With a background in journalism and nearly a decade and a half as a lawyer before embarking on a career in real estate, New York City native Michael J. Franco has “a deep understanding of the psychological nuances at work in his business. That’s a clear advantage when closing deals.
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Name: Michael J. Franco
Title: Certified real estate agent
Experience: 17 years as a full-time real estate agent, including 14 years as a lawyer
Location: New York City
Broker name: Compass
Rankings: No. 1 small team at Compass in Manhattan and #67 in the US
Team name: Michael J. Franco team
Transaction sides: 65 so far in 2025; over 1,000 career histories
Sales volume: $140 million in 2025 to date; Career history of $1.4 billion
Awards: The Wall Street Journal/ Top real estate agent of Real Trends for 10 years; top 25 real estate agents by volume in Manhattan over the past two years
What’s a big lesson you’ve learned in real estate?
You need to keep your database organized and in touch with everyone you know in some way. After a few years in the business I finally got around to organizing my contacts and soon discovered that people in my area had been buying and selling without me, which was my fault for not keeping 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 New York City has to offer. Two out of three isn’t that bad! New York real estate is just as exciting as the entertainment industry and probably just as competitive.
What is the most important thing you learned at school?
I have a law degree and a master’s degree in tax law, which gives me valuable insight through my legal background for every transaction and every client.
What is the best advice you ever received from a mentor or colleague?
Stay in touch with everyone.
What would you tell a new agent before he or she starts in the business?
Organize your contracts before you get too busy. Make sure you’re comfortable with getting a bruised ego and being humiliated on a regular basis.
What should customers know before starting a real estate transaction?
If you’re a seller, getting your home ready and going to showings can become tedious. Buyers should be financially prepared with a loan pre-approval, a good residential real estate attorney, and a realistic idea of what they want to spend and what they can afford.
What do too few officers 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.
Which book taught you the most?
I read for inspiration and have read dozens and dozens of business books over the years. The mindset themes are my favorite, inclusive Traction, The mentality, Atomic habits And Extreme ownership. I also find the memoirs of comedians (a very competitive and challenging profession) inspiring, including the books by Colin Jost and Tina Fey.
What’s the one thing everyone should do to improve their lives and businesses?
There are so many things, but one thing that comes to mind is keeping a time-bound schedule to stay organized and keeping a running ‘to-do’ checklist to go with the schedule.
If you could do anything other than real estate, what would it be?
I would become an interior designer. I love renovating and decorating. It probably comes from the great experience of seeing so many beautiful spaces in my business, which brings great new decoration ideas.
Tell us a story about your most memorable transaction
I was hired to sell Stephen Sondheim’s beautiful mansion in Turtle Bay Gardens, near his estate. I’m a big fan, and it was a bit of a dream come true to spend time in his house, show his house and sell the house.
I also had the opportunity to get to know people who were close to him throughout his life and I heard many interesting and fantastic stories about Sondheim and all the interesting and famous people who came through the door of his house at one time or another.
Email Christy Murdock
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