Mabel Cheah – New York Real Estate Agent

Residential specialist Mabel Cheah is as focused on and disciplined in the development of her career as she is when it comes to fulfilling the needs and goals of her real estate clients. Always researching the latest inventory and on top of breaking trends, she remains constantly aware of the goings on in the NYC real estate market so as to always keep buyers and sellers accurately informed.

Residential specialist Mabel Cheah is as focused on and disciplined in the development of her career as she is when it comes to fulfilling the needs and goals of her real estate clients. Always researching the latest inventory and on top of breaking trends, she remains constantly aware of the goings on in the NYC real estate market so as to always keep buyers and sellers accurately informed.

Mabel is an East Village resident who enjoys travel, food and wine and actively volunteers for various charities. We know her personally and she’s really cool, down to earth and quite funny! We just had to feature her!

ASIANCE: Tell us about your background.

Mabel Cheah: I was born and raised in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. I moved to Singapore when I was 13 to attend boarding school and left for NYC to study at New York University. I’ve been living and working in Manhattan ever since.

ASIANCE: How and when did you get involved in New York City real estate?

Mabel Cheah: I went into residential real estate straight out of college. I majored in Political Science and minored in Russian. It was a natural transition as my family was in real estate development and I’ve always been interested in the business. I started out in rentals with a small boutique firm and later transitioned into sales as well. I currently work for CORE, a high end residential brokerage here in Manhattan. I specialize in both rentals and sales and assist my clients in navigating the market and finding a home.

ASIANCE: What NYC area do you believe is the best investment today?

Mabel Cheah: I think there are good deals in every neighborhood, depending on what people are looking for. It seems that prices have bottomed out somewhat, so there are good values to be had across the board. In addition, interest rates are still low which is attractive to prospective purchasers.

With regards to the rental market, rents have stabilized. Landlords are still offering incentives like free rent and paying for part of the broker’s fee.

ASIANCE: What do you see for the future of real estate in New York City?

Mabel Cheah: It’s hard to say. We had a busy fourth quarter in 2009. Inventory has decreased since the summer but we could see a lot of inventory come back on the market in the warmer months. It’s all dependent on the economy and the credit markets. Prices are down, sellers want to sell, buyers want to buy but money is still tight.

ASIANCE: Tell us about your side interest?

Mabel Cheah: I am a self-taught baker. I love making bread and pastries. When I am not working with my real estate clients, you can find me at Amy’s Bread!

ASIANCE: What do you want to accomplish with this?

Mabel Cheah: I have several food-related projects in the works. I would like to continue honing my skills and eventually start a side business.

ASIANCE: Any businesswomen you admire? Any Asian businesswomen?

Mabel Cheah: Kimora Lee Simmons! I have a profound respect for her. The dedication and hard work she has put in to her career is evident through the success she has attained in modeling, fashion and TV. Her focus on her family is also something that I admire.

ASIANCE: What advice would you give to women who want to start their own business?

Mabel Cheah: Do your diligence! Find out as much as you can about the industry you are looking to get into, speak to as many people as you can, and most importantly, do not be afraid to ask for advice or assistance.