Robert Durst (Photo from Free Republic)

Word has gotten around that Robert Durst purchased a townhouse in Harlem, and, as happens to almost everybody, really, the neighbors are not pleased, the Post reports. The confessed murderer, former cross-dresser and son of one of New York's most powerful real estate developers, will not be welcome with open arms if he does in fact decide to move into the property he recently purchased at 218 Lennox Avenue.

Mr. Durst admitted to shooting a neighbor in the face back in 2002, mincing the body and disposing it in Galveston Bay in Texas. Shocking as the crime may be, people were even more shocked that a jury found Mr. Durst had acted in self defense. He may have convinced his peers in Texas he's innocent, but Harlem isn't buying it. The Post found the community had some pretty strong feelings about their prospective neighbor.

He shouldn’t be able to move in here,” said Patricia Lizet, 67, a nursing assistant. “He’s a killer. He should be on some island by himself. I don’t want him living next to me. You can’t trust him. “No one wants an ex-killer in the community.

Others were concerned about the safety of their children. “I won’t be out here with my son," one resident told the Post.  "It’s sad and scary. He didn’t have to chop his body up. That’s the creepy part.”

Certainly not helping Mr. Durst's case ifs the fact that his new Harlem home is located right next to a funeral home. "If I disappear, go and check him out first,’’ the owner of Owens' Funeral Home told the Post.

eknutsen@observer.com

Where do you live?
I live at the Gramercy Starck--a new construction condo built in 2007.

How is work these days? What is your latest deal?
Work is extremely busy. I'm closing on a two-bedroom at 4 West 21st Street this afternoon. I closed two others this month and have three more that are in contract. I am also busy on the rentals side, but my amazing team member Morgan Turkewitz handles all of my rental transactions.

What was the best meal you've ever eaten in New York?
Il Mulino. You have to call about a month in advance to get a reservation but it's well worth the wait!

What was your first apartment like?
Many of my friends graduated college before me, so they found a convertible-three in Hells Kitchen. As soon as there was an opening, I jumped on the opportunity to live in Manhattan. My room was the size of a closet, but I didn't care. My portion of the rent was only $600 a month so as long as a bed could fit I was happy.

What is your recession war story?
I had money saved so I really wasn't that worried, as I was confident that the Manhattan real estate market would persevere. I didn't get discouraged that I wasn't doing deals. I just kept working hard and stayed in touch with all of my customers. It was a scary time, and I understood their fears as there was so much uncertainty at that time. I continued to keep them informed while they waited the crisis out. When the market shifted, the fear began to subside and they revisited the marketplace. I wound up doing 6 deals in June of 2009 as a result.

How do you get around town?
I usually take mass transit to get to and from my appointments. If the appointments are close to one another we usually walk, otherwise we will cab it. If a buyer comes in from out of town on a Sunday and we are going to be all over Manhattan I'll often get a car service as parking is very tough on Sundays.

What is your favorite building in the city and why?
I guess I'm biased, as I love where I live. With my hectic schedule, having a gym in my building was crucial, and the Starck offers one of the best gyms in Manhattan. We also have a billiards room, a movie theater, two roof decks and a fantastic staff. 

If you weren't a broker, what would you be?
I'd be a writer/producer. It's my dream. Whenever I'm not doing real estate I'm working on my script.

What is your dream home?
A chalet at the top of China Bowl in Vail.

You just won the lottery. What store do you stop by and what do you buy?
I'd call my two brothers, have them come by our bar Traffic for a round of beers and an order our famous Mac and Cheese Bites to celebrate. Then I'd quit my job and work with my charity Kid-Care full time.

If there was one thing you could change about New York, what would it be?
I would make it cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter.

Correction: An earlier version of this article referred to Mr. Morgan as Brian Miller. The Observer regrets the error.

