Karen Kostiw
Real Estate Professional
Licensed Real Estate Salesperson
Karen Kostiw's extensive background in real estate and finance allows her to uniquely understand her clients' needs and concerns in today's fast-paced market. As a former financial services executive with extensive team-building and negotiation experience, Karen has the proven ability to meet and exceed her client's goals. Karen utilizes a project management discipline to ensure all steps in the real estate transaction process move smoothly and stress free. Karen's extensive professional and personal network, which includes bankers, contractors, and design professionals, allows her to assemble the perfect team for each of her clients.

Karen enjoys building relationships through increased understanding, honesty and trust to foster inclusion in all aspects of the buying and selling process. She is an empathetic listener, responsive to her clients' inquiries and drives forward to achieve amicable solutions to real estate dilemmas.


Prior to residential real estate sales, Karen held a successful tenured position on Wall Street where she both analyzed residential mortgage debt offerings and managed client relationships.


Karen was raised on the North Fork of Long Island and has resided and worked in Manhattan since graduating college. Karen is currently living in the Chelsea neighborhood of Manhattan with her husband who is also in the real estate profession as a private lender and developer in the tri-state area. Karen currently volunteers at the NYU Career Services Center, is a New York Cares Kaplan SAT tutor, and a SIFMA Invest Write Essay Judge. She enjoys the arts, cooking, running, playing tennis in Central Park and exploring the neighborhoods and restaurants within the five boroughs.


Karen is a dual licensed salesperson in New York with Warburg and in New Jersey with Elite Realtors. She is a member of the Real Estate Board of New York (REBNY) with a board-certified designation of New York Residential Specialist (NYRS®), as well as a member of the National Association of Realtors and the Multiple Listing Service of Garden State, New Jersey and Hudson County. She is also a member of the Financial Executive Networking Group (FENG), Risk Management Association (RMA) and Society of Human Resource Managers (NY SHRM).

