C
autious optimism still pervades the New York City real estate market, despite recent volatility and recessionary fears. Top brokers remain confident that the city will always thrive in the long term, driven by its unique ecosystem of limited supply and high demand. "The beautiful thing about the NYC market is that it's so healthy and always self-adjusts," says Eleonora Srugo of Douglas Elliman.
Innovative marketing and pricing strategies are key to navigating the current market challenges. The top brokers in THR's list have adapted to meet the needs of elite clients from entertainment, finance, industry, and art. These clients continue to drive the high-end market, with realtors determined to meet their wishes and wants.
Noble Black of Douglas Elliman boasts $417 million in sales in 2024, representing celebrity clients including Bethenny Frankel, Chrissy Teigen, and John Legend. Serena Boardman of Sotheby's International Realty has sold over $5 billion during her career, with a focus on off-market deals and old-world service.
John Burger of Brown Harris Stevens has represented high-profile clients like Jeff Bezos, Bette Midler, and Rupert Murdoch. Jessica Chestler and Ben Jacobs of Douglas Elliman team up for $215 million in sales, offering bespoke service to a clientele that includes Academy Award-winning actors, tech entrepreneurs, and CEOs.
Carrie Chiang of The Corcoran Group has been in the business since 1988, representing celebrity clients like Jim Carrey and Barbra Streisand. She sold one of Stanford White's last remaining Gilded Age townhomes for $49.9 million in January.
Steven Cohen of Douglas Elliman notched $152 million in sales in 2024, representing historical landmarks like The Brentmore and The Belnord. Tim Davis of The Corcoran Group has over $5 billion in career sales volume, with a focus on the Hamptons market.
Fredrik Eklund and John Gomes of Douglas Elliman have been powerhouses in NYC real estate for 20 years, with clients including Doja Cat, Benny Blanco, and Jennifer Lopez. They tallied $4 billion in sales in 2024, breaking records for the most expensive condo in Manhattan and downtown.
Stephen Ferrara and Clayton Orrigo of Compass secured $1.2 billion in sales in 2024, making them the No. 1 team at Compass nationwide. Nikki Field of Sotheby's International Realty has been integral in bringing global buyers to NYC, with a focus on luxury properties.
Cathy Franklin of The Corcoran Group has been in real estate for 30 years, fostering relationships with clients and offering turnkey properties that meet their needs. Carl Gambino of Compass had over $400 million in sales in 2024, specializing in high-net-worth and celebrity clients.
Rachel Glazer of Compass has been a top luxury broker for 17 years, earning $119 million in sales in 2024. She is starting to see those who fled New York during the COVID era come back, drawn by the city's unique culture and industry.
Steve Gold of The Corcoran Group sold nearly 50 transactions exceeding $10 million in 2024, with a focus on downtown Manhattan. Michele Griffith of Douglas Elliman had over $276.6 million worth of sales in 2024, elevating her listings through high-profile marketing campaigns.
Deborah Grubman of The Corcoran Group has been in the business for 30 years, representing elite clientele and boasting $154.9 million in sales volume in 2024. Francis Katzen of Douglas Elliman approaches $500 million in sales annually, with a focus on new development projects and off-market deals.
Preston Kaye and Gary Cooper of Hedgerow Exclusive Properties had $200 million in sales in 2024, specializing in off-market deals and luxury properties. Deborah Kern of The Corcoran Group has long been a go-to for NYC blue bloods and cultural elites, selling $1.19 billion worth of real estate in 2024.
Kayla Lee of Serhant notched $289 million in sales in the past year, with a focus on new development projects and luxury condos. Lisa Lippman of Brown Harris Stevens had $274 million in sales in 2024, believing that New York City is edging back from its post-COVID slump.
Michael Lorber and Alexander Boriskin of Douglas Elliman worked together for the first time in 2019, securing $285 million in sales in 2024. Zeve Salman and Eric Brown of Compass boasted $350 million in sales in 2024, specializing in off-market deals and luxury properties.
Ryan Serhant of Serhant had a stellar 2024, selling $878 million of prime real estate using technology to maximize efficiency and visibility. Ian Slater and Michael Koeneke of Compass secured $267 million in sales volume in 2024, with a focus on record-breaking sales and high-end clients.
Elenora Srugo of Douglas Elliman believes that New York is the wealth capital of the United States, with stakes so much higher here. Jim St. André of Compass has spearheaded new relationships within the New York arts and culture scene this year, hosting intimate salons and chamber music performances in his most spectacular listings.
Joshua Wesoky of Compass has a reputation as the NYC art world's broker of choice, representing clients like David Chase, Julia Roberts, and Jeremy Strong. Peter Zaitzeff of Serhant has added to his $4.5 billion career sales total with $295.7 million in the past 12 months, known as "King of the West Village."
