Closed!

On this episode of Closed!, recorded live at The Real Deal Forum, Lee and Emily sit down with Brave Ronquillo-Ascalon, a business development leader at Stage One, to talk about the role of staging and furniture, fixtures, and equipment (FF&E) in transforming how real estate is wholly experienced and ultimately sold to buyers.Brave breaks down why FF&E is the 5% that makes up 100% of a buyer's first impression of a development, demonstrating how the right lobby, amenity space, furniture selection, artwork, materials, and layout can shape their opinions before they ever step inside a unit. She discusses how Stage One works with developers and landlords as a one-stop procurement and furnishing partner to streamline increasingly complex new development projects. From the emotional impact of design to the practical risks of poor staging and designs, Brave explains why even a small slice of a project's budget can define the entire sensory experience of a building.To learn more about Brave Ronquillo-Ascalon and Stage One, find Stage One on Instagram and LinkedIn, and as always, to learn more about Lee, Emily, and BFKP, visit bfkplaw.com.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.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.

On this episode of Closed!, recorded live at The Real Deal Forum, Mike and Emily sit down with Samir Mezrahi, founder of Zillow Gone Wild, the viral real estate platform highlighting the most unusual and unexpected listings across the country.Samir talks about the origins of Zillow Gone Wild as a pandemic-era side project that grew into a multi-platform media brand with more than 4 million followers and a hit HGTV television franchise. He breaks down why real estate has become entertainment, what really makes a listing go viral, and how the strangest homes often reveal the most about the personal and creative choices people make with the spaces they live in.From secret gun ranges hidden beneath private go-kart tracks to 68,000-square-foot Alabama mansions, Samir offers a look inside the internet's obsession with weird homes and why real estate is the best form of storytelling.To learn more about Samir Mezrahi and Zillow Gone Wild, follow @samir @zillowgonewild, and as always, to learn more about Mike, Emily, and BFKP, visit bfkplaw.com.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.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.

On this episode of Closed!, recorded live at The Real Deal Forum, Lee and Mike sit down with Stephen Siegel, Chairman of Global Brokerage at CBRE and one of the most recognizable names in New York City brokerage, to talk about what the data is really saying about the recovery of the New York City office market.Stephen breaks down why the return-to-office conversation has shifted so dramatically since the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic, and why working from home was never going to replace in-person work. He discusses how financial services firms, law firms, AI companies, and other major users are reshaping the market, and why premium supply remains scarce. Stephen delves into flight-to-quality, rising rents across Class B buildings, and why landlords who invest in amenities and general improvements will see the market move in their favor.To learn more about Stephen Siegel and CBRE, visit cbre.com, and as always, to learn more about Lee, Mike, and BFKP, visit bfkplaw.com.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.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.

On this episode of Closed!, recorded live at The Real Deal Forum, Lee and Mike sit down with Justin Pelsinger, partner and COO of Charney Companies, to talk about how one of New York's most active developers is building at scale across Brooklyn and Queens.Justin breaks down how Charney got into Gowanus before the rezoning, how they closed a $450 million construction loan for a 55-story tower in Long Island City, and why relationships still drive large-scale financing in any market. He also gets into the Gowanus Wharf master-brand campus, their cultural cross-branding partnership with Brooklyn music venue Public Records, and why design is never just an afterthought.To learn more about Charney Companies, find them on Instagram @charneycompanies, and as always, to learn more about Lee and BFKP, visit bfkplaw.com.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.

