Realty Speak

This episode of Realty Speak dives deep into the world of tax-efficient planning with my co-host David Feeser of 1031 Specialists and our guest Paulo Aguilar of Wealthstone Group. We cover 1031 and 721 exchanges, Delaware Statutory Trusts, Deferred Sales Trusts and the evolution from Opportunity Zones 1.0 to the new, permanent 2.0 under the “One Big Beautiful Bill.” Paulo and David share how to preserve wealth, defer capital gains, and create smart, tax-efficient portfolios tailored to your goals. Packed with insights and critical takeaways, this is a must-listen for anyone navigating real estate transactions, a business sale or other passive investment strategies.

In this powerhouse episode of Realty Speak, I sit down with George Fontas and Frank Ricci of Fontas Advisors - two experts who’ve helped shape and navigate New York’s most complex political and regulatory landscapes. We break down how public affairs strategy, political relationships and coalition-building directly influence real estate development, rent regulation and housing policy in NYC. George shares how he built Fontas Advisors into a trusted partner for zoning, lobbying and alliance-building. Frank reflects on decades of hands-on experience, from co-founding SPONY to advocating through the RSA and NYAA. This one’s packed with real stories, sharp insights and must-hear takeaways for anyone who owns, manages, or influences housing in New York.

In this dynamic start to 2025, Amanda Gerome, CEO of A+ Electric, joins me as co-host for this special episode of Realty Speak. Together, we welcome Sadie McKeown, President of The Community Preservation Corporation, to discuss electrification and other critical upgrades driving the transformation of NYC buildings toward greater affordability and sustainability. Our engaging conversation delves into the challenges of complying with local laws like Local Law 88, uncovers how to unlock available rebates and offers actionable project and financing strategies for property owners pursuing sustainability for their buildings, both large and small. As a rising leader in the electrical industry, Amanda adds a fresh and insightful perspective, while Sadie brings invaluable expertise in affordable financing, grants and sustainability when collaborating with all stakeholders. And just when you think the conversation couldn’t get more captivating, Amanda introduces a creative twist you won’t want to miss.

As we say goodbye to 2024, this conversation weaves together the inspiring thoughts our guests shared at the close of each episode we had this year. Then, I add my own thoughts to the mix - words I composed before creating this year-end message. It all comes together as a shared hope for an even brighter 2025 and beyond. Enjoy! Wishing you and yours an amazing New Year celebration!

In this timely episode of Realty Speak, I’m joined by Guest Host Josh Blackman, CEO of Brownstone Property Group and Greg Krueger, SVP of LEW Environmental Services. Together, we dive headfirst into NYC's lead paint regulations, cutting through the noise to give you the straight facts on what you need to know. We cover everything from the looming August 9th, 2025 compliance deadline to how XRF lead paint testing is reshaping the way property owners approach lead paint compliance. What’s the real difference between lead-free and lead-safe - lead abatement and lead remediation? We’ve got you covered. Whether you own, manage, or invest in properties, this episode is packed with actionable advice on avoiding penalties and protecting your building occupants.

In this special episode of Realty Speak, the tables are turned as I step in as a guest on Inside R&E, the podcast from the real estate law firm Rosenberg & Estis, P.C., hosted by Justin Weitzman. Justin and I dive into the critical topic of Local Law 152 - Periodic Inspection of Gas Piping Systems, focusing on what Coop and Condo Boards, building owners, and property managers need to know during the second 4-year compliance cycle, which began on January 1, 2024. We explore the fundamentals of the law, how to effectively prepare for inspections and the common challenges that stakeholders face along the way. I also offer key insights on upcoming legislative changes that will impact which inspection observations may no longer pose issues, as well as how buildings with commercial spaces could see an expanded scope in their inspections.

In the fast-paced world of New York City real estate, keeping up with the ever-changing local laws is more than just a challenge—it’s a necessity. Don’t get caught off guard! Join us as Adam Batista and John Longo from Prise lead us through NYC’s most critical regulations, including lead paint safety, gas piping inspections, parapet and parking garage inspections. But that’s not all—climate change expert Marc Karell makes a special appearance to shed light on the latest climate laws and what they mean for your buildings. This episode is your essential roadmap to staying compliant and ahead of the curve in NYC’s complex regulatory landscape. Tune in now to safeguard your investments and ensure your buildings are safe today and ready for the future.

