Andra Rus 
For this new expert interview, we talked to Douglas Elliman’s Yogev Shmuel, who focuses on both sales and rentals. The Shmuel team is experienced in working with many property types, including co-ops, condos, new developments, and townhouses.
Aware of the fact that buying, selling or renting a home is one of the biggest decisions people ever make, Yogev is completely dedicated to servicing his clients.
Read on to find out more about Yogev’s approach when working with clients and what impact he thinks new technology will have on the role of the real estate broker. To beginners in the real estate industry, his advice is to work hard and stay focused.
Q: Tell us a little bit about your background and why you chose a career in real estate.
I started my career in Tel Aviv, and after a year of working in real estate there and seeing the joy and satisfaction of making a deal happen from scratch I decided I wanted to play with the top players of the world. So, I packed up and started it all again in New York.
Q: What approach do you have when working with clients?
I am a firm believer in being direct and transparent. I am aggressive at achieving my clients’ goals at any price. It’s a military mindset that I acquired serving in the IDF as a combat fighter for 3 years.
Q: Which technical aspect of the real estate purchase or sales process seems to be the most confusing to your clients?
Usually, first time home buyers have a very hard time wrapping their head around the idea of 25% down for co-ops and with adjusting to the speed of the market – properties coming on and going into contract in a week or less. Clients that are out of state need extra help with these things.
Also, they are always shocked when reading the requirements of a board package for the first time.
Q: How do you expect the needs and desires of home buyers to change over the next ten years or so?
We are in the midst of a technological revolution which will have an impact on the standards buyers will have and the way we interact with them. I think we will see buyers becoming a lot more independent. The broker will have a consulting role, more like a stock broker, rather than the physical agent walking with you from open house to open house.
Q: What do you love most about your job?
Negotiation. By far, this is the best part of the game. It’s like playing chess – you need to think 5 steps ahead and always look for the unseen options your opponent might have.
Q: Do you have a current listing that you’re particularly excited about?
Yes, 440 Kent PH3C. It’s a dream apartment with open city and Brooklyn views, tons of light, and you know your view is not going to be blocked at any point in the future which in our market plays a key role.
Q: What would you recommend to beginners in the industry?
Work hard, only focus on your goals and don’t get sidetracked by other people’s journeys. This can take time but it will pay off for those who are committed.
About Yogev Shmuel
Yogi is a self-made professional who has owned his own businesses. On his way to being the founder of the Shmuel team at Douglas Elliman Real Estate, he built a successful career from nothing. He taps this entrepreneurial spirit for his network, treating each client’s transaction as if it were its own enterprise. Learn more about Yogi here.
Interested in being interviewed for our Expert Interview series? Don’t hesitate to contact us at [email protected] to sign up or learn more about this series here.
