4035 viewsLisa Simonsen, a real estate powerhouse with over 20 years of experience, has recently joined Brown Harris Stevens, bringing her vast expertise in buying, selling, and developing luxury properties to the firm.
In this insightful Q&A with the BHS Content Team, Lisa shared her perspective on the current state of the NYC residential market, revealed the best value pockets in key markets like NYC and Miami, and offered invaluable advice for Agents looking to enhance their press exposure.
You bring over 20 years’ experience buying, selling and developing real estate, how is the residential real estate market currently in NYC from your vantage point?
There is a wealth of opportunity for smart buyers (and their brokers) at the moment. Buyers willing to tackle a project should seize the opportunity to purchase value add properties, as there is currently less competition for properties that need work. (To that point, owners of turnkey properties who may wish to sell should certainly consider listing now, as buyers will pay a premium for turnkey inventory.) First time buyers who plan to finance should consider buying now and refinancing as interest rates continue to drop.
Favorite place to go out for dinner in NYC and why?
Caviar Kaspia is my favorite restaurant for a celebration, and Sushi of Gari is my reliable neighborhood go-to for great sushi.
You work both the NYC market along with Miami and LA, where are the pockets of value in each market currently?
In NYC, Midtown East offers a great relative value across all property types, and my particular favorite enclaves are Sutton Place and Beekman Place.
In Coral Gables, neighborhoods like Gables Estates have attracted attention as the most expensive real housing market in the country. However, other pockets of Coral Gables still offer relative value for single-family buyers, with leafy historic neighborhoods, walkable streets, and a true neighborhood feel.
In LA, Hancock Park is a particular favorite of mine – the historic neighborhood is more architecturally cohesive than areas like Beverly Hills, and feels much more walkable and “family friendly” than most other affluent LA areas.
You have been quoted hundreds of times in your career in the press and was cast as a real estate expert on a Discovery Channel show, what words of advice do you have for agents looking to get more press opportunities?
Agents seeking press should be creative. Develop innovative marketing strategies to attract to your listings from both buyers and the press. I have listed a number of townhouses on 66th Street, including 55 East 66th Street, a single family conversion opportunity with an underwhelming façade. I commissioned a 60 foot silk screen with a rendering the proposed façade to help buyers envision the home’s potential, which resulted in a significant amount of press attention. My other tip – if you have a great story, don’t be afraid to pitch the idea yourself to our PR Team!
You operate in the luxury price points consistently. What are your favorite luxury addresses that you would recommend to your clients if the opportunity arose?
Great views and private outdoor space are two of my personal “must-haves.” For an Upper East Side buyer with similar tastes I would recommend the Penthouse at 936 5th Avenue, which I will be bringing to market in September. For view driven downtown buyers with a luxury budget, I would absolutely recommend purchasing at The Clarkson, which will undoubtedly become downtown’s hottest new address.
Share something that few know about you.
Prior to entering real estate I was the founder of a fitness company called “Simonsen Says” – I had a weekly column in the Daily News, and regular features on television programs and publications like Glamour Magazine. Fitness remains my passion, and I cannot start the day without a good workout!
