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COVER STORY
Dylan Gaitman
Beyond the Listing: Dylan Gaitman on Relationships, Hustle, and NYC Luxury Real Estate
From building relationships to closing deals, Dylan Gaitman Peter Zaitzeff’s Team at SERHANT. shares what it takes to succeed in New York City’s competitive luxury real estate market.
11/10/26, 10:15 AM
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Agent Team
Dylan Gaitman
SERHANT.
SERHANT.
Service Area
Manhattan, Brooklyn, Bergen County
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Thank you so much for taking the time to sit with us today! Before we jump in, could you share a little about yourself and the areas you serve?
I’m Dylan Gaitman, a real estate advisor with SERHANT., working alongside the Zaitzeff Team, one of the firm’s top-performing teams. I’m a graduate of Tulane University and began my real estate career at 20 years old.
I specialize in luxury residential real estate throughout Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Bergen County, New Jersey, representing buyers, sellers, and renters. My approach combines market knowledge, creative marketing, and a strong emphasis on building lasting relationships with my clients. I believe real estate is fundamentally a relationship-driven business, and I place a lot of value on understanding my clients’ needs and being a resource well beyond a single transaction. Whether someone is purchasing their first home or selling a multimillion-dollar property, my goal is to make the process as seamless and successful as possible.
GETTING STARTED & WHY REAL ESTATE MATTERS
What’s the backstory behind you becoming a realtor? And what part of the job still inspires you today?
Ryan Serhant was one of my biggest inspirations for getting into real estate. I was drawn to his entrepreneurial mindset, work ethic, and the way he built a business around his personal brand. I’ve also always had an interest in architecture, interior design, and the business side of real estate, so it felt like a natural fit.
What continues to motivate me is the combination of relationships and entrepreneurship. Real estate is an incredibly interpersonal business, and I enjoy meeting new people, building connections, and ultimately helping someone find a place to call home. At the same time, I love the independence that comes with being an agent. You’re essentially running your own business, responsible for creating opportunities, advocating for yourself, and constantly working toward the next deal. No two days are the same, and that balance of creativity, relationships, and hustle is what keeps me excited about the industry.
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LOCAL MARKET
For someone considering your area, what should they know about the lifestyle, vibe, or opportunities there?
One of the best things about working across Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Bergen County is how different each market is. Manhattan offers an unmatched level of energy, convenience, and access to some of the best restaurants, culture, and architecture in the world. New York City is the financial, cultural, and real estate capital of the world. Brooklyn has its own character, with a strong sense of community, incredible neighborhood restaurants, and a mix of historic brownstones and modern developments. Bergen County offers more space, privacy, and a suburban lifestyle while still providing easy access to New York City.
What I always tell clients is that choosing where to live is about more than just the apartment or house itself. It’s about finding a neighborhood that fits your lifestyle, daily routine, and long-term goals. Each market offers something different, and understanding those differences is an important part of helping clients make the right decision.
THE WHY
What makes you the go-to resource for your clients? What strengths or qualities stand out?
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What sets me apart is my work ethic, accessibility, and commitment to my clients. Real estate is a relationship-driven business, and I take that seriously. I make it a priority to be responsive, transparent, and proactive throughout the entire process.
I’m constantly studying the market, building relationships, and looking for opportunities that may not be readily available to the public. Being part of SERHANT. also gives me access to an incredible network, innovative marketing tools, and resources that help me better serve my clients. Whether it’s negotiating a deal, identifying an off-market opportunity, or navigating a challenging transaction, I approach every situation with the same level of attention and urgency. I want my clients to know they have someone in their corner who is going to work hard and advocate for their best interests.
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SERVICES, NICHE & VALUE
What’s your specialty as a realtor, and how does it help your clients get better outcomes?
I specialize in luxury residential real estate in Manhattan, with a particular focus on the Upper East Side and Downtown neighborhoods. I live on the Upper East Side myself, so I know the neighborhood inside and out; from individual buildings and market trends to the best local restaurants, shops, and go-to spots. I also spend much of my free time exploring Downtown Manhattan, which has given me a strong appreciation for the character and lifestyle of neighborhoods like Tribeca, SoHo, and Greenwich Village.
Beyond my personal familiarity with these areas, I work alongside the Peter Zaitzeff at SERHANT., which has been involved in some of Downtown Manhattan’s premier new development projects, particularly in Tribeca and Greenwich Village. That experience gives our team extensive knowledge of the luxury market, from new developments to resale properties.
For my clients, this means more than just understanding pricing and inventory. It’s about having firsthand neighborhood knowledge, strong industry relationships, and access to opportunities both on and off the market. Whether buying or selling, I can offer a perspective that combines market expertise with a genuine understanding of what it’s like to live in these neighborhoods.
Let’s go a little deeper. What’s something you do behind the scenes that clients may not realize but really makes a difference?
lot of the work that makes a difference in real estate happens well before a property is listed or a deal is negotiated. I spend a significant amount of time prospecting, cold calling, and building relationships with buyers, sellers, and other brokers to uncover opportunities that aren’t necessarily available on the open market. For my buyers, that often means putting together curated lists of off-market properties that align with their specific needs.
On the seller side, I conduct detailed comparative market analyses (CMAs) to ensure we’re pricing properties accurately and strategically. I also develop personalized marketing plans for every listing, taking into account the property’s unique features, target buyer demographic, and neighborhood.
Beyond that, I’m constantly tracking market activity, monitoring competing listings, and staying in touch with other brokers to understand where buyers are coming from and how properties are performing. A big part of my job is anticipating challenges, identifying opportunities, and staying several steps ahead so my clients can make informed decisions.
EXPERTISE
You’ve seen a lot in this industry. What are some pro tips or common myths you wish more people understood?
One of the biggest misconceptions in real estate is that the best agent is the one who simply lists your property or shows you the most apartments. The reality is that real estate is a sales, marketing, and relationship business. The best agents don’t just wait for opportunities to come to them; they create them.
I also think people underestimate the importance of exposure. You can have an incredible property, but if it’s not positioned, priced, and marketed correctly, you’re leaving money on the table. There’s a major difference between putting a property on the market and actively selling it.
Lastly, I always tell people that in real estate, everything is negotiable, but not everything is about price. Timing, terms, flexibility, and understanding the other side’s motivation can be just as valuable. A great agent knows how to leverage all of those factors to create the best possible outcome for their client.
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Thanks again for joining us. Any last tips for buyers and sellers—and how can people reach you if they want to work with you?
My biggest advice to both buyers and sellers is to be prepared, understand your market, and surround yourself with the right people. For buyers, don’t wait for the perfect opportunity to come to you. Be proactive, know your numbers, and be ready to act when the right property comes along. For sellers, pricing and presentation are everything, but having a strong marketing strategy and an agent who actively creates demand can make all the difference.
Real estate is one of the biggest financial decisions people make, and having the right representation matters. Whether you’re actively looking to buy or sell, or simply want to better understand the market, I’m always happy to be a resource. You can reach me directly at dylan@serhant.com.
Dylan Gaitman
Agent Team
SERHANT.
SERHANT.
Service Area
Manhattan, Brooklyn, Bergen County
Bio
Dylan Gaitman is a luxury real estate advisor at SERHANT., working with the Peter Zaitzeff Team. Specializing in Manhattan’s Upper East Side and Downtown neighborhoods, he combines local expertise, strategic marketing, and a relationship-driven approach. A Tulane University graduate, Dylan brings experience in investment sales, negotiation, and off-market opportunities. Outside real estate, he hosts the podcast Disrupt, For Good, and enjoys travel, golf, and exploring New York City.
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