By: Jordan March
In the layered world of New York City real estate—where precision, polish, and presence matter—Michelle Pinner has become a highly regarded and trusted figure. A former luxury brand strategist at Condé Nast turned agent at SERHANT’s Empire Collective Team, Pinner has earned recognition among hedge funds, private equity groups, and high-net-worth families for her ability to deliver deals that are not only financially sound but also personal and well-executed.
A mother of two daughters and a longtime Brooklyn resident, Pinner navigates the intensity of the market alongside the nuances of motherhood. Her latest project, 28 Herbert Street—a Passive House-certified condominium in New York City—positions her at the forefront of next-generation real estate. Located in Williamsburg, the boutique 16-residence development is carbon-neutral, wellness-centric, and focused on quality in design. With skyline views, filtered air systems, and Italian kitchens by LAGO, it’s the kind of innovative property that speaks to a new perspective on luxury, and Michelle has helped bring it to life.
But beyond the big sales and cutting-edge listings, Pinner is a woman with something to say. She wants to share her insights with other executives, working mothers, and modern homeowners navigating an increasingly complex housing market. “You don’t need to overspend to live beautifully,” she says. “The right choices—strategic ones—can transform the way a home feels and functions.”
Here are a few of the key tips Pinner offers:
1. Consider Layout Over Size.
“It’s not about square footage—it’s about flow,” she says. Reworking doors, opening up a pass-through, or creating a clearer path from room to room can significantly enhance how a home functions day-to-day.
2. Enhance With Surface-Level Upgrades.
Instead of full-scale renovations, focus on kitchens and baths with the highest visual impact. Painted cabinetry, updated hardware, statement tile, and sleek mirrors can all bring a sense of luxury without gutting a space.
3. Storage Is Emotional.
Custom closets, vertical shelving, and clever built-ins don’t just add space—they create calm. “Especially for parents, storage equals sanity,” Pinner explains.
4. Lighting Can Change the Ambiance of a Home.
A fast way to improve perceived value and mood is great lighting. Swapping outdated overheads for statement fixtures or adding dimmers brings warmth, depth, and sophistication.
5. Keep Foundational Elements Timeless.
Resist the urge to over-personalize. “Trends fade,” she says. “Stay timeless with materials and architectural elements, and use art, paint, and furniture to tell your story.”
These are the kinds of insights that make Pinner such a sought-after advisor, not only for investors, but for families and creatives who care about how their homes make them feel.
Before she was closing multimillion-dollar deals and launching notable developments, Michelle spent years at Condé Nast crafting editorial and brand strategy. That training sharpened her eye for detail, storytelling, and aesthetic integrity—all of which now translate into her work as a real estate strategist. She doesn’t just find people homes; she curates experiences, designs pathways to value, and helps clients—especially women—make informed and empowered decisions.
At 28 Herbert, that comes together. The Passive House development blends cutting-edge energy performance with natural materials, clean indoor air, and well-designed floor plans intended for real life. It’s not just a statement of sustainability—it’s a statement of what luxury can look and feel like in 2025.
In a world where power is often mistaken for noise, Michelle Pinner moves differently: quietly strategic, deeply intentional, and impossible to overlook. She’s a closer. A mother. A tastemaker. And an impactful mind helping shape the future of how—and where—New Yorkers live.