Visit my website: KarenKostiw.com

Press

3.1.24
Apartment Therapy
Andrea Saturno-Sanjana and Karen Kostiw In The News…Apartment Therapy See full article 
1.1.24
Better Homes & Gardens
David Harris, Alana Lindsay and Karen Kostiw In The News…Better Homes & Gardens See full article 
12.30.23
Better Homes & Gardens
Tate Kelly & Karen Kostiw In The News…Better Homes & Gardens See full article
12.30.23
Apartment Therapy
Karen Kostiw, Adjina Dekidjiev and Mary Hall Mayer In The News…Apartment Therapy See full article
12.12.23
CityRealty
Karen Kostiw, Arlene Reed, Rebecca Blacker & Monisha Rana Listings In The News… CityRealty https://protect-usb.mimecast.com/s/UpAFCrgWNDuAPEp5Qi7dkii?domain=cityrealty.com
11.20.23
Better Homes & Gardens
Jeremy Kamm, Karen Kostiw and Ellen Sykes In The News… Better Homes & Gardens See full article
11.8.23
The Week
Karen Kostiw In The News… The Week See full article
11.6.23
Authority Magazine's
Karen Kostiw In The News… Authority Magazine See full article
10.13.23
Apartment Therapy
Svetlana Choi, Gerard Splendore, & Karen Kostiw In The News… Apartment Therapy See full article 
9.15.23
Business Insider
Karen Kostiw In The News… Business Insider See full article
9.10.23
GoBankingRates
Karen Kostiw & Steven Gottlieb In The News… GoBankingRates See full article
8.22.23
Brick Underground
Karen Kostiw In The News…Brick Underground See full article
8.10.23
CityRealty
Karen Kostiw Listing In The News… CityRealty See full article
7.24.23
Forbes
Karen Kostiw & Becki Danchik In The News… Forbes See full article 
7.7.23
Apartment Therapy
Karen Kostiw In The News… Apartment Therapy See Full Article
6.23.23
Apartment Therapy
Life with siblings can be wonderful and challenging — and sometimes both can be true at the same time. As adults, siblings not only have the ability to become treasured confidantes but may also provide an accessible and meaningful… More
6.15.23
StreetEasy
As part of our continued efforts to provide value to New York City real estate agents and maintain trusted partnerships, we’re excited to introduce the members of StreetEasy’s 2023 Agent Advisory Board! The Agent Advisory Board… More
5.31.23
Brick Underground
The scrutiny of a co-op board interview can ratchet up the tension when you’re buying in New York City. Facing questions about your finances and personal habits can be daunting—particularly because boards can reject a potential… More
4.4.23
GOBankingRates
You’re not alone with this idea, as 94% of homeowners have at least one home renovation project planned for 2023, according to a study by Cinch Home Services. Most — 62% — people are motivated to make… More
3.8.23
Real Simple
Your home is your castle, so you want to make it as comfortable as possible. Integrating technology can provide not only convenience, but also make your home more efficient—which is good for the planet and your… More
3.2.23
New York Times
A one-bedroom, one-bath, 825-square-foot apartment with glossy white tile floors; a living and dining area with built-in bookshelves, cabinets and a retractable desk or table; a windowed galley kitchen with a breakfast bar; a bedroom with… More
2.28.23
Brick Underground
Buying a brownstone comes with lots of perks, but that coveted square footage, privacy, and outdoor space comes with added responsibility. Unlike in a co-op or condo, you have to handle all the maintenance and upkeep––from… More
1.31.23
Brick Underground
Finding a rental apartment in New York City is notoriously hard—and finding a short-term, furnished rental here is even harder. It’s a dilemma you may face if you’re relocating here for work or if you are renovating. Other… More
10.20.22
Money.com
By now, you’re probably aware the housing market’s changing. But is it a “buyer’s market” just yet? That depends on who you ask — and, more importantly, where they’re located. At its core, real estate is a… More
6.13.22
Apartment Therapy
It’s a buyer’s worst nightmare: Walking into a home and seeing the dreaded texture of a popcorn ceiling staring down at them from above. The same goes for real estate agents. I spoke to seven of them for… More
5.31.22
Apartment Therapy
Home sales get put on hold for any number of reasons. Maybe there’s been a medical emergency and the seller can’t continue showing at that point in time. Or maybe the seller no longer has a place… More
4.14.22
Brick Underground
