How do you stay ahead of the curve? By Avital of Eastern Consolidated

Name: Aliza Avital Title: Director Firm: Eastern Consolidated Address: 355 Lexington Avenue, New York, New York URL: www.easternconsolidated.com Years with firm: 6.5 Years in the Field: 8 Years in the real estate industry: 8 How do you stay ahead of the curve? Staying ahead of the curve is really a balancing act. I try to be creative and think "outside the box," but at the same time I'm mindful of my ethical obligation to my clients, and the need to preserve the integrity and reputation of Eastern Consolidated. I spend a great deal of time matching buyers and sellers of product. I have come to the point where I instinctively know which building will be attractive to which buyer. Buyers and sellers appreciate this, as I don't waste their time, and I can be extremely efficient with my own efforts. Prior to the recession, I had several major deals in contract. All evaporated in an instant with the panic, loss of funding, and the reluctance and inability of buyers to proceed. 2009 was the most difficult year of my professional life. But I've always known that those who persist will prevail. I redoubled my efforts in seeking out new sellers, and new types of product, knowing that the economic realities would make many owners more realistic in pricing. Despite a substantial dry period, when unfortunately many people in the brokerage field dropped out, I was able to stay the course. I am almost back to using my cell phone and blackberry simultaneously; multitasking has returned.