On this episode of Closed!, recorded live at The Real Deal Forum, Lee sits down with YuhTyng Patka, partner at Adler & Stachenfeld LLP, and one of the leading real estate tax attorneys in the country, to pull back the curtain on one of the most important and least understood forces shaping New York City real estate: property taxes and tax incentives.Tyng chairs her firm's New York City Real Estate Tax & Zoning Incentives Practice, its Climate Mobilization Act Task Force, and its PACE Financing Practice, and was recently named to Crain's 2026 Notable Women in Law. She works with owners and developers every day on tax certiorari proceedings, incentive programs, and the ever-evolving legislative landscape that determines whether a project pencils out or not.In this conversation, Tyng breaks down how the property tax system actually works, why the 485x incentive has spawned a wave of 99-unit buildings across the city, and what developers are leaving on the table as a result. She also shares how she uncovered that the city had been misclassifying properties and misinterpreting its own law, winning significant refunds for her clients in the process.Whether you are a developer, an owner, or a lawyer who wants to better understand the tax side of real estate, this one is not to be missed.To learn more about Tyng and Adler & Stachenfeld, visit www.adstach.com or find her on LinkedIn. And as always, to learn more about Lee, Mike, and BFKP, visit bfkplaw.comTo 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.

On this episode of Closed!, recorded live at The Real Deal Forum, Lee and Mike sit down with Bess Freedman, CEO of Brown Harris Stevens, one of the most prominent privately held real estate firms in the country, to discuss one of the most contested debates in residential real estate right now: private listing networks.Bess brings decades of perspective to the conversation, from her early days as an assistant state's attorney and legal aid lawyer to leading one of New York's most storied brokerages. She breaks down exactly what private listing networks are, why she believes they hurt sellers and buyers alike, and why Brown Harris Stevens has chosen not to play the game despite having the network size to do so.She also shares her thoughts on price discovery, fiduciary duty, the states already moving to outlaw the practice, and why she thinks the whole thing is, in her words, a bunch of malarkey.If you work in residential real estate or are thinking about buying or selling a home, this one is essential listening.To learn more about Brown Harris Stevens, visit bhsusa.com, and as always, to learn more about Lee, Mike, and BFKP, visit bfkplaw.com. 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.

On this episode of Closed!, recorded live at The Real Deal Forum, Lee sits down with Erin Hosler, Director of Residential Hospitality at First Service Residential New York, to discuss what it looks like when world-class hospitality meets residential property management.Erin brings over three decades of experience training service teams at some of the most recognized names in luxury hospitality, including The Ritz-Carlton, Soho House, the Langham, and more. Now, she's channeling that expertise into a first-of-its-kind training program at First Service, helping building teams across New York and beyond create meaningful, memorable experiences for residents.From the Ritz-Carlton's three-step service philosophy to crafting "wow moments" for residents, Erin breaks down why the little things, not the amenities, are what truly define a building's culture and keep residents happy. She also shares how she tailors training to individual building brands, navigates established teams, and even customized a full program around a pop star moving into one of her buildings.If you work in residential real estate, property management, or just love a great conversation about service and culture, this one is for you.To learn more about Erin and First Service Residential, find her on LinkedIn @https://www.linkedin.com/in/erinhosler/, and as always, to learn more about Lee, Mike, and BFKP, visit bfkplaw.com.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.

On this episode of Closed!, Lee Bergstein and Emily Ashe are joined by Peter Zaitzeff, Director of New Development Sales at SERHANT. With over $4.8 billion in career sales, Peter is a powerhouse in the New York City luxury market, recently co-brokering the record-breaking $60 million sale of a duplex at 150 Charles Street. Together, they explore the high-stakes world of elite real estate, from the strategic rebranding of iconic developments to the intimate, relationship-driven nature of ultra-luxury transactions.The conversation also dives into the shifting landscape of real estate media, Peter's transition to a public-facing role on "Owning Manhattan," and the critical importance of authenticity in building a modern brand.If you love law, real estate, or New York City, then this is an episode for you.To learn more about Peter Zaitzeff, visit: serhant.com or follow him on Instagram @zaitzeffTo find out more about Bergstein Flynn Knowlton & Pollina PLLC, visit our website at bfkplaw.com.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.

