The Team at Morrel Hirsch & Advisors

Howard Morrel

LICENSED REAL ESTATE SALESPERSON & ATTORNEY

Howard Morrel is a distinguished and seasoned residential real estate agent with over three decades of experience in the industry. Throughout his career, he has closed over $3.5 billion in sales.

He serves as an expert consultant and agent for real estate professionals, attorneys and family offices with extensive international real estate portfolios. He is a specialist in private real estate transactions with a particular niche in matters related to trusts & estates and is a fiduciary in Part 36 of Surrogate’s Court of New York.

His client roster includes multidisciplinary personalities: two U.S. presidents, musicians, sports and entertainment celebrities, family offices, foreign officials, C-Suite executives, sovereign funds, and tech gurus.

His impressive track record and unparalleled expertise have earned him a reputation as one of the top agents in the region. He was ranked the 11th top-producing broker in New York City by the Wall Street Journal and Real Trends.

During his career, Howard has sold over 400 units on Manhattan’s prestigious Billionaires’ Row. He also sold the Halston House, a historic townhouse once known as the epicenter of the Studio 54 era, to fashion designer Tom Ford. He was also responsible for the sale of a co-op owned by Clive Davis at the Ritz Tower as well as the Sullivan Estate in Southampton for $58 million. Other noteworthy clients include Michael Ovitz, artists Mary J. Blige, and Diana Ross, comedian/actor Jackie Mason, as well as Martin Straka and Martin Ručinský of the New York Rangers and Raanan Katz, co-owner of the Miami Heat.

He earned a BA in Music Composition and Performance from Berklee College of Music and later his Juris Doctor from New York Law School in 2001. He is a licensed attorney and currently a member of the American Bar Association.

In his prior career, Howard was president and founder of HLM Production Ltd., an independent music production company. In addition to being an accomplished musician and composer, Howard produced 15 successful Jazz albums with major music labels such as Mitsubishi, MCA Universal, and Fujisanke.

In this career, he also produced Yoko Ono’s EP commemorating John Lennon’s 50th Birthday; and he produced the first high definition live broadcast event at the Tokyo Dome with artists such as Miles Davis, Natalie Cole, Lenny Kravitz to name a few; as well as co-wrote and co-produced music with members of Exile and Bob Clearmountain.

Today, Howard leads Morrel Hirsch & Advisors – a group of professional sales agents fluent in English, Farsi, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Mandarin, Portuguese, Russian and Spanish.

In 2024, Morrel Hirsch & Advisors was recruited by Christie’s International Real Estate to establish its Trusts & Estates Division to expand the company’s menu of services for its high-net-worth clients. The team has an extensive track record of working with executors, trusts, estates, elder law specialists, receivers, fiduciaries, family offices, non-profits, and institutional clients to provide a full spectrum of real estate services dedicated to this market.

Leslie Hirsch

LICENSED REAL ESTATE SALESPERSON

Leslie Hirsch is the co-founder of the Morrel Hirsch & Advisors Team at Christie’s International Real Estate in New York City. She is also the co-founder and co-leader of the Trusts & Estates Division at Christie’s International Real Estate. For the past 20 years, Leslie has worked in concert with her business partner Howard Morrel to build a multifaceted sales force. Together, Leslie and Howard have led their team to achieve sales records year after year, while building an extensive following of loyal clients and transacting over US $3.5 Billion in sales.

Leading real estate broadcast outlets and publications including the Real Estate Report on NY1, The New York Times, New York Post, NBC’s Living Large, Openhouse NYC, The Real Deal, and Brick Underground have featured Leslie for her expertise.

Leslie combines relentless fact-finding with in-depth community knowledge to provide her clients with the key insights and details that help them to make the best business and personal decisions. She carefully assesses each transaction and develops a comprehensive plan of action for every buyer and seller.