Finding a rental apartment in New York City is notoriously hard—and finding a short-term, furnished rental here is even harder. I’s a dilemma you may face if you’re relocating here for work or if you are renovating…. More
4.13.22
Realtor.com
After getting the keys to their new place, buyers might be surprised to stumble across items that the sellers left behind. “Moving is a very stressful time for both purchasers and sellers,” says Karen Kostiw, an agent… More
4.13.22
Apartment Therapy
The past two years have seen countless clever closet hacks. From offices (and more offices… and more offices) to nurseries to music studios to mudrooms, the multi-use closet is having a moment. If you’re lucky enough to have an abundance of closet space, these brilliant… More
4.4.22
Apartment Therapy
My partner and I are house shopping right now. Though we expected high prices and homes selling quickly, there’s one thing we didn’t expect: wood paneling. And I mean lots of wood paneling. It seems like nearly every… More
4.3.22
Apartment Therapy
According to Kristina Morales, strategic real estate advisor at MultifamilyCashin, architectural elements of homes largely escaped 1980s design trends — but the same can’t be said for interior design, where the vibrant culture of the era took hold. https://www.apartmenttherapy.com/real-estate-trends-80s-37059784
3.24.22
Brick Underground
It sounds like you have lucked out if there’s a vacant apartment in your building that’s available to you. Apartment hunters are facing lots of competition in the New York City rental market today, including much… More
3.23.22
Brick Underground
If you’re looking to buy an apartment in Manhattan you’re likely experiencing some sticker shock. Covid deals are long gone and prices have rebounded to 2019 levels. But there is one type of apartment where prices have not… More
3.12.22
21 Oak
Taking on a home remodeling project is always exciting, but not every home “improvement” is actually an improvement. Many renovations don’t translate to increased home value and instead wind up costing more time and money. And… More
3.3.22
StreetEasy
One of the wonderful things about living in NYC is every neighborhood has some sort of dining scene and a variety of attractions. But Soho is one of those areas that’s packed full of them. Not… More
2.11.22
StreetEasy Blog
Karen Kostiw and Sheila Trichter comment. What To Know About (Fabulous) Midtown, Manhattan
2.10.22
Brick Underground
Karen Kostiw comments. https://www.brickunderground.com/improve/how-much-does-it-cost-to-paint-my-nyc-apartment
1.18.22
Multifamily Magazine
Karen Kostiw comments. https://www.multifamilyexecutive.com/property-management/apartment-trends/the-pandemic-has-changed-everythingincluding-on-site-fitness-facilities_o
12.30.21
AsAm News
Karen Kostiw comments. https://asamnews.com/2021/12/30/this-as-the-asian-population-elsewhere-in-ny-increases-some-blame-gentrification/
12.8.21
StreetEasy Blog
Sheila Trichter and Karen Kostiw comment https://streeteasy.com/blog/midtown-manhattan-great-place-to-live/
12.7.21
Brick Underground
Jeremy Kamm and Karen Kostiw comment https://www.brickunderground.com/rent/when-to-use-broker-agent-find-rental-apartment-listings-nyc
12.1.21
StreetEasy Blog
Karen Kostiw comments https://streeteasy.com/blog/nyc-building-complaints-how-to-check-alandlord/
11.17.21
Apartment Therapy
Karen Kostiw and Becki Danchik comment. https://www.apartmenttherapy.com/inclusive-real-estate-listing-language-37002463
11.15.21
Brick Underground
Karen Kostiw comments. https://www.brickunderground.com/improve/renovation-solutions-supply-chain-issues-shortages-delays-NYC-apartment-brownstone-appliances-lighting-furniture-fixtures
10.22.21
Business Insider
Karen Kostiw and Rebecca Blacker comment. https://www.businessinsider.com/how-to-write-the-best-offer-letter-for-a-house
10.22.21
Business Insider
Karen Kostiw, Rebecca Blacker, and Gerard Splendore comment. https://www.businessinsider.com/the-most-common-homebuying-mistakes-and-how-to-avoid-them
9.28.21
Brick Underground
Karen Kostiw & Adjina Dekidjiev comment. https://www.brickunderground.com/rent/realty-bites-getting-rid-of-stuff-left-by-previous-tenant-renters-landlords-nyc
8.29.21
Brick Underground
Sarah Minton, Ellen Sykes, Karen Kostiw and Gerard Splendore comment. https://www.brickunderground.com/rent/tips-rental-nyc-competitive-market-fast-brooklyn-queens-broker-building-apartment
8.26.21
The New York Times
