Closed! NYC's Real Estate Podcast

The Future of Public Affairs in the Modern Era (with Ross Wallenstein)

Tue, 24 Feb 2026 17:46:18 GMT

Ross Wallenstein, founder and CEO of Wall2Wall Communications, joins us to discuss crisis management, public affairs strategy, and how the collapse of local journalism is reshaping politics and business.

With more than 25 years of experience spanning federal and New York State government, political campaigns, and corporate communications, Ross explains why government service is “training like no other,” why every company needs a crisis plan, and how today’s leaders must master authenticity in the TikTok era.

We also dive into:

The shrinking news cycle and reactive media culture
The decline of investigative journalism
Why politics has become national instead of local
Generational differences in political messaging
How CEOs and public officials must adapt to personality-driven media

If you lead a business, campaign, or organization, this episode is a masterclass in modern communications strategy.

To find out more about Bergstein Flynn Knowlton & Pollina PLLC, visit our website at bfkplaw.com.

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REAL New York CEOs Louis Adler and Robert Rahmanian

Tue, 17 Feb 2026 15:56:41 GMT

On this episode of Closed, Brad was joined by Louis Adler and Robert Rahmanian, co-founders and co-CEOs of REAL New York. Since launching REAL NY in 2013, Robert and Louis have grown REAL from a two-person startup into a 150-agent powerhouse known for its work across residential, commercial, and especially New York’s fast-evolving conversion market.

Louis and Robert shared the latest on the market of conversions, and not just commercial-to-residential. They broke down their work on hotel-to-residential, medical-to-residential and even industrial-to-residential in New York City.

If you are keeping an eye on names to watch in New York City or want to learn more about how the private sector is addressing housing in NYC, this is the episode for you!

To find out more about Bergstein Flynn Knowlton & Pollina PLLC, visit our website at bfkplaw.com.

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Redefining Commercial Real Estate (with Sage CEO Jonathan Iger)

Wed, 04 Feb 2026 12:00:00 GMT

This week, Lee and Mike were joined by Jonathan Iger, the CEO and President of Sage, one of the premier commercial real estate firms in New York. Jonathan is the fourth-generation leader of Sage, with a unique vision and insight into the New York Commercial Real Estate market.

Jonathan talks about what 1A commercial real estate can learn from the hotel industry, how Sage has adapted post-COVID, and so much more!

If you consider yourself on the cutting edge of New York real estate, this interview is a must-listen!

To find out more about Bergstein Flynn Knowlton & Pollina PLLC, visit our website at bfkplaw.com.

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Does Staging Really Sell Homes? (with Gavin Steinberg)

Wed, 28 Jan 2026 16:00:00 GMT

On this episode of Closed!, Mike Flynn is joined by Gavin Steinberg, co-founder and CEO of The Everset, a New York City–based furniture rental and home staging company redefining how urban spaces are presented and lived in. Gavin breaks down Everset’s full-service approach to furniture rental and staging, explaining how the company fills a major market gap for stylish, affordable solutions tailored to young professionals and fast-moving urban real estate. The conversation explores why staging can dramatically elevate vacant apartments, how careful planning and design drive successful projects, and what it takes to scale both private client and commercial staging services in NYC’s competitive market.

If you live in New York City or are interested in real estate, then this podcast is for you!

You can find more about The Everset at https://staging.theeverset.com/.

To find out more about Bergstein Flynn Knowlton & Pollina PLLC, visit our website at bfkplaw.com.

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Commercial Broker Coaching (with Rod Santomassimo)

Wed, 21 Jan 2026 13:00:00 GMT

On this episode of Closed! we were delighted to have the premier business coach in the country, Rod Santomassimo! Lee and Mike spoke with Rod about his specialty — commercial real estate brokers. Rod broke down how he got into coaching, why he chose brokers are his target client, and how he grew his brand into the juggernaut it is today. There may also be a few free tidbits of advice sprinkled in the episode.

If you are a commercial broker or are interested in the inner-workings of commercial real estate, then don't miss out!

You can find out more about Rod Santomassimo by visiting his website https://massimo-group.com/ and by checking out Rod's latest book, co-written with friend of the show Bob Knakal, Selling Buildings: Maximizing Prices and Profits in Commercial Real Estate.

And as always, you can learn more about BFKP and what we do by visiting our website at https://bfkplaw.com/.

To find out more about Bergstein Flynn Knowlton & Pollina PLLC, visit our website at bfkplaw.com.

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OneLIC (with Council Member Julie Won)

Wed, 17 Dec 2025 17:45:51 GMT

On this episode of Closed! Lee is joined by Council Member Julie Won to talk about OneLIC and her win in the months-long battle over Long Island City Rezoning. Council Member Won explains the plan for Long Island City and why previous iterations failed. The Council Member explain that OneLIC is the largest increase of affordable housing units ever produced by a rezoning, with 14,700 new housing units, including approximately 4,350 affordable units in Long Island City.

If you are a resident of Long Island City or are keeping up with the housing crisis New York is facing, then this episode is for you!

You can learn more about OneLIC and Council Member Julie Won by visiting https://council.nyc.gov/julie-won/.

And as always, you can learn more about BFKP by visiting https://www.bfkplaw.com/.

To find out more about Bergstein Flynn Knowlton & Pollina PLLC, visit our website at bfkplaw.com.

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Mamdani, Charter Reforms & NYC Real Estate with Greg David

Tue, 25 Nov 2025 13:00:00 GMT

On this episode, Lee is joined by Greg David, an accomplished journalist for The City magazine to talk about the implications of a potential rent freeze, charter reforms, and more. Before becoming a journalist, Greg spent 35 years as an editor, editorial director, and columnist at Crain’s New York Business. He is also the director of the business and economics reporting program at the Craig Newmark Graduate School of Journalism at CUNY as well as the Ravitch Fiscal Reporting Program.

For more from Greg David, you can find him at https://www.thecity.nyc/author/greg-david/.

As always you can learn more about BFKP at https://www.bfkplaw.com/.

To find out more about Bergstein Flynn Knowlton & Pollina PLLC, visit our website at bfkplaw.com.

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What's Going On In New York? with Layla Law Gisiko

Tue, 18 Nov 2025 20:00:00 GMT

On this week's episode of Closed!, Michael Flynn is joined by a former, beloved guest, Layla Law-Gisikio, to talk about NYC, politics, and real estate. Layla has spent over two decades in public service, from her eighteen years on the Community Board to her roles as Democratic district leader for Assembly District 75, and we are so fortunate to have her perspective on the many changes in NYC right now. Layla and Michael explore the popularity of mayoral-elect Mamdani's affordability plan, the introduction of downstate casino licenses, and what New York City could look like in five years.

Also, we would like to congratulate Layla on her announcement to run for the New York State Assembly! You can find out more about her campaign here.

To find out more about Bergstein Flynn Knowlton & Pollina PLLC, visit our website at bfkplaw.com.

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Midtown Manhattan Rezoning with Howard Raber

Tue, 11 Nov 2025 15:20:46 GMT

On this episode of Closed!, Lee Bergstein is joined by Howard Raber, Investment Sales Professional at Ariel Property Advisors. Lee and Howard join in conversation about the implications of the Midtown South rezoning plan. They explore the urgent need for housing in New York City, the incentives for developers, and the challenges of converting office spaces to residential units. Listen to this episode to learn more about the overall optimism for New York’s real estate market.

If you live in New York City or are interested in real estate, then this podcast is for you!