Where do you live?
We live in a loft on Greenwich Street just above Canal in the neighborhood now referred to as "Hudson Square." We have great views of the Hudson River and wonderful light. We love the loft but, as gluttons for punishment, are about to take on a renovation of our kitchen and bathrooms. Gulp.

How is work these days? What is your latest deal?
Work is great--very busy. We just went into contract on a nine-room apartment in one of the grand Candela co-ops in Sutton Place for high-seven figures. We represent the buyers who plan to move from Tribeca, so we will also be listing their home for sale in the near future. It's actually a very good example of how we work both up and downtown.

What was the best meal you've ever eaten in New York?
ROBIN: Le Bernadin has always been a favorite of mine. For any birthday, anniversary or special occasion it is my number one choice

JEREMY: Any and all meals at Giorgione on Spring Street. As a creature of habit (and loyal patron), it's become our commissary and I can never get enough of it.

What was your first apartment like?
The first apartment we bought together was an A.I.R loft in Soho on Grand Street. Jeremy was still working in the theater so he qualified for an artist certificate. The loft was over 3000 square feet and in need of a total renovation. The first thing we did was tear down the dropped ceilings which revealed an extra 2 feet of space and the original tin ceiling which was beautiful. The loft was cavernous with amazing bones but the real estate broker in Robin couldn't resist putting it on the market for a number we thought was a total pipe-dream. We were in contract a week later.

What is your recession war story?
Robin had a client who was selling a very high end condo and just kept chasing the market down-rejecting offers at prices we would later drop the price below. Ultimately our buyer accepted an offer $1 million dollars another offer he had received and rejected six months earlier. It was a painful and eye opening experience. That said, unlike a lot of brokers, by winter of 2009, we were very much back in business representing both buyers and sellers. 2009 ended up being the best year Robin had had in her career and 2010 far surpassed 2009 for us both.

How do you get around town?
When we are on our own, we take a lot of cabs so we can stay in touch with clients and work on ipads. With clients, we either hire a driver who drives our car or take car services.

What is your favorite building in the city?
Our favorite building in New York is 812 Park Avenue, designed by famed architect James Carpenter. The building has a grand lobby and a top notch staff. The apartments, mostly duplexes, have elegant layouts with curving staircases, high ceilings, beautiful details, and working fireplaces. The scale of the rooms is grand but not gratuitous. What we love most is that you really feel like you're in a house rather than an apartment.

If you weren't a broker, what would you be?
ROBIN: I think I'd still be in real estate but would be an investor/flipper of apartments and/or homes. There is nothing more gratifying than seeing a project through to the end.

JEREMY: Unemployed.

What is your dream home?
Between owning homes, we rented in a non-descript loft building in Hudson Square at 533 Canal Street. It's a total sleeper building that has the most amazing bones, water views, and southwestern light. We tried to buy the loft we were renting but it didn't work out. When people walk past the building, they probably think it is abandoned when in fact it houses some of the greatest lofts in the city. Owning a high floor remains a dream of ours--so much so we had to think twice about mentioning it here.

You just won the lottery. What store do you stop by and what do you buy?
We would go to the Yancy Richardson Gallery and buy an Andrew Moore photograph we've been coveting for a while but not been able to justify.

If there was one thing you could change about New York, what would it be?
ROBIN: I'd like the waterfront to be more boat-friendly. It would be nice to be able to rent a boat and go for a cruise down the Hudson on one of the many weekends we here during the summer. I've always thought it was strange that we live on an island yet have virtually no access to being on the water (except for The Beast, of course). It's a shame.

JEREMY: I'd like to do away with the local city tax, which simply adds insult to injury when you live in a city where a $150 dinner for 2 is considered reasonable.

Read last week's interview here. >>

realestate@observer.com

Where do you live?
I live in Park Slope--by way of Long Island, the Bronx, Queens and Manhattan.

