Graves joins Douglas Elliman Real Estate

According to Douglas Elliman Real Estate, Michael Graves, one of the city's top-producing agents, has joined the company. Graves, a penthouse specialist known for shattering price per s/f records, credits Elliman's powerful network and unique platform, specifically the highly successful development marketing division, with giving him the ability to exponentially grow his business and client base. Already an accomplished tour de force in the real estate industry, Graves brokered $150 million in sales in just over three years, including smashing records at 7 Bond PHAB ($9.2 million) and price per s/f records at 240 Park Ave. South 9A ($8.3 million, $2,245 per s/f). Previously, Graves was one of the top-producing agents at CORE. "Michael is the real deal. He's savvy, knowledgeable, and he knows the New York City market inside and out. I am thrilled he's joining our team," said Elliman president & CEO Dottie Herman. "I wanted to better serve my clients and customers wherever they are, including the Hamptons and Miami, and abroad. Elliman's size, strategic presence and partnerships nationally and internationally afford me a unique opportunity to do far-reaching business," said Graves. "I'm also excited to work closely with Susan de Franca and her Development Marketing division. Elliman has some of the most exciting new projects on the market right now." "Michael's professionalism and unique approach to marketing properties will add additional value to my team as well as to our developers and clients," said de Franca, president and CEO of Douglas Elliman Development Marketing. Graves began his real estate career during the economic downturn in 2009, yet he emerged producing record-breaking transactions on 80% of his listings from Tribeca to the Upper West Side. Graves credits his marketing and negotiating skills to a lifetime of experience in his family's luxury hotel development company, Graves Hospitality. As Sales and Marketing Executive Director, he forged strong relationships with clients from the Midwest to the East Coast and the company received top accolades from Travel + Leisure to Condé Nast Traveler. In addition to his highly successful real estate career, Graves is also an accomplished classical guitarist and composer whose music has been heard around the world in such prestigious venues as Carnegie Hall. Graves graduated with Highest Honors from New York University where he received a Master's Degree in Composition and Theory and Scoring for Film and Multimedia. "Michael is going to be a great asset to the Elliman brand. I look forward to seeing him take his business to the next level," said Elliman chairman Howard Lorber.