BHS Partner Spotlight: Inside the Industry with Marc Lawrence

As our newest brand partner, Marc Lawrence brings decades of industry expertise and a reputation for professionalism, integrity, and innovation to BHS. As a leader at Worldwide Land Transfer, Marc has built a career around helping real estate professionals navigate complex transactions with confidence and efficiency. Well-known throughout the industry, he has become a trusted resource for agents, attorneys, and clients alike. In this Q&A, Marc shares his perspective on the evolving real estate landscape, his longstanding relationship with BHS CEO Bess Freedman, and the trends shaping the future of the industry.

As an official partner of Brown Harris Stevens and our MoRE Network, what is your opinion of the BHS brand from the outside looking in over the course of your career?

BHS has always been synonymous with professionalism, integrity, and excellence. Over my career, it has consistently attracted the industry’s best agents and maintained a standard that few brands can match — which made this partnership feel like a natural fit.

You are heavily involved in continuing education for the real estate industry. What would you say are the most important skills necessary to become successful in the real estate space?

Real estate is a people business at its core. The professionals who thrive long-term combine genuine relationship-building with consistency, responsiveness, and a commitment to continuous learning — especially as markets and technology evolve.

You go way back with our CEO Bess Freedman. How long have you known her and what is your take on her?

I’ve known Bess for over 20 years — we both started out in the basement of The Corcoran Group’s Carnegie Hill office, and we were both former practicing attorneys. I saw her extraordinary potential from day one. She is one of the most driven, intelligent, and authentic leaders in the industry, and her success is no surprise to anyone who has had the privilege of working alongside her.

What are the most common title issues you’re seeing right now in NYC and the surrounding markets?

Trusts, estates, LLC ownership structures, inherited properties, and unresolved liens are among the most frequent issues we encounter. As ownership structures grow more complex, identifying and resolving these early in the transaction has never been more important.

How early should a title company get involved in a transaction, and why?

As early as possible. Involving a title company at the outset allows potential issues to be identified and resolved before they become obstacles — leading to smoother, faster closings for everyone involved.

What should agents know about trusts, LLCs, estates, divorces, and inherited properties when it comes to title?

These situations often require additional documentation, approvals, or legal review that can affect timing and closing. Agents who flag these ownership structures early and loop in their title company right away avoid most last-minute surprises.

What is a trending topic that you would love to share with our readers and your take on it?

AI is reshaping how I work every single day — from content creation to client communication to business development. I use it constantly, and I embrace it. That said, I believe the professionals who will thrive are those who use AI as a tool while doubling down on what technology cannot replicate: judgment, trust, relationships, and the ability to solve complex human problems.

Share something that few people know about you.

Few people know that I underwent open-heart surgery in my 40s. That experience profoundly changed my perspective — it deepened my appreciation for relationships, reinforced the importance of making every day count, and ultimately made me a better business partner and a better person.