Deborah Grubman - Insightful and Creative Approach

The Corcoran Group
Insightful and Creative Approach

Deborah Grubman

While many factors contribute to a successful real estate transaction, Deborah Grubman believes the most important is the "chemistry" that overcomes buyers when they walk into the right home. After nearly 15 years experience as a Manhattan residential real estate professional, Deborah actively facilitates that chemistry by, a) intimately knowing her customers' needs, b) keeping on top of the market and available inventory, and c) narrowing the search considerably to show only the most ideal matches.

Deborah combines a great sense of people, exceptional market knowledge, and a keen instinct for what will work and what won't. "On paper, something could seem perfect for someone, but it's my job to really get a feel for a person, their lifestyle and needs, and open up other possibilities that might not otherwise have been considered." It is this insight and creative approach to her work, which has earned Deborah a reputable track record, of both sales and happy customers.

Working alongside Corcoran partner Carol Cohen, Deborah has greatly expanded the quality service capabilities she offers buyers and sellers by adding another highly creative mind, impressive set of talents and hardworking pair of hands to the mix. This team of seasoned real estate brokers work effectively in synch and are readily accessible to fulfill every possible real estate need, whether representing a high-end exclusive property or seeking a luxury home for the most demanding buyer.

Originally from New York, Deborah worked in the city and in Florida as a former high school math and science teacher, and then moved to California for a decade where she bought, renovated and sold her own properties. "I had an aptitude for math," she explained. "And I loved teaching while I did it. I was living in Los Angeles at the time after I stopped teaching, and I began to buy houses in Beverly Hills; fix them up and flip them. That was my foray into residential real estate. I really didn't know that much about real estate, but timing is everything. It was during the unrest in Iran and many Iranians were coming into Beverly Hills. I only bought in the best locations. My husband helped me buy the properties. Although at the time, they were relatively inexpensive because they were in terrible condition. I didn't make changes. There was nothing cutting edge about what I did. And I made money on every deal. And it gave me a taste for residential real estate. Of course, you make more money in real estate than you do teaching. When I moved back to New York 16 years ago, I decided to become involved in New York real estate." Deborah doesn't see her job as glamorous. "I haven't really thought of my job as glamorous or not. I love what I do. I love to see how people live and I think it tells you a tremendous amount about human nature. It is very rewarding to help find someone a home. I've had offers to work in commercial real estate but I find residential to be fascinating. I feel very good at a closing when I see the person being handed the keys. It's a very important moment in a person's life. Whether it's a $100,000 studio or a $20 million home.

And her teaching background comes in handy. "I always tell my clients to take notes. If I'm showing 10 apartments, you may not remember the third one. I tell them to make a note of one characteristic that will bring the apartment back to you in your mind. Good or bad. And I do insist that they write down something on each. Even why they hate it. As for dealing with `rich' clients, it depends on the individual. They can be charming and lovely or they can be badly behaved. People with money can easy to deal with and focused or they can be difficult. My client list is very diversified. I receive referrals from my dentist, my dermatologist, my children and on and on."

She has seen many changes over the years. "The city has become much more interesting since I returned. Many high-end areas have opened up. I used to refer clients to downtown brokers; now it's too lucrative to give up. It used to be that Upper East Side and West Side were the pockets of high-end. That has changed. You need to be a pioneer now. You can show your younger clients the lower East Side or Harlem now. Or an area like Chelsea Heights. Tribeca now has river views. The city can offer something for everyone now."

Biggest deal: Tommy Mottola's East 64th Street house for about $20 million.

Deborah Grubman
The Corcoran Group
Tel: 212-836-1055
Email: DG@corcoran.com