News: Spotlight Content

2016 Women in Real Estate: Leslie Harwood

Leslie Harwood, Newmark Grubb Knight Frank Leslie Harwood, Newmark Grubb Knight Frank

Name: Leslie Harwood

Title: Managing Director

Company Name: Newmark Grubb Knight Frank                

Email: [email protected]

Telephone: 212-372-2007

Years in real estate: 36

How did you get your start in real estate?

I was working two jobs simultaneously when I closed my first real estate deal as a broker and immediately realized that real estate was my destiny. I went into brokerage full time and never looked back. I was energized by the creativity of the real estate industry and thrilled by the idea that as a broker, you set your own limits and there is no glass ceiling.

What real estate associations or organizations are you a member of?

I am the former chair of the Young Men’s/Women’s Real Estate Association of New York, and am an active member of WX New York Women Executives in Real Estate and the Israel Bonds Real Estate Division.

What have been some of the benefits of being a mentor or having a mentor?

Being a mentor and watching a young person rise in your industry gives you a fresh perspective on a business you’ve been serving your whole life. Seeing the industry through your mentee’s eyes exposes you to many industry changes that you may not notice immediately otherwise, particularly the impact of technology. It is wonderful to have a mentor and have someone to lean on—not only in business, but also on a personal level. It is motivating to know that someone is in your corner.

Who or what has been the strongest influence on your career and why?

My father has been the strongest influence on my career. He told me never to be afraid; that when times get tough, to be strong, to keep your focus on the big picture and not let the little things jar you. My father instilled in me the idea to make choices that will best represent you for a lifetime of achievement. 

What time management strategies do you find to be the most effective for you?

I have three kids and pride myself on my ability to balance my family and my career effectively. It is important, particularly for women, to be able to keep your family a very important focus while also focusing on your business. Many people tell women that family has to come second in order to be successful, but I believe that with a happy home and family, I have been able to perform better in my career.

MORE FROM Spotlight Content

Over half of Long Island towns vote to exceed the tax cap - Here’s how owners can respond - by Brad and Sean Cronin

When New York permanently adopted the 2% property tax cap more than a decade ago, many owners hoped it would finally end the relentless climb in tax bills. But in the last couple of years, that “cap” has started to look more like a speed bump. Property owners are seeing taxes increase even when an
READ ON THE GO
DIGITAL EDITIONS
Subscribe
Columns and Thought Leadership
Oldies but goodies:  The value of long-term ownership in rent-stabilized assets - by Shallini Mehra

Oldies but goodies: The value of long-term ownership in rent-stabilized assets - by Shallini Mehra

Active investors seeking rent-stabilized properties often gravitate toward buildings that have been held under long-term ownership — and for good reasons. These properties tend to be well-maintained, both physically and operationally, offering a level of stability
How much power does the NYC mayor really have over real estate policy? - by Ron Cohen

How much power does the NYC mayor really have over real estate policy? - by Ron Cohen

The mayor of New York City holds significant influence over real estate policy — but not absolute legislative power. Here’s how it breaks down:

Formal Legislative Role

Limited direct lawmaking power: The NYC Council is the primary
The strategy of co-op busting in commercial real estate - by Robert Khodadadian

The strategy of co-op busting in commercial real estate - by Robert Khodadadian

In New York City’s competitive real estate market, particularly in prime neighborhoods like Midtown Manhattan, investors are constantly seeking new ways to unlock property value. One such strategy — often overlooked but
Properly serving a lien law Section 59 Demand - by Bret McCabe

Properly serving a lien law Section 59 Demand - by Bret McCabe

Many attorneys operating within the construction space are familiar with the provisions of New York Lien Law, which allow for the discharge of a Mechanic’s Lien in the event the lienor does not commence an action to enforce following the service of a “Section 59 Demand”.