How is work these days?  What is your latest deal?
Last year was very strong for me. You never know what's around the corner in this business but 2011 is looking pretty good so far. I've been working with some young couples lately. One just had a baby, and they sold their 400-square-foot one-bed for more room and the other couple just bought a two-bedroom in Park Slope and are likely going to be getting married and working on starting their own family soon. It's always exciting to be working with people so closely during such pivotal times in their lives.   

What was the best meal you've ever eaten in New York?
Late last year, my partner and I went to eat in at a local neighborhood spot, Convivium Osteria. We ordered an incredible bottle of champagne and sat for hours in their cozy downstairs area. It was fantastic!

What was your first apartment like?
It was a small one-bedroom walk-up with a lofted bed on the far Upper East side. The floors sloped so much that I had to rig everything so it wouldn't slide to one wall. It took me about a month to get my sea legs. I'd hit my head on the ceiling most mornings getting out of bed and the shower would flood if I was in it for more than four minutes.  My half of the rent was $550.                                                            

What is your recession war story?
I had a huge loft on the first floor of a full-service building in the West Village. We started showing it in the spring of 2008 and didn't go it into contract until late summer 2010--nearly two and a half years later. I rode the entire recession with that listing, from when it first hit in the fall of 2008 until the market started to show signs of life again two years later. I could not have had a better seller. He agreed to numerous price drops while the market was in a free fall and in the end, we did the deal--albeit not where we were hoping. But considering the state of things, I think we did pretty well. And it could not have gone to a sweeter family or a more professional and pleasant broker, which always makes the deal that much nicer.

How do you get around town?
For many years, I drove a fully restored '66 Vespa GT. A guy down in Red Hook built it for me from scratch and I would buzz around Manhattan and Brooklyn showing up at appointments with my helmet in tow. Last year I didn't have a chance to take it out of storage, but once the weather breaks for good, I'll get it tuned up and get out there again. I love cruising over the bridges - especially at night.

What is your favorite building in the city?
On the Brooklyn side of the river, I like One Hanson. No two floor plans are alike, the views are sensational, and I thought they did a good job with the finishes. Of course the old Williamsburg Savings Bank has such incredible historical and architecture significance as well. I love that the entire lobby is landmarked. It feels like you're stepping back in time to a perfectly preserved piece of history.

In Manhattan, I've very impressed with LEED buildings like Visionaire. When I first visited their showroom years ago, I was blown away with how much detail was given to achieving the platinum LEED status that the building eventually attained. It's quite mind-blowing, and makes me proud that this group of developers and designers are so forward-thinking.

If you weren't a broker, what would you be?
Hopefully running my own business where I get to work closely with people on a consultation or sales level. A soup to nuts renovation company/design firm also sounds like fun. I've always enjoyed that type of work. I've renovated a few spaces myself.

What is your dream home?
About 2 years ago, an old Victorian in Ditmas Park with a pool came on the market. I was smitten.  I would drag my friends to the open houses and spend my evenings crunching numbers and trying to convince them that we could all somehow live there. I knew it would never pan out, but what a beauty. Fortunately, I'm friendly with the broker so she didn't mind my fruitless visits. We all knew it was a fantasy.

You just won the lottery. What store do you stop by and what do you buy?
My Burberry toggle coat is in desperate need of replacement. I would pop in there for sure!

If there was one thing you could change about New York, what would it be?
We need a place to park our scooters!

Read last week's interview here. >>

realestate@observer.com

Where do you live?
Well, I am embarrassed to say, I kind of have a lucky gem, the best kept secret on the Upper East Side. A nice one bedroom, in the 70's--and it's rent-stabilized.

How is work these days? What is your latest deal?
I am so fortunate to say that my business is the best it has ever been. My two recent transactions were selling an Upper East Side two-bedroom listing and a downtown luxury one-bed/home office back to back. To make it even better, I worked with the most amazing people along the way. It was truly a pleasant experience for everyone, which I truly appreciated. 

