Michael has been a staple of the Chelsea condo market for years. He lives in The Chelsea Mercantile, and has sold more apartments in the building than anyone I know. His attention to detail and a dedication to the industry is refreshing (even after all these years)…

Shaun: What did you do before going into real estate?

Michael: Two jobs: Commercial leasing by day then I moonlighted as an actor in commercials, corporate films and small independent films.
 

Shaun: Why did you go into real estate?

Michael: Commercial real estate is a “do the numbers” type of job and acting wasn’t affording me the life style I wanted. Residential real estate is a much more personalized transaction: one on one advice to owners, giving emotional support in stressful times to buyers and (more…)

Kirk proved to be quite the leader as he played “Captain Kirk” to his very own “Team Enterprise”. Continue reading for some exclusive information on last night’s episode of “Selling New York”!
(more…)

…is a key component of growth.

In order to identify yourself,
You need to recognize your purpose
So it can resonate with your sphere.

The truest brands are those that are honest.

They know their value.
They embrace their culture.
They understand their purpose,
And they project their true identity.

So, look in the mirror.
Objectively and honestly.
And present this to the world.

Your true identity will resonate
And will become your brand.

I’m pleased to share my next CORE Talks Interviews subject, top New York City developer and builder, Jeffery E. Levine of Levine Builders. Watch as I sit with Levine in his new Brooklyn project, The Edge, to discuss the rapid sales of this successful development. In the episode, we also converse about Levine’s beginnings in construction and real estate, pivotal points of his career path, the focus on green and environmental sustainability in real estate and Levine’s prediction on the next big New York City neighborhood.

This is the first post of our new CORE Talks column, “Selling New York” Epilogue! After each CORE episode, we will be posting follow up info on the latest CORE Selling New York story line. Each epilogue will provide insights and updates on the property and the people you watched in the episode. Our fans will get info on what happened behind the scenes and on what has happened since the cameras stopped rolling.

Follow-up Information:

Michael Graves is one of CORE’s most hardworking and successful agents. Shortly after the episode aired, we received amazing feedback on this episode and had a few questions from our fans. Several viewers noticed that the apartment went from fully furnished to unfurnished – this was a great observation. In order to market the property to its fullest potential and connect with the local community, Michael convinced the seller to release his reliable tenants from their two-year lease. This was a big risk, because the seller was no longer receiving the rental income, so this strategy added a lot of pressure, but was necessary in order to execute the event marketing strategy “12 New Paintings, 1,000 Candles and 88 Keys!” Thankfully, it paid off and Michael’s advice to his seller worked!

As for that gorgeous penthouse with the million dollar views, 100 Jay Street has closed, breaking price per square footage records the building! Michael sold the apartment directly and the lucky new homeowners are now enjoying their dream home, probably anticipating the spending the warmer weather on the best terrace in town.

Behind the Scenes Information:

In reality TV, you have to expect the unexpected! What Michael will probably not want you to know is that the 1,000 candles that were lit unexpectedly set off the building’s fire alarm during the event! The cameras had to stop rolling and the Brooklyn fire department showed up, but at least it wasn’t a boring party!

The pianist that you didn’t get to see much of during the episode gave an amazing performance, but Alexandre Moutouzkine is also dear friend of Michael’s. Chicago-based Artist, Michael Popilek created twelve extraordinary paintings in a series called “BIG HAIR”. The artwork was painted, packed and shipped across country then unpacked and hung throughout the apartment with custom shelving which was installed over a staggering 14-day period. Five of the twelve paintings have already sold!

I met Doug Bowen about ten years ago, when I worked alongside him as a broker. His enthusiasm for the business is contagious. He is a deep thinker, a man with integrity and is always willing to lend a hand. I am fortunate that he joined CORE more than four years ago and is now an integral part of our company.

Is an incredibly powerful motivator.
And I thank everyone who has given it to me.
Unconditionally.

A short story:

Almost six years ago, I sat on a rooftop garden on Fifth Avenue, and shared a drink with Nick Bienstock and Chris Schlank from Savanna Partners. They had recently gone into contract for 141 Fifth Avenue and were proceeding with the conversion of this magnificent building. CORE was a young company. A new company, with no history or track record. And as we sat there, I asked them to entrust us with the marketing and sales of their project. They obliged, and last week, after a journey together, we closed on the final unit. I thank Nick and Chris (and the rest of their team) for their trust in our ability and I hope to return the favor one day. I trusted in their abilities as developers, and they delivered. This building will be a special home to a number of people who will hopefully realize their dreams.

When someone believes in you
It empowers you.
It feeds the human spirit.
And when it is mutual -
It is the foundation that can support the remarkable.

And that is priceless.

Doesn’t work for me.
Because it’s just …”there”.

It co-exists with all the other

“fine things” we are surrounded by.

It doesn’t inspire.

It doesn’t initiate positive change.

It doesn’t invent.

It is soulless -

It doesn’t prompt innovation.

It doesn’t create.

It doesn’t ignite passion.

Being remarkable…

(on the other hand)

Does work for me.

Because it is difficult to achieve.

And it makes me tremble.

We get one opportunity -

And it is a short one.

So, why not embrace it with open arms?

To grow, to push boundaries -

And evolve…?

Today, I went for a long ride.
And it got me thinking… that…
Time is our only constant-
But the way we perceive it, is not.
Apparently, Einstein thought of the theory of relativity while riding on his bicycle.

If you travel one hundred miles
At the same speed,
Under the same conditions,
You should arrive at your destination at the same time.
But, in our perception of time,
It can pass swiftly,
Or, it can pass slowly.

When my goal is steadfast
(for every inch of 100 miles),
And my focus and intent clear…
It passes quickly.
When my thoughts are scattered,
And my destination misdirected …
It passes very slowly.

Is it your desire to reach your destination in the shortest amount of time?

Or to enjoy the process by perceptively staying focussed on the prize-
thereby allowing the perception of time to be malleable?

….has been working with me for over a year now, and  CORE (and I) are incredibly fortunate to have her. We are a better place because of her. She is our Executive Director of Operations, and has skill and talent well beyond her years. Personally, she is one of the most supportive, trustworthy, and dedicated people I have met – ever. She has taught me many things through her unique thought process and attention to detail.  A rare individual indeed, and she’s Fancy as well!