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New York Daily News

Voyeur Insights: Corcoran's Maria Manuche

By: Nicole Carter
Published: 2/23/2011Source: New York Daily News

It's difficult to ruffle the feathers of Corcoran' Senior Vice President Maria Manuche. The powerbroker, who's currently working a $10.9 million upper East Side townhouse, has over 20 years’ experience and is known for being thoughtful and diligent. Less-known: she is a classically trained dancer, couldn't live without the upper West Side and admires the elegance of the Chrysler Building.

 

Q: Highest sale in the last 12 months?

34 E. 61st St., a unique commercial townhouse with three residential apartments above for $10 million. Up next, a firehouse at 113 E. 90th St.

 

Q: What's your next hottest nabe in N.Y.C.?

In this vibrant city, the hottest neighborhood rests within the eyes of my clients.  The great part of my job is that I get to help discover what is great for them.

 

Q: Craziest showing story?

The craziest appointment by far was actually when I arranged with the owner of a new exclusive an appointment to measure for an accurate floor plan. She graciously left a key for me with the doorman so I could conduct the appointment at noon while she was at work and her daughter was at high school.  I opened the door to the daughter’s bedroom to discover her and her boyfriend desperately pulling up their blues jeans trying to act like all was totally under control. I immediately closed the door, turned to my colleague and stated, “My sitter’s job is now secure until my youngest kids graduate from high school!” Needless to say, I have kept that vow.

 

Q: What's your top tip for pricing a home?

Bulls and bears make money, pigs lose.  A properly priced home always secures the highest and best price.

 

Q: What's the biggest mistake buyers make when looking for a home?

Perhaps more of misconception then a mistake, some buyers need to learn that at any price point, there is no perfect apartment.

 

Q: What was your first big sell?

The first big sale the put me on the map in real estate was a penthouse apartment at 101 Central Park West.

 

Q: What'd you buy yourself after?

Booked a trip to Paris!

 

Q: What did you do before you became a broker?

Ballet-trained jazz dancer, which has proven great training to keep me on my toes in real estate.

 

Q: Personal motto or favorite saying?

Stay calm under all circumstances.

 

Q: Favorite room in your own house?

With three kids bouncing off the walls, I find my bedroom to be an oasis in the mayhem, but I would have to say I love most preparing meals with the kids in the kitchen! The conversations that emerge are priceless.

 

Q: Person dead or alive you most admire?

In antiquity: Socrates. In recent history: John Q. Adams and Winston Churchill.

 

Q: What part of business do you love the most?

Every day is wildly different, and there is never a dull moment.

 

Q: Neighborhood in New York you could live without?

The strength of New York City is rooted in the diversity offered in our many neighborhoods. We benefit from them all.

 

Q: Neighborhood in New York you could NOT live without?

Right now I’m thrilled with the upper West Side, where I live, but I could be happy in many neighborhoods in the city.

 

Q: In which era in N.Y.C. history would you want to be selling or living?

I feel most fortunate to be doing both now!

 

Q: If you could be any building in N.Y.C., which would you be?

I would choose the Chrysler Building, which I feel has a commanding presence balanced by flawless style and grace.

 

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