Our newest West Side Office recruits, Teresa Alessandro and Laura Willoughby of the “Making NYC Home Team,” bring a powerhouse track record to Brown Harris Stevens, representing over $100 million in transactions across New York City. After the recent acquisition announcements by Compass, the duo made the strategic move to BHS. Learn more about what sets them apart, why they chose BHS, their outlook for the 2026 market, and much more in this week’s BHS Agent Spotlight.
You recently joined BHS’s West Side Office after being at Compass. Why did you collectively decide BHS was best for your business?
Team: This decision was rooting in the simple belief that people are first in our business, not technology. We believe that the craft that is “selling real estate” in NYC is unlike the rest of the country, and BHS’s legacy is something we can embody in our work.
You mentioned that the Anywhere Compass Acquisition was one of the reasons why you made a move, can you elaborate on that?
Team: As of today Compass has announced they have acquired Anywhere brands and continues their lawsuit against Zillow. On an individual agent level, we felt the resources were being drawn from us and the manual was transforming annually. The rigidity of their policies no longer fostered collaboration and growth on individual agents level.
If you had to come up with something that separates you from the 16,000 other real estate professionals in NYC, what would you say that is?
Team: We have proprietary financial tools to help buyers and sellers visualize their bottom line. We’ve worked to create detailed processes to ensure every transaction follows a timeline and consistent quality of representation. Our backgrounds in Broadcast Journalism and Marketing also kick started our social media production. Follow us on @makingnychome on Instagram, and @ldwilloughby24. We are forever growing to be able to accommodate our clients moves.
Favorite Dining Spot in Manhattan and/or Westchester? What are you ordering?
Teresa: Sempre Oggi on the Upper West Side.
Laura: Gennaro’s on the Upper West Side or Russ and Daughters LES.
What is your forecast for both the 2026 Manhattan Market and 2026 Westchester Market?
Team: We think the Manhattan and Brooklyn market is going to be locally driven, with full time residents motivated to buy and stay in the city. There will be a visible “Mandani Effect”, and his policies will be more pragmatic than advertised. We believe in following “ the culture”, new neighborhoods will continue to be developed and the retail opportunities surrounding these communities will sprout.
The rental market will continue to soar. There will be a big wave of recent college grads swarming to NYC. Investment condos will be alternative assets for those looking to make a modest annual return while betting on the appreciation in NYC over the course of the next ten years.
Cash will always be king.
Share something few know about you.
Teresa: I ride a Vespa in the city.
Laura: I’m a mom of twins, both in college!
Share a photo on your camera roll that means a lot to you and share why.
Teresa: I just got married!
Laura: Fall is my favorite season, and picking apples in the Hudson Valley is one of my favorite getaways.
Share a hidden secret in NYC or Westchester County that you swear by that the world should know about.
Teresa: 7am leash “off hour” in Central Park is where all the personalities of dogs come out. It’s such a darling experience to see New Yorkers and their fur babies in the wild.
Laura: I love the public garden in front of Cooper Hewitt. It’s the perfect way to steal 15 minutes for a coffee in Carnegie Hill.
Connect with Teresa at talessandro@bhsusa.com and Laura at Lwilloughby@bhsusa.com.
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