Laura Vela (Kawwa)

A New York City native, Laura Vela (Kawwa) is an integral member of Young Team Advisory at Compass. With a consistently deft perspective, Laura assists buyers, sellers, landlords and renters in a nimble, calm, measured way - innately prioritizing the most efficient use of every client's time and energy. Laura's depth of real estate knowledge, in combination with her affable demeanor, brings a dependable, positive cadence to all of her interactions.

Laura first joined the Team during the marketing and sales launch of 101 West 78th Street in 2016 - equipping her with an in-depth knowledge of new development and its unique processes. Today she leads all categories of implementation - and is an expert in rentals, pricing, negotiation strategy, and board package execution.

In 2022, Young Team Advisory was ranked in the top 3% of national small teams by 2021 sales volume in "Real Trends: America's Best Real Estate Professionals". Other achievements include $51.2 million in 2022 transactions, and the highest price per square foot achieved for Upper West Side new development in 2018; in addition, Young Team Advisory was ranked #13 in the country by Wall Street Journal/REAL Trends 2015 for Team Average Sales Price.

Originally from the Bronx, Laura attended high school in Florida and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology and Legal Studies from the University of Central Florida. She has lived in Orlando, Los Angeles, San Francisco and Houston, and is now a resident of Harlem. Laura volunteers with NY Cares, and loves attending live sporting events - especially if it involves the Nets or the Rangers.