With a background in journalism and nearly a decade and a half practicing law before launching a real estate career, New York City’s Michael J. Franco has developed “a deep understanding of the psychological nuances” at work in his business. That’s a distinct advantage when trying to get deals done.
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Name: Michael J. Franco
Title: Licensed associate real estate broker
Experience: 17 years as a full-time broker with 14 years practicing law previously
Location: New York City
Brokerage name: Compass
Rankings: No. 1 small team at Compass in Manhattan and No. 67 in the U.S.
Team name: Michael J. Franco Team
Transaction sides: 65 to date in 2025; over 1,000 career history
Sales volume: $140 million in 2025 to date; $1.4 billion career history
Awards: The Wall Street Journal/ Real Trends top agent for the past 10 years; top 25 listing agents by volume in Manhattan for the past two years
What’s one big lesson you’ve learned in real estate
You must keep your database organized and stay in touch with everyone you know in some form or another. After a few years in the business, I finally got around to organizing my contacts and quickly learned that people in my sphere had bought and sold without me, which was my fault for not staying in touch with them.
As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
I wanted to move to New York, work in television or entertainment, and enjoy everything that New York City has to offer. Two out of three isn’t so bad! New York real estate is as exciting as the entertainment industry and probably similarly competitive.
What’s the most important thing you learned in school?
I have a law degree and masters degree in tax law, so my legal background provides me with valuable insight for every transaction and every client.
What’s the best advice you ever got from a mentor or colleague?
Stay in touch with everyone.
What would you tell a new agent before they start out in the business?
Organize your contracts before you get too busy to do so. Make sure you are comfortable getting a bruised ego and being humbled on a regular basis.
What do clients need to know before they begin a real estate transaction?
If you are a seller readying your home and leaving for showings might become tiresome. Buyers should be financially prepared with a loan preapproval, a good residential real estate attorney, and a realistic grasp on what they want to spend and what they can afford.
What do too few agents know that would make their lives easier?
Hiring your first assistant will be one of the best investments you can make in yourself, your personal life and your business.
What book has taught you the most?
I read for inspiration and have read dozens and dozens of books for business over the years. The mindset themes are my favorite, including Traction, Mindset, Atomic Habits and Extreme Ownership. I also find memoirs by comedians (a very competitive and challenging profession) to be inspiring, including Colin Jost’s and Tina Fey’s books.
What is the one thing everyone should do to improve their life and business?
There are so many things, but one that comes to mind is keeping a time-blocked schedule to stay organized and keeping a running “to-do” checklist that goes along with the schedule.
If you could do anything other than real estate, what would it be?
I would be an interior decorator. I love renovating and decorating. It probably comes from the wonderful experience of seeing so many beautiful spaces in my business, which triggers great new decorating ideas.
Tell us a story about your most memorable transaction
I was hired to sell Stephen Sondheim’s magnificent townhouse in Turtle Bay Gardens by his estate. I am a huge fan, and it was a bit of a dream come true to spend time in his home, show his home, sell the home.
I also had the opportunity to get to know people who were very close to him throughout his life and heard many interesting and fantastic stories about Sondheim and all of the interesting and famous people who passed through the door of his house at one time or another.
