Her client list reads like the front row seating at an awards show -- Madonna, Michael Douglas, Angelina Jolie, Billy Joel, Harrison Ford, Elton John, Andrew Lloyd Webber, Steven Spielberg, Bruce Willis, Sting and Sylvester Stallone, among others. Realtor Linda Stein, of Prudential Douglas Elliman, was known as the "Realtor to the Stars," before she was bludgeoned to death in her Fifth Avenue apartment on Halloween morning. She was found by one of her daughters Halloween evening.

According to a New York Times report, Ms. Stein died of severe skull and neck injuries, and the medical examiner ruled the death a homicide. Police are talking to building employees, a construction crew, and a former assistant who is alleged to have argued with Ms. Stein over a commission, but have not announced a suspect as yet. No murder weapon was found, and there were no signs of forced entry.

Ms. Stein was known as a one-of-a-kind personality. She began her career as a school teacher, before rising to fame in the 1970s as the manager of The Ramones, a pioneering punk rock band. She became a real estate agent in the 1980s converting many of the people she met along the way into clients, including Madonna, Elton John and Sting. She was married to Seymour Stein, the record producer who discovered Madonna, now an executive with Warner Brothers records. Madonna was Ms. Stein's first client when she became a real estate agent.

In real estate, Ms. Stein was at the right place at the right time. New York real estate was depressed, a condition that also helped Donald Trump make his millions. She soon became a legend in New York and Manhattan real estate, specializing in top-tier properties, and sold homes valued between $2.5 million up to $30 million, according to one report, and move approximately 20 to 30 properties a year, primarily for celebrities. She was reputed to be the inspiration for two movie characters -- the real estate agent who shows Charlie Sheen's character an apartment in "Wall Street," starring Michael Douglas, and the tough-as-nails music promoter in "54."

In a sad irony, Ms. Stein had battled breast cancer for nearly 12 years, and had beaten it back.

Prudential Douglas Elliman leaders were shocked, according to news reports.

Howard Lorber, chairman, was quoted as saying, "Who would want to kill Linda Stein?"

"She was an icon in the business, and lived for the business," said Dottie Herman, CEO. "She was quirky, but brilliant and driven. They don't make them like Linda theses days."

Writes Prudential Douglas Elliman on its website: "We are filled with sadness that Linda Stein, our colleague for over 20 years, our friend, and an icon in the industry, passed away in the early morning of October 31. She was a bright light who quickly rose to fame once she entered the real estate business and became known as the “Realtor to the Stars”. Linda loved the challenge of working in the competitive housing industry. Described as feisty, talented, charming, and relentless, she used her many skills and talents to forge a place in this business like no other. And she made a difference, not only to her customers but to everyone who worked with her. More than anything though, Linda was full of life -- and to those who had the pleasure of knowing her personally, she was much loved for her wit and humor. We will miss her terribly and our thoughts are with her family at this very sad time."