2016 Women in Real Estate: Nataliya Stelmakh

Nataliya Stelmakh, Eastern
Consolidated

Name: Nataliya Stelmakh

Title: Director

Company Name: Eastern Consolidated               

Email:    [email protected]           

Telephone: 212-499-7700

Years in real estate: 10 years

How did you get your start in real estate?

I started my career as appraiser at DTZ, having valued the first Ukrainian real estate development company to be listed on the London AIM Stock Exchange.  Prior to joining Eastern, I was the asset manager for a 220,000 SF shopping center owned by London & Regional Properties, one of the UK’s largest funds.  Previously, I served as Director of Capital Markets for a local office of DTZ and built a team that achieved a 70 percent market share with total transacted volume of $455 million.  One of my signature deals included the acquisition of a high profile office building in Mayfair, London, on behalf of a high net worth individual.  I also was the exclusive representative for a number of European institutional clients and the Irish government in the acquisition and disposal of commercial real estate assets throughout Europe. 

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

REBNY, ICSC, Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) in the UK

What recent project or transaction are you most proud of?

I am most proud of our recent sale at 22 W 38th Street where we helped the buyer find a perfect 1031 asset.  The owners had high pricing expectations and it took a lot of work and effort to make the deal possible both for the seller and the buyer.  I love office buildings and have sold a number of them throughout my career. 

What recent honor, achievement or recognition has meant the most to you and why?

The most recent achievements include getting several really high profile off-market office building listings in Chelsea and the Garment District – very sought after areas.  I was also lucky to be able to do business with several much respected long-term landlords on the Upper East and West Sides. 

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

At Eastern Consolidated, we have an amazing “rising stars” training platform with Mark Schnurman, who is a very inspiring and professional trainer.  Nothing in my previous jobs compares to Eastern Consolidated’s training process.  Schnurman has this rare talent to bring out the best in every person.

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

There were several people: First my Dad, a scientist turn successful entrepreneur who always taught me to aim for the highest stars possible and always give 110% of what I have.  Then DTZ Ukraine managing director Nick Cotton, my ex-boss, who taught me to never be shy to say “I don’t know” and that building loyalty and trustworthy relationships are the most important skills in real estate.  Then of course, Daun Paris, president of Eastern Consolidated, who believed in me, hired me, and has invested a lot of her personal time to help me adapt to the new market. And of course Mark Schnurman, who is now my day-to-day coach and mentor. 

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

Brokers have to 1.) always have strategies regarding the listings/properties to go after based on the demand from buyers they have; 2.) clearly distinguish a real seller, thus not wasting their own and buyers time; and 3.) prepare canvassing lists and comparable lists in advance and even outsource their compilation.