You can find Howard Raber at https://arielpa.nyc/our-team/howard-raber.

To find out more about Bergstein Flynn Knowlton & Pollina PLLC, visit our website at bfkplaw.com.

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The Real Estate Market & The NYC Mayoral Race with Eric Anton

Wed, 24 Sep 2025 12:00:00 GMT

This week on Closed!, we’re joined by Eric Anton–commercial real estate broker at Marcus & Millichap and treasurer of Defend NYC– to discuss the intersection of New York City’s mayoral election and the real estate market. With crime, safety, and affordability dominating the campaign, the outcome of this election will have a profound impact on the city’s future.

Eric walks us through how candidates’ policies could shape the market, from proposals around rent freezes to law-and-order priorities, and explains why real estate professionals are watching this race so closely. We also delve into the role of political engagement through organizations like Defend NYC, the current recovery trends in the market post-COVID, and what these shifts mean for residents, investors and developers alike.

If you’ve been following the election – or if you’re just trying to understand how politics and real estate collide in New York City – this episode offers key insights on what’s at stake.

For more from Eric Anton, you can visit https://www.marcusmillichap.com/advisors/eric-m-anton.

As always, for more from Bergstein Flynn Knowlton & Pollina, you can visit https://www.bfkplaw.com/.

To find out more about Bergstein Flynn Knowlton & Pollina PLLC, visit our website at bfkplaw.com.

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CoStar v. Zillow with Rebecca Tushnet

Mon, 18 Aug 2025 16:00:00 GMT

This week, we are joined by Rebecca Tushnet, Faculty Co-Director and Professor of the First Amendment at Harvard Law School, to discuss one of the biggest cases in real estate — CoStar Group v. Zillow. CoStar is alleging that Zillow used nearly 47,000 of CoStar's copyrighted real estate images without license, so we asked Rebecca to help us break down the facts of the case, given her immense experience in Intellectual Property. Lee, Mike and Rebecca discusses the strength of CoStar's case as well as the strategies each party might use.

If you are are in the real estate sector, this case is one to watch as it has the possibility to set precedent in New York and potentially across the country. Catch up on the facts now!

You can find more of Rebecca's excellent legal analysis on her blog at tushnet.blogspot.com.

And as always, you can find Lee, Mike and the BFKP team at bfkplaw.com.

To find out more about Bergstein Flynn Knowlton & Pollina PLLC, visit our website at bfkplaw.com.

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The Analytics of the FARE Act with John Walkup

Wed, 30 Jul 2025 12:00:00 GMT

On this episode of Closed!, we take an analytical look at how the first days of the FARE Act are going, and how the New York City rental market has adjusted to the new law. To help us examine the early effects, Lee is joined by the Co-Founder of UrbanDigs, John Walkup! John goes through the data he is seeing(or not seeing, in some cases) in New York City apartment listings following the transferral of broker fees to the hirer under the FARE act.

If you've been following the FARE act, this is your chance to get the data about how it may be affecting your apartment search!

Check out UrbanDigs at https://www.urbandigs.com/ and John's podcast about Manhattan real estate, Talking Manhattan, at https://www.talkingmanhattan.com/.

As always, you can find Lee and the rest of the BFKP team at https://www.bfkplaw.com/.

To find out more about Bergstein Flynn Knowlton & Pollina PLLC, visit our website at bfkplaw.com.

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Designing Offices For The Future with Amanda Carroll

Wed, 16 Jul 2025 12:00:00 GMT

On this week's episode of Closed! Mike is joined by the Managing Director of Gensler, Amanda Carroll. Amanda has led the charge in designing some of the most innovative and human-centric designs in New York City commercial real estate, from Google's new Hudson Square headquarters to Etsy's Brooklyn office.

Amanda shares how she and her team captures a company's wants and culture in their design while also taking into account how individuals will interact with these spaces.

If you are interested in where office design is headed, you won't find a better source than this podcast!

To learn more about Gensler and check out some of their amazing work, you can visit their website at https://www.gensler.com/ or you can visit their Instagram @gensler_design.

You can find Mike and the BFKP team at https://www.bfkplaw.com.

To find out more about Bergstein Flynn Knowlton & Pollina PLLC, visit our website at bfkplaw.com.

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Office To Residential Conversions with Brian Steinwurtzel

Thu, 10 Jul 2025 15:26:15 GMT

In this episode of Closed!, Lee Bergstein sits down with Brian Steinwurtzel, co-CEO of GFP Real Estate, to discuss one of New York City’s most ambitious office-to-residential conversions to date: 25 Water Street.

They unpack the challenges of converting a commercial tower into housing—from financing and zoning to adding modern amenities that meet today’s tenant demands. Brian shares how GFP Real Estate is addressing affordable housing needs, incorporating community feedback, and helping transform the Financial District into a vibrant, mixed-use neighborhood, and how this increasing trend of commercial to residential conversions will be impacted by the upcoming mayoral election.

Whether you're in real estate, housing policy, or just curious about how NYC is reinventing its urban core, this conversation offers a firsthand look at the future of adaptive reuse.

Learn more about SOMA and GFP’s work:

SOMA: somanyc.com
GFP Real Estate: gfpre.com
Instagram: instagram.com/gfprealestate
Twitter: twitter.com/GFPRealEstate

And as always, for more from Lee and the team at BFKP, visit: bfkplaw.com.

To find out more about Bergstein Flynn Knowlton & Pollina PLLC, visit our website at bfkplaw.com.

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The Housing Policies of NYC Mayoral Candidates with Holly Pretsky

Tue, 17 Jun 2025 12:00:00 GMT

As the Democratic primary approaches and early voting has begun, we thought it would be a great time to do a deep dive into the candidates for New York City Mayor and their respective policies around housing. We asked Holly Pretsky to join us as we break down what these candidates have promised and what their track record is in their previous positions.

Holly Pretsky is a journalist and editor, currently serving as City Editor at City & State New York, where she leads coverage on the city’s political landscape, from housing to mayoral campaigns. Prior to joining City & State, Holly reported for outlets including NPR and the Vineyard Gazette, bringing a nuanced perspective to the challenges shaping New York City.

If you want to more about the candidates still in the running for mayor, this is the episode to listen to!

If you want to check out Holly's reporting, you can find her at https://www.cityandstateny.com/voices/holly-pretsky/17256/.

And as always, you can reach out to Lee at Bergstein Flynn Knowlton & Pollina by visiting bfkplaw.com.

To find out more about Bergstein Flynn Knowlton & Pollina PLLC, visit our website at bfkplaw.com.

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Selling Over $20 Billion In Real Estate with Bob Knakal

Fri, 13 Jun 2025 12:00:00 GMT

To close out two incredible weeks of episodes live from The Real Deal Forum on Closed!, we’re ending on a high note with one of New York City’s real estate titans—Bob Knakal.

Lee Bergstein and Bradley Pollina sit down with legendary broker Bob Knakal to discuss the lessons he’s learned from over 40 years in New York City real estate.

Bob reflects on how mentorship, mistakes, and meaningful relationships shaped his career. From staying top-of-mind with clients to the role of authenticity in modern marketing, this episode goes beyond real estate, offering timeless insights for anyone in sales or service.

If you've ever wanted to learn from someone who's closed over 2,300 deals—this one’s not to be missed.

To learn more about Bob, visit bobknakal.com, and to order his book Selling Buildings, head to Amazon. And as always, to learn more about Brad, Lee and BFKP, visit bfkplaw.com.

To find out more about Bergstein Flynn Knowlton & Pollina PLLC, visit our website at bfkplaw.com.

