Douglas Elliman Welcomes The Novo+Herzberg+Babst Team

With $100 Million in Combined 2018 Sales, Top Resale and New Development Specialists Monica Novo, Daren Herzberg and Brian Babst Join Elliman's Flatiron Office

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Douglas Elliman

Mar 11, 2019, 12:55 ET

NEW YORK, March 11, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Douglas Elliman Real Estate, the largest brokerage in the New York Metropolitan area and the third largest residential real estate company nationwide, announces the arrival of the The Novo+Herzberg+Babst Team at Douglas Elliman. The Novo+Herzberg+Babst Team joins Elliman from Corcoran and is led by Monica Novo, one of the most highly sought-after real estate professionals, especially by residential developers, in New York. The four-person team will work from Elliman's Flatiron office located at 111 Fifth Avenue and will bring with them $60 million in new listings including a $11.65 million building that is being marketed as a luxury condominium development opportunity.

"We are thrilled to welcome Monica, Daren and Brian to the firm," said Howard M. Lorber, Chairman of Douglas Elliman Realty LLC. "They are a dynamic and well-rounded team with tremendous expertise, especially within the new development space. Their stellar reputation in the industry precedes them, and we are fortunate to have them bring their many talents to Elliman."

Novo, Herzberg and Babst have completed hundreds of transactions throughout Manhattan, Brooklyn, Long Island City and the East End of Long Island, and have historically been ranked in the top 25 of their prior firm, with over one billion dollars in collective gross sales volume throughout their careers. The group also specializes in high-end rental transactions (from $20-$80K monthly) and work with overseas investors from the UK, Italy, France, Hong Kong, Spain and Brazil. Collectively, they speak Spanish, French, Italian, and Portuguese.

"Douglas Elliman is a strong, elite global brand and the leading presence in several of the markets outside of New York City where we are rapidly growing our business, including the East End of Long Island, South Florida, and parts of California, and we're delighted to be a part of the Douglas Elliman family," said Novo. "The firm also provides an incredible level of support in terms of development, technology, marketing and global connectivity with its Knight Frank partnership. The Elliman platform will be invaluable to the clients and customers we advise."

With 30 years in the business Monica is an innovative marketer and creative thinker, credited with representing some of the city's most magnificent conversions and ground-up projects and has negotiated the successful sale of numerous commercial buildings and lots. Known for her exceptional marketing savvy and record-setting sales, Novo, who has sold over $1 billion in residential new development, has an instinctive understanding of NYC's intricate and evolving market. She is an integral member of development teams responsible for upcoming buildings by such acclaimed architects as Enrique Norton, TsAO & McKOWN, Cetra Ruddy, along with other elites. Among the many development projects she's successfully marketed and sold are: The Gretsch Building, Williamsburg, Brooklyn; Zephyr Lofts, Jersey City, NJ; J Condominium, DUMBO, Brooklyn, where she remains a building specialist; The William Beaver House, Financial District; the Apple Bank Building and 235 West 71st Street both on the Upper West Side; and The Hit Factory at 421 West 54th Street.

Monica recently completed the acquisition of a recording studio for hip-hop artist and friend Busta Rhymes, and known for her discreet representation, has worked with many celebrity and high profile clients in the financial, fashion and publishing industries. She is also co-owner of the iconic Empire Diner in West Chelsea.

Daren Herzberg, with 20 years of experience and over $500m in transactional volume, is a skilled dealmaker who understands the psychology of buying and selling properties. As such, he is an expert negotiator with a knack for unlocking value on client acquisitions. Additionally, his extensive experience in construction and development enable his gifted eye for design and layout to better market and highlight his sellers' listings. By capitalizing on his network, Daren has created a loyal following of clients, from media magnates and Wall Street titans to technology entrepreneurs. Daren has successfully represented and sold numerous development properties including 135 West 4^th Street, 519 West 23^rd Street, 559 West 23^rd Street and 121 West 15^th Street. Daren also owns the 42-key Union Hotel in Gowanus, Brooklyn and has personally developed numerous boutique projects including 133 West 4^th Street and one of Chelsea's highest priced townhouses ever sold at 150 West 15^th Street.

With nearly 17 years in New York City real estate and over a quarter billion dollars of completed transactions, Brian Babst possesses a strong background in creative marketing for boutique condominium projects from concept to completion as well as resales, lending branding and product differentiation to every listing. An innovative thinker, he has a proven history for breaking pricing records including Chelsea townhouses and West Village condominiums. Before entering the real estate field, Babst worked at a top-tier Wall Street firm, performing equity research and securities analysis. His focus on numbers and data make him especially popular with clients in the financial industry.

About Douglas Elliman Real Estate

Established in 1911, Douglas Elliman Real Estate is the largest brokerage in the New York Metropolitan area and the third largest residential real estate company nationwide. With more than 7,000 agents, the company operates approximately 118 offices in New York City, Long Island, The Hamptons, Westchester, Connecticut, New Jersey, Florida, California, Colorado and Massachusetts. Moreover, Douglas Elliman has a strategic global alliance with London-based Knight Frank Residential for business in the worldwide luxury markets spanning 60 countries and six continents. The company also controls a portfolio of real estate services including Douglas Elliman Development Marketing, Douglas Elliman Property Management and Douglas Elliman Commercial. For more information on Douglas Elliman as well as expert commentary on emerging trends in the real estate industry, please visit elliman.com.

SOURCE Douglas Elliman