What was the best meal you've ever eaten in New York?
Wow... This is hard... I enjoy so many amazing restaurants and meals in, but If I had to choose to one, it would be the Chicken Christopher at Morton's Steakhouse, which of course I get laughed at for ordering chicken in a famous steakhouse. I am also known as the pickiest eater, but I have to tell you it really is the best chicken in town. Don't even get me started on the molten chocolate cake! It's to die for.

What was your first apartment like?
Horrible. My first apartment was a one bedroom in a garden complex in New Jersey, and it was definitely not in the safest of areas. When people say they want a safe area, I really get it.

What is your recession war story?
I would say that my customers' recession war stories also became mine. I had several clients who were looking to rent or buy an apartment and had to put it on hold. They had lost assets and some had lost their job or were concerned that they could. And as things turned around for my clients, I am thankful to say it turned around for me as well. I guess we are always in it together.

How do you get around town?
Well, I'd like to say I put my Metrocard to good use. I try to use the subway more and more, but I suppose it's more honest to say that I hail many cabs and walk many blocks. Hey, might as well throw a little cardio into your day.

What is your favorite building in the city and why?
It's 100 percent The Chrysler building. I think it is such a beautiful, unique and impressive building! I still can't decide which view is my favorite, by day or by night. Both are just gorgeous!

If you weren't a broker, what would you be?
Before I started my real estate career I was in the advertising industry. So that is what I would most likely be doing.

What is your dream home?
An entire townhouse near Carl Schurz Park, on a tree-lined block with a driveway (of course with my own driver at my beck and call) with a huge backyard to entertain my friends and family. Hey! Now that I think about it, I wonder if Gracie Mansion is available since our mayor has his dream home by that other park.

You just won the lottery. What store do you stop by and what do you buy?
Well, it's not a "store" necessarily, but I'd stop by the best travel agency in town and book a trip of a lifetime for me, my family and my friends.

If there was one thing you could change about New York, what would it be?
I'm not going to make any friends with this one, but I would make smoking cigarettes illegal everywhere in the city, and it would carry a very steep fine. Then put all that money towards helping our budget, our schools, transportation and parks.

Read last week's interview here. >>

realestate@observer.com

Where do you live?
Upper East Side, 63rd and Lexington across from the Barbizon. I have always lived on the Upper East Side, starting with a studio on 58th and Third, then I moved to 72nd and Third. I raised my children on 81st and Park before going to Europe. When I came back from Switzerland, I looked all over the Upper East Side, as that became my turf, and decided on the 63rd and Lexington apartment because it was a six-room apartment with views over beautiful townhouse gardens. Also the location is walking distance to my office, great shopping and wonderful restaurants and close to the park--and my gym is right across the street.

How is work these days?  What is your latest deal?
This month has been very busy. Five deals this week with the fifth deal just today [Ed.: This was in the middle of March]. I think that this month was very busy because of Wall Street bonuses, low inventory, pent-up demand and lastly very low interest rates. Three of my recent deals were exclusives that had been greatly reduced and therefore very well priced for the market. The other two deals were buyers that needed to buy now.

What was the best meal you've ever eaten in New York?
New York has a fabulous assortment of international food. I love the Dover sole at Grenouille.

What was your first apartment like?
After graduate school in Boston, I got an alcove studio on 58th and Third for $300 a month, and I still needed help from my parents.

What is your recession war story?
This recession was difficult to move exclusives. But I do remember some years ago when the stock market dropped drastically, that I had three buyers default after signed contracts.

How do you get around town?  
It depends on where I'm going but usually it's the subway, taxi or a car service with clients.

What is your favorite building in the city?
Different buildings for different reasons--740 Park for its scale and location, 927 Fifth for the views, 45 East 66th street for its uniqueness.

If you weren't a broker, what would you be?
I would work in architectural restoration.

What is your dream home? 
A prewar penthouse with a large planting terrace.