Karen Kostiw comments. https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2021/08/26/realestate/26hunt-hart.html
8.11.21
StreetEasy
Karen Kostiw and Jeanne Byers comments. https://streeteasy.com/blog/kensington-brooklyn-affordable-for-renters-buyers/
7.22.21
StreetEasy
Karen Kostiw and Elizabeth O’Neill comment. https://streeteasy.com/blog/what-is-a-land-lease-building-in-nyc/  
7.8.21
StreetEasy
Karen Kostiw and Svetlana Choi comment. https://streeteasy.com/blog/what-is-an-hdfc-co-op/  
7.6.21
MarthaStewart.com
Karen Kostiw & Annie Gruenberger comment. https://www.marthastewart.com/8120525/post-moving-new-home-checklist
7.2.21
Crain's New York
Karen Kostiw & Maria Daou comment. https://www.crainsnewyork.com/residential-real-estate/west-coast-techies-relocate-manhattan-home-sales-heat
6.25.21
Grow by Acorns + CNBC
Karen Kostiw comments. https://grow.acorns.com/how-higher-home-prices-affect-what-you-need-for-a-down-payment/
6.23.21
Real Simple Magazine
Gerard Splendore, Karen Kostiw and Svetlana Choi comment. https://www.realsimple.com/home-organizing/home-improvement/top-home-features-2021
6.14.21
Forbes
Karen Kostiw & Gerard Splendore comment. https://www.forbes.com/sites/amandalauren/2021/06/14/ten-best-outdoor-design-trends-of-2021/?sh=e15321d2b7a2
6.1.21
BobVila.com
Karen Kostiw comments. https://www.bobvila.com/articles/things-every-buyer-needs-to-know-when-its-a-sellers-market/
5.12.21
FOX Business
Christopher Totaro and Karen Kostiw comment. https://www.foxbusiness.com/money/buying-new-construction-home
5.9.21
The Close
Karen Kostiw and Andrea Warshaw-Wernick comment. https://theclose.com/real-estate-apps/
5.7.21
Bank Rate
Emily Becker & Karen Kostiw comment. https://www.bankrate.com/mortgages/pandemic-appliance-shortage/
5.6.21
MarthaStewart.com
Karen Kostiw comments. https://www.marthastewart.com/8094493/buying-a-second-home-tips
5.4.21
Brick Underground
Karen Kostiw and Sheila Trichter comment. https://www.brickunderground.com/rent/realty-bites-landlord-offering-discount-scaffolding-construction-noise-leases-tenants-nyc
4.6.21
Bob Vila
Mihal Gartenberg, Karen Kostiw, and Christopher Totaro comments. https://www.bobvila.com/articles/did-you-know-you-could-negotiate-this-when-buying-a-house/
2.28.21
Real Homes
Mihal Gartenberg, Bill Kowalczuk, Karen A. Kostiw, and Parisa M. Afkhami comments. https://www.realhomes.com/us/news/the-one-reason-you-should-always-walk-away-from-a-home-sale-according-to-realtors
2.23.21
Apartment Therapy
Ellen Sykes and Karen Kostiw comments. https://www.apartmenttherapy.com/trendy-studio-apartment-layouts-36881968?
2.20.21
Real Homes
Karen A. Kostiw, George Case and Kathryn Landow comment. https://www.realhomes.com/us/news/best-color-to-paint-your-house-before-you-sell
2.9.21
StreetEasy
Steven Gottlieb, Parisa Afkhami, Steven Goldschmidt, Karen Kostiw, and Gerard Splendore comment. https://streeteasy.com/blog/buying-a-home-in-nyc-everything-you-need-to-know/  
12.29.20
Realtor.com
Karen Kostiw comments. https://www.realtor.com/advice/buy/failed-initial-real-estate-inspection-how-to-get-through-escrow/
12.8.20
Brick Underground
Mihal Gartenberg and Karen A. Kostiw comments. https://www.brickunderground.com/rent/realty-bites-renting-nyc-apartment-on-unemployment-do-i-need-guarantor
12.6.20
Apartment Therapy
Karen Kostiw comments. https://www.apartmenttherapy.com/real-estate-agents-hate-white-kitchen-cabinets-36850921?
11.30.20
MarthaStewart.com
George Case and Karen Kostiw comment. https://www.marthastewart.com/8023158/paint-colors-increase-home-value
10.31.20
Forbes
Karen Kostiw’s client at 100 Barclay mentioned, June Gottlieb comments. https://www.forbes.com/sites/ellenparis/2020/10/31/manhattans-rental-market-is-all-about-concessions-and-more-concessions/?sh=28bf826860ca
10.27.20
Money.com
Karen Kostiw comments. https://money.com/coronavirus-skip-home-inspection/
10.22.20
RENT Cafe
Christopher Totaro and Karen Kostiw comment. https://www.rentcafe.com/blog/apartment-search-2/rental-scams/
9.24.20
The New York Times
Karen Kostiw and her client featured in “The Hunt” https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2020/09/24/realestate/24hunt-woodhouse.html?mtrref=undefined&assetType=REGIWALL  
9.4.20
Inman
Karen Kostiw comments. https://www.inman.com/2020/09/04/looking-for-a-better-deal-consider-the-condo/
7.16.20
The New York Times
Karen Kostiw and her client featured in “The Hunt” https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2020/07/16/realestate/16hunt-hagstrom.html
