied abroad in Shanghai and London.In her free time, Maggie enjoys playing tennis, cooking, reading, running along the Hudson River, and traveling. She is licensed as Margaret Chong.StreetEasy profile →Rory S. ClarkBrown Harris StevensConsistently recognized as one of the top real estate agents in New York by RealTrends America, Rory S. Clark is a consummate professional who utilizes his past career as a successful business lawyer to handle transactions of all types. He has a keen attention to detail and a well-honed ability to foresee any potential issues that may prevent a client from accomplishing their goals.Read moreAn adept negotiator and passionate client advocate, Rory understands the importance of both honesty and discretion in the buying or selling process. He utilizes his combined legal and real estate expertise to guide clients to the best possible results, all while providing a full-service experience. Rory leads the Rory S. Clark Team at Brown Harris Stevens, a full-service residential team of five licensed professionals recognized annually on the Top Team list by RealTrends America.StreetEasy profile →Trina CooperCorcoranDriven, motivated, and resourceful, Trina Cooper is an expert in NYC real estate transactions. She provides exceptional service, offering honest advice and hands-on guidance to help buyers and sellers make sound financial decisions in sales and rentals throughout the greater New York area. With extensive knowledge of the city's neighborhoods, Trina is passionate about matching clients with their ideal properties.Read moreTrina's real estate career began in 2001 at Citi Habitats, where she became the top leasing producer companywide. In 2003, she joined Corcoran, earning recognition in the Top 1% of NRT agents in the US for her impressive sales record. Her global experience includes working with a leading brokerage in Hong Kong and connecting clients to NYC opportunities while living in Switzerland, highlighting her adaptability and expertise.StreetEasy profile →Josh FieldsSpire GroupWhether you're looking to rent, buy, or sell a home in NYC, you need a savvy professional on your side. You need Josh Fields. Josh has lived in Manhattan for more than 18 years and practiced real estate since 2001, and loves it with a passion. He has spent nearly that entire time gaining "in the trenches" experience in the NYC real estate market.Read moreAs an extremely knowledgeable real estate professional in both rentals and sales, Josh will invest the time to fully understand your current needs, taking advantage of niches and specialized opportunities in the market that will help you perfectly meet your goals. Face it: buying or renting a home in NYC can be a difficult, frustrating, and anxiety-filled process. That's why Josh's patience and professionalism are exactly what you need to overcome the challenge of finding your perfect home in the greatest city in the world. His whatever-it-takes, ninja approach to serving each client's highly personalized needs has brought him years of repeat business and a steady stream of referrals.StreetEasy profile →Nicole GrandelliCORENicole Grandelli, a native New Yorker, brings over 15 years of luxury residential brokerage expertise. Renowned for her confidence, innovative style, and deep market knowledge, Nicole excels in advising developers and working with individual clients alike.Read moreAs Sales Director of Rockefeller Group's Rose Hill, she achieved record-breaking prices and further demonstrated her leadership at Eastlight in Kips Bay. Nicole's dual focus on large-scale projects and resale markets gives her a comprehensive edge in NYC real estate.Her background in wealth management and hospitality enhances her ability to provide tailored experiences, aligning client goals with transparent property searches. Nicole's extensive travels inform her understanding of luxury, design, and marketing strategies, including creative open houses and co-branded events.An NYU graduate, Nicole lives on the Upper West Side with her dog, Winston, and is the proud mother of Loren and Christian.StreetEasy profile →Luke HobackThe AgencyLuke is thrilled to be joining the Agent Advisory Board in 2025! A member of the Whitman & Roberson Team, the top-producing team at The Agency New York, he has a broad spectrum of experience working with buyers, sellers, landlords, and tenants across the city. As a leading StreetEasy Expert since the early days of the program, he brings a unique perspective to the ever-changing landscape of the NYC market.Read moreHe is looking forward to deepening his relationship with StreetEasy by contributing to the Agent Advisory Board, and hopefully improving