"The Real Deal asked some agents the greatest compliment and greatest insult they have received in connection with their job. Many agents said winning a client or deal was the source of both. Beyond that, agents have received compliments ranging from sentimental messages to a bobblehead doll made in a broker's likeness, and insults including being called less than a used carpet salesperson.

Zhann Jochinke, an associate broker at Argo and co-chair of the market trends committee at the Manhattan Association of Realtors

Compliment: One client had a custom bobblehead made in my image, with a sharp suit and cell phone in hand, and sent it to me with a note saying: 'Thank you for being the consummate professional, always there for our every question, dedicated day-in and day-out; we now have the perfect home.'

Insult: It wasn't really directed to me as an individual but to the industry as a whole. It came from a FSBO (For Sale By Owner), who after a lengthy discussion of the advantages of using a broker/realtor, said that she thought all brokers were scum and were second only to attorneys. Even after that slight, I managed to get the listing having the owner concede that she also saw us as a necessary evil -- just like attorneys."

"Zhann Jochinke, an associate broker at Argo Residential, put an alcove studio on the market last year for $525,000. But the offers that came in were as low as $390,000.

"People were putting bids out there just to see if the person had to sell," he recalled.

More recently, however, he convinced the seller to drop the price to around $490,000.

Offers began coming in at "5 percent or less off the asking price," he said. Now, the listing is in contract, and expected to close in the next month."

"Zhann Jochinke, co-chair of the Market Trends Committee of the Manhattan Association of Realtors, says that he figures price drops by location. He says 2005 is too far back for Harlem and other areas that saw massive condo development, because prices four years ago were artificially low."

"For weeks, NY1 has been showcasing properties for sale at all different price points. But considering most people in the five boroughs rent, NY1's Jill Urban decided to see what New Yorkers can get for their money on a rental."

"The jury's still out on the sales market, but Manhattan's notoriously hectic summer rental season is carrying on at its usual pace — financial crisis or not.

Prices may be lower and incentives more plentiful, but summer is still the busiest time of year for rentals, and that hasn't changed, brokers say.

Some brokers are even reporting that they are doing more business this year than last year, spurred by the low rents and broker's fees being paid by landlords."

"Zhann Jochinke, associate broker at Argo Residential and co-chair of the Manhattan Association of Realtors' market trends committee, is no stranger to working with Chinese clients, and they account for a lot of the volume he's seeing today. "Right now, I'm getting a lot of activity from the Asian market, particularly China," Jochinke said. In 2007 a Chinese company tapped Jochinke to broker rental deals to relocate three employees. Now that same company has returned, but with even greater needs, as Jochinke is on the hunt for 20 residential units altogether. Only this time, his client wants to buy and invest, rather than rent."

"The Manhattan Association of Realtors (MANAR) has created a Market Trends Committee dedicated to examining the trends members see in the ever changing real estate market."

"Manhattan Association of Realtors launches trend group. The Manhattan Association of Realtors has created a market trends committee that will discuss and compile trends that association members are seeing in the market. The group will meet monthly to discuss the market and create a report on current trends. The founding members of the committee include Zhann Jochinke of Argo Residential, Kathryn Higgins of DJK Residential and David Thompson of Klara Madlin Real Estate."

"Zhann Jochinke of Argo Residential is a native of Australia who loves to fire-up the barbie.
He said, "Prawns (aka shrimp) and/or lobster are a staple for me - grilled with a pinch of salt and a splash of lemon or lime. For any Aussie, butter has absolutely no place, especially for dipping, with seafood."

"Zhann K. Jochinke of Argo Residential, who was born and raised in Australia, said that there are two huge sporting events for nearly every Aussie: The AFL Grand Final and The Melbourne Cup."