6.11.20
Hunker
Gill Chowdhury, Karen Kostiw, and Jeanne Byers comment. https://www.hunker.com/13727043/confusing-real-estate-terms-explained
2.7.20
Apartment Therapy
Karen Kostiw comments. https://www.apartmenttherapy.com/apartment-dishwashers-36712385
11.7.19
Brick Underground
Karen Kostiw comments. https://www.brickunderground.com/buy/buy-curious-what-new-yorkers-need-to-know-about-moving-to-weehawken
9.10.19
Apartment Therapy
Wendy Arriz and Karen Kostiw comment. https://www.apartmenttherapy.com/real-estate-agent-hiring-36646585
8.12.19
Freshome
Karen Kostiw, Nicole Durosko, and Steven Gottlieb comment. Porthole Windows: They’re Not Just for Ships and Boats
8.12.19
Realtor.com
Karen Kostiw comments. https://www.realtor.com/advice/buy/what-does-move-in-ready-mean/
8.4.19
Freshome
Karen Kostiw and Nicole Durosko comment. Incorporating Dome Ceilings in Your Home’s Design
7.26.19
Real Estate Weekly
234 W21st St. #55 by Gannon Forrester and 225 E36th St. 8H by Karen Kostiw mentioned. DONE DEALS: Big deal on little house in Park Slope
6.23.19
Apartment Therapy
Broker Karen Kostiw comments. https://www.apartmenttherapy.com/landscaping-mistakes-36616688
6.5.19
Apartment Therapy
Karen Kostiw comments. https://www.apartmenttherapy.com/fixer-upper-real-estate-legacy-35819141
5.10.19
Inman
Karen Kostiw pens a column. https://www.inman.com/2019/05/10/how-to-explain-home-inspections-to-buyers/?utm_source=dailyheadlines&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=localnewsletter&utm_content=733287_textlink_7_
4.24.19
Realtor.com
Karen Kostiw comments. https://www.realtor.com/advice/buy/pros-and-cons-of-writing-a-personal-offer-letter/
3.22.19
Freshome
Karen Kostiw comments. https://freshome.com/buying-fixer-upper-considerations/
3.7.19
BrickUnderground
Agents Gill Chowdhury, Karen Kostiw, and Wendy Arriz comment. https://www.brickunderground.com/buy/what-is-a-nyc-pied-a-terre-bricktionary?utm_source=Brick+Underground+Newsletter&utm_campaign=4022ac7ff4-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2019_03_07_08_00&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_2fdec7634c-4022ac7ff4-85748141
1.27.19
Apartment Therapy
Julia Leigh Surgeon, contact of Allison Chiaramonte comments; Jennifer Weisberg, contact of Eric Mendelsohn comments; Kelly Rosen Lagrange, contact of Karen Kostiw comments. https://www.apartmenttherapy.com/open-concept-layout-mistakes-266464
11.17.18
Apartment Therapy
Karen Kostiw talks about how to learn about your landlord before moving in. https://www.apartmenttherapy.com/questions-to-ask-landlord-before-moving-in-264592
11.16.18
House Method
Alex Lavrenov and Karen Kostiw talk about things to know when paying off your mortgage early. https://housemethod.com/real-estate/paying-off-mortgage-early/
11.8.18
New York Times
Karen Kostiw featured. https://www.nytimes.com/2018/11/08/realestate/the-beauty-of-a-no-nothing-walk-up.html
11.8.18
The New York Times
Karen Kostiw helps a young, newly married couple find their perfect apartment in Yorkville. https://www.nytimes.com/2018/11/08/realestate/the-beauty-of-a-no-nothing-walk-up.html
10.10.18
Inman
Karen Kostiw writes a column about how to stay connected with your clients. https://www.inman.com/2018/10/10/share-a-fall-home-maintenance-checklist-for-homeowners/
10.9.18
Apartment Therapy
Karen Kostiw talks about plants and which landscapes make a home feel like a home. https://www.apartmenttherapy.com/front-yard-plant-tips-landscapers-263338
10.1.18
The Real Deal
Karen Kostiw is featured. https://www.karenkostiw.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/10.1.2018-TRD-Charlton-Avenue-.pdf
5.26.15
Wall Street Journal
The photo of Karen Kostiw’s listing in Oradell, NJ and its “For Sale” sign outside was used in a story about national home continuing to increase. http://www.wsj.com/articles/home-prices-continued-to-climb-in-march-1432645221
10.27.13
Mann Report Newswire
Warburg Realty®, one of Manhattan’s leading residential real estate companies, is looking to open its first Brooklyn office in 2014, announced Frederick Warburg Peters, president of Warburg Realty. The firm has also begun the redesign of… More
10.16.13
Press Release
Warburg Realty, one of Manhattan’s leading residential real estate companies, is looking to open its first Brooklyn office in 2014, announced Frederick Warburg Peters, president of Warburg Realty.  The firm has also begun the redesign of… More

