Marlene Hamad, an up-and-coming broker at Platinum Forbes Global Properties, has made a name for herself in New York City. At just 22 years old, shortly after graduating from college, she moved to the metropolis to realise her dream of a career in the real estate sector. Originally, she had aimed for a career as a certified public accountant, but her previous experience in the real estate industry shaped her future path. Thus, she decided to build a career as a leading residential real estate broker.
For Hamad, now 27, it was not enough to become a local force; she aspired to a global presence. She has successfully implemented this vision: she built an international residential real estate practice that encompasses New York, Dubai, and other international markets. Hamad is a passionate traveller, exploring new cultures, meeting people worldwide, and often steering conversations towards real estate topics.
Career and Global Ambitions
When asked about the biggest deal of her career so far, Marlene Hamad responded in September that she believes her biggest deal is yet to come. While she has been privileged to participate in remarkable transactions for clients in New York, Dubai, and other international markets, she is still building. Her “career Everest” is the establishment of a globally operating real estate consultancy firm. She wants to be the go-to person clients contact, whether it is for buying a townhouse in Manhattan, a residence in London, or an investment opportunity in Dubai. Ultimately, she aims to build a business and a reputation that transcends any single market.
Her father was her greatest influence. He taught her the value of hard work, resilience, and the fact that nothing is given for free. From a young age, she observed the sacrifices he made for the family, which shaped her approach to life and business. He taught her independence, perseverance in difficult times, and the importance of never forgetting her roots. Much of her current drive stems from the desire to build a legacy in his name.
The Path to New York
At 22, Hamad moved to New York City, just five months after graduating from university. She had studied accounting and originally pursued the CPA path, but quickly realised it was not her calling. However, real estate had been present in her life much earlier. At the age of ten, she listed her father’s apartment online because he was unfamiliar with the technology. At 16, when she was allowed to drive, she began hosting open houses, which gave her first insights into the business.
When she finally moved to New York, she was penniless, knew no one in the city, and had no Plan B. She knew it was a risky decision, but she seized the opportunity and built her career from the ground up. Often people see where one is today without realising how far the starting point was. One of her most memorable anecdotes occurred during a showing when she got stuck in an elevator with clients, and the only way out led through Neil Diamond's apartment – an unforgettable moment in the New York real estate market.
- —Favourite architect: Christina Halatsis of Halatsis Architect – for her ability to combine aesthetics with technical feasibility.
- —Favourite interior designer: Akasya Yasaroglu of Akasya Design – for her flair for elegant, luxurious, yet homely interiors.
