This week, we shine the spotlight on Maggie Ross, Brown Harris Stevens’ newest Senior Managing Director of Sales in Brooklyn. A highly respected real estate professional and former top-performing agent, Maggie brings nearly two decades of market expertise and deep Brooklyn roots to her leadership role. With a clear vision to strengthen relationships, elevate agents, and expand the firm’s presence across the borough, Maggie shares more about her career journey, her outlook on the Brooklyn market, what drew her to the BHS for this exciting next chapter, and much more.
You joined Brown Harris Stevens this week with the goal to help take our Brooklyn market to even greater heights, why did you decide BHS was best for your next chapter of your career?
As a decades-long Brooklyn community member raising my family in Carroll Gardens, I have always admired the BHS brand. Having worked in Brooklyn real estate for nearly two decades I am also keenly aware of the need to foster long term relationships built on trust. BHS’ focus on authenticity over algorithm aligns with my core values and is at the heart of Brooklyn’s culture.
Some say the best sales directors used to be agents, what do you say to that considering the fact that you performed at such a high level as an agent?
Managing teams, mentoring agents, and working through every type of market cycle requires equal parts empathy and tenacity. Successful sales directors who come from an agent background understand that these qualities are core to an agent’s success and client satisfaction.
You previously practiced as an antitrust and commercial litigation attorney, do you have an opinion on the potential legal battles that may come from private listing networks in the future?
Litigators often see the greatest success when people with differing views enter into productive dialogue. I understand the pros and cons of private listings from the agent perspective. When we center the client experience, more exposure is generally a stronger market position.
Your hidden secret in Brooklyn? What is so special about it?
Beneath the hill of the Quaker Cemetery on the south side of Prospect Park, there are beautiful hiking trails and a huge hidden fort made of collected tree branches and sticks – presumably by neighborhood children. I’ve seen it blown down in storms and then built back up again. It is a really special place for children but I will admit to having spent time in the quiet of this fort without my kids once or twice just for the sheer awesomeness of it.
Share with us your outside opinion of BHS before joining?
I have always admired the BHS brand. It speaks to old New York luxury in a way that many businesses inside and outside of real estate simply cannot.
Greatest value opportunities that exists in Brooklyn and why?
I am seeing more buyers from Manhattan and the Brooklyn Heights / downtown areas seek more space and proximity to nature in enclaves such as Prospect Lefferts Gardens and Ditmas Park – really architecturally and culturally fascinating and gorgeous areas. The value right now tends to be in entry-level apartments – it’s a great time to purchase a highly amenitized resale condo in an “old” new development because the interest rates have driven prices down and the buyer pool tends to be a bit smaller. These are particularly great spaces for investors, parents buying for children, or those downsizing.
Share something few know about you.
I hate fennel and black licorice, and think they taste exactly the same.
Share a photo on your camera roll that means a lot to you and share why.
These are my dogs, Margene and Morrie, who I love to pieces. Dogs are my spirit animals and I can’t envision a life where I’m not surrounded by them.
Connect with Maggie at mross@bhsusa.com.
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