Jonathan Miller knows the numbers behind the mysterious world of Manhattan real estate. As co-founder, president and CEO of New York appraisal firm Miller Samuel, and a certified general real estate appraiser since 1986, he’s helped his company provide property valuations totaling more than $4 billion.
Miller also is co-founder and managing principal of Miller Cicero LLC, which provides commercial real estate valuation services in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens and The Bronx.
Since 1994, Miller has authored several widely readreports on the Manhattan real estate market for Prudential Douglas Elliman. The reports cover the entire island of Manhattan and are widely used by local, regional and national media as well as national and local lending institutions, various government agencies, the Federal Reserve, New York City Office of Management and Budget and the Internal Revenue Service.
Miller this year launched two real estate blogs: Matrix: Interpreting the Real Estate Economy, and Soapbox: Appraisal Ethics, Ideas and Industry Issues.
Miller will speak during Real Estate Connect in New York City, Jan. 11-13, 2006.
Here are his answers to a set of questions posed by Inman News:
Panel or session at Connect: Forecast of a Changing Housing Market.
What kind of house did you grow up in and where?
Small ranch style house, on a slab in Framingham, Mass.
What style of home do you live in today and when did you buy it?
An expanded historic Salt Box built in 1825 — we bought it in August 2004.
What worries keep you awake at night?
Whether the Yankees will add good new pitchers to their staff this year.
Describe your dream home:
I live in it, as far as I am concerned. My wife and four sons have plenty of space.
What lesson did you learn in the last year?
Appreciate every day with those around you. Be passionate about everything you do — it’s contagious.
Who is your hero?
Steve Jobs of Apple Computer. He is always able to innovate and make things that actually work and are cool.
What was your first job?
A dishwasher at a resort restaurant. My hands are still clean.
What would your second career choice be after real estate?
Full-time blogger.
Which daily newspaper do you read and which section do you read first?
The New York Times real estate section on the weekend, business during the week.
Where did you spend your last vacation?
Rehoboth Beach, Del. (I lived there for a while growing up.)
What professional accomplishment are you most proud of?
The growth and professional ethic of my company Miller Samuel.
What is your favorite technology devices or software application?
17-inch Mac Powerbook. My whole company runs on the Mac platform.
What kind of music do you listen to?
Grunge, alternative rock, blues.
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