Get ready for an electrifying episode as we unpack New York City's ambitious "City of Yes" initiative! Hear from Rob Holbrook, Executive Director of the Get Stuff Built initiative for NYC Mayor Eric Adams. Rob outlines the ambitious plan to generate 500,000 housing units over the next decade, addressing the housing crisis and the initiative’s innovative zoning reforms. Discover how these changes will open new doors for businesses and rejuvenate NYC's commercial landscape. Adding to the excitement, we have Sara Levenson of L+M Development Partners and David Quart of VHB. Sarah dives into the benefits of carbon-neutral buildings and shares insights into the Arverne East project, highlighting its role as New York City's first Net Zero community. She discusses the development's focus on sustainability, affordability, and community engagement. David emphasizes the importance of strategic public-private partnerships and how these collaborations are key to advancing projects in the complex NYC built environment. Don’t miss this insightful discussion on the future of New York City's initiatives for Carbon Neutrality Opportunity, Economic Opportunity, and Housing Opportunity, and how YOU can help make this a reality! All Realty Speak episodes are also available on SPOTIFY, Apple Podcasts, and all Android podcast apps.

In this captivating episode, Robert Levine, the visionary founder and CEO of RAL Companies, who is renowned for transforming New York City's skyline with iconic developments like Brooklyn’s Quay Tower, shares his extraordinary journey from launching an innovative architectural firm in 1979 to becoming a present-day real estate luminary. Robert captivates us with tales of development in New York City, ambitious mountain and resort projects in Vail and Telluride, and the audacious conversion of a commercial barge into a luxury river cruise vessel in France, all while often navigating economic turbulence. Don’t miss this riveting conversation filled with dramatic insights and bold strategies from one of real estate's most dynamic leaders.

Has the recent 24/25 New York State budget brought significant changes to housing laws? Absolutely! Ann Korchak, President of SPONY, leads a riveting webinar, unpacking these crucial updates with attorney Craig Gambardella from Kucker Marino Winiarsky & Bittens, LLP. Together, they dissect the latest amendments to the rent stabilization law, highlighting the increased allowances for Individual Apartment Improvements (IAIs). They also delve into the newly enacted Good Cause Eviction (GCE) legislation, exploring its far-reaching implications for non-stabilized/market-rate apartments. But this webinar goes beyond mere explanations. Ann and Craig equip landlords with actionable strategies to navigate these legislative changes. From mastering lease renewals to efficiently managing month-to-month tenancies, they offer invaluable insights to help property owners remain compliant and sidestep legal pitfalls.

Join us in the pulsing heart of Times Square, Manhattan, for a special Fair Housing Month episode with Neil Garfinkel, a leading authority on fair housing and the managing partner at the law firm of Abrams Garfinkel Margolis Bergson. Neil dives deep into the essential facets of fair housing laws, highlighting their pivotal role across the real estate spectrum and offering a guide to navigating these laws for the promotion of equality and fairness in housing. Explore the significant impact of these laws on real estate professionals, tenants, and property owners. Delve into the history and gain insights from Neil’s perspective on how updates to certain systems could shape the future of fair housing. By tuning into this concise yet thorough exploration of fair housing laws, you’ll not only expand your understanding but also grasp the severe personal, professional, and financial repercussions that can arise from a lack of knowledge. This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to deepen their comprehension of this vital topic and safeguard against the potential pitfalls of non-compliance.

