Well-regarded for more than three decades of leadership and innovation in the real estate industry, Arlene Waye has been the owner and principal broker of Awaye Realty since 2003. After building a reputation for excellence in residential and commercial real estate brokerage, property management, and real estate development for nearly 20 years, she oversaw Awaye Realty’s partnership with Century 21 in 2022. Now operating the business under the name Century 21 Awaye Realty, Ms. Waye continues to run the business. Her day-to-day responsibilities include marketing, managing the sales division, overseeing expansion efforts, and monitoring construction progress for condominium projects and conversions.
Among her many career accomplishments, Ms. Waye has established a reputation for her expertise in 1031 exchanges, a real estate strategy that allows for the deferral of taxes when selling a property and reinvesting the proceeds into another property. Through her proficiency in 1031 exchanges, she has taught clients how to optimize their assets and maximize their potential, building a loyal and gratified customer base. Ms. Waye prides herself on helping community members in her area who may not know how to handle properties, many of which are over 100 years old and are often inherited from family members. Additionally, she collaborates with the Gowanus Canal Community Development Corporation, a nonprofit organization devoted to the preservation and revitalization of the Gowanus Canal neighborhood in Brooklyn, New York, demonstrating her connection to the neighborhood and the city where she grew up.
Prior to founding her own company, Ms. Waye gained experience as the chief financial officer for a major property developer in Brooklyn. In this position, she grew her foundational knowledge of property management, obtaining insight into the financial and operational realities of the real estate industry — insight that would deeply inform her later entrepreneurial ventures.
Ms. Waye sought education and training that would be the backbone to support her future. She earned an associate degree from Providence College. Her early training as an accountant introduced her to the world of real estate, which would later become her primary focus. She credits her success to perseverance, hard work, passion, adaptability, and unwavering dedication — all qualities that were instilled in her during her upbringing as the child of immigrants.
Those traits have also led Ms. Waye to receive recognition throughout her career. In 2025, she was featured among the Top 12 Most Trusted Realtors by New York Magazine, underscoring her reputation for integrity and reliability. Further demonstrating her commitment to the field, Ms. Waye serves on the advisory board of Citizens Bank. She remains informed about the latest developments in real estate through active membership with the Staten Island Board of Realtors and the Brooklyn Board of Realtors.
In addition to her professional pursuits, Ms. Waye is dedicated to giving back to her community through civic engagement. She contributes to Easterseals, an organization that supports individuals with disabilities, and Operation Impact, a group that raises money to give gifts to impoverished children and families in the community.
Ms. Waye is proud of her Brooklyn roots and has raised her family there with her husband. The couple has two daughters, both of whom have followed in their mother’s footsteps in real estate: Danielle works alongside Ms. Waye, utilizing her background in interior design and architecture; and Amanda is a real estate attorney. Outside of family and career, Ms. Waye finds relaxation through golfing and boating.
As she moves forward, Ms. Waye is excited to continue expanding Century 21 Awaye Realty. With her daughters by her side, she has managed to craft the professional life of her dreams — one that honors the city where she was raised, helps grow and enrich the community, and allows her to enjoy time with her family.