The Hot Seat: Anthony Dellecave

Welcome to the Hot Seat, where we talk to folks involved in Brooklyn real estate, architecture, development and the like. Introducing Anthony Dellecave, Senior Associate Salesperson at Citi Habitats.

Brownstoner: What neighborhood do you live in, and how’d you end up there?
Anthony Dellcave: Carroll Gardens – Born and raised.

BS: Can you talk about your beginnings in real estate? How has the field changed since then?
AD: When I started in 2004 the market was fast paced and very competitive. We were in a slump for a while, but current market conditions are starting to resemble those days. Also, clients today are better educated about market conditions (or at least think they are) due to all the real estate sites.

BS: You grew up in Carroll Gardens, a neighborhood that has seen a lot of change but still manages to hold onto a lot of its history. As property values go up, how can the culture of a neighborhood like Carroll Gardens be preserved?
AD: The old timers do an amazing job of hanging on to whatever they have left. The bakeries, pastry shops and small mom & pop stores on Court St & Smith St preserve what’s left of an old school Italian-American neighborhood. There are a lot of homeowners who instead of cashing in and selling out, choose to rent out their properties for top dollar.

After the jump, Anthony talks about Manhattanites moving over to Brooklyn, the future of the Columbia Street Waterfront and his favorite property in Park Slope…

BS: You also do a good deal of work in Manhattan. In your opinion, what drives renters and homeowners to either Brooklyn or Manhattan? Since you started working as a broker, has there been a dramatic surge of Manhattanites moving into Brooklyn?
AD: Manhattan is the first place people want to live when they move to the city… but after two or three years they call me looking for a change and a little peace and quiet. Most people moving to Brooklyn are looking for more of a neighborhood feel. I feel everyone needs to experience Manhattan living once in their life, but ultimately there is no place better to live than Brooklyn. It is much easier to raise a family and the commute to the city is not bad at all.

Overall – Yes, there has been an increase of Manhattanites moving to Brooklyn. When I first started in the business I had to convince people to give Brooklyn a shot – Nowadays, most clients don’t need convincing. Actually, the Downtown Brooklyn neighborhoods (Carroll Gardens, Cobble Hill, Brooklyn Heights, Park Slope and Prospect Heights) are on the top of many clients’ wish lists.

BS: What neighborhoods excite you most right now in NYC?
AD: In Brooklyn – The Columbia Street Waterfront is definitely an area to keep an eye on. With all the work going on along the pier (promenades, parks, etc) I’m excited to see where that neighborhood goes in the next couple of years. In Manhattan – The West Village just keeps getting better and better. Beautiful tree lined streets and amazing restaurants and shops… kinda reminds me of home in Carroll Gardens.

BS: Finally your favorites – favorite neighborhood, fave new development, and fave property – not listed by your firm! – on the market.
AD: West Village and Carroll Gardens… There’s no place like home! Not a big fan of the Financial District but the Frank Gehry building is HOT! I love the listing at 9 Prospect Park West by Libby Ryan of BHS – the location, building and views are incredible.