A Welcome-Again-to-Douglas-Elliman Q&A with Tom Cooper

Tom Cooper has rejoined Douglas Elliman in Manhattan, the place he started his actual property profession in 2002.

With over 20 years of expertise, Cooper has represented shoppers from inside New York, throughout america and overseas. He notably thrives in guiding and educating his shoppers by the distinct nuances and intricacies of New York Metropolis actual property.

As he settles into his new-old skilled dwelling, Cooper participated in get-to-know-you-again Q&A with Elliman Insider.

What led you to a profession in actual property?

I’d been Director of Advertising at a monetary know-how “dot com” for a few years within the early 2000s and needed one thing extra related to my adopted metropolis, New York  (I moved right here from San Francisco in 1999). So I went to a profession counselor, and after a couple of probing periods, he recommended residential actual property in Manhattan.

That took me off-guard, so he defined: As a result of I cherished structure (however wasn’t about to grow to be an architect), cherished nice design (however was tired of being a designer, apart from myself), LOVED the town’s historical past and its distinct neighborhoods, loved being in an workplace however loathed being tethered to it and appreciated being out and about with individuals.  Primarily although, I didn’t need a ceiling on the form of cash I may make.

Additionally—which many pals discovered peculiar, to say the least—I’d purchased my very own place right here, had refinanced it…and slightly loved all of it!

What do you discover uniquely compelling about NYC actual property? 

The structure: I like how the chaos of various architectural types someway works on this crowded island.  I personally lean towards pre-war (and pre-war-war-war-war—the older the higher)!  However I like, too, the best way modern new condos (some greater than others, admittedly) have slot in and added to the liveliness of their respective neighborhoods. Aside from that, I’d say that each one of us are privileged to work with the usually fascinating shoppers one meets in a “world metropolis” like New York. That is undoubtedly a job I like, however I wouldn’t do it anyplace else.

“All the time, all the time be useful to different brokers—moreover my shoppers, they’re crucial individuals on the market.”

What key lesson(s) have you ever realized through the years about navigating the intricacies of NYC actual property? 

Belief your intestine: a deal that smells unhealthy initially is often doomed. Additionally, I’ve two ears and one mouth—respecting that ratio is essential with shoppers. All the time, all the time be useful to different brokers—moreover my shoppers, they’re crucial individuals on the market. Once they see my identify pop up on an incoming name, I would like them to smile, not sigh, “Oh, God….” Staying diligent and on prime of the shifting elements of a deal although and getting again to individuals instantly, these issues are key.

As a longtime New Yorker and onetime trustee for the Greenwich Village Society for Historic Preservation, what hidden gems or missed spots within the metropolis do you wish to share with pals and shoppers?  

To start with, I’m all the time recreation for incorporating a little bit of a historic strolling tour once I’m out with shoppers to the diploma I’m in a position (however provided that they wish to hear it!). Irrespective of the neighborhood, although, make the time occasionally to place your cellphone away and lookup: Among the constructing cornices are wonderful, particularly within the Flatiron space! NoMad, particularly alongside Broadway across the Ace Resort, has some stunning outdated buildings—a couple of actual “marriage ceremony desserts.”

As a reminder of the best way many immigrants started their lives in america, go to the Tenement Museum (all the time an eye-opening expertise), in addition to the grand Eldridge Avenue Synagogue whilst you’re within the space. The Morgan Library is each stately and peaceable. And Abingdon Sq. is a shining instance of how a small neighborhood park ought to appear and feel.

What different passions do you pursue, whether or not associated or unrelated to actual property?

Undoubtedly journey, with prime marks to European cities. London (a particular comfortable place, first visited 40 years in the past!), Paris (this one’s a bit apparent, however there we’re), Madrid (majestic), Stockholm (ditto on majestic, with ridiculously attractive individuals), Rome (sigh), Edinburgh, Munich…and in addition lesser-visited ones: Krakow is stunning.

There’s a lot historical past and walkability in these cities (if I by no means drove one other day in my life, I’d be simply fantastic) and architectural feasts for the eyes.  Relying on the season, I’m form of cut up between northern Europe (“Potato Europe”) and southern Europe (“Tomato Europe”). I love the South of France. And whereas I like a very good seashore, too, in all candor, after a few hours I’m form of, Um, OK…now what?