Astrid Pillay

Halstead Property
Highlight: Highly experienced agent, excellent for international clients

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Contact Information (646) 200-5802

Vital statistics

Concentration:
Representing Sellers 50%
Representing Buyers 50%

Geography:
Midtown East, West Village, Upper East Side

Price range:
$1m to $3m, $3m to $10m

Lifetime deals: Over 500

Sales 2006: $15 million

Sales 2007: $15 million

Sales 2008: $10 million

Background

Education:
American College of Rome, BS; Columbia University, MPH (Master's degree in Public Health)

Second languages: Arabic, French, Hebrew, Italian

Professional memberships:
Real Estate Board of New York

Active Agent since: 2001

Designations: Senior Vice President; NY State Association of Realtors Senior Relocation Agent

Awards

Halstead Producer's Council

 

Halstead Platinum Circle

 

Halstead Gold Circle

 

Highest grossing agent in Halstead Eastside office, 2004, 2006, 2008

Specialties

Generalists »

I work all over the city -- from Brooklyn and downtown Manhattan to Harlem. I help clients determine the best location for their family needs and then identify specific properties in the area they select. I work extensively with first-time buyers and families with kids. In addition, I work with international clients who invest in Manhattan, which means that I do both sales and rentals. I also do corporate relocation, meaning I relocate top executives to NYC who are looking for a particular area that has schools and outdoor activities for the children and the entire family. I help my clients selling and buying coops, condos, townhouses. I also identify possible buildings for conversion.

International clients »

My husband was a senior diplomat in the United Nations and as such, we had to move every two to three years to a different country or continent. I have lived in Africa, Asia and Europe (The Sudan, China, Cambodia, Thailand, Italy, Norway and Israel). My experience has enabled me to understand different cultures which is extremely helpful when moving to, or purchasing in, New York City.

Investors »

I do both rentals and sales and work with investors from the U.S. and all over the world on properties that have investment potential. Indeed, a good 50% of my clients are investors. By getting to know each building well and by accessing the right type of expertise, I provide investors with confidential and honest advice on their investments, both when they buy and when they sell. Most invest in condominiums and multi-family buildings.

Corporate relocation »

As a Senior Relocation Agent, I work with corporate clients from all over the world who are being transferred either into, or out of, New York City. Having moved throughout the world numerous times (I’ve lived in Rome, Beijing, Bangkok and Phnom Penh to name a few), I understand my clients' needs and concerns and am therefore able to provide outstanding service. My knowledge of the city is such that not only do I help them buy apartments, but make sure that the properties they select are in the vicinity of the desired schools. I know how stressful things can get if one does not have the right type of advice and support. Finding the right apartment at the right price in the right location can work wonders for one’s productivity and happiness during the first stressful year following a move!

Hebrew »

I work all over the city -- from Brooklyn and downtown Manhattan to Harlem. I help clients determine the best location for their family needs and then identify specific properties in the area they select. I work extensively with first-time buyers and families with kids. In addition, I work with international clients who invest in Manhattan, which means that I do both sales and rentals. I also do corporate relocation, meaning I relocate top executives to NYC who are looking for a particular area that has schools and outdoor activities for the children and the entire family. I help my clients selling and buying coops, condos, townhouses. I also identify possible buildings for conversion.

Arabic »

I work all over the city -- from Brooklyn and downtown Manhattan to Harlem. I help clients determine the best location for their family needs and then identify specific properties in the area they select. I work extensively with first-time buyers and families with kids. In addition, I work with international clients who invest in Manhattan, which means that I do both sales and rentals. I also do corporate relocation, meaning I relocate top executives to NYC who are looking for a particular area that has schools and outdoor activities for the children and the entire family. I help my clients selling and buying coops, condos, townhouses. I also identify possible buildings for conversion.

Italian »

I work all over the city -- from Brooklyn and downtown Manhattan to Harlem. I help clients determine the best location for their family needs and then identify specific properties in the area they select. I work extensively with first-time buyers and families with kids. In addition, I work with international clients who invest in Manhattan, which means that I do both sales and rentals. I also do corporate relocation, meaning I relocate top executives to NYC who are looking for a particular area that has schools and outdoor activities for the children and the entire family. I help my clients selling and buying coops, condos, townhouses. I also identify possible buildings for conversion.

French »

I work all over the city -- from Brooklyn and downtown Manhattan to Harlem. I help clients determine the best location for their family needs and then identify specific properties in the area they select. I work extensively with first-time buyers and families with kids. In addition, I work with international clients who invest in Manhattan, which means that I do both sales and rentals. I also do corporate relocation, meaning I relocate top executives to NYC who are looking for a particular area that has schools and outdoor activities for the children and the entire family. I help my clients selling and buying coops, condos, townhouses. I also identify possible buildings for conversion.

