REBNY presents the 24th Annual Deal of the Year Awards at a fashion-themed gala

Amid a fashion show by Cesar Galindo, some of New York City's leading residential brokers celebrated a year of successful deals while also raising money for charity at The Real Estate Board of New York's (REBNY) 24th Annual Residential Deal of the Year Awards and Charity Gala. The fashion-themed event, which featured a runway show of Galindo's 2013 collection, was held on Thursday, October 25th at the Metropolitan Pavilion. Attendees of the event enjoyed an evening of entertainment, fashion and dancing, all while honoring the most notable residential sales, rental deals and industry professionals. The much anticipated deals of the year were announced and the winners are... Stephen Kliegerman of Terra Holdings Development Marketing took home The Henry Forster Award for lifetime achievement. The Henry Forster Award goes to an individual who not only has a long-standing reputation for their expertise in residential real estate and is a top-producing agent, but also displays outstanding ethical conduct in the profession and contributes to cultural, charitable and community organizations outside and within the industry. Over the past 23 years, Kliegerman has established himself as a leader in the brokerage community and has built the Development Marketing Division at Halstead Property, LLC and Brown Harris Stevens through unparalleled customer service, creative marketing and record-setting sales teams. Kliegerman is an engaged member of REBNY for which he has served on and chaired several committees. He currently serves as co-chair of the New Development Committee, the Ethics Committee, is a member of the Residential Ethics Committee, and has served four terms as chairman of the Downtown Committee. He was also the co-chair of the now-disbanded Interfirm Forum. Additionally, Kliegerman was one of the initiators of the renowned industry RLS and 72-hour co-broke rule which helped revolutionize the way brokerage firms cooperate throughout the city. The Rookie Salesperson of the Year Award was presented to Elise Ehrlich of Halstead Property LLC for her impressive entry into New York City's residential real estate sales market. Ehrlich has already developed a sound reputation as a skillful salesperson with a great ability to negotiate. In dealing with customers, she is renowned for her superior level of service and commitment to ensuring ease of transaction in the buying and selling processes. Other winners included Nicholas Palance of Brown Harris Stevens Residential Sales, and co-broker Ann Ferguson of Klara Madlin Real Estate, who took first prize in the residential sales category. Adrian Thompkins and Shebrelle Hunter-Green of Halstead Property LLC took second prize. Elayne Reimer of Halstead Property LLC was the third prize winner. For rentals, the first prize Residential Deal of the Year Award was presented to William J. McBurney, Jr. of Douglas Elliman. Additionally, Steven Goldschmidt received a special acknowledgment plaque for his service to the REBNY community. As the head of the REBNY RLS/Technology Committee, he has gone above and beyond the call of duty. He also currently serves on the Residential Membership, New Development and the Ethics Committees. "The Residential Deal of the Year Awards celebrate the very best of the industry," said Steven Spinola, REBNY president. "It is an opportunity to honor those individuals who have contributed to both the real estate community and the community at large, while all at once helping raise money for important causes including the REBNY Member in Need Fund." The REBNY Residential Member in Need Fund gives financial grants to REBNY members facing hardship because of a physical illness or a family crisis. Over the last 24 years, the event has raised more than $2 million for various charities. Award winners are chosen anonymously through a judging committee. Only members of firms who have not submitted deal entries are allowed to judge.