Nicole Flender, a seasoned Corcoran agent and mother of acclaimed actor Timothée Chalamet, offers a unique perspective on the New York City real estate landscape. This article delves into a day in her life, touring apartments and sharing insights on the market, her family’s artistic background, and even her thoughts on Timothée’s relationship with Kylie Jenner. Discover how Flender balances her career, family legacy, and the ever-changing world of NYC housing.
A Rainy Day in Midtown: Apartment Hunting with Nicole Flender
On a gray March afternoon, Nicole Flender navigates a Midtown apartment showing, 17 floors above the bustling Times Square M&M’s store. Despite the less-than-ideal weather, she enthusiastically presents the unit to an Italian couple seeking a Manhattan pied-à-terre. “It normally gets great light,” she assures them, as the neon Krispy Kreme sign glimmers through the fog. Flender highlights the building’s rental policy and the competitive price of $949,000, emphasizing its investment potential. Little do the potential buyers know, their UGGs-wearing real estate agent is Timothée Chalamet’s mother.
From Dance Teacher to Real Estate Maven: Flender’s Career Shift
For nearly a decade, Flender has been a Corcoran agent, a career path sparked by a Groupon deal spotted by her husband, Marc Chalamet. Before real estate, Flender taught dance in NYC public schools while her children pursued acting. As Timothée auditioned for Call Me by Your Name and Pauline attended acting school in Paris, Flender sought a new challenge. Initially, Corcoran’s manager questioned her networking abilities, but Flender proved her connections ran deep.
A Family of Artists: Flender’s Deep Roots in the Performing Arts
Flender’s first listing was a significant achievement: the $1.5 million apartment of Jerry Bock, the composer of Fiddler on the Roof. Her connections predate her children’s fame. Flender’s father, Harold, was a comedian and novelist, and her mother, Enid, was a Broadway dancer. Her brother, Rodman, was a child star turned writer and director. In the ’70s, the family moved into Manhattan Plaza, a subsidized-housing complex for performing artists. Their neighbors included a then-30-something Al Pacino and Kenny Kramer, the inspiration for the Seinfeld character.
Early Life and Career: From Yale to Broadway
Flender’s journey included attending Yale, dancing in tours of Hello, Dolly! and A Chorus Line, earning a master’s in French literature from NYU, and teaching English in Paris. She even worked in a call center selling skin-care products, where she honed her sales skills. Flender compares the real estate hustle to the performing arts, emphasizing the need to be personable and engaging: “You have to be personable and like talking to people. It’s kind of like putting on a show.”
Raising a Family in Manhattan Plaza: A Unique Childhood
Flender and Chalamet married in 1985 and, after Pauline’s birth, secured an apartment in Manhattan Plaza. This allowed her children to experience a city childhood, commuting to La Guardia High School and balancing academics with dance lessons and auditions. For a time, Flender was a Tony voter, and Timmy and Pauline spent school nights watching Broadway shows. This immersion in the arts shaped their future careers.
“The Mitchell-Lama Kid”: Reflections on Subsidized Housing
Flender reflects on a viral clip of Timothée discussing his Mitchell-Lama upbringing on Theo Von’s podcast. She is pleasantly surprised by the interest in the program, viewing her family’s background matter-of-factly. With generations of working-class performers, she notes their primary privilege was subsidized New York housing. “We knew that they were talented, but we always just thought, We’ll see.”
Beyond the Income Caps: Timothée’s Beverly Hills Home and Pauline’s Paris Apartment
Flender’s children have surpassed the Mitchell-Lama income limits. Timothée recently purchased an $11 million house in Beverly Hills. “Did he ask for my advice? No,” she laughs. Pauline, a new mother, bought an apartment in Paris. Flender remains in Manhattan Plaza, substitute-teaching and acting in a short film. She values her independence and enjoys visiting her children, emphasizing, “Would you like your mom to be trailing you everywhere?”
Still Selling Real Estate: A Passion for the City
Flender remains passionate about real estate, recently assisting a client in flipping an apartment on 33 Riverside Drive, once home to the Gershwins. She handles rentals and helps friends of her children. Close to her Corcoran colleagues, many of whom are mothers in second or third careers, she also gets unusual requests related to her son’s fame. Despite the quirks, she continues to thrive in the NYC real estate scene.
Conclusion: A Legacy of Art and Real Estate
Nicole Flender’s story is a compelling blend of artistic heritage and real estate savvy. From her early days in a performing arts family to her successful career at Corcoran, she embodies resilience and adaptability. As the mother of Timothée Chalamet, she offers a glimpse into a unique upbringing, balancing fame with a grounded perspective. Her continued dedication to real estate and teaching underscores a commitment to community and passion for New York City. Flender’s journey is a testament to the diverse paths one can take, blending personal history with professional success in the heart of Manhattan.
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