the real estate experience for brokers and consumers alike.StreetEasy profile →Sarah JonesOxford Property GroupWith years of experience in real estate, Sarah has built a reputation as a trusted expert known for delivering exceptional results. Having successfully closed over $150M in sales, Sarah combines market knowledge, strategic insight, and a relentless commitment to her clients' success. As a skilled negotiator, she advocates fiercely on behalf of her clients, ensuring they achieve the best possible outcome in every transaction.Read moreAdditionally, as a certified home staging specialist, Sarah knows how to showcase properties in their best light, attracting the right buyers and maximizing value.When you work with Sarah, you gain more than an agent - you gain a partner who is deeply invested in your goals. Her professionalism, attention to detail, and ability to consistently exceed expectations make her the perfect choice for all your real estate needs.StreetEasy profile →Christopher KromerBrown Harris StevensWith a background in consulting at Ernst & Young, Christopher brings a data-driven foundation and an intuitive understanding of markets to New York City real estate, with a level of service that is complemented by the personal and sensitive needs a home search or sale requires.Read moreCombining financial acumen with a passion for working with people, he has earned top accolades, having been consistently recognized as a Trulia and RealTrends Top Agent. Christopher is a Certified Negotiation Expert and Board Certified New York Residential Specialist.StreetEasy profile →Tedy MaSotheby’s International RealtyTedy Ma is the co-founder of Mulberry Partners, a leading real estate team specializing in Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Long Island City. Known for his ability to build trust-based relationships, Tedy advises family offices, institutional investors, and discerning end-users.Read moreHis commitment to delivering a seamless client experience is reflected in his data-driven insights, thoughtful marketing strategies, and unbiased expertise, consistently yielding market-leading results.Fluent in Cantonese, Tedy resides in Williamsburg with his wife and daughter. Outside of work, he enjoys family travel and weekends in the Hamptons, and is an avid watch collector.StreetEasy profile →Maggie MarshallCompassMaggie’s strategic insights have driven significant successes in both resale and new development projects, including landmark sales at The Fairchild, 87 Leonard Street, 108 Leonard, 100 Barclay, 27 Wooster, and the Pearline Soap Factory. Maggie's deep understanding of market dynamics and ability to navigate complex transactions have solidified her reputation as a leading real estate professional.StreetEasy profile →Jack MillerR New YorkJack is a dedicated real estate broker with extensive experience working across all five boroughs. Known for his thoughtful approach and deep market knowledge, Jack takes pride in offering guidance that makes the process seamless and simple. As co-founder, Jack leads a team that works on a foundation of trust and expertise, raising the bar through innovation and collaboration.Read moreHe is dedicated to staying ahead of the curve, actively studying neighborhood and market trends to provide cutting-edge insights and reliable strategies tailored to each client's unique goals.Grateful for the relationships he's built and the trust his clients have placed in him, Jack approaches each transaction with individual attention and care. He's passionate about helping people navigate real estate with confidence and looks forward to being their trusted partner along the way.StreetEasy profile →Emilio MoraKleier ResidentialEmilio is a seasoned real estate professional and has transactional experience in sales and leasing in New York, totaling over $500M. He also manages an exclusive rental portfolio of over 350 apartments that includes buildings on the Upper East Side, Upper West Side, Chelsea, East Village, Lower East Side, Financial District, and Brooklyn.Read moreA native New Yorker, Emilio has been in real estate since his undergraduate years at Fordham University, where he received a B.A. in Political Science. Before starting his career in real estate, he was a passionate tennis player, rising to become the under 18 USTA Eastern Section Singles Champion and was nationally ranked in the top 50. He later received a scholarship to play at the University of San Diego, winning the NCAA D1 Conference title twice and holding a national team rank of 16th.Emilio currently resides in a Carnegie Hill pre-war co-op with his wife and three daughters, and serves on the board of