A Quick Chit-Chat with Real Estate Wunderkind Jared Seligman

Name: Jared Seligman
Age: 22
Location: Greenwich Village
Chosen occupation: Real Estate [Senior Vice Preseident, Prudential Douglas Elliman]
Unchosen occupation: Interior designer or developer... or both!
Side-gig: Tennis player
Work "uniform": French cuffed white shirts with a blazer –- and usually jeans, Barker black shoes, Tom Ford shades, Gerrard cufflinks, and my Blackberry and phones
Dress down "uniform": I don't have many days off, but on the rare occasion my outfit is typically composed of a lot of black -- I'm always in jeans and a Rick Owens or Givenchy leather coat

Your signature style has been widely emulated throughout the real estate ranks; so the question begs to be asked: as Curbed's Broker of the Year -- illustriously proclaimed as the "Condo King" by W Magazine and dubbed one of Page Six's "Hottest Bachelors" (leagues ahead of A.Rod) -- who are your style influencers?
Tom Ford and Ralph Lauren

What originally enthralled you about PR, and subsequently real estate, that merited forgoing a full-time college education in order to jump right into business?
I always had a hard time sitting still and loved working with people, so it was only natural for me to be on the move since childhood. I do have sixty college credits and studied quite a bit, but I was really itching to work. In fact I want to go back to school -- although it has been difficult to find the time since I have been working!

CitiHabiats, Corcoran (excelling as youngest agent, top rookie and swiftest promotion), Prudential Douglas Elliman (Senior VP) -- what prompted your decisions to shift between firms?
Learning has been a huge motivation for me. I am so appreciative that I have been able to work at some of the most respected firms and learn from so many talented people. I am very excited to continue my career at Prudential Douglas Elliman.

What are the most common mistakes that sellers make while trying to appeal to potential buyers?
We see quite a few mistakes in today's market -- first and foremost is when sellers are unrealistic about pricing and don't accept the current market prices. Additionally many sellers want to add in a negotiability factor and price a bit higher under the reasoning that the buyers will negotiate; this scheme only attracts less buyers at the outset and the first price reduction will always be more costly. For buyers, try to remember that it is not only about the deal or price per square foot, but rather the home you would like to live in (of course at the best price possible). [Watch Jared in action below as he gives top tips for sellers.]

Where do you think is the next heretofore untouched mecca in Manhattan to meet an ensuing residential resurrection?
New York is always about location and there are a few up-and-coming neighborhoods throughout New York City as whole; nevertheless nothing will ever compete with the already prime and exclusive locations.

How has the current economic stagflation affected Prudential Douglas Elliman and what has the impact (if any) been on your personal listings?
Real Estate, like many other industries, has certainly been affected by the current financial condition. However, I am exceptionally grateful to be working with a company that is in very good shape. We just opened up a new office in the West Village and are focusing on numerous other growth opportunities. September 2008 to January 2009 was a struggle for all of my listings; most people were by the sidelines waiting to see what would happen with prices. Although prices have dropped, we are now seeing a definite turnaround as well as some major market activity and are eagerly anticipating a great 2009.

You've pinpointed the perfect places for clients (reportedly including) Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen, Jessica Stam, Margherita Missoni, Coco Rocha, Lily Cole, Nicole Richie, DJ AM, Ally Hilfiger, Kirsten Dunst, and Hilary Rhoda... where exactly is your dream home in the city?
Eventually one day I may like to end up on the Park on the Upper East or West Side. But in the meantime, my dream home would either be a townhouse in the West Village or a pre-war on lower Fifth Avenue.

As the go-to real estate insider, any word as to when the Beatrice will reopen? We're dying to know!
Very soon, I hope!