In celebration of Black History Month, we invited Douglas Elliman agents to share their experiences and reflect on the role their identity and heritage have played in their real estate careers.

Omarli Layne, Agent, Brooklyn, NY

How did you find your path to success in real estate? 

My path to success has been built on relationships—both with clients and colleagues. Real estate is a people-driven business, and trust is everything. When someone can depend on you, it translates to building trust between you and them. I’ve made it a priority to be a valuable resource by continuously improving my market knowledge, understanding property trends, and staying up to date on policies and laws. Being well-informed allows me to provide clarity to clients, helping them make confident decisions.

Are there values or elements of your identity that you draw strength from in your work as an agent?

Resilience, patience, and open-mindedness are three qualities I constantly nurture. In this industry, setbacks are inevitable, so resilience is key—you have to keep pushing forward. Patience keeps me committed to my goals and ensures I give each client the time and attention they deserve. Being open-minded helps me understand different perspectives, which is crucial when working with diverse clients and navigating their unique needs.

What does Black History Month mean to you?

Black History Month is a time to honor both well-known and unsung heroes who have fought—and continue to fight—for equality and justice. It’s a chance to build awareness, educate, and recognize that many opportunities today exist because of the sacrifices and achievements of those who came before us. My hope is that the celebration inspires future generations to drive change, foster equality, and make a lasting impact.

How do you think brokerages like Douglas Elliman can help foster greater diversity and understanding in the industry?

Real estate is about people, and in multicultural cities like New York, diversity isn’t just important—it’s essential. Brokerages must do more than just spark dialogue; they must take meaningful action to drive change.

Real impact comes from acknowledging disparities, fostering open conversations about race, culture, and inclusion. Brokerages must aid in breaking long-standing barriers through action, accountability, and commitment. This can take many forms, such as funding affordable housing initiatives, investing in financial literacy programs, and creating more charitable opportunities for underrepresented communities.

These are just a few of the many steps that can strengthen our industry to build deeper connections in the communities we service.