You just won the lottery.  What store do you stop by and what do you buy?
A car store and buy an Aston Martin.

If there was one thing you could change about New York, what would it be?
The dirt and potholes on the streets.

Read last week's interview here. >>

realestate@observer.com

Where do you live?
I live in a turn-of-the-century townhouse in Greenwich Village.

How is work these days?  What is your latest deal?
Guy with 10 percent down on a Tribeca loft, and he loses his job. It's a three-bedroom, $3 million, prewar, real loft conversion. He gets his job back, puts five percent more down, only to lose his job again. He was pretty confident he would find a new job, but no banks would lend to him, he just couldn't get financing. He walked away with $500,000 just left on the table.

What was the best meal you've ever eaten in New York?
I've eaten everywhere, but am sentimental for the old school. Give me a Katz' Pastrami, or Second Ave Deli any day. For higher end, I always love Union Square Cafe. It's just classic. Been dining at Restaurant North quite a bit as well, although it is located "North" of NYC.

What was your first apartment like?
My first apartment was at 52 Spring Street in Nolita. It was a full-floor loft with brick walls, in a loft building that was built in 1890. It was a great apartment and I lived there for about seven years, even with a $3,700-a-month rent.  I still spend a ton of time in the neighborhood and keep in touch with most of the current residences, not to mention I am now the building's broker. 

What is your recession war story?
Right after Lehman, I put  a large  pre-war apartment on Lower Fifth Avenue on the market. It was a great space in a top building, though it needed some work. I showed the hell out of it,f but we only got a couple of insane lowball offers. I tried to get the sellers to drop the price, to no avail. After our exclusive agreement expired they listed it with someone else... at the lower price. After all the time, resources and effort I'd expended on their behalf, that hurt. The new agent didn't sell it either. The owners took it off the market and ended up selling it last spring through a broker who'd sent them one of those "I have buyers looking for a two bedroom in your building" letters. 

How do you get around town?
My main mode of transport is bicycle. It's just the most efficient form of transportation, especially with all the newly installed bike lanes.

What is your favorite building in the city?
Residential building would be, 62 Cooper Square, The Carl Fischer Building. Love the vibrant neighborhood. It's at the crossroads of Noho, Greenwich Village, East Village and Soho. Just easy to get anywhere you want to go. The building has a gorgeous limestone facade, oversized factory windows and all apartments have great open plans with flexible layouts. I remember this building from when I was a kid, long before conversion and always thought it was impressive.

If you weren't a broker, what would you be?
If I didn't work in real estate I'd probably work in the food industry, or creative arts.

What is your dream home?
The penthouse at 140 Perry Street. Unfortunately, it just sold in the ballpark of $15 million.  Guess I'll have to grab it the next time around. 

You just won the lottery.  What store do you stop by and what do you buy?
If I won the lottery, I would like to contribute back to NYC. Perhaps create additional after-school programs and programs that enable innercity youth to experience things outside of the city. Perhaps an organization that is a mix of academic, sports and cultural activities.

If there was one thing you could change about New York, what would it be?
To preserve the character of New York's neighborhoods. The city is always changing, and that's part of what makes it exciting, but its important to remember the roots and individuality of each neighborhood. After all, isn't that what makes this city so unique.

Read last week's interview here. >>

realestate@observer.com

Where do you live?
Where I wanted to live my whole life--in the Village across the street from Washington Square Park. It's even better than I imagined it would be as a kid growing up  on Long Island.

How is work these days?  What is your latest deal?
I had a terrific 2010 ,and 2011 is looking to be even better. Prices have been holding steady for over a year and buyers and sellers are comfortable getting back into the market. I just worked with a divorced client who downsized from a townhouse to a two bedroom apartment. She's a lovely woman and it's truly gratifying to help her start on her new life.

