After 27+ years in the manufacturing business, Douglas Elliman agent Cindy Rachlin decided she needed a change. Elliman Insider sat down with Cindy to find out how she managed to break into the real estate business and why after choosing Elliman, she never looked back.
Elliman Insider: When did you know that real estate was your calling?
Cindy Rachlin: After 27 years manufacturing newborn apparel, the last 7 of those years in my own business, I needed a change. I wanted to utilize my skill set: starting my own business, building relationships, engaging in design and marketing, problem solving and being a rainmaker. Real estate was a natural transition. I chose to manufacture newborn apparel because regardless of the economic conditions, babies were born and needed clothing. I feel the same way in real estate. Regardless of economic conditions, everyone needs a place to live.
EI: What’s your biggest challenge as an agent?
CR: Taking a break. Real estate is all consuming, there is always something to do. I did not take a vacation for six years when I started.
EI: Do you live by a personal mantra or favorite saying?
CR: I have several mantras: In the words of Winston Churchill, “Never, Never, Never, Give Up.” “Even if you are falling on your face, you are still moving forward,” by Victor Kiam, and last, but not least, “Lead, Follow, or Get Out of My Way!” I also have a silly one I made up working with rental customers; “No Fee, No Me, I do not work for free!”
EI: Why did you choose Elliman?
CR: I have to admit, I knew very little about real estate brokerages. But I recognized the name “Douglas Elliman.” I had the opportunity to meet with Howard Lorber and the rest is history. I wanted to be associated only with a winning company and Elliman was it. I have never looked back.
EI: How has Elliman changed your business plan?
CR: I loved how Elliman encourages the agents to be well-versed in both rentals and sales. Although the rental market has changed significantly, oftentimes renters become buyers. Many other brokerages either target only rentals or only sales. Elliman focuses on both and it has been a winning formula for me.
EI: How has Elliman upped your real estate game?
CR: Elliman has tremendous brand recognition, an incredible reputation and provides all the tools I desire to be successful whether it is marketing reports or technology. Douglas Elliman is always on top of the market.
EI: Any advice for new agents?
CR: Be patient. Connect with a team, a mentor and/or a coach. Business will not come to you; you need to go out and get it. Add value. Engage in “position networking.” I met a real estate developer in a gym that I frequented every day. We rarely talked, but one day I said “Ernie, you look good in a suit!” That was my most profitable line ever. Through years of really hard work and effort, I became the exclusive broker for a 232-unit rental building in Midtown West. Position networking is key as well as marketing and connecting with those in your database, letting them know you are a real estate agent.
EI: Is there anything that our readers might be surprised to learn about you?
CR: I was picked up by a talent agent getting a manicure in Bloomingdales. At first I thought it was sketchy but it turned out it was real. She wanted me to try to get rid of my New York accent which never happened. As it turns out, my accent landed me on a radio show. In the early 2000s, I became “The Greatest Sports Announcer from the Garment District” on the Jammin’ 105, Jay Thomas morning show. Jay was a popular deejay and actor.
It was one of the highlights of my life. Fun does not begin to describe it. I was able to get press credentials and interviewed players in many sporting arenas, but none better than the Knicks locker room. All my questions were off the cuff and nothing to do with sports. I asked Latrell Sprewell how long it took to braid his hair, nothing serious. I was given a time slot every Friday and Monday; I wrote my own “bits” and the entire banter with Jay was improv—nothing was scripted.
Being on the radio doing improv has given me the ability to think on my feet and has always been an asset in my real estate career.
EI: Where can we find you when you’re not working?
CR: You will find me with my husband Jon, and my Wheaten Terrier, Murray, in our lake house in the Poconos. Or Running in Central Park. Running is my passion and my meditation. I am also a die-hard NY Knicks fan (do not hold it against me) and if it is NBA season, I will be watching a game!
View Cindy’s listings below:
210 East 66th Street, PHD | $3,275,000
There is a private outdoor terrace beyond your wildest dreams. It wraps around West to North and East. It is spectacular with endless views and light. Enjoy morning coffee, a cocktail at sunset, read a book, and entertain in this ultimate outdoor space. The options are limitless!
There is a fabulous home with three bedrooms, and two and a half bath attached to this remarkable terrace. This apartment boasts incredible light from abundant windows with North, South, East and Western views.
There is a sprawling living room, huge separate dining area and large open kitchen.
For the discerning chef, there is a state of the art custom windowed kitchen which includes plentiful cabinets and counter space, and a marble breakfast counter that can accommodate bar stools.. Top of the line appliances include a Gaggenau refrigerator, separate Gaggenau freezer, Gaggenau wine cooler, Dacor under the counter microwave, Asko dishwasher and Wolf Range.
If you are looking for an extra large dining space to enjoy company surrounded by windows and light, this is it.
The two and a half bathrooms have beautiful gold Sherle Wagner gold plated fixtures, custom vanities, Swedish steam showers, claw tub and Toto electric toilets in addition to radiant floors.
There are 9 “California style” closets; three of which are extra huge!
Other extraordinary features include: Washer/Dryer, High ceilings, Separate Mitsubishi central air conditioning and heating system, Mahogany floors throughout, Lutron custom lighting, State of the Art sound system, Custom electric shades including black outs, Security system.
