Although it seems like a no-brainer, it is sometimes rare to find a real estate broker who specializes in residential real estate that spans both New York City and the East End — like Douglas Elliman’s Mary Anne Fusco. After being an English teacher followed by a twelve-year career in construction in Atlanta, Georgia, she found herself, albeit begrudgingly, in real estate in the most competitive regions imaginable. And is killing it all the while deeply embedded with a philanthropic bent. We caught up with Fusco to learn more about her twenty-two year career as a broker and how her expertise truly does span from Manhattan to Montauk.
Mary Anne, how does an English teacher become a luxury real estate maven?
In a nutshell, I came into the real estate industry to make a difference!
When my younger son, Brad, suggested real estate as I was returning to New York City after our life of twelve years in Atlanta, where I had a construction company, I quickly replied, “I hate real estate people. I’d rather be caught dead! They eat their young and regard few.” His response was one that I have told my children often: “Suppose you could make a difference?” It’s something I have always asked them to do.
The challenge was there, and so I began. I’d like to believe that I have made a difference. Through core values and moral ethics, such as courtesy and professionalism, I realized I can bring the best out of people.
How does having been an English teacher help you?
I find that it’s difficult to take the teacher out of the teacher. I began teaching English at nineteen-and-a-half-years-old and loved every moment. When I see new agents struggling, it’s just a natural thing for me to reach out. Taking the time to share is a wonderful thing to do. You can’t get on my team unless you believe that “you get by giving.”
You’re very successful in Manhattan and the Hamptons. How do you manage both regions?
Managing New York City and Bridgehampton is a labor of love. There are no free rides, certainly it is work. When done zealously, the job is edifying and rewarding. Many of my clients and customers traverse both areas and want to work with me and my team. Pleasing them pleases me. Fortunately, having a home out east and a place in the city lightens the effort.
My dad, an architect, built the first family home in North Haven in Sag Harbor forty-five years ago. I know Long Island like the back of my hand. I love both the city life but I am definitely a Long Island girl, too.
Your life has been quite a journey. Can you explain the different paths you took?
From teaching to owning a wholesale and retail womenswear company, to a construction company in Atlanta, Georgia, this stone has gathered a lot of moss! Accompanying my dad when he was custom building homes, I grew up enjoying construction sites. When the opportunity arose after we moved to Atlanta, Georgia, I collaborated with a third-generation European builder and our company existed for twelve years until I relocated back to New York. It was a wonderful ride! Little did I know, it was paving my way to real estate. I have so many letters saying, “I never would have bought this home or renovated this home, without you.” The construction business certainly serves as a wonderful asset to my buyers and sellers.
Do you find that your New York City clients have homes in the Hamptons?
Many of my clients and customers reside in the city and have homes on the East End of Long Island. Although I tried to avoid doing business out east, it was inevitable that I would be doing so. When sellers and buyers consider you more than an agent, but as a trusted advisor, they seek and expect you to handle all of their real estate investments. Having been in North Haven for over four decades now, my attending to these sellers and buyers was definitely guaranteed. Like anything, when you love what you do, you make it happen! I have reliable, loyal, and professional people who assist me in both markets — it just comes naturally to me.
You mention being an advisor of sorts. Can you explain this further?
Buyers and sellers rely on my business prowess to advise them with their real estate transactions. They are sometimes surprised when I advise against something they love, but it is not about a transaction, it is about having a client or customer for life. Core values, linked with consummate world-class service and expert professionalism have set me apart. My team must have the same values: “You get by giving.”
Have you noted any neighborhoods on the East End that are taking off of late?
Some of these areas that are beginning to take hold, for example, the Springs in East Hampton, and areas that I believe are interesting to watch are Shinnecock Hills, Hampton Bays, and Flanders. There is a resonating strength in these areas now. It will be interesting to see what happens next.
You are very passionate about giving back. How do you give back?
This is our twenty-second year that I have conducted a coat drive in New York City. Now, with folks needing outerwear more than ever, we launched our twenty-second drive! This year, we have extended the drive to the East End of Long Island. My donors are the hundreds of people that live vertically in New York City. Now, I am happy to say with the help of a local supporter, Hamptons Risk Management, we are able to extend the drive far and wide. We generally collect over 1,000 coats for those in need. We hope to exceed this number now that we are reaching out to my clients and customers beyond the New York City area since my life truly encompasses Manhattan to Montauk.
You are obviously very busy – how do you spend your down-time, if it exists at all?
When not selling luxury homes in the Hamptons and New York City, I delight in visiting and enjoying the wonderful restaurants that are housed in both of these neighborhoods. Although my waistline does not always agree with me, I simply love eating out as often as possible! In addition, I also enjoy spending time with my four young granddaughters, shopping in the nicest of shops and finally resting a bit while reading a good book.
To learn more about Mary Anne Fusco, click here. View one of her featured properties on the East End by clicking here.
