The Spotlight on
Kleopatra Phili
Successful Agent Licensed in both NY and NJ
Member of BHS Family for Over 13 Years
You joined BHS (formerly Halstead) over 13 years ago. What do you value most about our firm?
In one word: Integrity. At the core of BHS is the quality and integrity of the entire firm which combines the efficiency and heart of a family office with the resources and power of a mid-sized corporation. BHS’s marketing initiatives and branding are impressive and ever-evolving as technology hurls us into the future, and the marketing team helming those initiatives is exceptional and award-winning.
Where is the best value in Manhattan right now, in terms of neighborhood or property type?
One of my specialties is scouting new condominium developments and identifying value at the pre-launch or early release stage. For micro-neighborhoods, I like the immediate area surrounding Division Street on the LES, Alphabet City near Tompkins Square Park in the East Village, and the area emanating around the statue of Harriet Tubman in South Harlem.
You work alongside your husband Kleon, what advice do you have for successfully working with a loved one?
My advice is to identify and complement each other’s strengths. I’m the high-energy creative behind our unique marketing campaigns and a real estate detective to identify hidden opportunities; Kleon is a former finance executive specializing in valuations, so he adds another layer of expertise.
What is one hidden gem on the Upper West Side that everyone must try?
The eggplant square pizza at Made in New York Pizza—421 Amsterdam Avenue/80th Street. They heat it up extra hot for me and one crunchy bite later, all is right with the world!
What is your forecast for NYC real estate in the next 6-12 months?
I predict that buyers and sellers will re-engage because housing is a basic, ongoing need. People marry, divorce, start families, find jobs in the city, and retire to the city. Rents will remain strong, and I recently assisted a former rental client with a purchase after the client spent nearly $1.5M on renting over the years. Kleon and I worked together to crunch the data for the buyer, and the numbers spoke for themselves.
You do business in New Jersey and NYC, how are the markets similar or different right now?
The markets are similar because in both New Jersey and NYC, buyers will pay a premium for a product that they deem is rare and unique. For example, last autumn, Kleon sold a two-bedroom condo in Hoboken with direct views of the Hudson River and the Manhattan skyline. Another example is an apartment with water views in a highly desirable building in the West Village. The markets differ as properties in NJ tend to sell closer to their asking price and quicker, whereas in Manhattan, properties may linger on the market longer and sell at steeper discounts relative to the asking price.
Share something that few know about you.
I incorporate my love of movies, especially James Bond, in my marketing materials for my listings. For example, in my video for 508 W. 24th St., PHN. I wrote the script, chose the cinematic music, and dressed the part of Vesper Lynd. Rather than depicting bricks and mortar, I showcase lifestyles. Here's my video with drone footage!
Share a photo from your camera roll that means a lot to you and tell us why.
This is a photo of Kleon and I, when we attended a wedding last month in Thessaloniki, northern Greece, and celebrated the culture and traditions of our Greek heritage. In 2001, we decided to buy a condo on the Athens Riviera, and it’s rewarding to feel at home in two countries.