Testimonials

5.11.23
Testimonial from Sabrina W.

Karen did a great job helping me to find my first home. As a first time homebuyer she helped to guide my research and efforts. helping to alleviate as much stress from the home buying process as possible. She reassured me when I was unsure and made sure that my decisions aligned with my original goals (cutting out the unnecessary noise) We talked through questions to ask professionals so that I had full clarity on certain subjects and strongly encouraged / coached me to negotiate for what I wanted I completed the home buying process feeling like the negotiations were fair and that was mainly due to Karen’s coaching and diligence. I really appreciated having her on my team as she embodies the full characteristics of a great realtor.

7.7.21
Testimonial from Belinda and Gary

Karen and I were co-workers in the finance industry prior to her becoming a realtor.  Choosing her as my realtor for a purchase of a condo in NYC was not a difficult decision, as I knew the quality of her work, albeit in another industry.

 

I was spot on! I went into the search thinking I knew exactly what I was looking for.  Karen showed me numerous condos that fit my parameters but none of them “hit the spot”.  However, from my comments, she was quietly taking notes on what I really wanted.  One day she just took me to see a condo that wasn’t on my list, saying: I think you will like it.  It hit the spot immediately and it is the one I purchased.

 

She is also extremely knowledgeable about the market and real estate negotiation.  She is always timely, accurate in her responses, courteous and professional.

 

I would highly recommend her to anybody purchasing a home in NYC.

3.15.21
Testimonial from Judith

Karen was the ideal realtor for our needs.  We found our beautiful apartment with incredible architectural features in Midtown East after 2.5 days of visits to numerous locations, all happening smoothly and efficiently due to Karen’s expertise.  Karen listened to every detail of what we wanted, open minded and interested in us.  As out of towners, we learned a lot, with Karen providing information and context on everything.  Our instincts to be in a central location really paid off, and we could not be happier.  Although the application and board interview took some time, we had patience with the process, due to Karen’s coaching.  I cannot imagine a real estate agent who could have been more attentive and professional.  As challenging as it is to buy in Manhattan, Karen made every step seem possible as we went through the purchase process.

2.23.21
Testimonial from Krishna Murali

I am delighted to be writing this testimonial on behalf of Karen Kostiw. Karen is the perfect real estate agent because of her deep real estate domain expertise, her relentless work ethic and her genuine compassion and care for her clients. As a first time home buyer, it was invaluable to have Karen to help me navigate the New York real estate market. Karen was able to guide me through every step of the process, always having answers and perspectives, no matter how niche my questions were. More impressively, Karen worked around the clock to help ensure a smooth transaction. There were many moments during the process where things went wrong, or parties were slow in responding – Karen navigated through all of these hurdles with ease, many times having late night conversations with different parties to smooth over all issues. Having Karen on your side is a real asset, especially during competitive processes. Finally, it was apparent right from the get-go that Karen genuinely cares for her clients. It was really touching how invested she was in the process, and how happy it made her to help me find my dream home. Even after the process, Karen was consistently in touch, offering to help, providing invaluable design advice, and just generally being amazing. Thank you Karen for all that you did for me! I could not be happier writing this testimonial on your behalf!

1.14.21
Testimonial from Brian

As a first time home/apartment buyer, I was nervous and insecure about jumping into the process. Karen calmed my worries, and guided me through the entire process with ease. I was able to trust her implicitly, as she was my greatest advocate – fighting for me to get to see apartments I liked, being a strong negotiator once I put down an offer, and putting together a board package that sailed through the approval process extremely quickly. She always listened to and respected my wants, and was consistently available to take my questions and to help me talk through items I wished to sort out. Additionally, she was very helpful in talking through decoration ideas, and introducing me to all the necessary contacts I needed throughout the process. She was also very helpful in getting me acclimated to the climate of the market during the pandemic, and taught me how to evaluate the landscape of the industry in New York City. Karen came as a recommendation from a friend, and I’ve already recommended her to a few friends as well. I’m hopeful we’ll work together again one day.

5.27.20
Testimonial from Stella

Karen was way beyond a professional agent who helped me not only with going through all the progress of purchasing a house, but was also a friend to me. She could always arrange all the appointments perfectly to match my limited schedule and listened to my preferences and concerns and made recommendations based on that. She was also so experienced in negotiation, which is probably the most important step in purchasing or selling. She is definitely an awesome agent that you will be really happy to work with.

