The Real Estate Duo Closing On The City's Biggest Deals Since COVID

How does one work from home, when their job is selling other people's homes? Chances are in the past few months you've heard someone somewhere waxing semi-poetic on the state of New York real estate since Coronavirus. Regardless of whichever team you're on — Team Buy, Team Sell or Team Moving Back In With Your Parents — it's undeniable that brokers have had to pivot. And slowly but surely, big deals are indeed getting done.

Ryan Kaplan and Anthony Barillo, two of the top-producing brokers on Million Dollar Listing cast member Fredrik Eklund’s team, have just managed to clip one of the top sales deals and top rentals deals since the pandemic hit — all within a span of just 48 hours. 

The Douglas Elliman brokers placed both a gorgeous 4,700 square foot Park Avenue pad asking $8.5 million into contract, as well as leased a $25,000/month Tribeca townhouse rental. Not bad, eh?

When asked how they succeeded in closing deals done during such a challenging moment in time, where in-person showings were prohibited, the duo referenced their extensive personal networks, impressive social media following (the duo have over 100,000 followers combined), as well as good old-fashioned hustle. 

“When we were permitted to, virtually showing clients massive apartments at these big sticker prices was definitely something new for both of us,” mused Kaplan. “However, a strong and competent sales presentation can clearly work virtually if handled correctly.”  

“Our social media presence has always been a strong tool — and now especially so in times like this where so much of getting the word out is restricted to digital means,” Barillo added. “At one point during quarantine, we hosted a live real estate Q&A, and had nearly 10,000 unique viewers. For us it’s all about casting a wide net, and reaching as many people as possible.” 

The boys are furthermore optimistic about New York's real estate future, despite many hypothesizing that the virus will leave many running to the suburbs. 

“People often forget how quickly people forget,” says Kaplan. “People thought New York wouldn’t recover from 9/11, and then again after hurricane Sandy. This is a resilient city and a place people will always want to be. There are some great deals out there now, on both the rental and sale side, and smart people are taking advantage of the moment.”

Click through for a tour of the pair's luxe Park Avenue listing. You're not gonna get views like these in the suburbs!