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Alternative Investments with Ben Friedland

Wed, 11 Jun 2025 12:00:00 GMT

Next up in our special Closed! series from The Real Deal Forum:

Bradley Pollina and Michael Flynn sit down with Ben Friedland, a leading real estate advisor in New York’s alternative investments sector at CBRE, to explore how hedge funds, private equity firms, and other major players are shaping the future of office leasing.

Ben shares how specialization has become essential in a competitive market and why understanding client needs is the foundation of successful long-term relationships. From the post-COVID evolution of office space to the collaborative shift in brokerage, this episode offers a deep dive into the strategies that define today’s real estate landscape.

You can connect with ben at ben.friedland@cbre.com and as always to get in touch with Brad or Mike, visit bfkplaw.com.

To find out more about Bergstein Flynn Knowlton & Pollina PLLC, visit our website at bfkplaw.com.

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Growing a Restaurant Franchise In New York with Paul Krug

Mon, 09 Jun 2025 16:40:58 GMT

Next up in our special Closed! series from The Real Deal Forum:

Bradley Pollina and Emily Ashe sit down with Paul Krug, founder of Glazed, a teriyaki restaurant franchise, to explore how his fast-casual Asian concept became a standout in New York’s competitive dining scene. From co-tenancy strategies to location choices, Paul shares the behind-the-scenes decisions that shape expansion in a post-pandemic hospitality market.

Paul explains his process from co-tenancy strategies, to location choices, to design choices that elevate customer experience. With plans to scale to 12–15 locations, this episode offers a compelling look at growing a restaurant brand that stays true to its flavor.

If you’ve ever wondered what goes into picking the perfect place to eat—don’t miss this one.

To learn more about Glazed Teriyaki, visit glazednyc.com

And as always, you can reach out to Brad and Emily at Bergstein Flynn Knowlton & Pollina by visiting bfkplaw.com

To find out more about Bergstein Flynn Knowlton & Pollina PLLC, visit our website at bfkplaw.com.

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Leaving A Review For Your Landlord with Allia Mohamed

Thu, 05 Jun 2025 10:00:00 GMT

Next up in our special Closed! series from The Real Deal Forum:

Lee Bergstein sits down with Allia Mohamed, CEO and co-founder of OpenIgloo, the platform reshaping the way renters navigate the New York City housing market. Born out of her own frustrations as a tenant, OpenIgloo has grown into a powerful tool for transparency—connecting renters and helping New Yorkers make informed decisions.

In this episode, Allia and Lee explore what tenants really care about today, from responsive management to the simple but crucial amenities that make or break a rental. They also break down how OpenIgloo is giving a voice to tenants while building bridges with landlords—and what’s next for the platform as it considers scaling beyond NYC.

If you’ve ever wanted a Yelp for apartment hunting in The Big Apple, this one’s for you.

To learn more about Open Igloo, visit openigloo.com/

And as always, you can reach out to Lee at Bergstein Flynn Knowlton & Pollina by visiting bfkplaw.com.

To find out more about Bergstein Flynn Knowlton & Pollina PLLC, visit our website at bfkplaw.com.

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Brooklyn Investment Trends with Dan Marks

Tue, 03 Jun 2025 16:56:48 GMT

Next up in our Real Deal Forum podcast series is Dan Marks, CEO of TerraCRG and one of the most insightful voices on Brooklyn’s real estate scene.

Dan joins Closed! to break down the latest investment trends shaping Brooklyn’s multifamily and commercial markets. From the impact of the 2019 rent stabilization laws to how upcoming elections may influence development, this conversation dives deep into the policy and market forces driving investor behavior across the borough.

If you’re looking to understand what’s happening on the ground in Brooklyn real estate, this episode is a must-listen.

To learn more about TerraCRG, visit terracrg.com

And as always, you can reach out to Lee at Bergstein Flynn Knowlton & Pollina by visiting bfkplaw.com.

To find out more about Bergstein Flynn Knowlton & Pollina PLLC, visit our website at bfkplaw.com.

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New Challenges To Congestion Pricing with Danny Pearlstein

Fri, 30 May 2025 10:00:00 GMT

Next up in our Real Deal Forum podcast series is Danny Pearlstein, Policy and Communications Director at Riders Alliance—and a lawyer himself.

Danny returns to Closed! to help us unpack the latest developments in NYC’s Congestion Pricing. Now that the policy is officially active across Manhattan, how is it shaping New York City? Danny breaks the early effects to commutes, certain neighborhoods, and the future of transit. We also touch on recent pushback, especially from the Trump administration.

If you're curious about how congestion pricing is affecting the city, here is your chance to get caught up!

To learn more about congestion pricing visit ridersalliance.org

And as always, you can reach out to Lee at Bergstein Flynn Knowlton & Pollina by visiting https://www.bfkplaw.com/.

To find out more about Bergstein Flynn Knowlton & Pollina PLLC, visit our website at bfkplaw.com.

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NYC Mayoral Candidates and Their Housing Policies with Erik Engquist

Wed, 28 May 2025 10:00:00 GMT

We’re kicking off our special Closed! Podcast series with returning guest Erik Engquist, recorded live at The Real Deal Forum!

Erik is the Senior Managing Editor at The Real Deal and joined us at our booth to talk about the upcoming NYC mayoral race and what it could mean for housing and real estate policy across the city. Lee and Erik break down the policies of all the top dogs in the race — Andrew Cuomo, Zohran Mamdani, Brad Lander and Eric Adams.

You can check out more of Erik’s reporting at https://therealdeal.com/

And as always, you can reach out to Lee at Bergstein Flynn Knowlton & Pollina by visiting https://www.bfkplaw.com/.

To find out more about Bergstein Flynn Knowlton & Pollina PLLC, visit our website at bfkplaw.com.

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Tariffs & Real Estate with Ferdinando Monte

Tue, 20 May 2025 10:00:00 GMT

We invited Associate Professor of Economics at Georgetown University Ferdinando Monte to join us on this episode of Closed! to discuss the hot button topic of tariffs. Lee and Ferdinando discuss the myriad of ways tariffs could influence the real estate market in New York.

Ferdinando Monte breaks down how tariffs can cause material shortages for developers, supply chain issues for commercial retail tenants and an increase in cost for consumers. If you're still trying to figure out how tariffs work and who they affect (like many of us are), then this episode is for you!

You can check out more from Ferdinando Monte by visiting his website: https://www.ferdinandomonte.com/.

And as always, you can reach out to Lee at Bergstein Flynn Knowlton & Pollina by visiting https://www.bfkplaw.com/.

To find out more about Bergstein Flynn Knowlton & Pollina PLLC, visit our website at bfkplaw.com.

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Construction Justice Act with Councilwoman Carmen De La Rosa

Tue, 13 May 2025 10:00:00 GMT

On this episode of Closed! Lee speaks with New York City Councilwoman Carmen De La Rosa. The Councilwoman currently represents District 10, which includes Washington Heights, Inwood and Marble Hill. Before she was a Councilwoman, Ms. De La Rosa was a member of the State Assembly. Carmen in a fierce advocate for criminal justice reform, workers’ rights, affordable housing, LGBTIA rights and a number of other important social justice causes.

We asked Councilwoman De La Rosa to join us to discuss her new bill, the Construction Justice Act. Councilwoman De La Rosa explains what the act is, how it is supposed to work and who this act benefits. Notably, she also addresses some of her biggest critics and detractors of the bill.

