A Quick Chat With…Ashby Coen

I could write an entire blog post about saying “I’ll never, ever live in NYC” to “I live in NYC and am really happy with my life here,” but in short: living in New York is something that I had zero desire to do, to the point where I discounted exploring professional opportunities in my early and mid-20s solely because I did not want to live here. But when we had the opportunity to relocate 2.5 years ago, my perspective had shifted just enough to consider what it would be like to call the city home. A lot the initial hesitation was due to the quality of life I had in DC: so many of my friends and my now-husband also lived there; I did like my job(s); the cost of living, while pricey, was nothing like New York; DC was a “big city” with a smaller feel…an hour walk would get you almost entirely across town; it’s much cleaner; it has a ton of history, and is just where I saw myself living for a really long time. So many people felt invigorated and energized in New York, and I did not. A short trip always felt like enough!

A few friends who lived here said they thought I’d actually like New York if I had a true home here, vs. always popping in for three or four nights and sharing their beds or sleeping on a couch with a duffle in tow. So when I got a job offer right outside the city in Connecticut, it was my husband’s idea to try and make NYC happen; we considered our housing budget (which was a little larger than it had been several years prior) and figured we’d call it an adventure and shake things up after 7+ years in DC! If we didn’t like it, we didn’t have to stay…but we loved it.

Onto the apartment search! We were fortunate in that we knew about the move a year in advance, so we actually did a very preliminary housing search in February 2020–obviously having no idea that that would be our last time in New York till we actually moved. I knew my friend Krista’s friend Ashby was a broker and got in touch with her off the bat since this search was happening from afar and we had a short but specific list of non-negotiables.

Ashby’s professionalism and insight was invaluable…she knows the city inside and out and made what would have been an extremely stressful time pretty stress-free. She did all the heavy lifting for us and literally knew the answer to every single question we had–which was very comforting especially since we weren’t local and it was mid-pandemic. Ashby’s real estate career has continued to grow in the nearly three years since we worked together and I’m excited to share this interview; if you’re considering a move to NYC, looking for a new apartment (rental or sales!), or just curious what it’s like to be an agent in the city, it’s all here!

A Quick Chat With…Ashby Coen, Real Estate Agent

Age: 35

Hometown: Trappe, Maryland

Currently live in: New York City

Your transition from the corporate world to real estate was a big professional change! Can you talk about the move from a traditional 9-5 to now, where you're making more of your own schedule and structuring your own days?

One of the main things that sparked my career change was that I wanted a more independent lifestyle. I was starting to resent the monotony of corporate life and having to stay in the office until the end of the day, regardless of how much work I had to do, etc. I wanted to be my own boss and make my own schedule. I absolutely love the freedom and flexibility that real estate affords me. I will say that I do sometimes miss the social aspects of being in an office but overall, I love this career path.

What does a typical workday look like for you?

Every day is different! I spend most mornings on my computer going over emails, following up with clients, researching the market, sourcing new leads and scheduling showings. I go into the office about 1x per week mostly to connect and be social with other agents. I have sales and rental showings scattered throughout the week, usually after 5pm Monday-Thursday and Sundays during the day.

Do you have any advice for folks looking to transition into a career in real estate? Is there anything you wish you'd known or done differently?

Launching a successful real estate career is harder than most people think. You really have to grind early on to start forming relationships and marketing yourself, all while staying up to date on the market, trends, inventory etc. It can be scary not knowing when your next paycheck is coming but the longer you stick with it, the more contacts you make, the more relationships you will create, the more buildings/management companies/landlords you’ll become familiar with. I like to say that there is never a wasted day in real estate since there is always something new to learn.  

Let's talk about the market...NYC real estate sticker shock is so real! What advice would you give to someone who's looking to relocate to the area and feeling overwhelmed by the choices (or lack thereof) and the prices?

That why you use me! NYC real estate can be very intimidating and navigating it without a professional can be overwhelming. It is unlike any other city so if you are coming here unfamiliar with the landscape, it is very difficult to understand things to look for in a great apartment, what broker fees mean, the difference between condos vs co-ops if you are looking to buy, and so much more. Real estate agents make your life easier by guiding you through your options based on budget, help negotiate the best price, and answer any questions. I have lived in NYC for almost 13 years and truly feel like a local expert so I absolutely love working with new residents. I will say that if you are looking to move to NYC to save money that probably isn’t such a good idea though, haha!

What are some of your favorite features in NYC apartments? Are there any quintessentially New York things to look for?

My favorite feature is hands down a wood burning fireplace *swoon* I also love archways and sunken living rooms and am very drawn to apartments with hallways, which sounds random but they are more rare than you think. Hallways separate rooms (duh) but in NYC apartments the more separation you can get, the more it feels like a real home (in my opinion).

When it comes to buying vs. renting: Is there anything you recommend prospective buyers in NYC do in advance of their home search?

The first and most important step is to establish your budget. There are so many beautiful and tempting apartments in NYC and you don’t want to see one that you’ll inevitably fall in love with that is too much of a financial stretch. The city is expensive across the board and your home cost should only be a part of that. Talking with a lender or a financial consultant to understand your buying power is a great place to start.  

The co-op vs. condo difference can be very confusing. Mind putting it in layman's terms?

Would love to! When you purchase in a co-op, you are technically purchasing shares in a corporation, as opposed to the actual apartment. The co-op owns the building and the larger your apartment is, the more shares you own. When you purchase a condo, you are purchasing the unit itself, like any regular real estate transaction. It is interesting to note that 75% of residential buildings in NYC are co-ops so they tend to be hard to avoid.

I know I'm likely asking you an impossible question, but what are your two favorite neighborhoods–and why?

Upper West Side – besides its obvious tree-lined You’ve Got Mail brownstone charm, I love how quiet and family oriented it is. I also think it is underrated how accessible the UWS is – to several subway lines, Central Park, the West Side Highway etc.

West Village – I just love the food and nightlife scene here. It makes me feel young and connected to the heartbeat of the city when I am there.

If you didn't live in NYC, where do you think would be home?

My husband is from Fort Lauderdale so I think we would relocate to the sunshine state if we had to but it will likely be New York or Nowhere!

Last place you traveled?

I recently got back from Las Vegas to see Adele at Caesar’s Palace and I am forever changed. I am not entirely sure what I am changed from and into but the point is, she touched my soul and I am so grateful to have been able to see her in such an intimate setting. I think I cried for like 40% of the show. Plus, Vegas is just a blast, especially with a fun group of friends.

If you could majorly splurge on a vacation, where would you go?

NYC >> Dubai >> Maldives over the water bungalow, on Emirates of course.

Favorite restaurant in NYC?

This is a very difficult question. It all depends on how I am feeling, what time of year it is, etc. Nougatine by Jean-Georges is my favorite splurge, Barbuto has my favorite appetizer, Javelina has my favorite queso, Caffe Buon Gusto has my favorite pasta, the list goes on and on. I would also like to add that stemware is a personal passion of mine so any of the Quality Branded establishments have the best wine and martini glasses, just FYI.

Go-to weekday lunch?

I am loving what I call an “adult lunchable” aka a snack plate situation with turkey, cheese, crackers, apples, carrots etc.

Go-to cocktail?

I am a Cosmopolitan girlie

One piece of advice?

It doesn’t take talent to be on time. Especially in the real estate world when respecting other’s time is so key, this advice has always resonated with me.