Whether preparing the marketing strategy for a new listing or executing tough negotiations, Leslie practices absolute discretion and fidelity. She prides herself on a dedication to excellence and believes that truly understanding the needs of her clients is the most important element in establishing strong and productive working relationships.

Morella Machado

LICENSED REAL ESTATE SALESPERSON

Morella is a top-producing real estate advisor with the Morrel Hirsch & Advisors Team at Christie’s International Real Estate, recognized by The Wall Street Journal as one of the nation’s leading teams with more than $3.5 billion in closed transactions. She specializes in luxury co-op, condominium, townhouse, and investment property sales. Licensed in both New York and Florida, Morella serves a diverse clientele—from local residents to international investors—delivering professionalism, market expertise, and a no-nonsense approach to achieving results.

Edward F. Joseph

LICENSED REAL ESTATE SALESPERSON

Edward Joseph brings to each transaction not only incomparable service, but a long list of accomplishments in real estate sales. Edward has been recognized as a frequent “Broker of the Month”, as well as one of the top NYC listing agents. His reputation in the luxury market is beyond reproach. Edward’s townhouse sales have set records for the highest prices in the industry. His knowledge of the townhouse market and his skillful pricing have created a loyal client base who reach out to him again and again. Edward brings the same enthusiasm to the sales of co-operatives and condominiums. Most of all, Edward is regarded as a consummate professional, and a broker who makes the buying and selling process not only less stressful, but truly enjoyable. In 21 years in real estate, Edward has sold townhouses on the Upper West Side, luxury apartments on Park and Fifth Avenues, condos in Midtown, and penthouses and lofts in Tribeca and SoHo. He is totally comfortable anywhere in Manhattan.

Prior to his career in Real Estate, Edward was a successful theatre director. He started directing in his hometown of Cleveland, Ohio then founded his own theatre company in Denver, Colorado. The theatre business brought Edward to New York, where he directed many off-Broadway productions. His directing skills were easily transferable to Real Estate. In his own words: “My Real Estate philosophy is: ‘I don’t believe in shortcuts.’ When I work with sellers or buyers, they are given 110% of my energy, enthusiasm, and expertise. One of the reasons for my success is my firm belief that the buying and selling process revolves around the customer’s needs. Every individual situation is different — there are no boilerplates here! Every real estate transaction reflects this. Real estate is about life. Just know that when you’re ready, I’ll be ready.”

Dee Dee Abdur-Rahim

LICENSED REAL ESTATE SALESPERSON

When the stakes are high, clients choose Dee Dee not just for her expertise—but for her ability to anticipate, protect, and deliver. A licensed attorney and real estate investor with a personal understanding of relocation and lifestyle transitions, she’s the advisor high-performers trust when they need more than just a realtor.

Now part of Christie’s International Real Estate, one of the most prestigious and globally recognized names in luxury real estate, Dee Dee is a member of the elite Morrel Hirsch & Advisors team—whose $3.5 billion+ in closed transactions speaks to their unmatched experience and reach in the New York market.

A licensed attorney and seasoned real estate investor, Dee Dee brings more than two decades of multifaceted expertise to her role, combining deep legal knowledge, investment strategy, and construction project leadership. Her background includes experience in contract law, negotiations, trust and estate planning, and complex property development—making her a formidable asset for clients navigating high-value transactions.

Dee Dee specializes in serving professional athletes, coaches, agents, and high-performing individuals who are relocating to or investing in New York City. Her personal experience with relocation, coupled with her professional insight, allows her to anticipate needs, streamline timelines, and offer white-glove service with discretion, clarity, and precision.

Her core areas of focus include:

– High-end residential acquisitions and sales

– Athlete and executive relocation services

– Custom development and renovation planning

Clients consistently turn to Dee Dee for her sound judgment, unshakable discretion, and ability to simplify even the most complex deals. She is known for her calm, solutions-oriented approach and for protecting her clients’ time, privacy, and financial interests at every step.

