Welcome to Ten, CORE founder and CEO Shaun Osher’s rapid-fire interview series with prominent CORE figures. Read on to find out how this week’s subject deals with being on the hot seat.
John Harrison is a man with many avenues of expertise: he’s a competitive real estate agent in a cut-throat market, an amazing father of two, one of the most lovable stars of Selling New York, and a knowledgeable professional with experience as an IT architect and international entrepreneurship. Although John is a native Texan and has traveled all around the world in his previous professions, he has made New York his home, having lived in the Financial District, TriBeCa , The Upper West Side, Brooklyn Heights and Downtown Brooklyn. Find out more about John in this week’s TEN interview.
1. What did you do before you found this career?
I have had a unique set of experience professionally. I have worked in entertainment, technology and international business development. Most recently, I spent a number of years with IBM as an IT Architect, but have also been involved with film, TV and theater. Before any of that, I spent some time traveling abroad in Western Europe and helped one U.S.-based architectural/engineering firm expand their offices into Eastern Europe, where I spent a year traveling back and forth from the U.S.
2. What has been the highlight of your career?
I’ve been fortunate enough to experience a number of highlights, but I think one of the greatest ones has simply been the realization that helping people live and tell their stories is the same in real estate as it is in the world of entertainment. I have helped sellers share the story of their homes to buyers, helping clients conveythe richness of their home’s history into a marketable plan. I’ve been involved in new development projects and helped to set the stage for the story of an ever-changing New York. The highlight of everything has been the way I have learned to look at real estate.
3. What is your greatest daily challenge?
Having to take on my clients’ challenges and make them my own. One challenge that my buyers have been facing recently has been the lack of inventory. I make it my goal to find properties that fit their timeline, price-point and other criteria, and in a tight market, it can be tough to do that without entering into a bidding war. I’ve been a part of a number of bidding wars recently and it can be challenging for a buyer to understand the need to pay above the asking price with a non-contingent offer, but it has recently been the reality.
4. Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
I know that I will still be helping some people tell their stories and helping others map out the next chapter of theirs.
5. Where do you find inspiration?
I am inspired by all of the creativity that surrounds us. I’m truly inspired by the community that has been created here in New York City. My family, my friends and the people that are going after their dreams in this city also inspire me and encourage me daily.
6. Name one thing we might not know about you.
I am somewhat multi-lingual.
7. What’s your favorite movie or book?
The Game of Thrones series has been a pretty amazing saga. I haven’t started the books yet, but it has been a great story!
8. What do you do in your free time?
I LOVE to cook. I also love to do anything outdoors and just started surfing last summer.
9. What’s your favorite restaurant?
I have a few, but the one I have been thinking about recently is Dinosaur BBQ, at 125th Street on the West Side. They even fly in sausage from my native Texas.
10. Tell me something about your home.
I have a 40-foot hallway. AMAZING since I have a dog and two sons!