With over 20 years at the top of Manhattan’s luxury real estate market, Noble Black regularly ranks among the nation’s top brokers. Known for representing some of New York’s most famous addresses, he maintains a loyal clientele. Now, after more than 10 years at another brokerage, Black has returned to Corcoran. He brings his team and a portfolio of high-end properties that covers Manhattan and the Hamptons. In this conversation, he discusses his decision to rejoin Corcoran, the shifting expectations of buyers, and what it takes to succeed in one of the world’s most competitive real estate markets.
Thank you for your time, Noble. You recently came back to Corcoran after more than ten years. What brought you back, and why is this the right time for this change?
There were several reasons for my return, not one in particular. I was really struck by how well Corcoran is doing so many things. Their international partnership with Savilles was very attractive. They continue to totally dominate the new development sector — the gold standard in service and research. The backbone of services they offer, from marketing to technology, was extremely impressive, as was their referral network. And of course, I was reminded and struck by just how engaged Pam is at every level of the business, whether on resales, international connections, or new developments. As I assessed where my business would grow the most and allow us to up the bar for what we offer our clients, it was a clear decision to me.
How do you balance the Hamptons and the city when it comes to listings/clients?
For a long time, I wanted to expand my business to the Hamptons, while I have had a home in the Hamptons for over a decade, over the years, I realized that so many of my clients were in the Hamptons as well as other luxury markets. For me, that meant finding the right agents — people who could deliver the same level of service and care that our clients have come to expect in the city. Today, we have a dedicated Hamptons team that combines our commitment to exceptional client service with deep, local expertise. Each of our agents has strong ties to the community — and two of them were even born and raised in the Hamptons — giving our clients true insider knowledge of the market.
Was there something specific about Corcoran’s culture, leadership, or platform that made you believe this was the best place for you and your team going forward?
Yes on all of the above. I was struck by how many people I greatly respect were still at Corcoran from when I was here previously — both brokers and staff. There are so many people who have been here for 20 to 30 years and love it. They clearly do many things right. And the brand continues to enjoy a sterling reputation among customers. The reaction from our clients has been so positive and reaffirming.
You’ve had an interesting journey from law and television production to real estate. What skills from those earlier jobs most influenced how you work with clients today?
The TV production was a short stint, though a fun and quirky one! Practicing law is what really shaped the service I and my team strive to provide to our clients. I view my job not as one of selling a product but as an advisor. I try to really listen and understand what a client needs and what they want (not always the same), then assess the landscape and help them reach the decision that’s best for them. Sometimes that means a buyer passes on a property or a seller waits to sell. But I try to play the long game, and put their interest first, and I’ve found that doing that, the transactions eventually happen, and loyalty and referrals follow.
You’re often ranked among the top real estate professionals in the country. What do you think has been the most important factor in keeping that level of success year after year?
Client service — keeping the client’s interest front and center, continuing to improve the service we offer — whether analytical data for buyers or marketing reach for sellers, and doing so in a manner that’s highly professional, ethical, and respectful — of the client and our colleagues.
Many people describe you as a “trusted advisor.” How do you build and maintain that trust, especially in the competitive and high-stakes world of Manhattan luxury real estate?
By truly putting the client first. Often, that means counseling them towards an outcome that’s not in my personal short-term interest. But prioritizing their interest above all else builds trust and loyalty, which pays far larger dividends in the long term.
You’ve represented properties at some of Manhattan’s most famous addresses, including 15 Central Park West and Hudson Yards. How have you seen buyer preferences change over the last decade?
Buyers’ expectations have risen dramatically. They now prioritize time and convenience like never before. For new development, that means finishes on par with a bespoke apartment and amenities that answer every whim. We’ve seen a huge rise in demand for furnished residences for this reason. For resale, buyers heavily prefer properties that are truly turn-key/recently renovated. And for those in need of renovation, they need to be truly exceptional and/or priced incredibly well to attract a buyer.
Branded residences, like the Waldorf Astoria and Baccarat Residences, are becoming more popular in the luxury market. What attracts buyers to these properties, and how are they different from traditional co-ops and condos?
Buyers are increasingly prioritizing time and convenience. These branded residences offer all of the services of a five-star hotel with the privacy and comfort of a private home.
Your business relies on discretion and protecting client privacy. In a time of social media and constant exposure, how do you find a balance between marketing and maintaining confidentiality?
Social media has definitely become a fact of life and, in some ways, a necessary evil for real estate. But I never let it compromise a client relationship. We view social media as a tool to gain exposure for clients, but not to brag about the clients we represent. I’m very proud of the fact that many of our very biggest clients and transactions have never been made public.
Looking back on your career so far, what’s been the most significant turning point for you?
Looking back on the past 20 years, what’s been the most influential for me isn’t necessarily individual transactions but several key relationships with individuals who have been kind enough to be great connectors, referral sources, or mentors, all of whom are now friends. I’ve been very fortunate in that regard.
You’ve worked with some of the most discerning clients in the world. What have those relationships taught you about people, success, or even yourself?
Without a doubt, what I find most interesting and enjoyable about my job is the people I get to meet. I’m very fortunate that a sizeable piece of my business is with recognizable names — whether they’re big names in music or film, finance, or government. I think I always understood people are people, and while one person may have a more public job or make a lot more money or have a great amount of power, they still have some basic desires, and where and how they live is very personal. I get to see that very personal and intimate piece of their life. I always respect their position and remember my role, but also do not treat them any differently than I would anyone else looking to buy a property and make it a happy home.
Real estate in Manhattan is a demanding career. How do you recharge and maintain balance outside of work?
I spend a lot of time outside in my garden in Sag Harbor, or having dinners with friends and family. And I try never to mind taking a call or answering an email — I enjoy what I do, so it really doesn’t seem hard to maintain a balance. Besides, my husband is a workaholic, so I seem to be the one with the less demanding job!
If you weren’t a real estate broker today, what do you think you’d be doing?
In my nightmares, when I’m feeling anxious, I’m back practicing law. In my fantasies, I’d be developing — whether condos or flipping houses or doing interior design. We’ll see what the future holds… hopefully not a return to practicing law!
Learn more about Black at www.corcoran.com.
