“I think the best is ahead for him – I don’t think this is the tail-end of his success […] I know he has big aspirations and big ambitions and I know he is going to continue to excel” – Andrew Heiberger
My name is Andrew Heiberger, and I’ve been in real estate in New York City for over 30 years. I consider myself a real estate entrepreneur. I started my career in residential brokerage and am the founder of City Habitats, which I grew from two employees to over 1,000. In 2004, I sold the business to the company that became Realogy, now known as Anywhere. This acquisition included my company along with The Corcoran Group and The Sunshine Group as part of a roll-up strategy.
Afterward, I transitioned into development, focusing primarily on downtown Lower Manhattan. Two of my most notable projects in the area are 88 Greenwich Street (Greenwich Club Residences) and One Rector Park (33 Rector Place), where I was the owner, developer, and sponsor.
Later, I returned to brokerage but shifted my focus from starter apartments (like rentals and one- to two-bedroom sales) to high-end luxury properties, including sales in the $10 million, $20 million, and even $50 million-plus range. I founded Town Residential, which I operated until 2018. Today, I operate under the name Buttonwood Development, a company I established in 2004, focusing on investments, syndications, and development.
I first met Adam Leitman Bailey about 20 years ago when he was already well-known as a real estate attorney. His tenacity and passion for the law were immediately apparent, but what impressed me even more was his deep understanding of business. Over the years, whenever issues arose, I’ve felt comfortable reaching out to him for advice. He’s always been incredibly receptive, readily available, and willing to offer sound guidance.
One of Adam’s unique qualities is that he doesn’t always push for legal action or a retainer agreement. If there’s a way to resolve a matter without incurring the great cost, stress, and time that legal disputes often involve, Adam will advise you in that direction. This practical and client-focused approach is both rare and invaluable in the legal industry.
Adam’s strongest qualities are his availability, his passion for the law, and his exceptional business acumen. He doesn’t lead clients down a path of unnecessary legal fees or drawn-out litigation. Instead, he finds efficient, effective solutions. His reputation in the industry is unmatched—he’s highly regarded and taken seriously by attorneys at many of New York City’s best firms. Simply mentioning his name commands respect and often leads to favorable results.
Adam is a Type-A personality—intense, driven, and unapologetically direct. But beneath his tough exterior, he’s an honorable and good man. I would confidently say he’s among the top five real estate attorneys in New York, if not number one. His expertise, experience, and mutual respect within the industry drive his success.
If I had to identify qualities that Adam and I share, I’d say we’re both laser-focused on our businesses. We take our professions very seriously, and the successes we’ve achieved are the result of hard work and expertise, not luck or happenstance. Just as Adam is a leading expert in his field, I like to think of myself as being at the same level in mine.
I believe Adam is still in the thick of his career, with his best work yet to come. Knowing him, he has big aspirations and ambitions, and I’m confident he’ll continue to excel and achieve even greater success in the future.