What was the best meal you've ever eaten in New York?
My partner of 28 years is a pretty incredible cook, so I eat very well most nights. We'll often spend part of each weekend wandering the city gathering ingredients. It could be Kalustyan's in Murray Hill for exotic spices (four kinds of za'atar?), Chelsea Market, the Union Square Greenmarket, or the Harlem Costco. Having said that, recently two dear friends took us to Le Bernadin to celebrate my 50^th birthday. We did the tasting menu and everything from the amuse-bouche to the dessert was extraordinary. As delicious as it all was, the service and the company made it even more special.

What was your first apartment like?
A dark one bedroom rental on the Upper West Side. It was before the existence of Combat, so every time you turned on the lights you kept your eyes closed for a second to give the cockroaches time to scatter. Our neighbors were a soap opera heartthrob and his ex-Las Vegas showgirl wife, who was also his manager. When they fought her insults were so creative that he couldn't wait to share them with us the next day (though we'd usually already heard them through the walls). 

What is your recession war story?
Right after Lehman, I put  a large  pre-war apartment on Lower Fifth Avenue on the market. It was a great space in a top building, though it needed some work. I showed the hell out of it,f but we only got a couple of insane lowball offers. I tried to get the sellers to drop the price, to no avail. After our exclusive agreement expired they listed it with someone else... at the lower price. After all the time, resources and effort I'd expended on their behalf, that hurt. The new agent didn't sell it either. The owners took it off the market and ended up selling it last spring through a broker who'd sent them one of those "I have buyers looking for a two bedroom in your building" letters. 

How do you get around town?
I walk. There's so much to see here! If for some reason I can't walk, I'm on the subway. I hate to sit in a cab stuck in traffic, watching the meter tick away my money. 

What is your favorite building in the city?
It's technically not a building, but a park--the Highline. It brilliantly preserves a historic structure while re-imagining it to suit  today. At the same time, it makes us consider our city from a different perspective. Best of all, when you take a walk on it and look around, you'll notice that everyone seems to be smiling. 

If you weren't a broker, what would you be?
That's a tough one.  I work hard, but I meet all sorts of interesting people, see beautiful homes, explore the city I love, set my own hours, and make a good living. My parents think I should be a tour guide because every time they visit from Florida I take them someplace interesting they've never been--and they lived here full-time until their 50's!

What is your dream home?
Friends own an apartment in the building across the street from me.  It's huge and has a wrap-around terrace with stunning views and a wood-burning fireplace. Very New York glamorous, plus I'd still be in the hood.

You just won the lottery.  What store do you stop by and what do you buy?
I'd go right to Tom Ford and order a custom suit.  I'd still take the subway though.

If there was one thing you could change about New York, what would it be?
I would remove car horns from taxi cabs.

Read last week's interview here. >>

realestate@observer.com

Where do you live?
After several years in Manhattan, I caved into suburban life with my wife, my two little boys and our French bulldog, Bubba. I had the most amazing apartment off Central Park West on West 76^th Street, and it was hard to let go.

How is work these days? What is your latest deal?
It's an interesting question. I have been with Citi for 10 years. For the past 6 years I managed Citi Habitats' largest office at 250 Park Avenue South. In May of 2010, I decided to create my own business plan and formed "The Heydt Group". I have been very fortunate with my recent venture, completing 100 transactions. Since May.

Oh, I am sorry, you asked how is work these days? January was stellar, sold one of my listings, a one bedroom loft that was less than 30 days on the market, and just listed two more units for sale, and rented 15 apartments thus far... February was  busy.

What was the best meal you've ever eaten in New York?
I love to eat. Everyone knows that about me. It's one of my passions. This is a tough question because it depends on what type of food you want to eat. My favorite type of restaurant is either Italian or a steakhouse, so with that said here are my two top spots.

Villa Pacri. This is a brand New Italian Restaurant in the Meatpacking on Gansevoort. The Tagliolini with the white truffles is nothing short of amazing. The best part is, after your meal, the night continues at their club down stairs at tzigan, pronounced Cigan.

