MOVERS AND SHAKERS: Linette Espinal of The Elaine Clayman Group at Brown Harris Stevens

A New Yorker for seventeen years and a graduate of New York University, Linette Espinal developed a passion for the New York residential real estate market while working at the prestigious Ritz Carlton and Mandarin Oriental Hotels in New York City. After a successful career in the hospitality industry, Linette embarked on her real estate career as an on-site sales associate with Corcoran's Sunshine Marketing Group. In this role, Linette was intimately involved with the sales and marketing of Extell Development’s luxury condominiums on Riverside Boulevard and Midtown East. Having worked on over five new condominium projects and sold multiple individual properties, Linette has extensive knowledge of all aspects of marketing and selling residential real estate.

Linette was invited to join The Elaine Clayman Group at Brown Harris Stevens in Manhattan because of her passion for real estate combined with her unique blend of skills and dedication necessary to help customers attain their dream home. Linette stays abreast of market trends which matched with her innate listening skills, her creative eye, and great communication skills, is an unbeatable ability to match the right home with the right customer. She builds a relationship with her clients based on trust, honesty and superior customer service. Linette will not hesitate to go the extra mile to ensure that the process is as smooth, pleasant and as seamless as possible.

Throughout her career, Linette has built strong relationships with prominent members of New York’s business, legal, fashion, design and art communities which inform her understanding of emerging developments and trends in the real estate market. Linette currently resides on Fifth Avenue in Greenwich Village and in her spare time is an active member of such charitable institutions as the Municipal Art Society and Architecture for Humanity.

Peachy Deegan interviewed Linette Espinal for Whom You Know.

Peachy Deegan: How did you enjoy working in the hotel industry?
Linette Espinal: Working in the hotel industry allowed me to not only learn about luxury services but also to interact with people from diverse cultures, celebrities, and royalty. I truly enjoyed creating long lasting memories for the guests and fulfilling their needs was a personal satisfaction. I also enjoyed working in exquisitely designed facilities with elegant surroundings of the finest quality.

What do most Manhattanites not realize about the hotel industry here?
From April 2002 to December 2006, a total of 15 hotels closed for full or partial condominium conversions reflecting the strength of the Manhattan Condominium market during that period. These conversions decreased the number of available rooms in the city and increased room rates well above inflation. Most Manhattanites do not realize that although room rates in the city are very high, many hotels offer special rates as well as vacation packages and many of these establishments’ fine dining restaurants are willing to produce private parties and events at affordable prices.

How does that compare to working in Real Estate for you- can you draw similarities? The real estate industry is similar to the hospitality industry because sellers and buyers expect personal and friendly services, a professional environment and demand that their lifestyle needs are met with the least bit of inconvenience to them. What does one need in life? Comfort, luxury and entertainment and both industries offer that to their clients.

What do you enjoy the most about your profession?
Finding the right home for my customers and selling my clients’ home at the highest price the market will bear is very rewarding. I enjoy helping my client’s achieve their goals whether it is to find an investment property of just a beautiful and comfortable property that makes them feel at home. The ability to share in my clients’ lives and memories is what makes this profession exciting.

How do you confront the challenges of today's real estate market?
The current real estate market has allowed me to stretch my creative vision in the ways that I approach the marketing, and negotiation of properties on behalf of my buyers and sellers. It has really kept me on my toes in terms of developing innovative strategies for success. I have been fortunate to develop strong relationships with professionals in other industries who have provided me with creative and practical ideas for attracting new business and successfully selling my client’s homes.
What is your favorite place to be in NYC?
My neighborhood, Greenwich Village

What is your favorite shop?
Barneys New York

What is your favorite drink?
Caipirinha..perfect for summer nights in Soho.

What is your favorite restaurant?
Philippe Chow and Indochine

What is your favorite NYC book?
740 Park

What is your favorite thing to do in NYC that you can't do nowhere else?
Having a drink at the Boat House in Central Park.

What do you think is most underrated and overrated here?
The architecture of Tribeca is very much underrated and if people, especially visitors to New York, take time to stroll through the streets of that one-of-a-kind neighborhood, they will truly be able to appreciate its unique beauty and diversity.
I know many people are going to disagree with me, but I think the whole concept of Brunch food is overrated. In New York City one can find cuisine from around the world. I like the idea of getting together with friends, but Brunch food is not the most diverse. I prefer Indian or Thai for Brunch.

What else should Whom You Know readers know about you?
Whom You Know readers should know that New York City have served as the greatest inspirations for both my personal and professional life.
While New York City may be challenging at times, there is no other place in the world where I would rather be!

How would you like to be contacted by Whom You Know readers?
By email, Linette.espinal@yahoo.com