If you are keeping up with New York real estate, this bill will change the way in which development works, so don't miss this interview!

You can find more information on Councilwoman Carmen De La Rosa here: https://council.nyc.gov/carmen-de-la-rosa/

As always, you can reach out to Lee at Bergstein Flynn Knowlton & Pollina by visiting https://www.bfkplaw.com/.

To find out more about Bergstein Flynn Knowlton & Pollina PLLC, visit our website at bfkplaw.com.

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Real Estate Marketing with Bob Knakal & Gabe Marans

Tue, 29 Apr 2025 10:00:00 GMT

This week on Closed!, we are honored to be joined by two real estate titans, Bob Knakal and Gabe Marans. Bob is the Chairman and CEO of BKREA and Gabe is the Vice Chairman of Savills. Bob has brokered the sale of over $22 Billion in real estate. Gabe has negotiated lease transactions for 6 Million square feet of commercial space. Lee and Mike spoke with these two about their techniques to marketing in the real estate sector.

Bob and Gabe break down their journey on how they began on social media and what drew them to sites like LinkedIn. We get into how their content creation process has evolved over time (especially during covid) and how that has put their businesses into overdrive. Notably, Bob and Gabe leave the audience with what they think the social media landscape will look like in the next few years and their tips on how to navigate it.

If you are in the real sector or consider yourself an entrepreneur, this is THE podcast you absolutely can not miss.

You can find Bob Knakal at https://www.bobknakal.com or on his social media. You can find Bob's current projects at https://www.bkrea.com/

You can find Gabe Marans at https://www.gabemarans.com/ and on his social media.

And as always, you can reach out to Lee and Mike at Bergstein Flynn Knowlton & Pollina by visiting https://www.bfkplaw.com/.

To find out more about Bergstein Flynn Knowlton & Pollina PLLC, visit our website at bfkplaw.com.

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Congestion Pricing with Danny Pearlstein of the Rider's Alliance

Thu, 03 Apr 2025 15:02:19 GMT

On today’s episode of Closed!, Lee is joined by Danny Pearlstein, longtime transit advocate and Policy & Communications Director at the Riders Alliance, to talk about one of the most controversial—and effective—urban policies in New York City: congestion pricing.

Danny breaks down how this decades-in-the-making plan is finally working: reducing gridlock, speeding up buses, and bringing in much-needed revenue to upgrade the MTA. We get into the legal fights, the political pushback (from New Jersey to Washington), and why opponents' arguments just don’t hold up. Danny also shares what’s next for NYC transit, from fare reform to long-term capital investment—and why congestion pricing may just be the beginning.

If you’ve ever taken the subway, sat in Midtown traffic, or wondered what it takes to run a world-class transit system, this one’s for you.

Learn more and get involved at ridersalliance.org

And as always, to learn more about real estate and the law, visit bflawoffice.com

To find out more about Bergstein Flynn Knowlton & Pollina PLLC, visit our website at bfkplaw.com.

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Professor Arpit Gupta

Wed, 19 Mar 2025 21:06:48 GMT

On today’s episode of Closed!, Lee sits down with Arpit Gupta, Associate Professor of Finance at NYU Stern, to explore how remote work is reshaping New York City’s office market, and where the opportunities might lie amid all the disruption.

Arpit walks us through his research paper, Work from Home and the Office Real Estate Apocalypse (don’t worry, it’s not all doom and gloom), breaking down why Class A and A+ office space is thriving, while older buildings are being forced to rethink their future.

Together, Lee and Arpit unpack how changing work habits are creating both challenges and new possibilities for landlords, investors, and cities alike. From adaptive reuse and “flight to quality,” to what NYC can learn from other markets around the world, this is a conversation about more than just real estate—it’s about how cities evolve.

If you’re curious about what the next decade of office space could look like, this one’s for you.

For more on Arpit and his research, visit arpitgupta.info or follow him on X @Arpitrage.

And as always, check out bflawoffice.com for more insights on real estate and the law.

To find out more about Bergstein Flynn Knowlton & Pollina PLLC, visit our website at bfkplaw.com.

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Vishaan Chakrabarti

Thu, 13 Mar 2025 09:00:00 GMT

On today’s episode of Closed!, we’re diving into the future of cities with one of the leading voices in urban design. Lee sits down with Vishaan Chakrabarti, architect, urban planner, and founder of Practice for Architecture and Urbanism (PAU) to discuss his his vision for sustainable, equitable, and vibrant cities.

Listen in to get a glimpse into Vishaan's career in both the public and private sectors—from advising Mayor Bloomberg on post-9/11 urban planning to leading transformative projects like the redevelopment of the Domino Sugar Refinery (one of the coolest developments in the city, from former Closed! guest David Lombino. We also discuss his latest book, The Architecture of Urbanity, which argues that great design is key to solving today’s biggest challenges—social division, climate change, and the affordability crisis.

Join us as we rethink density in urban America, discuss the future of Penn Station, and learn why Vishaan says design matters more than ever in shaping communities. Whether you’re a real estate professional, an urbanist, or just someone who loves cities, this episode is packed with insights you won’t want to miss.

For more on Vishaan and PAU, visit pau.studio and check out The Architecture of Urbanity on Amazon or Princeton University Press.

And as always, to learn more about real estate and the law, go to bflawoffice.com.

To find out more about Bergstein Flynn Knowlton & Pollina PLLC, visit our website at bfkplaw.com.

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Joseph Tirone

Fri, 07 Mar 2025 22:49:03 GMT

It's 2025, where spring has sprung, and we’re kicking off a new season of Closed! with a conversation you won’t want to miss. Lee sits down with Joe Tirone, a seasoned real estate broker, community organizer, and the founder of The Joe Tirone Team at Compass Staten Island.

In this episode, we dive into Joe’s decades of experience in NYC real estate and his pivotal role in organizing the Oakwood Beach Buyout after Hurricane Sandy. He shares how he helped Staten Island homeowners secure state-backed buyouts, flood risks to homeowners, and what that experience taught him about resilience, policy, and the future of coastal real estate.

Beyond disaster recovery, Joe discusses his work in waterfront development and how he’s shaping Staten Island’s real estate market for the next generation.

Whether you’re interested in the intersection of real estate and public policy, disaster recovery, or just love a great industry story, this episode has something for you!

For more on Joe and The Joe Tirone Team, visit https://thejoetironeteam.com/.

And as always, to learn more about real estate and the law, go to https://bflawoffice.com/.

To find out more about Bergstein Flynn Knowlton & Pollina PLLC, visit our website at bfkplaw.com.

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Erik Engquist - Presidential Housing Policy

Tue, 15 Oct 2024 09:00:30 GMT

On this week's pre-election special of Closed! we talk to The Real Deal Senior Editor Erik Engquist to learn about what both presidential candidates are likely to do in terms of Housing Policy. We hear about incentives for development, what affordable housing can do for a local economy, and how important these policies are to voters.

Erik's publication The Real Deal is the industry standard publication for New York Real Estate news. You can learn more at https://therealdeal.com/

And as always you can learn more about real estate and the law at bfklawoffice.com!

To find out more about Bergstein Flynn Knowlton & Pollina PLLC, visit our website at bfkplaw.com.

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Council Member Keith Powers

Tue, 01 Oct 2024 09:00:25 GMT

This week on Closed! we're joined by NYC Council Member Keith Powers for a very special episode! Council Member Powers asked his constituents what he could do to improve their quality of lives, and the result is our most requested, long-awaited episode on Sidewalk Sheds!

