"J.D.'s success as the manager of our Brooklyn office and hisachievements as an investment specialist make him an invaluableresource to our clients and agents in New York City and inConnecticut," saysHarvey E. Green, president and CEO of Marcus& Millichap, in a release. Parker tells GlobeSt.com he'slooking forward to running the three offices, particularly as moreof the firm's national business comes through Manhattan.

Whether that business occurs in Manhattan, Brooklyn or NewHaven, though, volume is up lately, Parker says. "The market seemsto be perking up and buyers are becoming more active," he says."Sellers who have been waiting on the sidelines are venturing intothe marketplace to test the waters."

Parker says this uptick has been especially pronounced over thepast 90 to 120 days. "We've listed more properties in the region inthe past four months than at any time in the previous two years,"he says. "We're signing more contracts and doing more closings. Allacross the region, business is picking up."