201 East 66th Street is a full service self managed luxury co-op on the corner of 3rd Avenue & 66th Street. The building has a 24 hour doorman/concierge, live in Executive Manager, package person, central laundry room, a self managed garage where parking is $469 per month for shareholders. There is a Crunch gym located in the commercial space of the building. Pets under 60lbs. permitted with board approval. No sublets, guarantors or parents buying with or for children allowed. Convenient neighborhood close to mass transportation, great restaurants and shops.
201 E 66th Street, 6N | $675,000
Welcome to this meticulously renovated and well appointed 1-bed, 1-bath apartment located in 201 East 66th Street. This bright West facing residence has lovely views of the tree lined streets of East 66th St in addition to open skies. This wonderful home features beautiful maple wood plank floors throughout and new HVAC units. As you enter through the foyer, you are greeted by a very spacious living and dining area. The renovated and expansive kitchen boasts custom white cabinetry with stone countertops, and stainless appliances. The bedroom is large and airy and offers the perfect ambiance for a good night’s sleep. Beautiful fixtures, a pedestal sink, light grey floor to ceiling tiles, complete this outstanding home. There is also abundant storage and closet space.- No Subletting, No Guarantors, No Purchasing with or For Children201 East 66th St is conveniently located close to transportation including the 2nd Avenue Subway, crosstown bus. great restaurants and shopping!Building Features:- Self Managed- Full-Time Doorman- Package Room- Pet Allowed (Under 60lbs with Board Approval)- Self Managed Garage (Special Rate $469 for Residents)- Renovated Laundry Facility- No Smoking- No Flip Tax.
119-84 Apt. Corp, 119 East 84th St., 5D | $649,000
Welcome Home to a wonderful pre-war one-bedroom apartment, in a prime Upper East Side location?that truly has it all!
You’ll enjoy Northern and Southern exposures, custom/bespoke cabinetry and library shelving throughout with clever built-ins galore. The incredible storage provided will help you find a place for everything and eliminate clutter from your home!
Floors in entry, living room, hallway and bedroom are original pre-war hardwoods and all doors are solid wood. Double-paned and easy-to-clean windows provide silence and privacy. Beamed ceilings are 9 feet. Washer/dryer is permitted with board approval. Through-the-wall air conditioning with its own cabinet is the icing on the cake!
Enter into a proper entry gallery, featuring a beautiful custom built-in cabinet. Your comfortable-sized living room is perfect for everyday city living, entertaining and/or working. The living room boasts oversized windows, custom bookshelves and a large built-in storage unit that are all in pristine condition.
A hallway leads to the separate windowed eat-in kitchen with white Italian ceramic floors, ample cabinetry, generous counter space, updated appliances, and your own private service entrance. Just across the hall is the lovingly restored windowed bathroom with black granite flooring, a massive built in medicine cabinet, original re-glazed pre-war tub, and sink. Just next door, the large bedroom features custom closets and shelving, and plenty of space for a dresser and bed of your choice. Wood “blackout? window shades and a design piece ceiling fan complete the room.
This boutique cooperative just off Park Avenue is pet-friendly and located 2 blocks from Central Park. The lobby is renovated and attended by a doorman from 7:30am-11:30pm daily, elevators refurbished, and there are only 4 apartments per floor! There is also a live-in super, bicycle storage and a laundry room. Pied-a-terres are considered on a case by case basis. 75% financing allowed.
You will be surrounded by some of the best shopping, restaurants and museums the Upper East Side has to offer. Also close to bus lines and 4/5/6 subway.
171 West 73rd St, 5 | $575,000
Welcome home to a renovated three-level apartment with a unique layout, perfectly located in the heart of the Upper West Side. Original hardwood flooring and exposed brick walls are featured on all three levels.
Just one flight up, you’ll enter into a welcoming kitchen with stainless steel appliances (including a dishwasher), a Carrara marble counter, and cork mosaic floor. Adjacent, is room for the furniture of your choice, and a roomy outfitted wall-sized closet with a sliding door. From the first level, there is a large opening, with views to the living area just upstairs.
Up a small staircase, you are on the spacious living room level, which has its own landing and 3 oversized south-facing windows, and a generous space for proper living and dining areas. The living room is bathed in natural light and is enhanced by the original exposed brick accent wall and 9-foot+ ceilings.
Ascend up another small flight to the bedroom area, which comfortably fits a queen-sized bed and night stand. The bedroom area features another “California” closet and a spa-like bathroom featuring Grohe fixtures, a large walk-in shower with rainfall showerhead, and Italian ceramic tiles.
This well-managed, charming brownstone pre-war building has a laundry room & new video intercom system. Monthly maintenance includes cable and internet service. The co-op allows co-purchasing, guarantors, gifting, & pieds-a-terre and is pet friendly.
171 West 73rd Street is located on a beautiful tree-lined block in the sweet spot of the Upper West Side. You’ll love living around the corner from the 72nd Street 1/2/3 local & express subways, equidistant between Central and Riverside parks, near Lincoln Center, the Museum of Natural History, Fairway, Trader Joes, Citarella, and all the wonderful eateries, shops, bars in the neighborhood.
Contact Cindy for all your real estate needs.