We talk about the plethora of sheds on the streets of our city, covering everything from their obvious benefits and drawbacks to the unintended side effects. . How do sheds protect the populace? How do they harm local business? How does Local Law 11 contribute to an endless cycle of scaffolding going up and down in NYC?

All this and more on this week's episode of Closed! NYC's Real Estate Podcast!

You can learn more about Council Member Keith Powers at https://council.nyc.gov/district-4/

And as always, for all things real estate and the law go to bfklawoffice.com

To find out more about Bergstein Flynn Knowlton & Pollina PLLC, visit our website at bfkplaw.com.

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Gerard Nocera

Tue, 17 Sep 2024 09:00:09 GMT

On today's episode of Closed! Mike and Emily have the opportunity to speak with Gerard "Jerry" Nocera of Resolution Real Estate. In our wide-ranging discussion we learn about a lifetime of efforts in the real estate industry, hearing how Jerry has leveraged his experience in all aspects of the field to forge Resolution Real Estate into a full-service company. Jerry tells of his time being mentored by industry powerhouses and leading SL Green, one of the largest property management companies in the world.

Whether you're interested in asset acquisition, development, management, or sales, there's something to learn in today's episode of Closed! NYC's Real Estate Podcast!

For more on Jerry and Resolution Real Estate, you can go to https://resolutionrealestate.com/

And as always to learn more about real estate and the law, go to https://bflawoffice.com/

To find out more about Bergstein Flynn Knowlton & Pollina PLLC, visit our website at bfkplaw.com.

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Owning Manhattan

Fri, 30 Aug 2024 15:48:46 GMT

BFKP is proud to present the Closed! podcast's interview with the cast of Owning Manhattan, Netflix's peek behind the curtain into the fast paced world of Serhant Real Estate, just in time for the announcement of Season 2!

Lee and Mike headed down to the Serhant office in Soho for a roundtable conversation with Jordan March, Tricia Lee, Jade Shenker, Jeffrey St. Arromand, and Genesis Suero. In our wide-ranging discussion we touch on topics from the challenges of filming a long-term reality show, to maintaining a personal and professional brand, and a look into the skills and knowledge that makes the Serhant team of brokers so effective.

We were entertained, engaged, and informed from start to finish, and we know you will be too!

For more on Serhant and how they're shaking up the world of NYC real estate, check out https://serhant.com/ and watch Owning Manhattan on Netflix!

To learn more about each of the cast members check them all out on instagram:

Jordan March - https://www.instagram.com/itsjordanmarch/?hl=en

Genesis Suero - https://www.instagram.com/genesissuero/?hl=en

Tricia Lee - https://www.instagram.com/lovetricialee/?hl=en

Jeffrey St. Arromand - https://www.instagram.com/jsa_sells_nyc/?hl=en

Jade Shenker - https://www.instagram.com/jadeshenker/?hl=en

And as always, check out bflawoffice.com to learn more about real estate and the law.

To find out more about Bergstein Flynn Knowlton & Pollina PLLC, visit our website at bfkplaw.com.

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Senator Joseph Addabbo - NY Casino Development

Thu, 29 Aug 2024 16:10:32 GMT

On today's episode of "Closed!" we talk to NY State Senator Joseph Addabbo, Chairman of the Committee on Racing, Gaming and Wagering. Sen. Addabbo has a 20+ year career as an elected official representing New Yorkers as both a city council member and a state senator for Queens' 15th State Senate District, and we thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to speak about his service and his expertise.

It seems to many that the project to license casinos in Manhattan has been on our horizon for years, so take this chance to learn about the lengthy processes for both legislators and businesses. From passage of the gaming bills to rezoning struggles and (ideally) breaking ground on massive capital investments, it takes a lot to build a casino! We even play a game of Six Degrees of Lee Bergstein and find an unusual connection between host and guest.

Check out this week's episode of Closed! to learn more!

For more info on Senator Addabbo and the 15th State Senate District of NY you can go to https://www.nysenate.gov/senators/joseph-p-addabbo-jr/about.

And as always, to learn more about real estate and the law you can check out https://bflawoffice.com/

To find out more about Bergstein Flynn Knowlton & Pollina PLLC, visit our website at bfkplaw.com.

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Dan Marks - CEO of TerraCRG

Fri, 07 Jun 2024 16:00:39 GMT

On today's episode of Closed! Lee sits down with Dan Marks, CEO of premier Brooklyn real estate brokerage TerraCRG, to talk about Lee's favorite borough. We learn about the strengths of the Brooklyn market over the last decade and the opportunities for growth in the next, as well as the changing development incentive landscape following the demise of 421a and the birth of the new 485x tax abatement program. We even touch on producer Conor's favorite topic: tax assessments on developed land!

This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the Brooklyn development market, or anyone who wants a clear understanding of how tax abatements impact development (without speaking Serbian).

You can learn more about the exciting projects Dan and the TerraCRG team are working on at www.terracrg.com

And as always for all your legal real estate matters, go to bfklawoffice.com

To find out more about Bergstein Flynn Knowlton & Pollina PLLC, visit our website at bfkplaw.com.

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Sarah Pizer - Supportive Housing Development

Fri, 31 May 2024 20:15:26 GMT

On this episode of Closed! Lee speaks with Sarah Pizer of The Hudson Companies about her exciting Hell's Kitchen development "The Lirio." We learn about the difference between affordable housing and supportive housing, how The Hudson Companies worked with the MTA to secure the development, and the importance of addressing community issues and needs when planning new developments.

We also touch base about developing their condominium at One Clinton in Brooklyn over a beautiful branch of the Brooklyn Public Library, and everyone's favorite process to say (and least favorite process to go through) ULURP!

You can learn more about The Hudson Companies and all their projects at www.hudsoninc.com, and as always you can learn about all your real estate and legal needs at bfklawoffice.com

To find out more about Bergstein Flynn Knowlton & Pollina PLLC, visit our website at bfkplaw.com.

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Jared White of Quadrum Global

Tue, 21 May 2024 18:16:18 GMT

On today's episode of Closed! we speak to Jared White of Quadrum Global to discuss the NYC hotel market, the process of evaluating and purchasing a major hotel like Quadrum's Arlo Williamsburg, and the value of services that hotels offer which non-traditional alternatives cannot.

You can learn more about Jared and Quadrum Global at https://www.quadrumglobal.com/

And as always you can check out bfklawoffice.com for all your real estate legal needs in NYC!

To find out more about Bergstein Flynn Knowlton & Pollina PLLC, visit our website at bfkplaw.com.

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Layla Law-Gisiko: Community Involvement in Development Policy

Mon, 29 Apr 2024 20:53:19 GMT

On today's episode of Closed! Emily and Mike chat with 18 year veteran of Community Board 5, Layla Law-Gisiko, about her experience and role in helping to shape development of midtown Manhattan.

We have a very informative chat with Layla about what a New York Community Board does, how she got involved, and the enormous ways that you can impact your community through political activism. We learn about public housing, the impact of tax incentives and building conversion, long-term vs. short-term development policies, and the role she believes special interests should play in shaping these policies.

We learned so much, and we think you will too!

You can learn more about Layla at https://www.laylaforny.com/, and as always you can find Bergstein Flynn Knowlton & Pollina at bfklawoffice.com.

To find out more about Bergstein Flynn Knowlton & Pollina PLLC, visit our website at bfkplaw.com.

