Agent Spotlight: Steven Cohen, one of Manhattan’s Premier Brokers

Recognized as one of Manhattan’s premier brokers, with over two decades of real estate experience, it’s safe to say that Douglas Elliman agent Steven Cohen is a seasoned professional. Elliman Insider sat down with Steven to learn everything from his views on how real estate has changed as a profession to one of the personal mantras he lives by to achieve success—that sometimes there is a greater plan and everything happens for a reason. Elliman Insider: When did you know that real estate was your calling? Steven Cohen: When I was younger, being an agent was usually a third career or part time for people, but this has changed tremendously. I was unique in that I thought about real estate as a career when young, although I did not actually pursue it until my early 30s. I have a keen interest in architecture and my father instilled a great admiration for the beauty of homes—that coupled with a love of connecting with people make it a natural fit for me. EI: What’s your biggest challenge as an agent? SC: Disconnecting from my phone. It is our greatest tool but can over take our lives. EI: Do you live by a personal mantra or favorite saying? SC: Two Yiddish expressions: The first is “Hishtadlut” which means “to make an effort.” The success may not come exactly where you think it will come from but the effort is rewarded. Activity breeds activity & success. The second, “Gam zu l’tova” means “this too is for the good.” Essentially everything happens for a reason and is meant to be. This doesn’t mean that I throw it all to the wind, but I do believe that there is a greater plan and sometimes we just can’t see it in the moment. EI: Why did you choose Elliman? SC: I spent the first 20 years of my real estate career at Corcoran and came over to Elliman the beginning of this year. I know a lot of successful agents at Elliman and have known and admired Howard Lorber for a long time. I feel like there is an incredible entrepreneurial spirit here and that Douglas Elliman is the best fit for me to grow my business and to reach my goals. EI: How has Elliman changed your business plan? SC: Part of my move to Elliman was about change, so there is so much that is new. I am thinking bigger and broader than I have ever about my business and where it can go. EI: How has Elliman upped your real estate game? SC : Looking at so many Elliman brokers who have built incredible businesses that all look different. I believe Howard’s spirit as the leader of Douglas Elliman trickles down. There is a “Yes, let’s try it” attitude here. EI: Any advice for new agents? SC: Run your business like you are the CEO of your company. Get a good real estate coach who will give you tools for growth and hold you accountable. EI: Where can we find you when you’re not working? SC: With my partner, my daughters and friends, traveling, at our beach house and on Zoom calls. And when we are back to “normal times,” seeing Broadway shows, going to the movies and dining out. Steve Cohen’s current listings: New York City: 515 Park Avenue, 3839 | $27,950,000 Stunning duplex comprised of the 38th and 39th floors at 515 Park Avenue, a white-glove full-service condominium. Spectacular City and Central Park views are enjoyed from all rooms with their oversized windows and soaring ceilings. The gracious floor plan is accessed through a private elevator landing which leads to the dramatic entry foyer and central gallery with its dramatic floating metal glass and wood staircase and the large corner living room with gas burning fireplace. This level also includes a grand formal dining room, beautiful library, kitchen and butler’s pantry. The large kitchen features stainless steel appliances and a center island with oversized windowed breakfast area. There is also a powder room off the gallery on this floor. The upper floor has an oversized master bedroom suite with breathtaking views, a huge walk-in closet and an oversized windowed spa-like master bath with both a shower and tub. There are three additional bedrooms on the upper floor, each with en-suite bathrooms. Every room in this home has double exposures whether North and West over Central Park or South and East over the bridges and iconic New York skyline. Included with this home are apartments 3A – 2 bedroom gueststaff apartment and 3B – Studio gueststaff apartment overlooking Park Avenue on the third floor. 515 Park Avenue is a prestigious full-service condominium with an elegant lobby, full-time concierge and valet service, state-of-the-art fitness center, private diningconference room with a fully equipped catering kitchen for use by the residents, temperature-controlled wine cellar storage and 24-hour security. 