Beyond her professional life, Dee Dee has been a leader in community impact for over 20 years. She was the founder of Couture With A Cause, a visionary retail concept she built from the ground up into a profit-generating business. While structured as a for-profit venture, it operated with a philanthropic mission at its core—donating five figures to charitable causes over its three-year span. She is also a former Vice President and Board Member of Behind the Bench, The National Basketball Wives Association. In addition, Dee Dee and her husband, Olympian and NBA All-Star Shareef Abdur-Rahim—currently serving as President of the NBA G League—are co-founders of the Future Foundation, which has served over 20,000 families through education and youth development initiatives.

Based in New York, Dee Dee brings her legal insight, real estate expertise, and unwavering commitment to excellence to clients across the city’s most competitive markets.

Benjamin Anderson

DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS & LICENSED REAL ESTATE SALESPERSON

Benjamin Anderson joined Morrel Hirsch & Advisors as Director of Operations after previously working as a key member on several previous top-producing real estate groups. As Director of Operations here at one of Christie’s International Real Estate’s high-performing teams, Benjamin brings operational and marketing experience to ensure efficiencies and performance as the team delivers strong and sustainable gains for clients—with a roaming brief across strategy and marketing. To date, Morrel Hirsch & Advisors has transacted more than $3.5 billion in sales.

Transparency, attention to detail, and a little bit of tenacity and levity are just a few things Benjamin brings to any transaction. Most noted for his undivided support, Benjamin understands that—for both buyers and sellers—the process can be the largest transaction in their life, and with that, a person-first approach is needed to support his clients.

Before joining Morrel Hirsch, Benjamin developed as a marketing savant at major advertising agencies, where he helped create and implement IMC campaigns for entertainment clients with budgets around $1-6MM, as well as major pharmaceutical brands with budgets over $200MM. Combining this marketing experience with his real estate acumen, Benjamin brings a determined and data-driven work ethic with a commitment to deliver on client expectations.

Laura Benner

LICENSED REAL ESTATE SALESPERSON

Laura Benner is a member of the Morrel Hirsch & Advisors team in the Christie’s International Real Estate. Morrel Hirsch is one of the leading brokerages in the New York area, and has transacted over $3.5 billion in sales to date.

Recently featured in Top 100 People in Real Estate, as well as Boutique Design’s New York Women Leaders, Laura has more than 20 years of experience in hospitality real estate and has worked for several prestigious hotel and real estate firms.

During her eleven years at Starwood Hotels and Resorts she sold more than $1.6B in hotel real estate. At Colony Capital, as the lead asset manager of 167 hotels, Laura was the decision maker and point person for more than $250M in renovations.

Having lived in Manhattan for more than 20 years, Laura is very knowledgeable about the various NYC neighborhoods and the unique characteristics each one has to offer. As a skilled and experienced negotiator, Laura has purchased and sold hotels, condos, co-ops and single-family homes, and has served several years on her co-op Board in Manhattan.

Laura’s track record with value-add residential and hospitality renovations, along with her attention to detail and creative instincts, leads to innovative and valuable real estate results for her clients. She applies her corporate-disciplined approach to every transaction, but also affords a friendly disposition to ensure a successful and enjoyable interaction.

Laura is a graduate of Cornell University and she has her MBA from the University of Southern California, where she received a Dean’s Account Fellowship.

Farbod Yarahamdi

LICENSED REAL ESTATE SALESPERSON

Farbod Yarahamdi is a leading figure in Brooklyn’s real estate community, with over $300 million in sales and a strong track record, His meticulous attention to detail, data-driven approach, and market expertise make him a dependable advocate and negotiator for his clients.

When you work with Farbod, nothing gets lost in translation. That’s because he is well-versed in assisting buyers, sellers, and investors both from the United States and abroad. Farbod provides his clients with comprehensive service in every facet of the industry including buying, selling, and renting residential space in Manhattan and Brooklyn.