Video profile

Agent's personal statement

Real Estate is my passion. I love real estate in New York City -- I feel that it is in my blood. I have made it my duty to get to know as many buildings in the city as possible. As a result, I have taken my business to a much higher level. I am involved from A-Z in every transaction and I pride myself in following up on the details of every single deal. Doing so ensures that nothing falls between the cracks.

 

I do both rentals and sales and work with investors from the U.S. and all over the world to buy and sell properties with investment potential. Indeed, roughly half of my clients are investors. By getting to know each building well and by accessing the right type of expertise, I provide investors with confidential and honest advice on their investments, both when they buy and when they sell. As a Senior Relocation Agent at Halstead, I also work with corporate clients from all over the world who are being transferred either into, or out of, New York City. Having moved throughout the world numerous times, I understand my clients' needs and concerns and am therefore able to provide outstanding service.

 

Most of my business is based on reputation and word of mouth. Service is therefore the key. By providing in-depth analysis, honest advice and quality service to my clients, I ensure that they keep coming back. This sometimes requires me to provide my clients with advice that appears contrary to the general opinion of those in the business. Yet, as a result, I have loyal clients who not only come to me year after year, but refer me their family and friends.

Recently sold

Address: Type: Bed: Sqft:
1 Central Park West Condo 4.0 -
1 River Terrace Condo 3.0 -
118 East 60th Street Co-op 2.0 -
151 East 58th Street Condo 2.0 -
171 East 84th Street Condo 2.0 -
201 East 36th Street Condo 2.0 -
22 West 15th Street Condo 3.0 -
235 West 102nd Street Co-op 0.0 -
250 East 53rd Street Condo 1.0 -
250 East 53rd Street Condo 3.0 -
250 East 54th Street Condo 2.0 -
250 East 54th Street Condo 2.0 -
260 Park Avenue South Condo 2.0 -
28 Grove Street Townhouse 8.0 -
303 East 57th Street Co-op 1.0 -
322 West 57th Street Condo 2.0 -
322 West 57th Street Condo 1.0 -
322 West 57th Street Condo 1.0 -
327 Central Park West Condo 1.0 -
340 East 93rd Street Co-op 3.0 -
340 East 93rd Street Co-op 3.0 -
345 East 56th Street Co-op 1.0 -
360 East 88th Street Condo 2.0 -
360 East 88th Street Condo 2.0 -
400 East 56th Street Co-op 2.0 -
400 East 59th Street Co-op 2.0 -
420 East 58th Street Condo 2.0 -
420 East 58th Street Condo 2.0 -
422 East 72nd St Condo 2.0 -
425 Fifth Avenue Condo 2.0 -
46 Perry Street Townhouse 3.0 -
520 East 76th Street Co-op 2.0 -
524 East 72nd Street Condo 2.0 -
80 Central Park West Co-op 1.0 -
875 Fifth Avenue Co-op 1.0 -

Our summary of
Astrid Pillay

"Having lived and worked in Israel, Sudan, Hong Kong, Italy, China, Norway, Cambodia and Thailand, Astrid has a truly international perspective. Her understanding of various cultures and her ability to speak many languages (she is fluent in Hebrew, Arabic, Italian, French and Armenian) make Astrid an especially appealing choice to international buyers looking to invest in a new condo or pied-a-terre. She develops close bonds with her clients, which has enabled her to build a strong referral business. This is evident in the fact that she was the Halstead Midtown office's highest grossing agent in 2004, 2006 and 2008."

—TopAgentGuide™ editors

 

Verified reviews (8)

“Impressed. She listens, cares, and understands.”
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Renata K.

Posted August 31, 2009. Verified August 31, 2009.

Astrid has helped bring tenants to my rental condo for over a year now, I’ve always felt completely taken care of with her. She’s never been late to a meeting or showing, and she’s always provided me with all the information – good and bad – about any potential tenants so that I can make a balanced and educated decision. Her integrity is truly remarkable. With Astrid, real estate isn’t about making a deal, nor is it about getting a commission. Astrid truly cares about her clients, takes the time to understand their needs, and because of this, she enables the entire process to move as smoothly as possible. Another aspect of working with Astrid that has impressed me is her humility. Many real estate agents have a certain arrogance, and they treat their clients accordingly. Astrid puts her entire focus into her clients and bases the entire experience on their wishes. I would absolutely recommend Astrid to my friends and family members. She is, in my opinion, the all-around best realtor in the city.
“I have had a professional relationship with Astrid for about 15 years. Her diligence and efficiency makes her stand out.”

Anonymous

Posted October 5, 2009. Verified October 5, 2009.

