Fredrik: Raw and Unedited

I'm glad to be back SELLING, completing a deal from start to end, making a big commission and high-kicking again after Hurricane Sandy and the Marble House. The sun came back to New York and my love goes out to all the lives affected by the storm as the city's pace -- and my deal-making -- eturned to normal.

And, I fell out of my chair. . .I remember that interview in my apartment. I was clearly in a good mood, so excited to have set another price record and this time at the Broome Street Penthouse and for my developer Ross Morgan. When asked how I felt about the deal, I got carried away in my typical "na-na-na-na" karate sounds and then slipped off the plastic chair down on the floor. And fell yet again laughing and screaming. I never thought they would continue filming, or keep all of that in editing for that matter, but they did. That's me for you, raw and unedited. I can be a real tough negotiator but a real silly goosie goosie when celebrating!

374 Broome Street is one of the most historic building's in all of New York. It's an old carriage factory, built long before cars and electricity were invented. The building actually was the center of an economic boom in the area 150 years ago, and lots of business and sub-manufacturers flocked around it. When my developer Ross bought the building he had no idea just how historic it was. But as he researched it, piece by piece was uncovered and he found old posters for the Brewster Carriage House with drawings of royals and wealthy traders in big hats coming from all over the country to buy the best carriages there. So he started restoring it, which took many years, even turning each brick inside out, cleaned the façade up, re-using the old wooden beams and inserting new but old-looking back metal casement style windows.

I love the building, and the penthouse. To me it has that perfect blend of old and new. I always say, a developer can build a thousand new condos, but you cannot replicate the history and story of this building. When you buy here, you buy a piece of New York history. Plus, it's very unusual to have VIEWS like this in Soho, Noho, Nolita, because the entire area has a height restriction. So to be able to have dinner on your own private 1,500 square foot planted terrace, grilling in that outdoor kitchen, in pink dusk, looking out over the city and all it's glorious landmarks -- that's the money. THAT is going to sell it. At least I thought so. . .

And I created a dinner for the top brokers. I hired a private chef, who grilled shrimp in the kitchen up there. It was a little chilly, but I was lucky with the weather (and some good white wine). And I was a bit sneaky; I pushed these brokers against each other, and told them that only one of them was going to sell it and only time would tell who would be the quickest. Real estate is all about creating a moment, inventing urgency, and then closing on the deal while that wave of interest exists.

My plan panned out. WEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!! With a little help from Buddha and meditating. Ross was ecstatic, and I love when a client gives me a big smile. You see, I am not really driven by commissions (they come and go) but to have my clients tell all there friends about me and how great I am. That is how you build a career to last a life-time. Seeing Ross so happy made me happy.

The issue with lot line was painful. It's never easy to get a call with the message that the deal is DEAD! But you know what, I never give up, never ever. At first I was angry, screaming at my team (although it wasn't their fault and for that I apologize) and angry at myself for not already knowing the answer to this riddle. But as I researched I realized this was going to be a learning experience. Property line/lot line is a complicated issue, and the truth is that although it's a common term in New York real estate where buildings expand in size all the time and space is limited, a lot of real estate brokers -- and some attorneys -- are not fully educated on it, especially when the buildings are extremely old. I always say to my assistants: see every challenge as a way to LEARN.

I'm glad I solved it. Although my suit got dusty, and we almost got lost in that dark cellar. 

Blue skies ahead. You are in for a ride. Now the fun begins: in the next episodes is where I really start selling. I hope I can live up to that promise I gave you a long time ago: I am the listing machine and closer, and I work harder than anyone else.