This week we spotlight Joseph Ulam, an agent who has been with the Union Square office for over 10 years. Having closed more than 500 transactions, he brings deep experience and sharp insight to every deal. Joseph is also the host of Becoming Brokerage, a new podcast highlighting the stories and skills behind successful real estate careers. In our interview, he reflects on what’s kept him grounded, the lessons from his eclectic past, and the role of curiosity in his work.
Share with us why you have made the choice to stay with BHS over the years?
- The people. Friendships with colleagues, managers I both like and respect. My co-workers can make me laugh, even when I’m knee deep in a mundane task like adding up bank accounts for a board application. They offer support and moments of joy. Life is ephemeral; circumstances change, but people stick and relationships are forever.
You have a new podcast launching this week, share with us what it is about and why we should listen?
- Years ago I read “Working” by Studs Turkel, which is about how people experience various type of jobs—every career poses particular struggles and rewards . The podcast explores how current agents draw from skills they honed in previous careers to make them successful in real estate and flourish personally. People and their stories—where they came from, and what they did to get here.
What was some of your previous careers that helped you become a productive real estate agent?
- I’ve worked many jobs—bookstore clerk, bakery cashier, tennis club caretaker, house painter, construction laborer, model, project manager at the Mayor’s office, fundraiser at Columbia, and even actor—but the most valuable was selling comedy tickets in Times Square. It was 100% commission, dealing with constant rejection and fierce competition. It taught me resilience, curiosity about people, and the importance of finding humor in challenges.
Where is your favorite place to dine in NYC and what are you ordering?
- Keens Steakhouse. It’s been around since 1885. It is very cozy and the décor is timeless; a great place to find comfort and watch the rain fall on a dreary night. I’ll skip the house specialty mutton, and go with a blackened ribeye, medium rare, baked potato with gobs of butter and creamed spinach.
What or where is the greatest value in NYC right now and why? Could be a property type/neighborhood/building or a combo of them in your answer.
It varies by price point. For first-time investors, boutique condos in places like Lefferts Gardens or near Columbia Presbyterian in Washington Heights offer low monthlies, good prices (especially cash), and strong rental potential compared to nearby inventory—easy to make a modest profit and then leverage into something with a higher cap rate. At higher budgets and for a long-term play, look to areas where ‘cool people’ aren’t buying yet, like the Upper East Side or Turtle Bay—you can get a great home and sell later when the neighborhood becomes trendy. If you want to be cool now, rent in the West Village, but don’t expect resale profit.
What do you forecast for the rest of 2025 for the NYC Real Estate Market?
I expect a slower fall in terms of transactions, though it’s hard to generalize. Many rely on broad anecdotes instead of analyzing data and the nuances of specific apartments, buildings, and locations. Savvy buyers look past metrics like price per square foot. Overall, political instability and economic concerns will likely hinder activity.
As an avid tennis player, where is the best place to play tennis in NYC and why?
I’m partial to Riverside Park and 119th Street. I started playing there in 1990, and still hit with many of the same people. It’s a real community. As far as quality of competition, Fort Green Park in Brooklyn.
Share something few know about you.
This is where I wish I could play the mandolin or speak Farsi fluently.
A few options (trying not to be self-aggrandizing)
- I won the division three district men’s singles championship in college and went to nationals despite never having played competitive tennis as a kid or in high school.
- I boxed JR golden gloves as a young teen. (briefly)
- I was a history major in college
- I once had breakfast with Vaclav Havel, shortly after the fall of the iron curtain
- I can lift my leg above my head in Bikram Yoga
- I work out by doing the dog paddle—the best and most efficient way to get in shape and use your entire body, muscles and cardio—
- I learned to cook great southern Italian food from repeated viewings of Goodfellas
Share a photo from your camera roll on your phone that means alot to you and why?
My Dad was from Poland, and came here with his brother in 1939. I keep a picture of a photograph of his older sister, who was killed along with the rest of their family at Auschwitz; it reminds me that they never had a chance, while I have a multitude of options. That connects us, ensures their lives were useful, they mean something, and will always be remembered.
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