2.11.20
Testimonial from Russ

Karen was a very professional, diligent, and overall reliable agent when working through the process of buying my home. As it was a first home for me, there was definitely some hand-holding along the way (which was necessary). I gave her the specs as well as the area(s) I wanted to purchase my home, and she was readily available with recommendations/opinions. Not only was she able to provide apartment advice, she had a long list of preferred attorneys/architects/contractors/banks etc. for the closing process. Without her expertise, the process would have been quite a bit more stressful. I highly recommend her for any purchases within Manhattan as it was a very seamless process.

2.6.20
Testimonial from Eric

Karen was a great agent for a first time homebuyer in NYC. She helped me go through the process (including coop board approval) extremely quickly, I was in my lovely new apartment in no time. She is very helpful and willing to take a lot of work off my shoulders. She also helped negotiate the purchase price lower which I greatly appreciated.

1.14.20
Testimonial from Kim

Karen is the best! Being new to the buying process, Karen graciously walked me through each step from the beginning to the closing. I wanted to see as many co-ops as I could to get a better understanding of what I wanted with what was available on the market. Karen’s knowledge and experience in Manhattan realty really helped me filter my list. She also made viewing appointments fast and organized them in the most efficient way so I could maximize my time. She gave me great advice throughout the process and was available 24/7 with answers to any questions I had. She was always very informative, endlessly helpful and a joy to work with throughout this process. She has great recommendations for everything from lawyers to contractors and has great intel about interior design. If you want a broker who goes above and beyond to help you purchase the perfect apartment, I would highly recommend Karen.

4.11.19
Testimonial from Joan & Ed

Selling an apartment in the highly competitive NYC market is a challenge. Karen understood our requirements and became our 24/7 person. She guided us through the process of obtaining painting, and floor contractors as well as plumbers, window washers, etc. Karen was with us from the initial showing through the recent closing. If we were to purchase again in the city, Karen is our go-to-person. Highly recommend her.

9.18.18
Testimonial from Carl and Amy

Karen was very responsive and helpful throughout the home purchase process for my wife and I. She was readily available to chat when needed, took care of answering our questions (or pointing us in the right direction to another resource where applicable), and helped to keep our best interests in mind from beginning to end.

3.22.18
Testimonial from JB and Erica

Karen completely changed my opinion of brokers. She is incredibly professional, mentored us through the process, is formal in a pleasant but warm way, and I’m going to make all of my friends go to her. She was a project manager, negotiator, and a therapist for us every day. Midway through the process, someone casually mentioned that Karen rarely does transactions as “small” as ours – literally had no idea. I always felt like Karen’s highest priority. She immediately responded to all communication, dealt with my first time anxiety, had all of our paperwork done *early*, and never once slipped up. I never thought I would be able to own a beautiful 2 bed in the Upper East Side, and I’m frankly still surprised. There is no way we could have done this without Karen – would recommend her endlessly. I’ll certainly be calling her when it’s time to move into something larger.

1.16.18
Testimonial from Christa

Purchasing property in New York City is a tough endeavor, let alone for someone out of town. Having a real estate agent is just not enough to navigate the obstacles that seemingly arise at every corner. In today’s world you need an agent, advisor, mentor and all-around real estate guru to guide you through the process. Basically, that is Karen all wrapped-up in one. She is amazingly patient yet aggressive when needed, hands on, but not pushy, and goes above and beyond of what is expected of a traditional real estate agent. From locating the perfect apartment, to negotiating a great deal and recommending the perfect attorney, to taking care of the finishing details such as installation of custom closets and designer blinds, Karen made my arrival a seamless journey. So, if you are looking for a modern real estate agent, one that anticipates rather than reacts, then Karen should be your first call.

