Learn how Maria Daou, an Associate Broker in New York City, combines deep knowledge with personalized service to make a lasting impression on her clients.
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Like chefs, real estate professionals are at their best when the fire is hottest. As the pandemic market turned red, foodie and New York City associate broker Maria Daou’s business took off, growing nearly 113%. This is a huge improvement for the self-proclaimed “hand-holding person from start to finish” who works with clients day and night.
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Mr. Daou describes himself as “honest through and through” and believes in the power of transparency in building relationships and maintaining repeat and referral business. See how this broker combines deep knowledge and personalized service to make a lasting impression on clients.
Name: Maria Daou
Job Title: Licensed Associate Real Estate Broker
Experience: 25 years experience
Location: New York City
Securities company name: Coldwell Banker Warburg
Awards:
Daou was a top 10 production broker at Coldwell Banker Warburg every year, but has not done any marketing or social media since 2017. 2024 RealTrends Verified New York City Ranking #68
What do you tell new agents before they start doing business with you?
I tell new agents to be honest, even if it means killing a sale or not getting listed. It’s important that your customers trust you and that you can back up what you’re telling them.
What pisses me off the most is when the broker points out something during a screening that clearly isn’t the case. It’s like saying the sky is yellow when it’s blue. Buyers have eyes, and the best way to lose trust is to tell them that what they see isn’t really what they see.
Most of the time I point out the flaws before they notice, but then I can also explain why that flaw shouldn’t be a deal breaker.
What does a customer need to know before starting a real estate transaction?
The best advice I can give buyers and sellers is to choose a broker they like and trust, preferably one recommended to them, and listen to what they have to say. If you don’t have personal referrals, you’ll need to interview several agents who have sales experience or reputations in your building or area.
In New York City, if you live in a building with a doorman, you can ask the doorman which brokers sell in your building and whether they are friendly.
Another piece of advice for sellers is that once you decide to sell, you need to take the emotion out of the transaction. Their homes become a commodity.
If you could do anything other than real estate, what would it be?
If I could do anything other than real estate, I would like to be a chef and own my own restaurant. 25 years ago, I had to make the choice to leave my catering job and pursue a career in real estate. Otherwise, I couldn’t afford to stay in New York.
I grew up in Lebanon, where cooking is a big part of the culture. I always loved going to the farmers market and coming home to make a feast. It would have been fun to turn it into my own restaurant, but it just wasn’t practical in New York 25 years ago.
I decided to go into the real estate industry. I love where the real estate industry has taken me, the interesting people I’ve met, and the amazing apartments I’ve seen and sold. I still go to at least three farmers markets a week and cook for my family and friends. I also serve on the advisory board of Wellness in the Schools, a national nonprofit organization that encourages healthy eating and fitness among public school children.
What is the most important thing you learned in school or prelicensure classes?
I learned that I need to stay on top of national and international news related to the local real estate market. As a broker, you need to stay on top of financial markets, political news, local laws, and more. I make sure to read the newspaper, check the stock market, track interest rate updates, and talk to my boss every day. Talk to your colleagues about what you’re seeing in the real estate market.
A broker does more than simply find and introduce apartments. To be a good person, you need to be very holistic and stay informed. When pitching a potential exclusive product or speaking to a new buyer, I use my knowledge to form a persuasive argument to support pricing or to explain what constitutes a “good buy.” I can give you advice.
What is the best advice you have ever received from a mentor or colleague?
My mentors (I had several at Coldwell Banker Warburg) always emphasized the importance of the role of a broker. We offer our knowledge, cooperation, advice, expertise and time. I’ve been in this business for over 25 years now and I’ve learned that this is no easy trade. There were times when I was on the phone at 6am and midnight, helping couples find differences and reach compromises.
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