Mark Joseph's Steakhouse. My friends to this day don't understand my obsession. Amazing place on Peck Slip down by the Seaport. It's a spin-off of Peter Luger's but better, in my opinion. Porterhouse for Two, BACON, HASHBROWNS? NEXT!

What was your first apartment like?
My first apartment in the city was a studio on East 83rd Street. Great apartment because I had a 500-square-foot outdoor garden. Nice starter apartment, right?

What is your recession war story?
No war story, luckily. I am always positive, and don't think negatively. Many people I know left the business. The truth is, I really believe that I thrived in the past three years and so did all my owners and clients. It's all about adapting to the market place. Our business is recession-proof in my opinion. People will always need a place to live. Transactions still occurred, commissions were just down, but so what? If you think for your own pocket you won't do any business.

How do you get around town?
Driver, cabs, on foot, subways, it depends. I walk very fast like my father.

What is your favorite building in the city and why?
My favorite building in the City from a historical standpoint is the Dakota. Its beautiful facade, gorgeous courtyard and location right off Central Park West is truly "classic New York." My wife said she will move back to the City, if we can move there.

In regards to new developments, I was most impressed with Ian Schrager's successful project, 50 Gramercy Park North at the Gramercy Park Hotel. One reason--the building's modern apartments with "real" floor to ceiling windows overlooking Gramercy Park. It doesn't get any better than that.

If you weren't a broker, what would you be?
A commercial airline pilot

What is your dream home?
One of my favorite neighborhoods is the West Village and I would love to have my own single family townhouse. I have my eye on 23 Perry... in my dreams.

You just won the lottery. What store do you stop by and what do you buy?
I wouldn't buy a material possession, that's not my thing. I would buy a rental building immediately.

If there was one thing you could change about New York, what would it be?
I actually couldn't make up my mind for this question, so I diverted to Facebook and put the question on my status page. After 30 different answers, the one I liked the most was "Fix the Mets."

Read last week's interview here. >>

realestate@observer.com

Where do you live? 
In the West Village, in a beautiful Beaux Arts limestone townhouse. The whole front is cut open with floor to ceiling glass.

How is work these days? What is your latest deal?
Extremely busy. I'm seeing lots of cash buyers, lots of high-end high energy deals, very intense negotiations, and a lot of motion behind the deals. I currently have 8 deals out - including a deal on 1045 Fifth Ave, 468 West 23^rd St. condo townhouse with multiple bids, and a bid occurring at 845 United Nations Plaza (also home to Derek Jeter) for two separate apartments to be combined.

What was the best meal you've ever eaten in New York?
L'absinthe--they have an incredible beef Wellington with fois gras, it's ridiculous.

What was your first apartment like?
It was a pre-war on the Upper West Side. At the time, I was studying to become a professional ballerina and was training in that area.

What is your recession war story?
Potential buyers pulling out of deals at the 11^th hour, after months of negotiations. One after the other. It was terrible.

How do you get around town?
I live in cabs because it allows me to be on the phone all the time.

What is your favorite building in the city?
The Beaux Arts pre-war buildings, like 141 Fifth Ave, but also the Frank Gehry building along the West Side Highway, the IAC Building.

If you weren't a broker, what would you be?
I was a professional ballet dancer, so I would probably look to be the director of ballet company or coach.

What is your dream home?
To have a house right on the ocean back in Sydney, or a farmhouse in South Africa in the most rural part, on the plains. A home in Nappa Valley would be quite nice, as well.  

You just won the lottery. What store do you stop by and what do you buy?
Bergdorf Goodman to buy a little classic suit from Yves Saint Laurent, a few thousand outfits from Gucci and a fantastic long gown from Jane Mendel with a twist of Louboutin for effect.

If there was one thing you could change about New York, what would it be?
Apathy and ignoring the homeless.

Read last week's interview here. >>

realestate@observer.com