directors.StreetEasy profile →Aroza SanjanaSotheby’s International RealtySince 2003, Aroza Sanjana's work has involved turning her clients' real estate visions into reality - visions where families meander through Park Slope's tree-lined streets, couples enter their new trendy condo in the Brooklyn neighborhoods of Prospect Heights and Williamsburg, and long-term investors celebrate in locating that rare property in Cobble Hill or Tribeca.Read moreBrooklyn-based, Aroza's professional net extends to the five boroughs, having managed the marketing and sales of over 20 new development projects, as well as selling townhouses and condos at record prices for highly desirable New York properties. She has become a tour de force with millennial and first-time buyers looking for sound investments, often reducing the buying window to three months from start to finish. Aroza brings her deep knowledge of new developments to educate her clients on the quality of properties and their market value. Clients showing their appreciation have remarked: "Aroza is an agent who puts herself in our shoes which was far more important than we anticipated," and "We realized there are a lot of variables in purchasing a home. Aroza educated us every step of the way and was in tune to the properties we were looking for."In 2011, Aroza's success in introducing the prestigious Sotheby's International Realty brand to Brooklyn as the owner/broker firmly established her reputation among her loyal Brooklyn and Manhattan connections. Alongside her business partner and husband, Jose Nunez, they expanded into Williamsburg and Cobble Hill as Avenue Sotheby's International Realty. In 2022, Aroza and Jose sold their company to the 100-year-old sister affiliate, Daniel Gale Sotheby's International Realty, expanding her ever-growing network of business professionals and peers, including developers and bankers.An elected REBNY Brooklyn Committee Co-Chair, Aroza is also an NYRS member and Certified Negotiating Expert (CNE) who actively puts her skills to use in support of her clients. Aroza grew up in NYC, educated at Stuyvesant High School, Barnard College, Columbia University for her B.A., Fordham University at Lincoln Center for her MBA.The proud mother of two sons, Lorenzo and Armando, Aroza's favorite pastime is relaxing with her family, whether it's streaming British movies, cooking for any occasion, going dancing, or gardening. She spends much of her time outside of the office as an advocate for autism and education, and serves on the Board of Directors at the Shield Institute. Aroza also makes time for her passions of staging home interiors for her clients and going on traveling adventures around the world with her family.StreetEasy profile →Michael ShapotKeller Williams NYCMichael has been a leader in the Manhattan real estate industry for decades and has been routinely recognized by his peers and colleagues, including being a recipient of the esteemed Manhattan REALTOR® of the Year Award from the Manhattan Association of REALTORS®.Read moreMichael holds the distinctions of Accredited Buyer Representative (ABR), Certified Divorce Specialist, Certified Relocation Professional (CRP), and Master Faculty Trainer for Keller Williams University, in addition to being a licensed attorney in New York.Michael leads a team of veteran real estate professionals at Keller Williams NYC. The Shapot Team's focus is to provide excellent service based on market savvy, innovative systems, and creative marketing.He has volunteered on co-op boards and REBNY and is a devoted supporter of Sharsheret. Michael and his team organize and run the semi-annual Shapot Team Clothing Drive, which benefits different charities in NYC. His wife, Chaye, and two grown sons cheer him on in his endeavors, as do his clients.StreetEasy profile →Sarah SilvaCompassFor the last decade, Sarah Silva has grown a successful career that has catered to a plethora of buyers, sellers, and investors across New York City in Manhattan, Queens, Long Island, Brooklyn, and the Bronx. She has been involved in closing over $1.5B in real estate transactions. Sarah thrives on being well organized, responsive, and ensuring her clients' success.Read moreShe is known for her energy and passion, which has led to her building lasting relationships domestically and internationally in an industry where trust and rapport is everything. Sarah's experiences range from finding the perfect condo, co-op, or townhouse for her clients to helping owners sell their home for the highest possible price. Sarah understands the value of a home and how important that decision is for her clients' lives, striving for their best interests and