In garages all over, local bands gather for jam sessions, practicing diligently while dreaming of the day they can hang up their ties and hit the open road in a tour bus. Rafa Maciejak has been there and done that, and has come out of his experiences embracing both the corporate and creative aspects of his life. Currently a residential broker, Maciejak is a former British pop drummer, who has toured the world for years and finally settled in his place of birth, Brooklyn.
Maciejak split the past two decades between pursuing musical and real estate ventures. Since 2001, he has risen quickly in the Corcoran Group, and is currently a senior associate broker there. He has the achievement of selling over $100 million worth of property in his career. Many ask the former drummer how he was able to transition from the life of a musician into real estate so seamlessly, and the answer may be closer than meets the eye. His innate desire for creative intellect is the bridge between these two worlds; no matter what Maciejak pursues, he relishes the excitement of a challenging new endeavor.
“I find my job in real estate exciting. Every day is a different experience—I never know what will happen or what I will have to do.” Maciejak said he had a natural affinity for real estate, and that his passion for it burgeoned over the years.
A broker who lives, breathes and deals primarily with Brooklyn property, the Kings County native knows the borough like the back of his hand. He is currently involved in the sales of property such as the Argyle at 251 7th Street, Court Street Lofts at 505 Court Street in Carroll Gardens, The Sweeney Building at 30 Main Street in DUMBO, and The Silhouette at 272 21st Street. Maciejak pointed out emerging neighborhoods in New York City’s most populated area. Areas that were once sparse in activity, including Greenwood Heights, have recently been re-zoned, and are continuing to see rapid development with the addition of shops, fine dining, bars and music venues spurring interest.
Maciejak is the Sales Director for The Argyle, a luxury condominium building in Park Slope,
named one of the “Greatest Neighborhoods in America” by the American Planning Association. A historical area that has become one of the most desired places to live in New York, Park Slope is a city vista to behold, entrenched with classic brownstone buildings and a signature architectural style. The more recent influx of green space, fine dining and retail has made it an upscale New York City neighborhood.
The Argyle, a 12-story, 16-unit building, is one of the more recent additions in Park Slope. Featuring a roof deck, terrace, gym, and view of the Statue of Liberty and Lower Manhattan, Maciejak described that the property “feels like a vacation home,” upholding the neighborhood’s reputation.
Maciejak isn’t only the sales director of the Argyle Condominiums—he’s a resident as well. Recently moving in with his family, the self-proclaimed Brooklynite has the unique distinction of having an authentic buyer’s perspective. He acknowledged that the duality of his roles enhances his insight.
“Now that I have a clear understanding of the logistics of being a buyer, as well as the emotional roller coaster ride. I want to bring to them an understanding of what they can achieve,” said Maciejak. With the exciting, dynamic atmosphere of the Park Slope scene, it’s not so hard imagining the former drummer feeling at home.
The musician-turned-broker said, “I like to give every piece of information I have available to my clients so they can make an educated decision of what they’re doing, put everything out there for them so they can come to their own decisions.”
Maciejak spoke fondly about his career as a musician, acknowledging its influence on his real estate career. “With my music background, I tend to think more creatively,” he said. Despite the daily grind, often driving hours to get from city to city, he admitted the thrill and glamour of being a performer was priceless. “The best part was being on stage an hour and a half every night,” the drummer recollected.
He has toured and recorded with prominent musicians such as Lloyd Cole, traveling everywhere to play concerts for universities, music festivals and even international destinations such as Portugal. His work is featured on Cole’s critically acclaimed album “The Negatives,” which includes collaborations with notable bands Fountains of Wayne and Ivy.
With a new partnership and ventures on the horizon, Maciejak keeps his passion for music while always progressively looking to the future. “It’s hard to know what the next thing will be, but buyers and sellers want to work together, which is great. The real estate market is open, and information is available for everyone now, creating a better environment for working.”
The luxury and excitement of New York City life doesn’t cease outside Manhattan’s borders. Rafa Maciejak will vouch that Brooklyn—with its amalgamation of the old, the new, the familiar and the adventurous—is a place for the inner rock stars in everyone.
