DOES A TEAM ALWAYS OUTPERFORM AN INDIVDUAL?

In residential real estate the answer is a resounding yes! I just got back from a Compass event with the top 100 producers at Compass from around the country and one thing I noticed right away that everyone there, me included, lead a team. There were no individual agents in the top 100.

When I first started in real estate, the image of the solo agent—the lone wolf navigating the market singlehandedly—was still mostly the standard. But times have changed. Real estate today has become more demanding, more complex, and more client-focused than ever before. The future of our industry is clear: teams aren’t just an option—they are becoming the way to deliver the service that buyers and sellers expect and deserve.

And honestly? I think that’s a very good thing.

At the heart of a great real estate team is trust—something I’m incredibly proud to say is the foundation of everything we do. My team and I have been working together for years—Miriam joined me in 2014 (11 years ago!) and Greg followed in 2017 (over 8 years ago). Over that time, we haven’t just built a professional partnership—we’ve forged a genuine friendship, one earned over thousands of hours working side by side through long days, tough negotiations, joyful closings, and everything in between.

I recently read that it takes about 200 hours spent together to form a true adult friendship. If that’s the case, we hit that number in just a few weeks. Between 70–80-hour work weeks, constant calls, quarterly retreats, offsite meetings, and daily collaboration, our bond was inevitable—and it has made all the difference.

Each team member brings their own superpower to the table. Miriam has an encyclopedic knowledge of buildings and floor plans—once she sees a listing, she never forgets it, even years later. Greg has a laser-sharp attention to detail and a calming presence that instantly reassures our clients that they’re in the best possible hands. Their talents, work ethic, and compassion are just a few of the many reasons our team thrives.

At the center of everything we do is a commitment to white-glove service. No client is too big or too small. Every listing receives the same attention, care, and strategy, and every buyer receives the same respect and dedication. Real estate is a service business at its core—and we never lose sight of that.

Teams like ours are the future because today’s clients deserve a full-service experience: deep market knowledge, specialized expertise, careful attention, and, most importantly, trust. And while today’s newsletter highlights Greg and Miriam, I would be remiss not to mention that the same mutual trust and respect extends to the rest of my team, Naomi, Will, and Charry—each of whom helps make our team what it is.

I am grateful every day for the incredible team I have built, and even more grateful for the clients who place their trust in us. That trust is our greatest privilege, and we never take it for granted!

Have a spectacular weekend!

Best, Michael

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Local News

Chef José Andrés' popular D.C. restaurant just opened in NYC

At Oyamel, expect street festival energy with a side of mole.

Hold on to your tacos, New York. Star chef José Andrés has officially brought one of his most popular D.C. restaurants to the Big Apple. Oyamel, a Mexican hotspot known for its bright flavors, festive vibes and inventive cocktails, landed in Hudson Yards this week, and it’s looking to shake up an already spicy Mexican dining scene here in the city.

Located at 10 Hudson Yards, just steps from the High Line and near where Andrés first arrived in the U.S., the new Oyamel marks the first expansion of the original D.C. location, which opened over 20 years ago.

“Oyamel is a place for celebration where the beautiful flavors of Mexico come together,” Andrés told Time Out exclusively. “It is this spirit of conviviality and joy you will find at our new restaurant in Hudson Yards.”

More Info: CLICK HERE

SummerStage releases lineup of free shows

in Central Park and across NYC

SummerStage returns in June with more than 70 shows in Central Park or 13 other neighborhood parks across the five boroughs – nearly all of them free.

Opening night is set for Wednesday, June 4 in Central Park, with a free New Orleans-themed celebration featuring jazz great Marcus Miller, NPR “Tiny Desk” winners Tank and the Bangas, and brass ensemble The Soul Rebels.

Afrobeat star Femi Kuti will headline a free Central Park show on July 27 alongside poet Maryam Bukar Hassan.

Many of this year’s evenings are curated by artists themselves, according to City Parks Foundation Executive Director Heather Lubov, including “Blacktronica,” a festival of POC electronic artists, at Marcus Garvey Park in Harlem on Aug. 17.

“There’s a lot of work to really identify artists in their own communities and curate shows in those communities,” Lubov said.

More Info: CLICK HERE

12 Best Museum Exhibits In NYC

To Explore Right Now

From pop culture phenomena to historic artwork and natural history, the best museum exhibits NYC has to offer cover all areas of interest.

As the saying goes, “Earth without art is just ‘eh,’” so why not explore the best museum exhibits in NYC for a much-needed dose of creativity?

Whether you have a passion for impressionism, want to take a step back in time, or feel inclined to revel in pop culture’s best moments, NYC museums have just about anything you can imagine.

Since we know you likely only have a New York minute to spare, we’ve rounded up the best selections for your bucket list. Now, without further ado, discover the coolest exhibits to catch right now in the link below.:

More Info: CLICK HERE

450 East 83rd Street, Apt. 23B

3 Beds | 3.5 Baths | 7 Room Residence | Condo

Upper East Side | C.C's: $2,821/mo

Offered at: $3,195,000

Perched on the 23rd floor of The Cielo Condominium, this expansive 1,866 square foot, sun-drenched residence delivers everything a discerning buyer desires. With dramatic 10-foot ceilings and floor-to-ceiling windows throughout, every room showcases breathtaking panoramic vistas of the East River, bridges, and city skyline from its prime northeast corner exposure.

The elegant layout features three spacious bedrooms—each with its own en-suite bath—thoughtfully arranged in a split-bedroom design for optimal privacy. A gracious entry foyer opens to an impressive corner great room, where an open-concept chef’s kitchen flows seamlessly into the living and dining space—perfect for sophisticated entertaining or casual everyday living.

The open kitchen is outfitted with sleek Bulthaup cabinetry, Pietra Cardosa stone countertops, stainless steel backsplash, and top-of-the-line appliances including a Sub-Zero refrigerator, Miele dishwasher and ventilation hood, and a full suite of Wolf appliances: cooktop, oven, and microwave.

The luxurious primary suite offers a spa-like bathroom featuring under-mounted double sinks, a deep soaking tub, a glass-enclosed shower, and French limestone floors—all by Waterworks. Secondary bedrooms are equally well-appointed with stylish en-suites. Additional features include central air conditioning, custom California Closets throughout, rich Birch wood flooring, an ASKO washer/dryer, and exceptional storage.

The Cielo is a premier white-glove condominium with every amenity imaginable: 24-hour doorman and concierge, on-site resident manager, state-of-the-art fitness center with terrace, children’s playroom, party room, bike and stroller storage, central laundry, and an attended on-site garage with direct building access.

Located on a tranquil stretch of the Upper East Side, The Cielo is moments from Carl Schurz Park, the East River promenade, top-tier schools, gourmet markets, and some of the city’s finest shopping and services.

See listing website: CLICK HERE

More Listings

Michael J. Franco

Lic. Assoc. R.E. Broker

M: 917.817.4122

mfranco@compass.com

Office: 646-982-0353

Compass is a licensed real estate broker. All material is intended for informational purposes only and is compiled from sources deemed reliable but is subject to errors, omissions, changes in price, condition, sale, or withdrawal without notice. No statement is made as to the accuracy of any description or measurements (including square footage). This is not intended to solicit property already listed. No financial or legal advice provided. Equal Housing Opportunity. All Coming Soon listings in NYC are simultaneously syndicated to the REBNY RLS. Photos may be virtually staged or digitally enhanced and may not reflect actual property conditions.