making sure they get exactly what they want.StreetEasy profile →Sebastian SteinauCorcoranSebastian is consistently placed among Corcoran’s top 25 Manhattan brokers. In 2024, RealTrends ranked him among the top 10 brokers in Manhattan, top 15 in New York State, and top 100 in the US for individual new development sales. Sebastian moved to New York City to join Corcoran as Global Sales Director of Corcoran Sunshine in 2016.Read moreExpertly navigating the complex and competitive New York market, he makes it his mission to deliver the highest long-term value for his clients. As part of Corcoran Sunshine, Sebastian headed up the successful global sales launch of the first residential tower at Hudson Yards, one of the largest private real estate developments in US history, and 53West53 above MoMA, one of Manhattan's most sought-after addresses.In 2021, Sebastian represented 67 Vestry Street, the former home and gallery space of Andy Warhol, John Chamberlain, Mark di Suvero, and the Dia Art Foundation. With sales spearheaded by Corcoran Sunshine, the building became one of downtown's largest sales successes after selling out within only 11 months, while being promoted predominately off-market.Born and raised in Germany, Sebastian studied International Business and Management at the European Business School in London. After earning his B.A., he began his career in real estate sales in the Turks & Caicos islands, where he served as the Director of Sales at Amanyara, an Aman Resort.Throughout his career, Sebastian worked with developers at Related Companies, Goldman Sachs, Hines, Pontiac Land Group, and Iliad Realty Group, alongside architects such as Zaha Hadid, Jean Nouvel, Shigeru Ban, Kengo Kuma, Piero Lissoni, David Chipperfield, Jean-Michel Gathy, and Thierry Despont. On the hospitality management side, he's worked together with Aman Resorts, Mandarin Oriental Hotels, the Ritz-Carlton Group, and the Greenbrier Hotel Group.Having been involved in over $1.2B of real estate transactions, Sebastian is an invaluable asset in navigating the intricate dynamics of New York City's ever-changing real estate market.An avid polo player, Sebastian lives on Central Park North with his wife, three children, and dog Lutz.StreetEasy profile →Kestas StonysCorcoranKestas Stonys is a highly regarded real estate advisor based in Brooklyn. With over 10 years of experience and total sales exceeding $100M, Kestas has cultivated a deep understanding of the unique neighborhoods, architectural styles, and community dynamics that make Brooklyn a coveted place to live.StreetEasy profile →Jessica SvenssonDouglas EllimanOver the past decade, Jessica Svensson has built a reputation for delivering exceptional results in real estate, guiding clients through seamless transactions in iconic properties like The Greenwich Lane, The Woolworth Tower Residences, 108 Leonard, and The Police Building, as well as new developments such as The Maverick, 32 E. 1st, and 15 William.Read moreAs part of the Eklund Gomes Team - the #1 Mega Team Nationwide at Douglas Elliman - she contributes to over $25B in career sales and 100+ successfully marketed developments.Rooted in a family legacy of real estate, Jessica combines creativity, data-driven strategies, and an intuitive understanding of her clients' needs. Her tenacity and professionalism have earned her long-term trust and repeat business from discerning buyers, sellers, and investors.Licensed in both New York and Florida, Jessica lives in Lower Manhattan where she actively supports organizations like God's Love We Deliver and MOVENYC, reflecting her dedication to community impact.StreetEasy profile →Maggie WuCompassMaggie Wu is a top real estate professional with over $600M in closed transactions spanning new developments, condos, co-ops, townhouses, and estates. As founder of the W Team at Compass, she leads one of the nation's top-ranked teams, recognized in the Wall Street Journal's The Thousand for three consecutive years, achieving #17 in NYC and #27 in New York State by volume in 2024.Read moreFeatured in Business Insider's 30 Under 35, The Hollywood Reporter's New York Power Brokers, and other prestigious publications, Maggie has established herself as a trusted advisor in NYC's competitive market. Her expertise in market analysis, property valuation, and investment strategy, combined with her background growing up between Hong Kong and mainland China, allows her to provide unparalleled service to a global clientele.StreetEasy profile →Apply for the 2026 AABInterested in being considered for StreetEasy's 2026 Agent Advisory Board? Please fill out this intake form and we'll be in touch with more information.
