Talking Manhattan

Today, Noah and John sit down with Nick Gavin of Compass, a real estate powerhouse with nearly two decades in the business. Nick shares his journey from launching during the Great Recession to now representing some of the most exclusive and high-ticket listings in NYC. The conversation dives deep into market dynamics, from pricing strategies at the ultra-luxury level to why renovations are a big deterrent for buyers today. Nick also opens up about building his business through long-term, genuine relationships—eschewing mass marketing in favor of trust, personal connections, and discretion. This episode offers a rare peek into how one of New York’s top agents wins consistently at the highest level. Top notch! Highlights: 01:50 – Buyer Reluctance Toward Renovations 02:50 – Shifting Norms with Rates 03:30 – Importance of Hitting Pricing Right Away 04:20 – Ultra-Luxury Strategy 06:00 – Pricing vs. Convenience at the High End 07:00 – Lack of Foreign Investor Presence 08:15 – NYC Market Still Strong Despite Missin