Over the years Dorothy has embraced and excelled in all of her endeavors thanks to a natural drive to lead and an innate desire to make a difference. Initially trained as a special education teacher, Dorothy realized her passion for people, penchant for service, and savvy for business early on. “In 1972, I traded teaching for a different kind of education that led to my lifelong career in Manhattan real estate,” she says.
Her diverse expertise in the areas of development as well as residential rentals and sales has afforded her not only success in her field, but an invaluable knowledge of the management, design, finances, and investment value of some of the city’s most prominent well-run buildings.
Professional Summary
Dorothy began in real estate as manager of a small development firm where she provided on-site oversight of the company's fast-growing portfolio of residential rental properties. On occasion she also consulted with outside architectural firms on the design of new units plus played a role in property acquisition, which laid the foundation for her extensive knowledge base of the investment side of real estate.
In 1980, Dorothy ventured into entrepreneurialism and founded Somek Realty Co., a firm focused on property sales and rentals as well as real estate investments. Later in the 80s, she along with industry leader Clark Halstead, served as a member of the steering committee of the residential division of the Real Estate Board of New York, establishing a place for the residential real estate industry within REBNY.
Another defining moment in her career was her role as a key figure in the marketing of Three Lincoln Center, another building managed by Rose Associates, and recognized as one of the most beautifully designed and highly sought-after residences on the Upper West Side. In 1991 she rented the units for the original sponsor, and from 1993-96 sold more than 50 percent of the building. During this time she received the prestigious Regional Salesperson of the Year Award at the National Sales & Marketing Awards for achieving the highest volume of new construction sales in the entire Northeast region.
Following the completion of Three Lincoln Center, Dorothy resumed her brokerage business operating as an independent broker under Somek Realty Group, Inc. As a full-service broker, she provided management, rental, and sales services primarily for Upper West Side luxury properties and generated a significant volume of repeat business from loyal customers.
Throughout her illustrious career she has possessed a keen eye for development and construction. This inspired her to enter the building and renovation business and apply her vast knowledge to help her developers, who repeatedly called upon her expertise to create a superior product—always a touch above the rest. Challenging herself once again, she joined Brown Harris Stevens (then Halstead) on May 1, 2001, where she continues to specialize in condominium sales.
She has continuously been a member of the Producers Council, the Gold and Platinum Circle, the Sapphire Club, the Emerald Club, and the Diamond Club (Sales of $10,000,000 or more)—all Halstead designations and has consistently been in the top 5% of her company. She is a graduate of the NYRS (New York Real Estate Specialist) program.
