July 02, 2025
Selling high-end real estate in New York City isn’t just about unlocking doors and negotiating deals. It’s about navigating outrageous expectations and still delivering with a smile. What most people don’t see behind those seven-figure commissions is the real work that happens after the paperwork is signed.
Some clients treat brokers like full-service lifestyle managers. One minute you’re closing on a $10 million co-op, and the next you’re being asked to book a table for 12 at a members-only supper club — with two hours’ notice. If that sounds extreme, it’s because it is. But it’s also just another Tuesday in the NYC luxury market.
The truth is, saying “no” isn’t always an option. Wealthy clients expect service levels more common in five-star hotels than real estate offices. Babysitting kids in Central Park, walking cats during showings, hosting dinner with clients’ kids — these are real stories from agents who know the stakes.
When someone’s dropping millions on an apartment, they don’t see their broker as just a salesperson — they see a fixer.
It’s not just about being helpful. It’s about staying top of mind. A broker who delivers today becomes the first call when it’s time to sell again, refer a friend, or buy something bigger. And even though it might feel like borderline extortion sometimes, most agents play along — because in this game, loyalty is everything.
But even the best agents hit their limits. Cleaning an entire apartment for a shoot might fly once, but being told to come back and do it again? That’s when the line gets drawn. And sometimes, drawing that line is the difference between being respected and being taken advantage of.
At the end of the day, this business rewards those willing to do what others won’t. The goal isn’t just to close a deal — it’s to build a relationship so strong that no one else even gets a shot. That’s how the best keep winning.
Disclaimer: This content is meant for informational purposes only and is not intended to be construed as financial, tax, legal, or insurance advice.
