April 7th 2014
New York Family Magazine
A Star Broker Discusses The Living Choices He’s Made For His Own Families
Over the past six months, we’ve introduced you to ten local ”moms of real estate” who shared their own experiences of finding a home and neighborhood for their families that suited needs and fancies. In the latest installment of our “Parents & Real Estate” series, we turned to two local fathers working in real estate for their personal stories of what “location, location, location!” has meant for their families.
Describe your main professional responsibilities.
In late January, Warburg purchased Rubicon Property, a firm that I co-founded with my brother. As a result of the acquisition I now manage the Upper West Side office of Warburg Realty. I help our team of agents run and grow their businesses while working with my own roster of clients as well.
What do you love most about your job?
There is a tremendous satisfaction that comes along with handing someone their new set of keys. The purchase of a home is like no other asset acquisition—it’s the only investment I know of that can keep you warm at night.
Do you have any personal rules to help you balance work and home life?
I set up my schedule so I can be home at certain times of the day. For example, I try to be home by 7pm every night so I can give my daughter, Makayla, a bath. On many evenings I have events so that means heading back out after I’ve gone home. I have the benefit of working a few blocks away from my apartment, so I try to pop-in to spend a little time with her during the day as well. When we are together, I try to keep my phone in my pocket and my undivided attention on Makayla. My wife and I also have a rule that dinner and weekend family time is unplugged.
What neighborhood and in what kind of housing do you live?
My wife and I have lived on the Upper West Side for many years. We live in a condo on West 70th Street that is close to [my] office, and Makayla’s new pre-school.
What do you like most about your neighborhood?
The Upper West Side is an ideal environment to raise a child. You have great playgrounds, great parks, and great schools. We regularly take Makayla to the ballet, art galleries, museums, and cultural centers.
What do you like most about your home?
Our apartment has a great view. And we’ve used that view to teach Makayla about all sorts of things. We’ve taught her about aviation by watching the planes as they fly in and out of LaGuardia Airport. We’ve taught her about the moon by watching its dramatic rise.
What are some of the neighborhood places and activities you like to share with your daughter?
We often take her to the playgrounds at PS 199 and PS 87. She loves running around on the Great Lawn, where she has developed a great soccer kick. The Children’s Museum is a great place to visit.
What are some of your favorite pearls of advice for families who are figuring out where to live in the city or whether to move to the suburbs?
The truth is there is, there is no right answer. There is only an answer that is right for your family. For us, the right decision was to remain here. To me this is a very personal decision. Friends have their thoughts, your family members will have their views, but ultimately you’ve got to do what is right for you and your kids.