Has the leading NYC real estate law firm Kucker, Marino, Winiarsky & Bittens taken action against NY Housing Court delays? Yes, it has! Three of the firm’s partners, Nativ Winiarsky, Craig Gambardella, and Eric McAvey, are challenging the status quo with this groundbreaking lawsuit. Together, they offer an insider look at their fight for swift justice in NYC's Housing Court. Beyond dissecting systemic flaws, they share groundbreaking insights and propose reforms that promise a fairer future for all stakeholders. Don't miss this deep dive into a battle for justice that could reshape New York's real estate landscape

Delve into the inspiring journey of Anthos|Home with Laura Lazarus, as she reveals the driving force behind this mission-driven organization she co-founded with Leslie Abbey. Their mission? To tackle the challenges faced by property owners and rental voucher holders head-on, crafting innovative solutions that can revolutionize the landscape of affordable housing. Joined by Courtney Nelson, VP of Housing Acquisition, they debunk common myths, offering a fresh perspective on this frequently misunderstood topic. Get ready for a transformative experience - a paradigm shift in your understanding of vouchers that will not only tug at your heartstrings but will ignite a desire in you as a building owner to be part of the Anthos|Home mission.

Whether you are a NIMBY or a YIMBY, you’ll still agree that increasing the options for housing, hospitality, entertainment, historical exhibits and open space will economically stimulate a local economy. Enter Freedom Plaza, a visionary project by the Soloviev Group, spearheaded by Stefan Soloviev, Chairman, and CEO Michael Hershman. Just south of the United Nations on the East River in Manhattan, Freedom Plaza, would not only generate quite a pot of money for NYC and NY State but add much needed rental housing of which 38% will be affordable. Bonus? It would pay for and support itself while providing many other perks for the local community. Enjoy this candid conversation with Michael on episode 50 of Realty Speak.

Lindsay Liu of Super Software joins Realty Speak as my co-host with City University of New York Building Performance Lab Project Manager Jim Lane as our guest. We talk about the impending enforcement of the NYC climate laws and how this will impact all buildings across the state and city. After listening you will have a better understanding of what to expect around your particular situation. You'll also know what resources are available to you and how you, as an individual, a building owner, a building manager or a member of a condominium or a cooperative board can be part of the solution to climate change.

After a 7 month break Realty Speak is back on air with Val, Lincoln and Irving, 3 NYC property owners, who are part of the leadership of Small Property Owners of New York aka SPONY. Val, Lincoln and Irving discuss the last 4 years and what legislative mistakes have led up to this present day intolerable rental housing crisis in NY City. More importantly they share the needed corrections to evolve from this socially dire predicament.

Melissa Román Burch, EVP and COO of The New York City Economic Development Corporation and I talk about the future of this great city. You’ll be surprised how much this not for profit organization is driving change and progress across so many different economic sectors. The impact the NYC EDC will have on the future of this great city and how they do it? It is a story you do not want to miss. Enjoy and Happy New Year!

Federal, State and Local Lead Laws that dictate how to deal with lead based paint and lead dust in residential rental property are often jurisdictionally inconsistent and confusing. In New York City, the ongoing changes to existing protocols create additional confusion. Enter LEW Environmental Services where Lee Wasserman and Karrie Munoz share important details and clarify requirements. Knowledge is power and by the end of this episode of Realty Speak you will know what to do and when to do it so that you can successfully comply with the lead laws.

If you don’t plan for the sale of real estate then you risk a big capital gain tax bill. Today Michael Burwick, Partner, Greenspoon Marder LLP and Kent Fitzpatrick, Managing Director, Asset Strategy Advisors not only review for us the many capital gain deferral strategies you have heard about before on Realty Speak but also share another strategy you’ll want to understand completely. What you will discover in this episode is how to plan in advance of a sale and keep more of what you have worked so hard for.

As part of a series with NYARM on the NYC emissions laws; Margie Russell, Executive Director of the New York Association of Realty Managers and I moderated a webinar addressing NYC Local Law 97 which will be enforced starting in 2024. On Tuesday 04/12/2022 we went live and asked very pointed questions to the Local Law 97 expert and Licensed Professional Engineer, Marc Karell. Then on 05/23/2022 I gave him a call to include some updates that surfaced after the original recording. Do you want to understand Local Law 97 and how the looming fines may impact your building portfolio and bank account? That and much, much more is all right here in the podcast version of the webinar.