In their words...
The month’s funniest and most insightful comments on real estate
“Had [the listings] been legitimate, I would probably never have gotten any calls.” Keller Williams agent Luis Ortiz — the newest cast member on “Million Dollar Listing New York” — on posting bait-and-switch listings when he first started out in real estate.
“The new $50 million is $100 million.” Warburg Realty’s Richard Steinberg, on the rapidly growing prices of ultra-luxury apartments in New York.
“Go to medical school.” Equity International’s Sam Zell, speaking at a REIT symposium, when asked if he had any advice for newbie real estate players.
“I’m very dead set on a 917 or 212, because I’m not one of the new people. [A 212 number shows clients] I’m not sitting in some borough somewhere. They think, and I immediately think, ‘office in Manhattan.’”
“A peacock is supposed to bring good luck … so I knew I had to have one. I mentioned it to someone … and there you go, a vintage peacock.”
Citi Habitats agent Diana Mitchell on the importance of the traditional Manhattan area codes. (Bloomberg News)
“Oh, he takes her all the time — but with me. He wouldn’t know what to do if she was crying or needed a diaper change.” Ivanka Trump, on the Donald as a grandfather. (Redbook magazine) 26 May 2013 www.TheRealDeal.com
026 may funny quotes se FINAL.indd 1
Douglas Elliman broker Jared Seligman, on one of several pieces of taxidermy in his apartment. (The Coveteur website)
“When [a] taxi driver told me years ago he did real estate, I knew the boom was done.” ESPN sports business analyst Darren Rovell. (Twitter)
“It’s very difficult to say, ‘Occupants: 1,000 pairs of Jimmy Choo shoes.’” Douglas Elliman agent Tristan Andrews, on finding a client a rental apartment to use as a closet. (The New York Times)
“Meatpacking: It’s more show than dough.” Newmark Grubb Knight Frank Retail broker Jason Pruger explaining that the Meatpacking District is more of a nightlife destination than a shopping area.
“I thought, screw Madison Square Garden, let’s call Barclays.” Loucas George, producer of ABC’s “Nashville,” on MSG’s request for a fee and creative control in exchange for filming at the arena. (Crain’s)
“Before these enormous buildings went up — the Singer, the Metropolitan Life, the Woolworth — the New York skyline was really religious.” Architectural historian Anthony Robins, referring to a time when the Manhattan skyline was dominated by church spires. (Wall Street Journal)
“Most people don’t wash their rental cars.” Pershing Square Capital CEO William Ackman, on maintenance issues in single-family home rental portfolios. www.TheRealDeal.com August 2006 00
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