On this episode of Closed!, Lee Bergstein is joined by Mark Levine, Principal at EBMG LLC, Accredited Property Management LLC, and Apex Management Group—one of New York City's most active property managers, overseeing hundreds of co-op and condominium buildings across the city. Together, they break down one of the most frustrating and opaque parts of NYC real estate: the co-op board application process.From incomplete applications and internal board dynamics to the real reasons deals get delayed or denied, Mark offers a behind-the-scenes look at how these decisions are actually made—and where things most often go wrong. The conversation also dives into the upcoming legislation imposing strict timelines on board approvals, what it means for buyers, sellers, and boards, and whether it will truly fix the system or just create new challenges.Co-op approvals can make or break a deal—and they impact everyone involved. In this episode, Lee and Mark unpack the pain points, the pressure, and the potential reforms shaping the future of NYC real estate transactions.If you love law, real estate, or New York City, then this is an episode for you.To learn more about Mark Levine and his companies, visit: http://www.manageyourbuilding.com/ or ebmg.com. 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.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.

On this episode of Closed!, Mike Flynn and Lee Bergstein are joined by Ian Slater, co-founder of Trove Partners at Compass and one of New York City's top luxury residential brokers, to unpack what's really happening at the highest end of the market. With over $2 billion in career sales and a team ranked among the best in the city, Ian brings a front-row perspective on how wealth, demand, and discretion are shaping luxury real estate today—and why the market is more complex than it appears.The luxury market in New York City isn't one-size-fits-all—it's increasingly bifurcated by neighborhood, property type, and buyer profile. Ian breaks down how post-COVID wealth creation, especially among younger tech buyers, is driving demand, why much of the market now operates off-market, and how privacy concerns and social media have fundamentally changed how high-end deals get done. They also explore the rise of “horizontal mansions,” the impact of global events and policy shifts like a potential second-home tax, and why New York remains a stable asset for the ultra-wealthy despite ongoing volatility.If you care about luxury real estate, market dynamics, or how wealth is moving through New York City, this is an episode for you.Follow Ian Slater on social media and learn more about Trove Partners at trove-partners.com. 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.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.

On this episode of Closed!, Mike Flynn and Lee Bergstein are joined by Keith Powers, New York State Assemblymember and former NYC Council Member, to break down the realities behind New York City's housing affordability crisis. They discuss how decades of underbuilding, rising demand, and complex policy decisions have shaped today's market—and why solving it is far more complicated than it seems.Fixing NYC housing isn't just about building more units—it's about balancing tenant protections, development incentives, and the long-term sustainability of the city. In this episode, Keith Powers shares an insider perspective on rent stabilization, rezoning efforts, and office-to-residential conversions, offering a candid look at what's working, what's not, and what needs to change.If you care about real estate, public policy, or the future of New York City, this is an episode for you!Follow Keith Powers on social media at @keithpowersnycTo 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.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.

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 cultureThe decline of investigative journalismWhy politics has become national instead of localGenerational differences in political messagingHow CEOs and public officials must adapt to personality-driven mediaIf 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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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

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

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.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.

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

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

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

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.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.

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.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.

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

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

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

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

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.comGFP Real Estate: gfpre.comInstagram: instagram.com/gfprealestateTwitter: twitter.com/GFPRealEstateAnd as always, for more from Lee and the team at BFKP, visit: bfkplaw.com. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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

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

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

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.comAnd as always, you can reach out to Brad and Emily at Bergstein Flynn Knowlton & Pollina by visiting bfkplaw.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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

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.comAnd as always, you can reach out to Lee at Bergstein Flynn Knowlton & Pollina by visiting bfkplaw.com. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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.orgAnd as always, you can reach out to Lee at Bergstein Flynn Knowlton & Pollina by visiting https://www.bfkplaw.com/. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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

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

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

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

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.orgAnd as always, to learn more about real estate and the law, visit bflawoffice.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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=enGenesis Suero - https://www.instagram.com/genesissuero/?hl=enTricia Lee - https://www.instagram.com/lovetricialee/?hl=enJeffrey St. Arromand - https://www.instagram.com/jsa_sells_nyc/?hl=enJade Shenker - https://www.instagram.com/jadeshenker/?hl=enAnd as always, check out bflawoffice.com to learn more about real estate and the law. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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

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.comAnd as always for all your legal real estate matters, go to bfklawoffice.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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

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

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

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

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