Corcoran Group associate broker Jared Seligman is not only one of the highest-producing brokers in Manhattan, he holds that achievement nationwide. He excels and specializes in elegant, historic, and architecturally notable properties, from town houses and homes to condos and co-ops. Seligman brings his exceptional design, architecture, history, and development acumen to each of his loyal and exclusive clients, offering the kind of valuable insight only available from a consummate, insightful professional.
Where did the idea for your career come from?
I had no plan. At the suggestion of a family member on Thanksgiving in 2004, I was told that I could get a real estate license at the age of 18 and that I should look into it. In a last-ditch effort to avoid going away for college, I got a real estate license at the age of 18, won rookie of the year, and never looked back.
What does your typical day look like and how do you make it productive?
Wake up, try and meditate and do some form of a spiritual or gratitude process, do a quick scan of emails and new listings or sold updates in NYC, Hamptons, and Palm beach, exercise (usually either a trainer or soul cycle, depending on where I am ) and then start my day. Depending on which market I am in but usually a series of buyers’ tours or showing listings of mine. Try and sneak in a fun client lunch or catch up with friends; either make a healthy dinner for my partner and me or go out to eat. We love trying new restaurants but tend to have our creature comforts and don’t stray too far. Evening scroll of TikTok and social media and cuddle with the puppies and goodnight.
How do you bring ideas to life?
Usually starts with a vision or goal or mission, lol, then tend to pull some reference photos. It could be from historical books, design books or publications, social media, or art. Tend to gather the best images to try and express my ideas while I pull together the best team for each project.
What’s one trend that excites you?
I think people have always loved to host and entertain since the beginning of time, but in NYC, many people have become more and more dependent on restaurants and private clubs to do all their special gatherings. I have seen a resurgence in entertaining in the home in New York, and it is so refreshing to see from a design and real estate perspective.
What is one habit of yours that makes you more productive as an entrepreneur?
Being able to focus on multiple tasks at once and being able to keep track of it all somehow. Also, having a strong work ethic and not letting the quality of your work ever be less than perfect.
What advice would you give your younger self?
Relax, travel more and go to more events and spend time with friends and family. Work will always be there and is important, but it does not always need to be 24/7.
Tell us something that’s true that almost nobody agrees with you on.
Sometimes renting is a great thing!
As an entrepreneur, what is the one thing you do over and over and recommend everyone else do?
Invest in yourself. Whether it’s your mental health or physical health, it’s always important to feel your best and do what you need to do that.
What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business?
Always stay true to who you are. You cannot be everything to everyone, and you will burn out. Some people will love you; others will not. Focus on the positive and always set the bar higher.
What is one failure you had as an entrepreneur, and how did you overcome it?
Not having the best legal or financial teams. It is important to work hard and focus on your job or clients, but you need to make sure you have the back of the house and foundation in order.
What is one business idea that you’re willing to give away to our readers?
Figure out how to get luxury goods, i.e., home or fashion, in a one-stop shop like Amazon.
What is the best $100 you recently spent? What and why?
Donated to a low income family to put food on table for thanksgiving.
What is one piece of software or a web service that helps you be productive?
Look QuickBooks where you can keep everything easily organized. Also my iPhone notes help with so much!
What is the one book that you recommend our community should read and why?
Just finished the new Anna Wintour biography, always think you can learn so much from the most accomplished and successful people.
Steve (Stefan) Junge hails from Germany and helps with the day-to-day publishing of interviews on IdeaMensch. While he and Mario don’t share a favorite soccer club, their enthusiasm to help entrepreneurs is a shared passion.