He understands that real estate is both a financial and emotional decision. His 10+ years of experience in the Real Estate Industry has gifted farbod with extensive knowledge of the market and he can provide in-depth pricing analysis of cooperative, condominium, and townhouse markets for prospective sellers, buyers, investors, and landlords. By doing his due diligence and keeping up with the ever-changing trends of the New York City real estate market, Farbod is able to offer his clients top-notch service and guidance from soup to nuts, making sure the entire transaction is streamlined, productive and fulfilling.

Farbod believes that his clients deserve the highest level of honesty and service. Let’s face it – buying and selling real estate is a very big decision which can become overwhelming and stressful –but he will work very hard for you to make your experience seamless. Farbod grew up in Iran and currently resides in Brooklyn, New York. He is a graduate of the New Jersey Institute of Technology with a major in Biomedical Engineering and speaks fluent Farsi as well as English.

So, if you are looking for a broker who will take the time to explain the market to you and help you with your whole transaction in a professional, intelligent, and thoughtful manner, give Farbod a call.

Experience: 12 years is Real estate, 300M Closed transaction, Investment analyst

Language: Farsi & English

Highlights: Newsweek 2020 – NYC Best Power Team,  #11 Wall Street Journal Real Trends, TOP 20 – Power Elite Magazine

Daniel Jansen

Licensed Real Estate Salesperson

Daniel Jansen is a member of the Morrel Hirsch & Advisors team at Christie’s
International Real Estate. Morrel Hirsch & Advisors is one of the leading teams in the
New York area, and has transacted over $3.5 billion in sales to date. The team helps buyers and
sellers transact across a number of neighborhoods, acting as specialists for Midtown, the Upper
West Side, the Upper East Side, Hell’s Kitchen, and NoMad; however, they leverage the
Christie’s International Real Estate global network to support clients across more than 50
countries.

Currently residing in New York City on the Upper West Side, he is actively engaged in
one of the most dynamic real estate markets globally, constantly refining his skills and expanding
his knowledge. In addition to his experience in New York, Daniel has established strong
connections to communities and the real estate markets in the Tampa Bay Area and Aspen,
Colorado. These connections not only enhance his ability to serve a diverse clientele, but also
provide valuable insights into different lifestyle options and investment opportunities.

Daniel’s dedication and appreciation for classical music play a significant role in his
professional journey. Having attended Manhattan School of Music with a concentration in
Classical French Horn Performance, he has had the opportunity to work closely with members of
the New York Philharmonic and MET Opera Orchestras. Through these interactions, Daniel has
formed personal bonds with musicians, sharing in their passion for the arts and learning firsthand
the commitment required to excel in such a demanding field. These relationships have not only
enriched his understanding of the music world but have also shaped his approach to real estate,
where the concepts of collaboration and synergy parallel his experiences in orchestral settings.

Much like a well-composed symphony, Daniel understands that each real estate
transaction involves unique elements that must come together harmoniously. This artistic
sensibility enables him to forge deep connections with his clients, emphasizing a personalized
approach that ensures their needs and aspirations are met.

Alina Pogorelova

LICENSED REAL ESTATE SALESPERSON

Alina Pogorelova is a member of the Morrel Hirsch & Advisors team in the Christie’s International Real Estate. Morrel Hirsch is one of the leading brokerages in the New York area, and has transacted over $3.5 billion in sales to date.

Alina knows that being an excellent real estate advisor takes more than just an understanding of the market, it also requires an understanding of the unique needs of each client. Her combination of clear communication, effective negotiating skills, and sheer tenacity makes her the ultimate advocate for her clients. Aided by her degree in business management and finance, studying Artificial Intelligence at MIT Slone, and ten years of experience selling New York real estate, Alina provides the expertise required to achieve the best price for her seller clients and to find the perfect primary home, investment property, or pied-a-terre for her buyers.

