Gail Sankarsingh: Turning New Dev Success into Resale Rewards

By Grace Cassidy From the moment she began to consider a career in real estate, Gail Sankarsingh felt intuitively that it would be “a natural and seamless fit” with her personality. “I had what I would say is a predisposition for real estate,” she said. “I am outgoing and friendly, but also sincere and empathetic.” Apparently, Sankarsingh wasn’t the only one to sense her affinity for the field—she received offers from Douglas Elliman and another top real estate firm in the same week. “I guess they saw potential in me!” she recalled. “I am very happy I decided to choose Elliman.” Gail Sankarsingh As one of the brokerage’s top-producing and consistently high-ranking agents, Sankarsingh has established a reputation for mastery in representing new developments, including Manhattan House and the historic Apthorp. As she expands her business to include resale properties and individual buyers and sellers, Sankarsingh spoke with Elliman Insider about her background in new development, the transition from on-site sales and the value of having a “global perspective.” Among the many New York City developments you’ve represented, which have been especially rewarding—or especially challenging? I have appreciated all of the experiences, and I feel like they all yielded unique and similar lessons and experiences. But there were definitely challenges, too! For instance, there were rodents and asbestos at Manhattan House during the conversion from rental units to condos. But the challenges are just stepping-stones to success! I loved representing the palatial Apthorp, which has that Gilded Age and Old New York feel, while the five-star lifestyle of the Baccarat drew international royalty and celebrities. How has your expertise in new development informed your work in resale? And what are the key differences between those two realms, particularly in marketing? Working in new development gave me immense seller and buyer knowledge, as well as experience in the processes involved with buying and selling, the strategies and intricacies on the financial side and the diverse range of scenarios that real estate agents will see in these kinds of buildings. When you see thousands of buyers per year from both the U.S. and abroad, you see and learn a lot. Marketing for resale is both similar and different to development marketing! With a developer, you’re representing a seller with hundreds of units in one building, with an entire team of executives and various vendors to perform a variety of tasks—PR, branding and digital marketing—all while adhering to the team’s agenda. For resale, you have the same process, but on a smaller scale and more autonomy in working along with the seller or buyer. What advice would you give to agents looking to make a similar transition from new development to resale—or vice versa? Both channels are lucrative and rewarding, but it all depends on one’s priorities and objectives. On-site work is more strident and routine; there are required hours and days at the building, and you have accountability to the development marketing executives as well as the developer. You are a part of a larger team. With resale, you are responsible for driving your business. It is more flexible in terms of hours and scheduling, but also more sporadic. Both require enthusiasm, hard work, passion, and drive. What do you love most about New York City real estate? The people I meet. I love the collaboration I get to have with my sellers to achieve a common goal. I also love showing the homes after they have been meticulously prepared. I adore meeting prospective buyers, presenting the property to them and making both the seller and buyer happy by guiding them through the process to achieve their respective goals. How has your experience living and traveling abroad impacted your work? It has definitely enhanced my global perspective and ability to connect with others on different levels. Whether it’s a commonality, building a rapport or even just knowledge of their culture and their values, these are all invaluable assets when interacting with local and international clients. New York is the epicenter of the world, so this experience has been really important for my career. Do you have a favorite travel destination? Switzerland! I spend a lot of time there. The country has magnificent views, a diverse population of people, the Alps for skiing… it has it all. I am of East Indian descent, so India is also a very meaningful place for me to travel back to, and I love the tangible spirituality that’s present there. What’s been the highlight of your career so far? I am grateful to say there have been many. I have been consistently ranked in the top-producing strata of our brokerage firm. It’s nice to be in the top 5 or 10—I am grateful to have had these honors. These awards reflect what truly makes my career worthwhile, which is the pleasure and ability to serve and deliver results to my clients.