By Cyrus Nahai, Real Estate Advisor, New York I'm new enough to real estate that the contrast between my previous life and this one is still very present. And the prevailing wisdom in any industry tends to favor the people with the longest track records, the most transactions, the most years.

By Cyrus Nahai I made my client a coupon for her housewarming gift. A handmade coupon, specifically designed for her, redeemable for one British Golden Retriever once she was settled into her new home. She had mentioned wanting a dog somewhere in the middle of a long search together.

By Cyrus Nahai My client found the apartment. She'd been searching for months. The income was there, the references were solid, the guarantor was lined up. We applied, and then we heard nothing. Days passed. She was texting me every few hours, couldn't sleep, refreshing her email constantly.