Erik Yankelovich, GFI Realty Services, Inc.

What was the best thing that happened to you or your firm in 2014? We increased our volume a great deal over the past year (we projected an increase of total volume by 500%). On top of that, we have continued to set new records in emerging neighborhoods such as Prospect Lefferts Gardens. We are constantly getting deals done and expanding our footprint in the Brooklyn market. What was your most notable project, deal, transaction or personal achievement in 2014? In 2014, we completed several record-breaking transactions that are setting the new benchmark for multifamily deals in Prospect Lefferts Gardens. This month, we sold 115 Ocean Avenue, an 87,000 s/f multifamily building, for $25.7 million, a new record of $290,000 per apartment or $295 per s/. In September, we also sold 147 Ocean Avenue, a four-story, 17,320-square-foot multifamily building, which was $240,000 per unit and almost 20 times the annual rent. What are you looking forward to accomplishing in 2015? Looking ahead to the New Year, we expect to see continued growth. I'm optimistic that we will hit our metrics in 2015, just as we have over the past year. What are some of your real estate predictions for 2015? We expect that competition will heat up as more players realize that in order to buy, they have to step up. I also expect to see aggressive trade in several key Brooklyn neighborhoods including Sunset Park, Prospect Lefferts Gardens, Prospect Park South and Crown Heights. I think banks will also become more aggressive as they compete for new business.