REBNY presents 20th Annual Res. Deal of the Year Awards Oct. 29th

The Real Estate Board of New York (REBNY) presented its top residential awards of the year at its annual Residential Deal of the Year Awards and Charity Gala on October 29. This year marks the 20th anniversary of the awards. The Residential Deal of the Year Award for first prize in residential sales went to Dan Danielli of Halstead Property, LLC. Norman Horowitz and Gary Friedland of Halstead Brooklyn, LLC took second prize in the residential sales category; and Judy Oston, Don Correia and Ruth Yeskel of Halstead Property, LLC took third prize. The Residential Deal of the Year Award for first prize in the residential rental category was awarded to J. Caroline Bass of Citi Habits with co-broker Lynda Wiggins of Brown Harris Stevens Residential Sales, LLC. "This year marks 20 years that REBNY has sought out and honored the residential industry's top deal makers," said Steven Spinola, REBNY president. "These awards not only recognize topnotch residential brokers but the event also raises much needed funds for local charities. Each year, it's a great honor for me to present the honorees with these prestigious awards for their outstanding achievements." Also honored at the gala was John Wollberg of Halstead Property, LLC who received the Henry Forster Award. This award is presented to a broker who has exhibited not only outstanding achievement in the residential real estate market, but has also displayed outstanding ethical conduct in the profession and contributed to cultural, charitable and community organizations within and outside the industry. The final award of the evening was presented to Ari Harkov of Halstead Property, LLC who received the 2008 Residential Most Promising Rookie Salesperson of the Year award. To commemorate the gala's 20 years, the event was held in Central Park and featured a masquerade-themed ball, a slideshow that showcased the past 20 years of winners and cocktail parties as well as a champagne toast by Spinola. Proceeds from the event went to REBNY's Residential Members In Need Fund and The Central Park Conservancy. Over the last 20 years, the event has raised more than $2 million for various charities whose mission is to help the homeless in New York City. The Real Estate Board of New York is the city's leading real estate trade association with more than 12,000 members. REBNY represents major commercial and residential property owners and builders, brokers and managers, banks, financial service companies, utilities, attorneys, architects, contractors and other individuals and institutions professionally interested in the city's real estate. REBNY is involved in crucial municipal matters including tax policy, city planning and zoning, rental conditions, land use policy, building codes and legislation. In addition, REBNY publishes reports providing indicators of market prices for both the residential and commercial sectors.