Alina joined Morrel Hirsch & Advisors after several years at another two top New York real estate firms. She has specialized in finding and selling unique properties, such as the famed Halston House, which she helped to sell in 2019. By making inroads into the art and entertainment worlds, she has come to represent a number of celebrity clients who value her discretion as well as her skill. She is a resident of both New York City and Miami, where she owns and manages residential and commercial properties.

Alina began her career as Chief Operations Manager of an international company specializing in luxury kitchen appliances, acting as a liaison with architects, designers, builders, interior decorators, and other professionals involved in home construction and remodeling. This experience in project management for home renovations has proved invaluable to her real estate clients.

Born in Ukraine and raised in New York, Alina is fluent in English and Russian. An active supporter of the Russian community in the United States, she works closely with the Russian American Foundation to promote economic, social development, culture, and well-being within the Russian-speaking community in New York and the greater United States.

Caterina Leaness

LICENSED REAL ESTATE SALESPERSON

Caterina Leaness is a member of the Morrel Hirsch & Advisors team in the Christie’s International Real Estate. Morrel Hirsch is one of the leading brokerages in the New York area, and has transacted over $3.5 billion in sales to date.

As a native New Yorker with a passion for the vibrant energy of the city, Caterina Leaness is your dedicated guide to fulfilling your dream of finding your home in the heart of New York City. Caterina is a born and raised Upper East Sider who prides herself in the ability to fully understand her client’s needs and help them navigate the buying and selling process in the most efficient way. She enjoys getting to understand the city on a deeper level through the lens of real estate and loves navigating the process to find her clients their dream homes while bringing a deeper level of perspective to the process.

Specializing in representing buyers, Caterina brings a wealth of local expertise and a background in fashion to the real estate world, making her the perfect partner for your home-buying journey. With a keen eye for style and an intimate understanding of New York’s diverse neighborhoods, Caterina is committed to finding a property that not only meets your criteria but also reflects your unique lifestyle and personality.

Whether you’re looking for a cozy loft in Williamsburg, a chic apartment in SoHo, or a luxury condo on the Upper East Side, Caterina’s insider knowledge and unwavering dedication will ensure that you find the perfect place to call home. She understands that the home-buying process can be both exciting and daunting, which is why she is committed to providing personalized guidance every step of the way.

When you choose Caterina as your agent, you can expect:

Tailored Guidance: Caterina takes the time to understand your unique preferences and priorities, ensuring that every property she presents aligns with your vision for the ideal home.

Local Expertise: As a native Upper East Sider and proud resident of Williamsburg, Caterina has firsthand knowledge of the area’s real estate market trends, hidden gems, and upcoming developments, giving you a valuable edge in your property search.

Fashion-Forward Insights: Drawing from her background in the fashion industry, Caterina has a discerning eye for design and aesthetics, helping you envision the full potential of each property you consider.

Strong Negotiation Skills: With a focus on advocating for her buyers, Caterina leverages her negotiation expertise to secure the best possible terms and ensure that you receive exceptional value for your investment.

Mindfulness, Seamless Experience: From scheduling property viewings to navigating the paperwork, Caterina’s proactive approach and attention to detail ensure that the entire home-buying process is efficient and transparent. She understands the buying and selling process can be quite stressful so she incorporates mindfulness into the forefront when navigating her clients through the process of buying or selling their dream home.

Whether you’re a first-time buyer or a seasoned investor, Caterina Leaness is committed to making your real estate journey in NYC both rewarding and enjoyable. Discover the perfect New York City home with a trusted partner by your side. Get in touch with Caterina Leaness today and take the first step towards finding your ideal urban sanctuary.

Avissa Mojtahedi

LICENSED REAL ESTATE SALESPERSON

Avissa Mojtahedi brings more than two decades of experience in interior design and architecture to her work in residential real estate. As the founder of Avissa Design Group, she has built a career centered on understanding how thoughtful spatial planning, proportion, and flow shape the way a home lives. 