778 Park Ave, 12FL | $27,900,000 Located on Park Avenue and East 73rd Street, this truly exceptional residence encompasses the entire 12th floor and blends Prewar style, spacious grand rooms, soaring 11-foot ceilings, detailed crown moldings and beautifully designed hardwood floors. Sunlight flows in from 34 windows, spanning all four exposures. One hundred feet of Park Avenue frontage with open views including the city skyline and distant views of Central Park to the west. This elegant white glove prewar coop is one of Rosario Candela’s most prestigious and coveted buildings. You arrive on the 12th Floor of 778 Park Avenue through an elegant private elevator landing leading to the grand 36-foot entrance gallery. Off the gallery is a powder room and two oversized coat closets. The sun-drenched living room boasts three oversized windows which face east over Park Avenue. This magnificent 32 x 19 room has herringbone floors and is centered around the grand wood burning fireplace. Adjacent is a 25 x 17 corner formal dining room with wood burning fireplace and a handsome wood-paneled library with custom built-ins and wood burning fireplace, including a closet or space for a wet bar. This original Candela designed layout graciously allows for all of the formal entertaining spaces to flow seamlessly. The north wing of the residence has a large kitchen, pantry, beautiful sun-filled corner breakfast room and staff wing including a laundry room, staff dining room and 2 maid’s rooms with a half bath. These areas can all be combined and reconfigured. Up a set of stairs from the main floor is a staff suite with 2 additional maid’s rooms and maid’s bathroom. The entire southern portion of this home is a separate bedroom wing and includes a long hallway which leads you to the spacious master suite and 4 additional bedrooms with 3 additional full bathrooms. The master suite includes a corner master bedroom with en-suite master bathroom and an exceptionally large dressing room with closets. 778 Park Avenue was designed by legendary Manhattan architect Rosario Candela, built in 1931 and considered to be one of his finest works. This full-service white-glove cooperative consists of only 18 apartments; residents enjoy the highest level of service and security. This is a rare opportunity to own a residence in one of the most sought after addresses in New York City. 3% Flip Tax paid by Purchaser. 870 Fifth Avenue, 12E | $2,750,000 Sophisticated Chic. This triple-mint newly renovated 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom home allows for the ultimate in luxury living. A stellar Upper East Side location, this apartment is bright and airy with southern city and partial Central Park views. The Entry gallery flows directly into the spacious, sun-filled living room on one side and the dining room on the other. A thoughtfully designed windowed kitchen features custom lacquer cabinetry, granite countertops, detailed backsplash, and state-of-the-art stainless-steel appliances. The spacious south-facing master bedroom suite features a custom designed dressing area and an exquisite marble bathroom. The north-facing second bedroom on the opposite side of the apartment has two closets and overlooks the building’s quiet central garden. Additional features of this home include two entry closets, custom lighting and individually controlled AC units in each room. 870 Fifth Avenue is a full-service, white glove cooperative with a full-time doorman, concierge, fitness room, private storage, bike storage, common laundry room, attended elevators and valet services. Pet friendly and pied-à-terres permitted. Located in a prime location on Central Park near the Frick Collection, high-end shopping along Madison Avenue, and an abundance of restaurant options. Astor Court, 210 West 90th St, 1A | $1,695,000 Spacious 3 bedroom 2.5 bathroom home on the Upper West Side. The expansive floorplan and high ceilings allow for plenty of space for living and entertaining with ease. Enter through the gracious center entry foyer which leads you to the rest of this large home. The elegant sun lit living room is centered on one of this home’s two gas fire places. The oversized chef’s kitchen is complete with dual ovens, cooktops and sinks, extensive counter space and central island. Adjacent to the kitchen is a large den providing extra living space. The sizable master bedroom suite includes the master bath featuring dual sinks with marble countertops and tiled soaking tub and stall shower. Additionally, there is an officesitting roomdressing room which is flexible space for a variety of uses. Two additional bedrooms share a full bathroom. Additional features of this home include 2 gas fireplaces, hardwood flooring throughout, and abundant closet space providing for plenty of storage. Astor Court is a full-service cooperative on the Upper West Side, with amenities including a full-time doorman, live-in super, center courtyard, roof terrace, bike room and laundry room. Pet friendly, and pied-á-terres permitted. The building is in a prime location, convenient to neighborhood shopping and dining, as well as just moments away from Riverside and Central Parks. Contact Steven for all of your real estate needs today.