Brown Harris Stevens

Marion Bass, with an established track record and a solid reputation for exemplary service and results in the Lincoln Center community, is a highly respected real estate professional. After 28 years as an independent broker and sole owner of her own successful brokerage firm, Marion is delighted and proud to be with Brown Harris Stevens, a firm she has always held in the highest regard.

Marion arrived in the United States at the age of 18 with a Fulbright grant to study Physics and Mathematics. In 1971, she received a Ph. D. in Applied Mathematics from Indiana University. Subsequently she taught and conducted research as a faculty member of the Mathematics Department, first at Oakland University in Michigan and then at the University of California, Irvine.

During a sabbatical year at New York University, Marion fell in love with New York City, specifically the Upper West Side and the Lincoln Center area, where, to this day, her cultural interests are focused.

Marion moved to Lincoln Center, renting an apartment that happened to be part of a co-op conversion. She later purchased, rented it out and then sold it at a substantial profit. Ever the scientist, Marion strove to understand all the intricacies of real estate transactions, both in legal and real estate terms. An intriguing new world of possibilities presented itself.

Over the course of the next ten years, Marion and her husband acquired a portfolio of Condominium units in various developments in New York, New Jersey and Florida. Real Estate became a serious hobby for Marion, while she was still engaged as a research scientist, now at A&T Bell Laboratories in New Jersey.

In 1989, Marion decided to pursue real estate full time. She opened her own company in 1990 initially concentrating on Condominiums with the best potential for appreciation. Condominiums had only recently become popular, and not many brokers were familiar with this form of ownership. Before long colleagues from other companies sought her out for advice. They nicknamed her the “Condo Queen of Lincoln Center”. Having had many international clients, Marion has sold more Condominiums than Co-ops, although she is equally comfortable with either.

Before starting her own business, Marion completed advanced accounting courses at New York University’s Stern School of Business, allowing her to send her clients to their accountants with the right questions to ask regarding taxation of their real estate investments. Her suggestions have saved clients a substantial amount of money.

With extensive experience managing investment properties, Marion is skilled in planning and overseeing renovations and repairs, and dealing with the mechanical aspects of maintaining properties, enabling her to help clients plan and implement renovations that enhance the esthetic, functionality and resale value of their properties.

For clients relocating to New York City, in addition to her real estate services, Marion offers comprehensive support including a roster of professional and well-established movers, cleaning services, interior designers, contractors, lawyers and accountants on whom to call for help.

Marion’s approach to real estate services is influenced by her teaching and science background with thorough due diligence, and precise, truthful and clear communications. At the same time, she is personable and caring, able to listen carefully and imagine herself in her clients’ position.

She helps clients set realistic goals and defines a strategy to achieve them, providing personalized and highly effective advice and support throughout the sale or purchase process and well after the closing.