With experience spanning the New York and Toronto markets, Avissa offers clients a design-informed perspective when evaluating and positioning residential properties. Her background in design and architectural planning allows her to recognize opportunities beyond surface finishes — identifying a home’s potential through layout, light, and architectural character. 

Bridging the disciplines of design and real estate, she provides clients with a deeper understanding of a property’s potential — guiding buyers, sellers, and investors through the market with clarity, strategy, and confidence. 

Ellen Kapit

ASSOCIATE LICENSED REAL ESTATE BROKER

Ellen Kapit is a New York City native with extensive local and international real estate connections, recognized for her integrity, tenacity, and results-driven negotiation and marketing strategies. 

Prior to joining the real estate industry, Ellen was a Vice President at a major international advertising agency, a background that has equipped her with the creative thinking, client service skills and high-level negotiation techniques needed to deliver results for buyers, sellers and renters alike. Her extensive background in marketing and sales for some of the top advertisers in the U.S., bundled with deep involvement in her own co-op building management, and a specialty in construction, renovation and staging has equipped Ellen to provide the very best service possible to a diverse spectrum of clients with wide-ranging needs. From multi-million dollar lofts, penthouses, brownstones and classic apartments to studio starters, nothing is too large or small for Ellen, who takes pride in her personal commitment to each client and their individual needs, particularly when it includes their animals. 

A longtime resident of Midtown West, Ellen lives in a landmark building where she has served as a co-op board director. She is intimately familiar with properties throughout the West Side of Manhattan and all of Midtown, from the Financial District all the way up to Washington Heights. Her specialty is co-ops and relocations and historic properties, but she has significant experience in all types of real estate sales and luxury rentals. When not working, Ellen can reliably be found riding her bike throughout the city, practicing yoga, walking her dogs, speaking French or spending time on animal-related charities. 

Nour Abdelhady

LICENSED REAL ESTATE SALESPERSON

Nour brings a wealth of expertise gained from her 8 years of experience in project management to her role as a real estate agent. During her time in project management, she successfully guided small and medium-sized startup projects from their initial stages to official opening. 

The same unwavering work ethic that fueled her past achievements now propels her career in the real estate industry. Nour’s approach remains firmly rooted in her steadfast commitment to securing the best interests of her clients. She excels in providing exceptional service to clients seeking residential and commercial real estate, offering her unwavering support throughout every phase of the process, from initial consultations to handing over the keys and beyond. Her primary goal is to cultivate enduring relationships with her clients. 

Nour is fluent in Arabic and possesses conversational skills in Spanish and French, with English as her primary language. She holds licenses in both New York and New Jersey. Notably, Nour’s portfolio includes a diverse array of international properties, with a particular focus on the Middle East. 

Sean A. Sutherland

LICENSED REAL ESTATE SALESPERSON

For close to two decades, Sean Sutherland has led a successful real estate career in New York City. He has built a loyal client base through assisting both buyers and sellers, accomplishing over $300,000,000 in sales transactions.

As a seasoned real estate professional, Sean possesses an expert knowledge of condos, co-ops, and townhouses. Through the years, Sean has had experience with a vast range of clients from seasoned buyers and sellers to first-time foreign national buyers. No matter the client, Sean demonstrates a passionate commitment to the process from start to finish and is only satisfied when his customers are. His ability to educate his clients and anticipate their needs is what makes his customer service second to none.

Sean understands that the buying and selling process is not always easy, but his professionalism and commitment to client satisfaction allow him to navigate even the most turbulent markets. With his problem-solving skills born out of years of experience, Sean’s clients enter every transaction with the utmost trust in his expertise.

Sean’s passion and dedication go far beyond the realm of real estate. As a New Yorker for over three decades, Sean has invested in the city itself through various volunteer efforts. During the pandemic he raised thousands of dollars for Community Fridges and volunteered for various food distribution centers. He also volunteered alongside New York City Assembly woman Catalina Cruz for nine months, gathering weekly food donations. Separately, Sean led a group of volunteers to assist in building resumes for jobseekers.