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Eric Anton - Sweet Deals and Market Report

Wed, 17 Apr 2024 20:52:22 GMT

On this week's episode of Closed! Lee and Brad chat with award-winning broker Eric Anton of the Anton Group at Marcus & Millichap about the state of the market and insight into his most memorable deals.

We get the scoop on Eric's expectations in the commercial real estate market and a behind the scenes look at his policy of building strong business relationships on commonality and communication. Who would have thought that solar eclipses and beekeeping can pave the way to successful deals?

You can learn more about the Anton Group at https://antongroupnyc.com/ and, as always, check out bfklawoffice.com for all your real estate and legal needs!

To find out more about Bergstein Flynn Knowlton & Pollina PLLC, visit our website at bfkplaw.com.

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Yiannes Einhorn: Blueprints, Bricks, and Building Inspections

Tue, 20 Feb 2024 20:37:15 GMT

On this episode of the Closed! Podcast, Lee and Brad chat with Yiannes Einhorn, a developer with experience on projects across NYC through his organization Grid Group. In our wide-ranging discussion we touch on Yiannes' entrance into development, commitment to quality construction, his father's role in pioneering home inspections, and even Brad's favorite: access agreements!

It’s a conversation as engaging as it is informative, and we know you'll enjoy this peek behind the scenes of high quality home construction.

To find out more about Bergstein Flynn Knowlton & Pollina PLLC, visit our website at bfkplaw.com.

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Objection! You're Fiction: The Santa Clause

Tue, 19 Dec 2023 20:28:10 GMT

Check out the BFKP team in their series unpacking legal issues in movies and TV shows, "Objection! You're Fiction"

On this holiday edition of Objection! Your Fiction, BFKP team members Lee, Brad, and Emily talk about the 1994 film The Santa Clause. Like any good children’s movie, it opens with the accidental death of Santa Claus and a coat-based contract. But how enforceable is this “Santa Clause?” Are milk and cookies fair compensation? Does your homeowner’s policy cover sleigh damage? Find out if the team would take on Scott Calvin's case by listening to our most festive episode yet!

To find out more about Bergstein Flynn Knowlton & Pollina PLLC, visit our website at bfkplaw.com.

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Mike Fabbri: Mixed Media and Real Estate

Mon, 18 Dec 2023 16:58:32 GMT

On this episode of the Closed! Podcast, Cooper and Emily chat with Michael Fabbri, a luxury real estate broker with The Agency RE. In his first year as a broker, he earned Corcoran's Manhattan Rookie Broker of the Year award for earning over $10 million in sales volume. He talks about the importance of leveraging social media as an agent, recent preference changes in luxury amenities, and gives the inside scoop of his appearances on The Real Housewives of New York City and Million Dollar Listing. It’s a fascinating conversation with a true real estate powerhouse, and we hope you enjoy it as much as we did!

To find out more about Bergstein Flynn Knowlton & Pollina PLLC, visit our website at bfkplaw.com.

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Jay Martin: CHIP and Affordable Housing Solutions in NYC

Mon, 11 Dec 2023 17:27:58 GMT

On this episode of the Closed! podcast, Lee and Mike chat with Jay Martin, the Executive Director of the Community Housing Improvement Program (CHIP), where he advocates for fair housing policies in New York City. Martin discusses a lack of understanding of the NYC housing market, the power tenant groups have over lawmakers, and potential policy solutions to improve housing for all New Yorkers. Martin gives a fascinating perspective on the affordable housing issues pressing the city, and we hope you find the conversation as interesting as we did!

To find out more about Bergstein Flynn Knowlton & Pollina PLLC, visit our website at bfkplaw.com.

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Robert Levine: RAL and the Future of Development in NYC

Wed, 01 Nov 2023 20:33:20 GMT

On this episode of the Closed! podcast, Cooper and Lee chat with renowned developer, Robert A. Levine, the founder and CEO of RAL, who has been responsible for the development of more than 100 luxury residential, hotel and mixed-use projects throughout the country totaling in the hundreds of millions of dollars in project valuations. The conversation focuses on Mr. Levine's experience developing One Brooklyn Bridge Park, the biggest residential conversion in Brooklyn’s history, but also touches on some of RALs other projects including Zero Irving, a recently finished office building on 14th street, and Quay Towers. Mr. Levine also shares his thoughts on the future of development and affordable housing in NYC. It's a fascinating conversation with a legend in the field. We hope you give it a listen.

To find out more about Bergstein Flynn Knowlton & Pollina PLLC, visit our website at bfkplaw.com.

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David Lombino: Developing the Refinery at Domino

Mon, 23 Oct 2023 18:40:06 GMT

On this episode of the Closed! podcast Brad and Cooper chat with David Lombino, the managing director of external affairs at Two Trees, about the newly opened Refinery at Domino. The Refinery at Domino is the centerpiece of the 11-acre Domino Sugar Factory site in Williamsburg -- a 15-story, 460,000-square-foot Class A office space built within an industrial brick structure originally completed in 1884. During the conversation Lombino shares the history of the project, including how Two Trees acquired the property, why they made the decision to turn this building into office space (when it was originally supposed to be a residential) and some of the unique challenges associated with developing a historic building like this one. Lombino also shares the variety of amenities offered in the Refinery and some updates about the building's current status. It's an amazing project and a fascinating conversation. Give it a listen and let us know what you think.

To find out more about Bergstein Flynn Knowlton & Pollina PLLC, visit our website at bfkplaw.com.

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Stephen Wendell: The Trends in Tourism and Hotels

Wed, 27 Sep 2023 19:48:12 GMT

On this episode of the Closed! podcast, Lee and Cooper chat with Stephen Wendell, Founder and CEO of Mountain Shore Properties, a company that develops commercial and residential properties across the US. During the conversation Stephen discusses how Mountain Shore vets and selects its projects, how the pandemic impacted travel trends, and the challenges the company faced when recently developing a hotel in the Catskills. Stephen also shares his perspective on how the new Airbnb rules in New York City are likely to impact the hotel industry and the future of tourism in New York City. It’s a wide-ranging conversation with a lot of relevant insights for developers and anyone involved in the world of hotels. We hope you give it a listen!

To find out more about Bergstein Flynn Knowlton & Pollina PLLC, visit our website at bfkplaw.com.

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Councilman Joe Borelli: Understanding NYC's Affordable Housing Crisis

Wed, 20 Sep 2023 20:00:01 GMT

On this episode of Closed! Mike and Lee chat with Councilman Joe Borelli, the Council Minority Leader from Staten Island, about NYC's affordable housing crisis. The conversation focuses on why it's so difficult to construct new units in NYC, how the end of 421a is affecting development, and potential compromises between the right and left on housing issues. They also discuss why so many rent stabilized units are vacant, why Brooklyn is leading the way in new development, and NYC's implementation of local law 97. It's an interesting conversation and we appreciate Councilman Borelli giving us some of his time and weighing in on these important issues.

Joe Borelli is the Minority Leader of the New York City Council who represents the 51st Council District, which encompasses Staten Island's South Shore,

To find out more about Bergstein Flynn Knowlton & Pollina PLLC, visit our website at bfkplaw.com.

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Briggs Elwell: Developing Tools for Brokers and Agents

Wed, 26 Jul 2023 03:37:08 GMT

On this episode of the Closed podcast Lee and Cooper chat with Briggs Elwell, the CEO and co-founder of RLTY Capital, a New York-based specialty finance firm for the real estate community offering a comprehensive suite of services for agents. During this conversation Briggs explains the nuts and bolts of RLTY's platform for advancing commissions for agents. Briggs also shares details about the suite of other products RLTY offers brokers including LLC formation, wealth management services, and (coming soon!) a comprehensive health insurance plan.

