Recently joining Brown Harris Stevens’ East Side office after more than two decades at Corcoran, Debbie Baum brings over $600 million in career sales and a reputation as one of Manhattan’s most consistently ranked top agents. A former fashion executive turned real estate powerhouse, Debbie is known for her signature mantra, “Real Estate Will Always Be In Fashion” — a philosophy that reflects both her design sensibility and her enduring approach to client service. In this week’s BHS Agent Spotlight, Debbie shares why BHS was the right move for her career, her home staging “musts”, her forecast for the Spring real estate market, and much more.
You recently joined BHS’s East Side Office after being at Corcoran for 20+ Years. Why did you decide BHS was best for your business?
I have made the move to BHS because at this stage in my career, as I rev up even more, I welcome the personal attention, quality and care in a privately owned, profitable, and very well respected established company with a select group of agents who are respected professionals. I have always felt that everyone associated with BHS was a respected professional and there has always been an elegance associated with the firm. Starting at the top with Bess Freedman, who I have always admired for her intelligence, business savvy, integrity and leadership throughout the RE industry.
What are your thoughts on the consolidation taking place currently in our industry?
I am curious to see what happens with the consolidation taking place, and I am looking forward to watching it…from a distance.
With an extensive fashion and design background, what are your most important “Must Dos” for staging or preparing your home for sale?
Because of my love of fashion and esthetics, I enjoy helping sellers make their apartments as beautifully as they can. Sometimes it is enough to just rearrange what is already there and add some finishing touches, and other times more work needs to be done. That being said, I am always mindful of cost and my sellers appreciate that. I also have my “lucky flowers” that move from apartment to apartment as a contract is signed!
Favorite Dining Spot in Manhattan? What are you ordering?
Avra for lunch, with the 3 course meal, of course! Due for Chicken Martini.
What is your forecast for the Spring Market in Manhattan?
I anticipate a very busy spring market as it has already gotten off to a strong start. I have been party to several “highest and bests” in the last month.
Share something few know about you.
I am irrationally afraid of bees.
You are consistently ranked in the Top amongst agents at Corcoran and in NYC, if you had to share one bit of advice to agents looking to take their business to another level, what would that be?
Answer your phone! Be available for your clients; be helpful, honest, and honorable, and never give up. And…dress like you care!
Connect with Debbie at dbaum@bhsusa.com.
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