Get to Know the Broker: Lauren Muss of Douglas Elliman – Commercial Observer
Lauren Muss has made a name for herself as an expert in the real estate industry, fueled by determination and grit.
After running her own high-end accessory company — where, as a trained gemologist, she sold her products nationally — the native New Yorker joined the real estate business in 1994 and now works as an agent at Douglas Elliman. She has achieved over $7 billion in sales across some of Manhattan’s most prominent neighborhoods.
But, at the beginning of her career, Muss wasn’t sure what her next move should be. She asked her friends if she should get her license and go into real estate. They said yes, and she did.
“I started with my first listing for $400,000 and had an open house every weekend,” Muss said. “It was like the Fabergé ad for those who are old enough to remember. Those people told two friends, and then those people told two friends, and voila — I was in business.”
Commercial Observer caught up with Muss in September for a series called “Get to Know the Broker,” where we connect with residential brokers to learn more about what makes them tick.
This conversation has been edited for length and clarity.
Commercial Observer: What has been the biggest deal of your career so far?
Lauren Muss: I have sold a few penthouses in the $40 million to $50 million range at the Pierre, 160 Leroy Street, the Baccarat and 33 East 74th Street. This year alone, I’ve sold a few townhouses, units at the Surrey, 70 Vestry, 200 East 79th Street, and in a new developments in the $20 million range.
What is your career Everest?
I think I’ve actually reached my most ambitious goal: building a team of seven professionals, each with 12 to 23 years in the business, who work with me rather than for me.
Clients can work directly alongside any of them, not just me. I have no assistants, everyone is trained to work the way I learned, with full ownership over what they handle.
Someone once asked if I was afraid of losing clients to my own team members. I told them that’s the goal. Not one team member has ever left.
What’s something you think people would be surprised to learn about you?
That I have a sensitive side.
What’s your go-to takeout order?
Chicken paillard, a little protein and a little salad.
What TV show are you currently binging?
“Lioness,” “Dutton Ranch,” “Ted Lasso” and “Lucky.” I just finished “Margot Has Money Problems” as well as “Your Friends and Neighbors.”
What is your silliest pet peeve?
Plastic in bathroom garbage cans, when the toilet seat is up, and anything out that should be put away. Clutter.
What’s on your Spotify playlist?
Fleetwood Mac, America, James Taylor, Neil Young, Lenny Kravitz, Pink Floyd, Sting, U2 and Sofi Tukker, but it goes on.
Who is your favorite architect/interior designer?
There are so many architects past and current like Candella, and then there is Studio Sofield, AM Stern for 220 Central Park South and 70 Vestry, and Herzog and de Meuron. But, by far, my favorite interior designer is Julie Hillman.
What’s your most entertaining deal story?
Have any of them been entertaining? Entertaining implies fun. Each one of my stories has come with their own set of challenges!
If you’d like to be featured in our Get to Know the Broker Spotlight, please email Amanda Schiavo at aschiavo@commercialobserver.com.
