Stribling Insiders: Barbara Evans-Butler
Real estate is often a lesson in diplomacy — and in that sense, there is no better person for the job than Barbara Evans-Butler. Before diving headfirst into residential brokerage, Barbara represented the Australian Government for more than two decades with diplomatic postings to Singapore, Thailand, Germany, France, and the United Nations in both New York and Geneva. It didn’t take long for her to make an equally impressive splash in real estate: She won a Real Estate Board of New York DEAL OF THE YEAR AWARD in 2007. A native New Yorker, Barbara was educated at the Spence School, Wheaton College, the Sorbonne and Australian National University. We caught up with Barbara to talk about how she found her career and her love of all things noodles!
When did you first get into residential real estate and why?
I began my real estate career in 2000. I was ready to make a change and I met a Stribling broker who was so very enthusiastic about the company. I introduced her to the world of diplomacy and she introduced me to Elizabeth Stribling and the rest is history….
What is your favorite part about being a real estate agent?
Meeting the challenge of fulfilling the expectations and dreams of sellers and buyers.
Why did you choose Stribling & Associates?
The reputation and ethos of the firm embodied in Elizabeth Stribling — as well as the overall esprit de corps and quality of the brokers.
Do you have a favorite neighborhood and why?
I love the Upper East Side and Central Park. This is where I went to school and where I have lived two decades of my adult life.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
Travel and discovering the culture and spiritual values in other countries has always been my passion. From extensive travel in India and the subcontinent to living in Singapore and Thailand, I came to discover and become comfortable with Buddhism.
Favorite food?
From my French heritage , I am blessed with a strong joie de vivre and adore good food both European and Asian. My favorite foods are any noodles, laksa or white truffle fettuccine are tops and good dry champagne, caviar and dark chocolate lift my spirits when necessary.
Favorite travel destination?
My favorites places are Bondi Beach in Sydney and the walk from Bondi to Bronte beach and then a swim in the ocean at Bronte baths — and then there is Paris! In Paris, almost anywhere, but Places Des Voges in the Marais and Hotel Pavillion De La Reine are tops with a swim at the Centre Sportif at L’Interaliee and lunch/people-watching in the Members Dining Room with my French pals dressed to the nines! Lately, I have discovered Umbria and Castello Di Reschio which in these trying times offers a welcome parallel universe of natural beauty and a luxurious escape…See my website!
