“I love to create situations that allow sellers to win,” says Régis Roumila who developed a niche as an elite Manhattan listing agent following several successful years in New York City’s hot rental market.

Born and raised in Paris, Régis took the first chance of his career by moving to San Francisco in 1998 to continue the law studies he began at the prestigious La Sorbonne law school in Paris. After a short time on the west coast, however, he craved a city with the vibrancy of Paris. His desire for world-class art, attractions, museums, parks, stunning architecture and unlimited opportunities drew him both to Manhattan and to real estate.

“I moved to New York in 2000 and started my real estate career in rental properties,” he says. “By the time I left the rental business, I had a team of agents and was renting an apartment almost every day, but something was missing.” The rental market no longer offered the challenges he craved. “I discovered that, especially in New York, a real estate agent needed to do both rentals and sales at the same time.” Before long, his profound understanding of Manhattan’s rental and sales markets helped him build sizeable referral base of owners, landlords and clients.

“Life is something you don’t plan for,” says Régis, now senior vice president with Nest Seekers International in Manhattan. “I took a risk leaving the rental business. But I’m a lifelong learner and I excel when things are difficult. In real estate, nothing is more difficult than going after listings.” Now entering his seventh year as a listing agent, Régis still finds the greatest satisfaction in solving challenges during tough times. “I’m having a fantastic year this year, but I always want to keep reinventing myself,” he says. “In changing, you force yourself out of your comfort zone, which is good because your biggest enemy in real estate is to be comfortable.” Tough times don’t last, says Régis, but tough people always do.

Régis creates wealth for his clients by remaining informed and by educating the sellers he represents. “You not only have to educate in this market, but you have to be a people mover. The seller is going to hire you for your ability to get them exactly what they want,” he says. “You need to be willing to take risks in order to help people move forward and you can't be a prisoner of your own ideas.” In listening to clients and educating them on the potential scenarios, he establishes a foundation to exceed expectations.

With listings and sales that may range from $500 thousand to more than $30 million apiece, Régis manages complex transactions with efficiency and finesse. Client feedback describes a tireless negotiator and market expert. “I really appreciated your determination and dedication through the complicated process,” writes one client. “We are truly impressed by your professionalism and expertise. We also appreciated the daily reports you provided to us for every step.” Others praise his team’s un - limited availability for showings. “You represented us zealously through difficult negotiations and ensured our sale went through without a hitch,” another seller says.

Most importantly, Régis remains fully committed to everything he does, personally and professionally. “In New York, you are surrounded by the power of concrete. You have to be able to channel your energy into something positive every day. Fear has no place in a success equation.” In his spare time, Regis exercises and takes advantage of New York. “I swim and I do a little boxing and martial arts,” he says. “Also, I’m French so I really enjoy taking advantage of New York’s great restaurants and theater.”