This week we spotlight the Fifth Madison Group, dynamic new additions to our East Side office. Recently recruited from Sotheby’s International Realty, Justin Duffy and Mikael Johansson bring a powerful combination of professionalism, sharp market insight, and client-first service. In the interview, they share what drew them to Brown Harris Stevens, where they’re seeing the most foreign buyer activity, how they divide strengths as a team, and their go-to East Side dining spots.
You recently joined BHS’s East Side Office after being at Sotheby’s…why did you decide BHS was best for your business?
Team: We didn't know very much about the inside of Brown Harris Stevens for most of our real estate careers. Our main impression of the firm was from meeting Brown Harris Stevens agents on the other side of transactions over the years, and what has always stuck out was a consistent high bar of professionalism. Whenever we received e-mail from a Brown Harris Stevens agent, there was always a sigh of relief and we looked forward to interacting with them.
We were fortunate enough to recently have a meeting with Bess Freedman to discuss the industry, our experiences to date and Brown Harris Stevens' vision for the future. Our impression from that meeting was that Bess and her team are really oriented in the right direction, focused on how our industry is changing. At the same time, there is a clear emphasis on maintaining tradition and standards, and supporting their agents. The combination of these things appealed to us greatly. Our subsequent meeting was with Matt Leone, the CMO, and we were blown away by the amount of creative talent in the building and how the entire staff is focused solely on creating the best experience for the agents. When we left that second meeting, we both looked at each other and agreed that there is no case to be made not to move to BHS. Less than a week later, we were moving in to 445 Park.
How do you see the Manhattan market in general performing right now based on your recent client experiences?
Team: Certain parts of the market are on fire, especially the high and low end. There seems to be a particular appetite for Upper East Side co-ops under $5M. The middle of the market is languishing a little bit, although inventory is still low across the board, which is good for sellers.
What unique skills do each of you bring to the table for your clients when your team works with them?
Justin – meticulous attention to detail, a sense of urgency and ability to keep all parties calm and carrying on
Mikael – the ability to help clients feel comfortable and confident in their decision-making
Favorite Dining Spot in Manhattan on the East Side? What are you ordering?
Justin: David Burke Tavern, on E 62nd between Park and Lexington. I'm not normally a burger person, but their Tavern Cheeseburger on an English muffin is the go-to (it is half price during happy hour!).
Mikael: Antonucci Cafe, on E 81 between Lexington and Third. Brazino is my order.
Mikael, coming from Sweden originally and working with foreign buyers, where are you seeing the most foreign buyer interest in NYC right now?
Mikael: Condos on 57th Street are definitely getting a lot of attention from foreign buyers right now.
Share something few know about you.
Justin: I'm obsessed with music, and I think music of the most important thing in the world. Second to New York City real estate, of course.
Mikael: I played hockey on a competitive level back in Sweden.
Share a photo on your camera roll that means a lot to you and share why.
Justin: [Left Photo] – I rescued my dog, Terra from Virginia in 2020- she was a stray. This photo was her first night in New York.
Mikael: [Right Photo] – I really love this photo of the most important person to me in my life, my wife Amanda.
Share one of your team goals in 2025 that you aim to accomplish.
Team: Continue to work with great clients, continue to help them achieve great outcomes, and maybe have a little bit of fun along the way.
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