Today, we all know someone who is in the real estate business in some capacity and frequently, they’re brokers. I went to a party recently and met 6 people who were either commercial or residential brokers and it wasn’t even a real estate party! Well, I had the opportunity to sit down with Brenda Di Bari who is a real estate agent Halstead Real Estate. Brenda isn’t just a broker, she is a powerhouse! Brenda has all the time been a business woman but stepped up her game even more after tragically losing her husband and having to raise 6 kids alone. Yes, 6 and that in itself is the toughest feat to accomplish but this strong woman accomplishes it every day both personally and professionally.
SL: Tell us a little about your background. What got you into real estate and how long have you been in the business?
BDB: I first experienced the real estate business from a property development/management perspective. When I was in college, I worked for a real estate developer in their property management office. Unlike what I do now, but opened my eyes to real estate as a business. Fast forward a few years to 2003, I got my license as a real estate salesperson and it was an instant love affair! I then opened my own brokerage in New York City and Miami, FL. I have been in real estate sales for 15 years.
SL: What made you decide to work with Halstead and how was the work culture there?
BDB: I went through a big change in my personal life in 2011 (becoming a widow), which led me to move overseas and live in Italy for 4 years. When the time came to return to NYC, I knew I wanted to expand my resources and network to offer my clients more services. I interviewed major companies and while the others were impressive, there was a special energy to Halstead. It is New York City’s largest private real estate company and maintains a supportive environment for its agents.
SL: How does Halstead support their broker?
BDB: The element that I believe is most significant is the indisputable fact that no matter what business or marketing concept I come up with as a creative thinker, they will listen to me, support me, and help me implement it. When the market is tough, their accessibility and my focus make a robust combination!
SL: There are so many brokers competing for the same clients and position in the business. What are the qualities that make you stand out from the crowd?
BDB: It’s a really competitive business and that I thrive on that culture. Some of the things you must must succeed as a New York City real estate agent aren’t only sharp business acumen, but also product and market knowledge, cooperative knowledge, marketing and sales skills, and networking capabilities. Beyond that, you must have excellent listening and intuitive skills. I really believe in myself as a special value to my clients. Not only have I run my own business in New York City for over 25 years, but I’ve also raised my 6 kids in this very ambitious city. I’m highly motivated not only for the success of my clients but to be an example to my kids as their mother and a lady in business.
SL: Do you think being a lady in this business is simpler or tougher than being a man?
BDB: We know that it has been established time and time again that ladies must prove themselves to a higher standard than their male counterparts in any business and often at a lower salary. Having said that, these are changing facts and particularly the sale of residential real estate appears to be a fairly level playing field for men and girls. I will say that I personally don’t feel more or less competition from my colleagues on the basis of gender.
SL: Where would you like to see your career in 5 years?
BDB: In 5 years I hope to expand my client base and team. This can only be achieved by delegating what can be delegated and focusing on what I do best, client service. I’m available to my clients 24/7 and that I am involved every step of the way. I under promise and deliver more and treat every client the same whether or not they are a celebrity, athlete or individual just starting out.
SL: You are a mother of 6 kids, how busy is it to get out of the house in the morning? I hope you have more than 1 bathroom!
BDB: I’m certainly a mother of 6 but the funny thing about larger families is that the members become independent out of necessity! My three kids are now grown and gone are the baby days! I’m not going to pretend there wasn’t a bathroom line to get ready in the morning, but we got it done.
SL: How did you find a work/home balance?
BDB: Balancing is a real challenge, but I’m a real multitasking master! My kids understand mom’s job and that I work 6-7 days a week. I have the luxury in this business of working from home on multiple tasks so that helps. I involve help where I can and that I am naturally blessed with great energy! I really like being busy.
SL: Let’s have fun. What’s your guilty pleasure?
BDB: I really have some guilty pleasures. I absolutely love a good glass of wine, a dash of dark chocolate, taken casually in front of any Bravo reality TV Show. I particularly love all the Real Housewives shows. I also indulge myself in tennis, yoga, horseback riding, the beach, my time. That’s where I find my balance.
SL: Favorite Italian restaurant in NYC?
BDB: For years it was Da Silvano but sadly, he closed. There are so many great Italian restaurants in NYC that it is hard to choose just one. Among my favorites are; I’m Sodi, Marea, Carbone, Morandi oh there are numerous more!
SL: Favorite go to sushi in NYC?
BDB: I like 15 East, Sushi Yasuda and Sushi Seki Chelsea.
SL: Chocolate or Vanilla?
BDB: Fully brown, the darker the better!
SL: Red or White?
BDB: Red with regards to wine, but white with regards to interior decoration or fashion.
TL: Favorite Holiday?
BDB: Thank goodness! It’s about gratitude and time with family and friends for food. It’s kicking off the big vacation season, the weather outside is normally nice and crisp (at least here in NYC) and anything feels possible!
SL: What would you tell your 8 year old self?
BDB: I would tell my 8 year old self not to waste time disguising your real self to fit societal expectations. It took me years to embrace my own uniqueness and not care what other people think.
SL: For more information about Brenda Di Bari, please visit: www.brendadibari.com or follow him on his social media pages:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brendadibari/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brendadibarirealestate/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/BrendaDiBari