We really enjoyed hearing all about what RLTY is doing in the real estate space and we hope you take some time to listen. For more on RLTY check out: https://rltycap.com/

To find out more about Bergstein Flynn Knowlton & Pollina PLLC, visit our website at bfkplaw.com.

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William Cohan: The REIT Headache

Sat, 24 Jun 2023 04:59:44 GMT

On this episode of Closed! we chat with New York Times best selling author William Cohan about the current state of the commercial real estate market. The conversation focuses on how the dual blows of the pandemic and rapidly rising rates have put the squeeze on owners of class B real estate, and the holders of office focused REITs. Cohan also shares his thoughts on the what future looks like for this asset class, and how building owners are likely to respond. It's an extremely informative conversation and we hope you give it a listen.

William D. Cohan, a former senior Wall Street M&A investment banker for 17 years at Lazard Frères & Co., Merrill Lynch and JPMorganChase, is the New York Times bestselling author of three non-fiction narratives about Wall Street: Money and Power: How Goldman Sachs Came to Rule the World; House of Cards: A Tale of Hubris and Wretched Excess on Wall Street; and, The Last Tycoons: The Secret History of Lazard Frères & Co., the winner of the 2007 FT/Goldman Sachs Business Book of the Year Award.

To find out more about Bergstein Flynn Knowlton & Pollina PLLC, visit our website at bfkplaw.com.

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Filippo Incorvaia: AI for Real Estate Professionals

Mon, 01 May 2023 22:53:13 GMT

In this episode of the Closed Podcast, Lee Bergstein and Mike Flynn chat with Filippo Incorvaia, the CEO of FI Real Estate based in Miami. During this conversation Filippo explains how he is using AI tools like ChatGPT to improve systems and maximize efficiency within his business. He also shares how AI technologies have the potential to reshape the world of real estate and provides some practical advice for all professionals looking to learn how to use these powerful new tools. It's an incredibly interesting conversation and we hope you learn as much from it as we did! Give it a listen and let us know what you think.

Filippo Incorvaia, is a Venezuelan-born entrepreneur of Italian heritage who relocated to New York at a young age. With a Bachelor's degree in Engineering Science, he began his professional career at Wall Street's New York Board of Trade before eventually venturing out to start his own business. Drawing on his diverse professional background and international upbringing, Filippo possesses a deep understanding of his clients' unique real estate needs and desires. He is committed to going above and beyond to find the perfect solution for each and every client he serves, and is well-versed in utilizing cutting-edge internet marketing tools to attract the widest possible range of qualified buyers. With an unwavering dedication to providing the highest level of service to his clients, Filippo's work ethic and principles have earned him a reputation as one of the most motivated and trustworthy agents in the industry.

To find out more about Bergstein Flynn Knowlton & Pollina PLLC, visit our website at bfkplaw.com.

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David Sheldon: Saving the Seaport

Sat, 22 Apr 2023 21:01:20 GMT

David Sheldon is a coordinator and member of the community advocacy group Save Our Seaport, which is part of the Seaport Coalition. The Seaport Coalition recently came out victorious in a lawsuit against the Landmark Preservation Committee (LPC) over approval to build a tower in place of a parking lot (South St. Seaport Coalition v. LPC). In this episode of the Closed podcast Cooper Knowlton and Michael Flynn chat with David about this case, and discuss the larger implications that this matter may have on development and the preservation of historical sites in New York City. Give it a listen and let us know what you think.

To find out more about Bergstein Flynn Knowlton & Pollina PLLC, visit our website at bfkplaw.com.

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Suzannah Cavanaugh: The Future of Rent-Stabilized Buildings & Covid Guarantees

Thu, 13 Apr 2023 17:34:55 GMT

In this episode of the Closed! podcast, Lee Bergstein and Bradley Pollina chat with Suzannah Cavanaugh, a reporter and podcast producer at The Real Deal, where her work focuses on the intersection of CRE and public policy. In this conversation they discuss how the recent banking crisis is impacting owners of rent stabilized properties in New York City and what that might mean for the future of rent stabilization laws. They also chat about the the recent SDNY ruling on the New York City guarantee law and what the likely impact of that decision will be.

This is one of the best conversations we've had on the podcast and hope you give it a listen! More from Suzannah can be found here: https://therealdeal.com/author/suzannah-cavanaugh/

To find out more about Bergstein Flynn Knowlton & Pollina PLLC, visit our website at bfkplaw.com.

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Irina Strembitsky: Cruising the World

Thu, 30 Mar 2023 03:17:39 GMT

In this episode of Closed! Lee Bergstein and Emily Ashe chat with Irina Strembitsky, the director of sales at Life at Sea Cruises, the world’s first three-year world cruise, which covers more than 130,000 miles, visiting 375 ports across 135 countries and seven continents. During this conversation they chat about the origin of the three-year world cruise project, how Life at Sea came up with the three-year itinerary, and how they attempt to balance luxury and affordability. While the conversation might not have much to do with NYC real estate, it's an interesting business and one we thought our listeners would enjoy learning more about. Let us know what you think!

To find out more about Bergstein Flynn Knowlton & Pollina PLLC, visit our website at bfkplaw.com.

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2023 NYC Real Estate Predictions

Thu, 12 Jan 2023 18:16:46 GMT

In 2023 we are kicking things off with a "Prediction Episode" where we attempt to make sense of what the NYC housing and commercial real estate markets will look like over the coming year. During the conversation we chat about how interest rates will continue to shape deal flow in the housing market, affordability in the rental markets, and the possibility of new tax abatements for developers. We also discuss whether 2023 will finally establish what the new normal is post-pandemic and how that will affect office leasing. Finally, we close out the conversation with some thoughts on experiential retail, rethinking office space, and the growth of the cannabis industry. It's a fun conversation and we hope you give it a listen. Let us know if there are any predictions we missed!

To find out more about Bergstein Flynn Knowlton & Pollina PLLC, visit our website at bfkplaw.com.

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Peter Grazioli: The Brooklyn Market Report

Fri, 02 Dec 2022 20:20:53 GMT

On this episode of the Closed! podcast Cooper sits down for a one-on-one interview with Peter Grazioli, a licensed real estate salesperson with Brown Harris Stevens, based in Brooklyn. During the conversation they touch on what makes Brooklyn an outlier in the greater housing ecosystem, how rising interest rates are shaping buyers decisions, and other trends affecting the market. They also look at the evolving nature of the Brooklyn rental market, the neighborhoods that are changing most rapidly, and discuss some advice for buyers and sellers thinking about jumping into the market in the near term future. It's a great conversation and we hope you give it a listen!

To contact Peter visit his webpage here: https://www.bhsusa.com/real-estate-agent/peter-grazioli

To find out more about Bergstein Flynn Knowlton & Pollina PLLC, visit our website at bfkplaw.com.

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Explainer: Good Guy Guarantee

Thu, 27 Oct 2022 15:01:47 GMT

In this special explainer episode, Lee Bergstein, Mike Flynn, and Cooper Knowlton answer a common question: What exactly is a “Good Guy Guarantee?” Join to learn about the misconceptions and pitfalls of this subject, different “Good Guy Guarantee" scenarios and much more! As always let us know what you think.

To find out more about Bergstein Flynn Knowlton & Pollina PLLC, visit our website at bfkplaw.com.

