Okay, disclaimer—our history isn’t really that extraordinary. But, I hope that getting to know the company’s owner and how Aboveground Realty took shape (the abridged version, don’t worry) will make you fully comfortable using our services.
In March 2005, my uncle Barry Holden and I (Gabe Leibowitz) decided to start a residential brokerage together. I’d worked at a large realty company for a few months and while I instantly loved many things about the industry, I found the habitual lack of ethics shown by my bosses to be extremely distasteful. It also didn’t help that I was at the very bottom of the chain of command, and found myself learning almost nothing beyond how to open apartment doors. Enter my uncle with broker's license in tow, and Aboveground Realty was born.
Since our inception, we’ve gone from a 70 square foot office on 29th & 7th to a 500 square foot palace on 33rd & Madison, and have now settled in a lovely space in the heart of Tribeca (Broadway & Leonard). We have no plans to move again anytime soon! We’re now the exclusive brokers for six luxury loft buildings in Tribeca & Chelsea, as well as several in Brooklyn, and have handled rentals ranging from $1,300 to $13,000, and sales from $350K to the multi-million range. My uncle has since moved on to fully focus on his architectural pursuits, and I’m now the sole owner and President of Aboveground Realty, LLC.
We’ve expanded from our modest startup team, but only slightly in terms of size—I have no aspirations to turn Aboveground Realty into a corporate monster. Rather, all of my agents are exceptionally personable, energetic, knowledgeable and honest. We’re fully devoted to each and every one of our clients, and will never, ever pressure them in order to earn a quick buck. I can’t stress this point enough, because that acquisitive mentality has soiled the reputation (and rightfully so) of many-a-broker in Manhattan. We believe strongly that patience is a good realtor’s best virtue, and that earning the trust of our clients is far more important than a fast commission. Repeat business and referrals are the best indicators of customer satisfaction available in our industry, and that’s what we strive for above all else.
It’s my professional goal that clients will refer to Aboveground Realty as “their broker,” like they do their attorneys and accountants. Contrary to popular mythology, “craigslist hopping” or jumping from agent-to-agent does not increase a customer’s chances of finding a great apartment—all good realtors (including us) have access to almost all vacancies in Manhattan. It’s about who has the most perseverance, creativity, and earnest desire to help you find your dream home. And I’m 100% confident that Aboveground Realty is the answer.
Questions? Comments? Dare I say it…doubts? Email me, and I’ll answer, respond, or assuage all concerns! We look forward to hearing from you!
