Emma Chao brings a unique perspective to Brooklyn real estate, blending firsthand experience as an investor with a deep appreciation for the borough’s neighborhoods and communities, with a background in tech and design. Drawn to Brown Harris Stevens by its culture and leadership, Emma recently joined our Brooklyn Heights office to help clients navigate one of the city’s most dynamic markets. In this week’s BHS Agent Spotlight, she shares where she sees opportunity in Brooklyn today, her favorite local spots, the personal story, and much more.
Why did you decide upon Brown Harris Stevens Brooklyn in the next chapter of your career?
Real estate has been a family value my whole life. After building a small portfolio of Brooklyn properties on my own, becoming an agent felt inevitable. I wanted a firm with real culture behind it, not just a name. I met Maggie Ross through a local parent group, and one conversation was enough. Her knowledge, leadership, and gravitas said everything about what BHS stands for. I knew immediately it was where I wanted to build my career.
With a background in real estate investing, where does the value exist in Brooklyn right now? Neighborhood/property type/building/condition?
There is still value in unrenovated brownstones and townhouses in Bed-Stuy, Ocean Hill, and Ridgewood. If you are willing to put in the sweat equity to renovate, you will get that return back in multitudes. And for those that want something more turn-key, I believe we are not at the peak for buy-and-hold condos in those neighborhoods. With low taxes and maintenance, you can really get the math to work while building equity and not having to sweat over double-digit rent increases.
What excites you most about Brooklyn right now?
I’ve seen Brooklyn through the eyes of a Brooklyn Tech high schooler to where it stands today. In the early 2000’s, Manhattan was king of the city. Now, I’d say that Brooklyn is on top of the world and even more desirable than Manhattan, especially for families. Gowanus is an area that excites me. From crumbling warehouses to luxury condominiums, I see potential there for a community to form in a city where housing (both affordable and market-rate) is much needed.
Favorite Dining Spot in Brooklyn Heights? What are you ordering?
I love Hibino for the spicy scallop roll, Table 87 for a pepperoni slice with Mike’s Hot Honey, and Cloudy Donut. A few blocks away, Bar Bete, Prince Street Pizza, and Shan are my typical Friday night go-tos.
What is the most dog-friendly spot in Brooklyn that you spend time with your dog and why?
I take my dog, Hudson, to Cadman Plaza daily for a morning stroll and play fetch. On weekends, I love strolling through Atlantic Ave to take him to the Brooklyn Bridge dog run, where he will forever steal other dogs’ tennis balls and adamantly refuse to give them back.
Share with us a photo in your camera roll that means a lot to you and tell us why.
My dad was the biggest Knicks fan of all time and the biggest sports lover. He’d watch football, basketball, baseball, soccer, rugby, tennis, golf, and even cricket, in that order. Today, I got to celebrate the Knicks’ championship win at the parade in his honor. He would have been incredibly proud and ecstatic. LGK!!
Share something that few know about you.
I’ve spent years obsessing over color, light, and proportion. Turns out that’s also just called real estate!
Connect with Emma at echao@bhsusa.com today.
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