What makes Astrid stand out is the diligence and efficiency with which she conducts herself. I've worked with Astrid multiple times over the past 15 years, most recently in September 2009. Each time that I've worked with her, Astrid's guidance regarding valuation, pricing and dealing with co-op boards has been excellent. On many occasions, I have been purchasing apartments for investment purposes. Astrid took an active hand with setting up the maintenance and repairs to the units and she assessed the credit quality of potential tenants. I have already recommended Astrid and will continue to do so.
“Everyone I've recommended Astrid to has told me how refreshing it is to work with someone so knowledgeable and straightforward.”
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Roberta M.

Posted October 7, 2009. Verified November 9, 2011.

Astrid is extremely professional and organized. I've worked with her on both sides of a real estate transaction, and my experiences have been fantastic. She's honest without being abrupt or rude, and her extensive knowledge of real estate allows her to point out various important things that I may not notice right way. When I first came to the city, Astrid and I looked at properties in nearly every neighborhood. She knew exactly what I was looking for in a property, but she kept the range of location large so I could find the area that suited me best. What we ended up finding was an absolutely ideal brownstone with plenty of outdoor space. It was a property that I could renovate, as well, which I was very happy about. I've recommended Astrid to a number of friends, and they've all talked about how working with someone so knowledgeable and straightforward is a completely different and refreshing experience, and they've thanked me for the recommendation. I would continue to recommend Astrid to friends without hesitation.
“I relocated to New York City. I quickly established a high level of trust with Astrid.”
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Bill B.

Posted October 1, 2009. Verified November 9, 2011.

Astrid helped me relocate to New York City. The experience could not have been more pleasant. From the initial contact, Astrid was extremely responsive, immediately returning calls, following up on information and providing accurate data. Any questions or concerns were immediately addressed - and the information was always 100% accurate. She quickly demonstrated a high degree of integrity and very quickly built a high level of trust. This is often rare in real estate transactions. Ultimately, I purchased a condo in the Sutton Place neighborhood. I've worked with a number of different brokers, and Astrid was the best. I would absolutely work with her again.
“Helped us buy a condo for an investment. Even helped find renters for the unit after the sale.”
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Bryce M.

Posted August 31, 2009. Verified September 29, 2009.

My wife and I worked with Astrid to purchase a condominium on the Upper West Side for investment purposes. Astrid had an accurate read of the market and was consistent and reliable througout the process. She clearly understood our objectives and she delivered on them. One of the best things about working with Astrid is her responsiveness -- she was always quick to follow up on any questions or issues that we had. Even after we purchased the apartment, Astrid maintained our relationship and has helped us find tenants for our investment. Astrid is especially helpful if you are buying and then renting. We have investment properties in a number of markets and Astid is the best broker we have ever used anywhere.
“We've moved eight times so we've met many real estate agents. Astrid is the best we've ever worked with.”

Caroline M.

Posted September 9, 2009. Verified September 29, 2009.

Astrid is the best agent we have ever worked with and I have eight previous moves worth of experience with which to compare. The depth and breadth of Astrid's knowledge of the market and inventory, combined with her unparalleled attention to her client's needs should place Astrid not only among the top agents in New York City, but firmly into the number one spot on the list!
“Astrid is inexhaustible - she helped us search for a property for two years until we found exactly what we wanted.”
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Nuchhi C.

Posted October 1, 2009. Verified November 9, 2011.

Working with Astrid is a pleasure. She's extremely efficient, intelligent, and really knows how to work with people. Astrid first helped us to find a home in the city. We were very picky and specific about what we wanted, and the search took two years, but Astrid was inexhaustible with her help. We've worked with many other brokers who were unable to show us properties that we were interested in, but Astrid was great at helping us discern our specific requirements and determine their relative importance. Astrid continued to show us new properties, all of which were within our requirements, and we eventually got exactly what we wanted. The whole time, she maintained a friendly, professional manner, and was very pleasant to work with. We've seen Astrid work with a number of other clients, many of whom are our friends, and she shows them the same respect and professionalism she's shown us.
“Astrid provides no-nonsense, end-to-end service.”
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Olivier J.

Posted August 31, 2009. Verified September 29, 2009.

My experience with Astrid was excellent from begin to end. She delivered quick, no-nonsense, end-to-end service. Astrid is extremely customer-focused, responsive and trustworthy. She takes charge, listens well, and makes things happen for her clients. The best anecdote to summarize my experience with Astrid was my lease signing “ceremony." Astrid had sprained (or even broken) her ankle over the weekend so she could barely walk on that Monday and it was obvious she was in excruciating pain. Nevertheless, she showed up on time as usual and conducted her business as nothing was bothering her. She had her signature smile on her face, and, as always, she passed the smile on to her client.