Julie Hoffman has returned home to Brown Harris Stevens, bringing nearly two decades of real estate experience and a people-first approach shaped by an earlier career in social work and psychiatry. After building a successful business, most recently at Christie’s International Real Estate, Julie was drawn back by BHS’ longstanding reputation, supportive culture, and the sense of stability that first made it feel like home. We caught up with Julie to talk about what inspired her return, how her previous career continues to influence the way she works with clients, and the New York City and Hamptons spots she loves most.
Why did you decide to return home to the Brown Harris Stevens family for the next chapter of your successful career?
It was so important to me to have a very stable company with an excellent reputation and deep roots. A company that has longevity not only company-wise, but with the staff and brokers. It’s amazing to me how many people remain at the company for years and years—that really spoke to me. The culture is so warm and supportive, it feels like I was coming home.
How has your previous experience in social work and psychiatry influenced your approach to real estate over the past 17 years?
Patience and empathy—really being able to meet the client where they are and truly listen not just to what they say, but why. Understanding the pain or pleasure that is motivating them in their apartment sale or search allows me to focus on the solution.
Also, it has really helped me keep the focus on what’s important. For example, while it’s disappointing to lose a bidding war or receive the infrequent board turndown, it doesn’t compare to some of the tragic calls I would get when I worked at Bellevue. There is always another apartment, but we only get one body, one life.
What’s something that few people know about you?
I eat an apple every day. And so far, it has kept the doctor away. 🙂
What’s your favorite downtown restaurant, and what do you always order?
Pastis—the half-roasted chicken. I don’t order chicken out a lot, but I absolutely love it here.
Living in both New York City and the Hamptons, what’s one hidden gem in each that you love?
I absolutely love Bistro Vendome. It is a little French restaurant on 58th Street right off 1st Avenue. A real neighborhood spot. Unless you live in the neighborhood, you wouldn’t know about it. The food is phenomenal, the staff is warm and welcoming, and there’s the most adorable outdoor seating area in the back. I feel like I’m in Paris when I am there.
In the Hamptons, I love Canal Cafe. It’s super casual, has the most delicious food, and it’s right on the water, so the scenery is beautiful. It’s not one of the “trendy” Hamptons restaurants—just easy and yummy.
What’s your favorite dog-friendly spot in Manhattan to visit with your two dogs?
My girls are more of the homebody types, but I love when we are in bed relaxing—my little one by my head on the pillow and my big one ends up between my husband and me like a third person. Just lots of love and togetherness.
In the Hamptons during the off-season, they love running on the beach, and I can watch them endlessly as they enjoy the freedom of being off leash in the fresh air. Just enjoying the simplicities of life—there is nothing better.
Share a photo from your camera roll that means a lot to you and tell us why.
So many reasons why this photo means a lot to me.
- Thanksgiving has always been my favorite holiday. It’s not a religious holiday—it’s an inclusive day centered on family, togetherness, and gratitude. It represents the values that are important to my family and me.
- It was the day my husband proposed.
- My sister, brother-in-law, niece, and nephew were there visiting from Florida.
- It was one of the last Thanksgivings I had with my dad before he passed away.
- It was just a really happy day.
Connect with Julie at jhoffman@bhsusa.com.
Leave a Reply