Introducing Rental Boost: StreetEasy's Flexible Advertising Solution for Rental Listings (Coming Soon)
Coming this spring, you'll see some new changes to StreetEasy's advertising options for rental listings that will help you stand out from the competition and fill vacancies faster.We understand that working in NYC's fast-paced, competitive market requires top-notch advertising tools. Based on feedback from our StreetEasy partners, we learned there's a need for solutions that scale easily, provide more flexibility, and give you more control over your advertising budget. And we listened.Enter: Rental Boost, StreetEasy's latest advertising solution for rental listings that offers the lead-generating power of Featured Listings, but with additional flexibility and exposure options. Here's how Rental Boost works, and how it can transform your business.Table of ContentsWhat is Rental Boost?Screen images simulatedRental Boost is StreetEasy's new-and-improved advertising solution for rental listings that replaces Featured Listings and previous daily listing ads for rental units. In addition to getting your listings in front of one of NYC's largest rental audiences, you can take advantage of premium placements for even more exposure.While Featured Listings are a powerful way to generate views, saves, and inquiries for rental listings, you - our partners - expressed a desire for more flexibility than the solution's weekly payment structure and fixed exposure options could provide.By contrast, Rental Boost offers three plans to choose from, so you can opt for what best aligns with your budget and exposure needs. Payment is on a per-day basis (billed on the first of the month) and you can easily move between plans for more independent control over your advertising, giving you the tools you need to gain a competitive edge.Here are just a few reasons to use Rental Boost once it's available:More exposure: Stand out from the competition and reach even more renters.High-intent leads: Attract motivated renters who are serious about finding their next home.Flexible pricing: Rates are on a per-day basis, allowing you to pay for the exposure you need, when you need it.More control: Select your plan and change it whenever your needs shift.How Rental Boost worksRental Boost is an easy way to customize your rental listing advertising while getting the most out of your ad spend. Here's what you can expect when using it.Three plan options: Basic, Plus, PremiumScreen images simulatedRental Boost offers three plans to choose from, which increase in price and exposure as you move up:BasicPublish your listings across our NYC Rental Network: StreetEasy, Zillow, Trulia, and Hotpads.PlusEverything in Basic, plus:Prominent placement in StreetEasy renter emailsPlace your listing ads on similar listing pages on StreetEasyPremiumEverything in Basic and Plus, with the ability to:Feature your listings in top spots on StreetEasy search result pagesScreen images simulatedPay-per-day flexibilityRental Boost allows you to pay per day with no minimum investment required. You can change your plan directly from your StreetEasy account whenever you need, giving you more control over your budget and advertising strategy.More premium placement opportunitiesOur Plus and Premium plans give you additional options to attract even more leads. Listings in these plans appear at the top of relevant search results, and in other placements across StreetEasy - such as renter emails and similar listing pages - so there are more chances for renters to see them.Screen images simulatedQuick and seamless activationActivating Rental Boost is simple, and you can do it anytime, anywhere. Just log into your StreetEasy account, find your rental listings, and choose a plan for each listing. Your listing ads will go live the next day. You can modify your plan at any time, giving you full power to tailor your advertising strategy to the needs of your listing.How Rental Boost compares to Featured ListingsHere's a side-by-side comparison of Featured Listings for rentals with our new Rental Boost solution.Featured Listings(Rentals Only)Rental Boost(Coming Soon)Pricing ModelFixed weekly pricingPay-per-day flexibilityPlans AvailableOne optionThree options (Basic, Plus, Premium)ControlAbility to adjust your plan weeklyAbility to adjust your plan dailyExposureOne exposure option (priority search placement)More exposure at higher plans, such as priority placements in search, renter emails, and similar listingsWith the introduction of Rental Boost, real estate professionals can more easily advertise their rental listings with full control over their budget, timeline, and strategy. This new solution is set to roll out in spring 2025, so stay tuned for more launch updates!For any questions regarding Rental Boost, don't hesitate to reach out. Visit our support page to submit a request for assistance.Q&AWhen is Rental Boost launching?Rental Boost is set to launch in spring 2025. Check this article for launch updates.What will the pricing be for Rental Boost?At launch, Rental Boost pricing will be comparable to current pricing for StreetEasy rental listing ads.What does reporting for Rental Boost look like?You can continue to use Listing Insights to see the performance of your rental listings. Listing Insights is your all-in-one tool for tracking a listing's number of views, messages, saves, shares, and more.Is anything changing with Featured Listings for sales?No, there are no changes being made to Featured Listings for sales listings.Can I use Rental Boost to advertise my New Jersey rental listings?You can purchase any Rental Boost plan for your NJ listings at a lower rate. However, NJ listings will not appear on Zillow, Trulia, or Hotpads. Contact us for more information.What if I represent an entire building?Consider Building Showcase, our complete advertising solution for NYC sale and rental buildings.