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Hari Kalyan: Prohibition Rules, Pandemic Possibility

Tue, 11 Oct 2022 15:42:12 GMT

On this episode we chat with Hari Kalyan, who is a partner with Warren Kalyan & Mattocks and the co-founder of Randolph beer. He gives insight on how New York is functioning in a post pandemic world, explaining how remote work has affected the hospitality business, why cannabis licensing is more inclusive than liquor licensing, and much more. You definitely don’t want to miss this episode. As always let us know what you think! To learn more about Warren Kalyan & Mattocks you can visit their website here: https://www.warrenkalyan.com/

To find out more about Bergstein Flynn Knowlton & Pollina PLLC, visit our website at bfkplaw.com.

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Allia Mohamed: Bringing Transparency to the Rental Market

Thu, 15 Sep 2022 18:01:32 GMT

Openigloo is a new startup that aims to bring transparency to NYC's apartment-hunting process by gathering public information on thousands of rental buildings in the five boroughs into a single app. On this episode we chat with Allia Mohamed the founder of Openigloo who shares the story of the platform's launch in 2020, the unique ways in which they collect and aggregate data on the rental market, and how renters are using and responding to having this information. She also shares some of the recent trends that she's seeing in the rental market, some thoughts on brokers fees, and shares the craziest complaint she's ever heard from renters in NYC. It's a great conversation and we're very excited to share this great new platform with all of you. As always let us know what you think!

To learn more about Openigloo you can visit their website here: https://www.openigloo.com/home

To find out more about Bergstein Flynn Knowlton & Pollina PLLC, visit our website at bfkplaw.com.

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Kate Wittels: The Rise of Innovation Districts

Wed, 31 Aug 2022 16:20:06 GMT

In this episode Cooper Knowlton and Emily Cajigas chat with Kate Wittels, a partner at the consulting firm of HR&A, where she advises governments, developers, and businesses on leveraging technology and forging connections to create districts, workforces, and economies that are ready for the future. The conversation focuses on innovation districts -- understanding how they're formed, what they need to be successful, and the various challenges they often face. They also chat about innovation districts in New York City, specifically the Navy Yard and Industry City, and how these districts are being rethought in the age of remote work. It's a great conversation and a must listen for anyone interested in the future of cities.

To find out more about Bergstein Flynn Knowlton & Pollina PLLC, visit our website at bfkplaw.com.

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Howard Husock: The End of 421-a

Sat, 13 Aug 2022 22:21:05 GMT

Howard Husock is a senior fellow in Domestic Policy Studies at the American Enterprise Institute (AEI), where he focuses on municipal government, urban housing policy, civil society, and philanthropy. On this episode Lee Bergstein and Cooper Knowlton chat with Howard about the end of 421-a tax subsidy and the future of NYC's real estate tax system.

The 421-a subsidy was a tax break where developers who included multi-family residential housing within their projects would get a tax break for 15-25 years. It was the most costly tax break in NYC, costing $1.77 billion dollars annually, and when the bill expired in June it was not renewed, as many perceived that the cost to the city was too high compared to the low amount of new units it created. This conversation digs into why the subsidy wasn't renewed, what comes next, and how to fix what many perceive as a broken real estate tax system in New York City.

To find out more about Bergstein Flynn Knowlton & Pollina PLLC, visit our website at bfkplaw.com.

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Kim Velsey: What's Driving the Affordability Crisis in the NYC Housing Market

Mon, 18 Jul 2022 22:09:07 GMT

On this episode of Closed! Emily Cajigas and Cooper Knowlton chat with journalist Kim Velsey about a variety of topics related to the New York City housing market including how Airbnb rentals are affecting supply, bidding wars, and the proposed Good Cause Eviction Bill. They also address the new changes to the rent stabilization laws and how brokers are responding to the tightening market. It's a great conversation and Kim has a ton of interesting insights on all of these topics. You can find Kim on Twitter at @KVelsey.

To find out more about Bergstein Flynn Knowlton & Pollina PLLC, visit our website at bfkplaw.com.

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Professor Richard Peiser: New Towns and the Future of Development

Wed, 13 Jul 2022 22:27:43 GMT

In this episode David Friedman and Cooper Knowlton chat with Professor Richard Peiser. Professor Peiser is the Michael D. Spear Professor of Real Estate Development at Harvard’s Graduate School of Design, and wrote the textbook for Professional Real Estate Development. His most recent academic offerings include the Urban Land Institute’s “Guide to the Business” of Professional Real Estate Development and the Routledge Companion to Real Estate Development. In this conversation Professor Peiser discusses a variety of topics including his research on new towns, how the economic downturn will affect real estate development, and the affects of Covid on the real estate development marketplace. It's a great conversation and hope you give it a listen!

To find out more about Bergstein Flynn Knowlton & Pollina PLLC, visit our website at bfkplaw.com.

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Assemblyman Harvey Epstein: Addressing NYC's Housing Crisis

Tue, 21 Jun 2022 20:42:01 GMT

In this episode Michael Flynn and Cooper Knowlton chat with Assemblyman Harvey Epstein. Assemblyman Epstein represents district 74 in NYC, stretching from Union Square to the Williamsburg Bridge and up to the UN. He is a tireless advocate of housing rights in New York City, and has co-authored several key pieces of legislation focused on the affordability crisis in the City. In this conversation he shares more about the housing issues currently facing New Yorkers, talks about key pieces of legislation he's currently working on, and shares resources for NYC residents interested in learning more about their rights. We feel very lucky to have gotten a little bit of the Assemblyman's time and think it's a conversation you'll get a lot of out. Give it a listen and let us know what you think.

To find out more about Bergstein Flynn Knowlton & Pollina PLLC, visit our website at bfkplaw.com.

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Jonathan Miller: Forecasting the NYC Housing Market

Thu, 09 Jun 2022 16:19:44 GMT

On this episode Lee Bergstein and Cooper Knowlton chat with Jonathan Miller the CEO of Miller Samuel Inc. and an associate professor teaching market analysis at Columbia. Miller Samuel are market leading real estate analysts, and have been preparing the Douglas Elliman market reports for 28 years. During this episode they dive into trends currently affecting the housing market in NYC, discuss the lingering affects of the pandemic on the market, and chat about how the housing market in NYC compares to the rest of the country. Jonathan brings a wealth of information to this conversation and it's a must listen for anyone thinking short or long term about owning property in New York City.

To find out more about Bergstein Flynn Knowlton & Pollina PLLC, visit our website at bfkplaw.com.

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Andy Grover: Converting Retail Spaces into Dental Offices

Fri, 03 Jun 2022 20:46:23 GMT

In this episode Lee Bergstein and Cooper Knowlton chat with Andy Grover the Co-Founder and Chief Development Officer at Tend, a technology-driven dental startup that provides hassle-free, personalized dental services. In this conversation they focus on how Tend has grown into one of the biggest dental businesses in NYC, by taking retail spaces and converting them into dental offices.

To find out more about Bergstein Flynn Knowlton & Pollina PLLC, visit our website at bfkplaw.com.

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Episode 1: Jeff Bonk

Mon, 23 May 2022 23:13:11 GMT

Jeff Bonk is a broker at the HBB Group in Hoboken NJ. In this episode he chats with Mike Flynn and Lee Bergstein about the Hoboken real estate market. More specifically they discuss how the market has evolved, the differences between the purchasing in NY and NJ, and where they see the NJ market going in the coming years. It's a great conversation and we hope you give it a listen.

To find out more about Bergstein Flynn Knowlton & Pollina PLLC, visit our website at bfkplaw.com.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.