8.18.17
Testimonial from Juhanh

“Karen was absolutely the greatest. It was a difficult time for my family and I, dealing with the passing of my sister. The process of handling her estate was not an easy task especially with traveling back and forth from Atlanta to New York. We needed someone patient and understanding, someone we could trust and that’s exactly what we got from Karen. Karen was always professional and stayed diligent in her business. As we were getting the property ready, Karen was there through the entire process, from beginning to end. She was focused and aimed at getting the best price possible. After the property was listed, it wasn’t very long before we had a buyer. I have to say that we believe Karen was an angel sent from God. The process was stressful at times, but Karen kept things in perceptive for us. Always on top of things and keeping us well informed. My family and I couldn’t have done it without Karen and we can’t thank her enough, she is highly recommended. Helen, Joi & The Pitts Family”

7.14.17
Testimonial from Edgar and Carmen Romero

In October of 2014, my father was diagnosed with a severe medical condition. He passed away in May 2015. I started looking for options for my mother to deal with her real estate holdings, holdings that she and my father had built up over many years through hard work and perseverance. The true American Dream for Cuban immigrants who came to this country with NOTHING. In the search for someone to help, the only person that stepped up and took a chance with the older widow and her son was Karen. She was patient, supportive, knowledgeable and compassionate at one of the worst and sensitive times of our lives. To that end, she found the perfect fit for us, and worked (and continues to do so) on every aspect of our deal through its eventual closing and rental. She was a Godsend to us. We don’t know what we would have done without her during that difficult time. She is not our realtor. She is a trusted friend. You could not go wrong with Karen on your side.

7.5.16
Testimonial from Vivian

Karen’s unique background in business and liberal arts distinguishes her from other real estate professionals we have worked with in the Tri-State area in general and Manhattan in particular. In addition to doing all the preparations for the listing, Karen sourced the contractors and personally oversaw the renovations we needed to do to get the place in move-in condition. After just open house, Karen secured us an offer at our full asking price. I highly recommend Karen for her expertise and professionalism.

6.30.16
Testimonial from Abhinav and Pooja

Karen is one of the most professional, personable and down to earth real estate agents my husband and I have ever worked with. That says a lot about someone in this cut-throat Manhattan real estate market. She is a breath of fresh air. In our quest for a first home we must have worked with at least a dozen if not more agents. She was by far the best. She is part of our extended family now. Buying our first home was never going to be an easy process however Karen made it amazing. Right from asking us how we imagined our home, to location, the baby’s room and the tiniest details of floors, lighting & utilities. She had it all perfectly planned out. We enjoyed the process of discovery rather getting overwhelmed by it. Open houses were right on target and before we knew it, in a short period of time we had our dream home. Karen was by our side from the negotiation to the walk through and the closing process. One more thing her prior experience in high finance at NY investment bank was a great asset to us. She was able to open doors that very few agents can. We have high regard for her commitment to her clients and her passion getting the right fit for them and most importantly in their budget, which was probably the most important factor for us. We highly recommend Karen for anybody who is planning on buying a property in the NY metro area. Her expertise is not only Manhattan but also Brooklyn & Northern NJ.

9.8.14
Testimonial from Jose and Joanna

Karen is outstanding! She goes above and beyond the call of duty. Always seeing the big picture. If you have no idea where to start. Karen will set the path and take you carefully and clearly through it till the end. She was and still is in touch with us even after the closing. Every decision we made was carefully filtered and vetted. We chose the best neighborhood,schools,shopping and space thanks to all the advise we received. I can confidently say she is a true professional with honors. She was highly recommended by a friend and now we highly recommending her to you. As a first time home buyer I can tell you our experience was not easy. We did our due diligence. In the process we learned so much from Karen and we will always be grateful to her because of it. We got everything we wanted in the end. Whenever we have a question we turn to her still. She is selfless and resourceful. She even had great connections as far any renovations we were looking to make. Saving us thousands of dollars. In the end we feel like the process was quick, pleasant and classy. I’ve got my money on Karen Kostiw.

8.26.14
Testimonial from Jeff Willner

Karen is the ONLY realtor you should ever consider using. As a real estate developer, I have yet to meet a realtor that exhibits the enthusiasm, attention to detail and, most importantly, professionalism that Karen displays. She treats every listing like it is her own property. Unlike many realtors who are simply in the business of getting listings, Karen is in the business of selling your property for the highest price possible. She takes the time to carefully analyze the market and your property and when the time comes to negotiate, Karen is always armed with detailed knowledge of all of the comps. While almost all other realtors will simply put your property on the MLS and wait, Karen will actively market your home to the widest audience possible. Her results with my properties have been nothing short of amazing. Karen truly is the ONLY realtor you should ever consider.

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