How to Get Into New Development as an NYC Agent
Disclaimer: The contents of this article are industry best practices which were sourced from StreetEasy data and interviews with our Agent Advisory Board, unless noted otherwise. Any scripts provided are only meant to act as examples and are not required. Nothing in this presentation is intended to be legal advice. For specific questions about any duties or obligations arising out of a real estate transaction, check your local and state licensing laws and regulations, contact your broker, or an attorney.As an agent in New York City, getting into new development can be a smart move, especially if a sponsor (the owner and developer of a building) hires you to market multiple units. After all, brand new apartments often come with higher price tags - and potentially bigger commissions for you. And with recent housing policy changes in NYC, we may see a surge in new residential buildings soon.So how can you get into new development as an agent? Here's what you need to know about working with new construction versus resales, plus tips for getting your foot in the door with sponsors.Table of ContentsDifferences between new developments and resalesNew development buyers are getting a brand new apartment in a brand new building - not to mention access to amenities that older buildings may not have. In some cases, they may even be able to customize their unit. As a result, new developments tend to be more expensive than resales.Here are a few other notable differences you should know:Closing costsClosing costs for new developments tend to be a few percentage points higher than those for resales. This is because new development buyers may need to pay transfer taxes, as well as working capital contribution, the sponsor's real estate attorney fees, and sometimes a portion of the resident manager's unit.Time to closeResales can take two to three months to close, while the closing period for a new development varies, especially if you secure a deal in the pre-construction phase. Also, don't be surprised if a closing is delayed due to paperwork issues or construction setbacks.Transfer taxesWith resales, the seller typically pays the transfer taxes. But with new developments, buyers are sometimes expected to pay them, especially if it's a sponsor unit. However, depending on the market and the developer's needs, the sponsor may offer to pay the transfer taxes as a negotiation strategy to sell more units.Board approvalIf a resale is a co-op, it often requires a laborious board approval process for the new buyer. New developments, however, tend to be condos, so the approval process is much simpler.Areas of negotiation to know for new developmentsIf you're representing a buyer purchasing a new development, take note that it can be difficult to get a sponsor to come down on their asking price. After all, a lower price-per-square-foot could impact their future unit sales. There are exceptions, though, like early bird pricing for the first batch of units or a tough market pushing the developer to bring prices down.That said, there are other aspects you can negotiate on behalf of a buyer, including:Unit customizations: If you negotiate early enough in the construction process, you may be able to secure custom alterations to the unit for your buyer clients. Consider letting clients know which customizations could help drive up the unit's resale value in the future.Taxes and common charges: It's not unheard of for sponsors to offer to cover these expenses for a year or two after purchase.Financing contingencies: The closer you are to closing, the better chance you have of getting a sponsor to agree to a financing contingency.Other taxes and fees: As mentioned, you may be able to get the sponsor to cover some or all of the transfer taxes, the mansion tax (if the property is $1 million or more), or even certain title-related fees.Tips for representing buyers in new development purchasesIf a buyer is interested in a new development, consider having them let you handle communications with the developer from the start. If a buyer goes to the sponsor directly, there's a chance it could impact your commission. It's also a good idea to research the sponsor's past residential projects to see if their buildings are high-quality, finished on time, and within budget. Poor development practices can lead to frustrating unit defects - and potentially lawsuits if your client takes the sponsor to court over them.Also, let your client know if the sponsor has preferred lenders. Other lenders may refuse to finance a new development purchase until a certain percentage of the units are sold.Lastly, take a very close look at the renderings and listing photos. They're meant to be representative, and may not depict the true final product. Rely on the renderings to convey things like amenities, unit features, specifications, and measurements.How to break into new developmentIf you're looking to work directly with sponsors, a great way to start is by representing buyers purchasing new developments. This can help you get a feel for the construction process and rub elbows with on-site listing agents and developers. If you build relationships with sponsors now, they may be more likely to think of you for future projects, or other buildings they're currently working on.Remember that sponsors are looking for listing agents who have the knowledge and experience needed to sell units. Before pitching your services, you may want to research the developer and their current and past projects, as well as the neighborhood and recent NYC market trends. You can use StreetEasy's Data Dashboard and market reports to stay informed, so you can offer tailored advice and put your best foot forward.
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