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Barbara Dervan, CRS, broker with Fox Residential Group in Manhattan, received a call referring a couple relocating to New York City from the West Coast. Dervan was grilled by the referring agent, the buyers’ financial advisor and the clients. The reason: The buyer was a famous sports figure. The couple’s wish list included a four-plus bedroom apartment, private outdoor space, new construction and a building that would allow a purchase through an LLC. Realizing the client was recognizable, Dervan created an alias, and advised the couple to arrive at appointments wearing hats and glasses. After a four-month search, she located the perfect property, but it was offered only as a rental, and the “owner” had not even closed. With moments to spare before her clients left for a trip overseas, the parties reached an agreement and closed. The deal was great for Dervan, and the referring agent received a $100,000 referral check.