Stribling Insiders: Gloria Sheldon
Gloria Sheldon has been a full-service real estate broker for more than 30 years. An asset to both her clients and her colleagues, Gloria possesses intricate knowledge of Manhattan’s many changing neighborhoods and puts together one of the best co-op board packages in town. We sat down with Gloria to discuss why she went from teaching to real estate, and how she’s an expert at playing her cards right — especially in competitive Bridge.
When did you first get into residential real estate and why?
I got into residential real estate in 1982 when my second child was four years old and enrolled in the Town School kindergarten program full-time. Prior to that, I was an English teacher for 15 years at Julia Richman High School. My husband is a Medical Doctor and a humanist bringing good health care to an under-served community in the South Bronx and I thought real estate would be an opportunity to supplement our income and also give me a flexible schedule in order to raise two very active children.
What is your favorite part about being a real estate agent?
My favorite part about bring a real estate agent is to interact with people and act as a resource to help people find just the correct place to live in our very wonderful city!
Why did you choose Stribling & Associates?
I joined Stribling in 1992 at the suggestion of my friend Margie Golden with whom I had worked with for several years at a small firm called Joan Schlank located on east 79th street. I wanted to stay close to home and be in a firm that was not a large corporate endeavor.
Do you have a favorite neighborhood and why?
My favorite neighborhood is where I live — way east on York Ave at 77th Street right next to John Jay public park. It’s a wonderful park where my children learned to play basketball and tennis, ride their bikes, and skateboard — a real oasis in our city. The area is quiet and residential, but has access to the M31 bus which is one fare away from York Avenue to 57th street and 11th Avenue, and stops in front if Carnegie Hall!
What do you like to do in your spare time?
In my spare time I play competitive Duplicate Bridge, play Scrabble, and go to many concerts, the opera, the ballet, art galleries and museums. I have a wonderful intellectually stimulating book club and a very active social life whereby we cook and dine in each other’s homes. I am also very active in neighborhood politics.
What is an achievement of which you are most proud?
In 35 years acting as a residential broker, I have never experienced a co-op board rejection! Additionally, I am especially proud to serve my many referral customers who keep coming back to me because they trust my knowledge and expertise in handling transactions. However, the achievement I am most proud of is being married to the same wonderful man for 47 years!
