Boro4Boro

On this episode of Boro4Boro, Matt Wynter and Isaiah Ajala welcome Nikki Merkerson, founder of PairGap, to explore the evolution of the home buying process in New York City and across the nation. Nikki explains how PairGap builds the infrastructure for collaborative home ownership, helping friends, family, and partners buy property together with tools for vetting, protection, and ongoing asset management. Whether you're a first-time buyer, an investor, or a realtor, this episode offers a forward-looking view of a more collaborative real estate landscape.

Filmed in Studio 1873 as part of the Mastery of Real Estate (MoRE) Network, powered by Brown Harris Stevens.

Subscribe to Boro4Boro for more conversations on NYC real estate.

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/boro4boro/id1731246276

Hosts:

Matthew Wynter | @milliondollarwynter

https://www.bhsusa.com/real-estate-agent/matthew-wynter

Traci Byers | @uptowntraci

https://www.bhsusa.com/real-estate-agent/traci-byers

Isaiah Ajala | @isaiahajala

https://www.bhsusa.com/real-estate-agent/isaiah-ajala

Scottie Cabrera | @scottiecabrerahomes

https://www.bhsusa.com/real-estate-agent/scottie-cabrer

Guest:

Nikki Merkerson

Sponsor:

Romer Debbas - Full-service real estate law | romerdebbas.com

Brown Harris Stevens is one of the largest privately owned real estate brokerages in the country, with more than 40 offices across four states: New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, and Florida.

https://bhsusa.com/

Recorded live at The Real Deal Forum on the MoRE Network Stage, this special episode of Boro4Boro features hosts Matthew Wynter and Traci Byers in conversation with Jordan Crouse Morris, COO of Construction at Charney Companies.

Together, they explore what it takes to oversee large-scale construction projects across New York City, from managing complex logistics and navigating evolving regulations to balancing timelines, budgets, and community impact in one of the world's most demanding building environments.

Filmed in Studio 1873 as part of the Mastery of Real Estate (MoRE) Network, powered by Brown Harris Stevens.

Subscribe to Boro4Boro for more conversations on NYC real estate.

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/boro4boro/id1731246276

Hosts:

Matthew Wynter | @milliondollarwynter

https://www.bhsusa.com/real-estate-agent/matthew-wynter

Traci Byers | @uptowntraci

https://www.bhsusa.com/real-estate-agent/traci-byers

Isaiah Ajala | @isaiahajala

https://www.bhsusa.com/real-estate-agent/isaiah-ajala

Scottie Cabrera | @scottiecabrerahomes

https://www.bhsusa.com/real-estate-agent/scottie-cabrera

Guest:

Jordan Crouse Morris | https://charneycompanies.com/

Sponsor:

Romer Debbas - Full-service real estate law | romerdebbas.com

Brown Harris Stevens is one of the largest privately owned real estate brokerages in the country, with more than 40 offices across four states: New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, and Florida.

https://bhsusa.com/

Most people think buying a multifamily in NYC is a wealth-building move. It is, but it also makes you a landlord the moment you close. And most people aren't ready for what that actually means.

In this episode, we sit down with Scadi Etienne - real estate investor, broker, and contractor with 18 years in the game, 20 properties and 54 doors across Brooklyn and Baltimore. He bought a Bed-Stuy three-family in 2011 for $360,000. It's worth $2 million today. He also had a five-year eviction that cost him $30,000+ in lost rent, and a tenant who poured cement in his pipes. He's not shy about any of it.

Filmed in Studio 1873 as part of the Mastery of Real Estate (MoRE) Network, powered by Brown Harris Stevens.

Topics covered:

→ Why one tenant should always cover the entire mortgage - and why COVID proved it

→ The real difference between single-family and multifamily risk in NYC

→ How NYC's landlord-tenant laws work

→ What to look for when evaluating a multifamily investment property

→ Why co-op units can be a landlord play most investors overlook

→ NACA, DSCR loans, and how everyday New Yorkers can actually get into ownership

Chapters:

0:00 – Intro

1:45 – Who is Scadi Etienne?

5:51 – Co-op financing: why some buildings can't get lender loans

8:05 – The moment he became a landlord (he didn't plan it)

9:50 – Mailbox money vs. flipping: why he chose the slow check forever

14:30 – Horror story #1: cement in the pipes (9-month eviction)

16:00 – Horror story #2: the 5-year eviction

18:45 – NYC landlord-tenant law: what needs to change

21:09 – What to look for when buying an investment property

21:50 – Single-family vs. multifamily: the risk difference

27:00 – Managing 54 doors across Brooklyn and Baltimore

30:00 – Know the rules before you invest out of state

33:00 – NACA and getting into homeownership in NYC

35:00 – The NYC "white picket fence" reframe

Subscribe to Boro4Boro for more conversations on NYC real estate.

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/boro4boro/id1731246276

Hosts:

Matthew Wynter | @milliondollarwynter

https://www.bhsusa.com/real-estate-agent/matthew-wynter

Isaiah Ajala | @isaiahajala

https://www.bhsusa.com/real-estate-agent/isaiah-ajala

Traci Byers | @uptowntraci

https://www.bhsusa.com/real-estate-agent/traci-byers

Scottie Cabrera | @scottiecabrerahomes

https://www.bhsusa.com/real-estate-agent/scottie-cabrera

Guest:

Scadi Etienne | @IamScadi

Sponsor:

Romer Debbas - Full-service real estate law | romerdebbas.com

Brown Harris Stevens is one of the largest privately owned real estate brokerages in the country, with more than 40 offices across four states: New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, and Florida.

https://bhsusa.com/

Most investors think the win is getting to the closing table. It's not. And by the time they figure that out, the damage is already done.

In this episode we sit down with real estate investor, Welby Accely, who over overcame 3 financial wipeouts during his 20+ years in real estate before building an eight-figure real estate portfolio. His journey has taught him exactly where investors go wrong, and he's not shy about saying it.

Topics covered: → Why the qualified buyer is the most powerful person in any deal → The "Starting Five" every investor needs on their team → How to vet a mentor when everyone online claims to be an expert → Why FHA, VA and NACA buyers often end up house-poor → The difference between waiting for appreciation and forcing it → What 2026 looks like for buyers willing to move while everyone else waits

Filmed in Studio 1873 as part of the Mastery of Real Estate (MoRE) Network, powered by Brown Harris Stevens.

Boro4Boro highlights the best of NYC real estate — neighborhoods, market insights and conversations with industry leaders.

Subscribe to Boro4Boro for more conversations on NYC real estate.

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/boro4boro/id1731246276

Hosts:

Matthew Wynter | @milliondollarwynter

https://www.bhsusa.com/real-estate-agent/matthew-wynter

Isaiah Ajala | @isaiahajala

https://www.bhsusa.com/real-estate-agent/isaiah-ajala

Traci Byers | @uptowntraci

https://www.bhsusa.com/real-estate-agent/traci-byers

Scottie Cabrera | @scottiecabrerahomes

https://www.bhsusa.com/real-estate-agent/scottie-cabrera

Guest:

Welby Accely

IG: @atmybest197

Sponsor:

Romer Debbas — Full-service real estate law | romerdebbas.com

Brown Harris Stevens is one of the largest privately owned real estate brokerages in the country, with more than 40 offices across four states: New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, and Florida.

https://bhsusa.com/

Recorded live at Inman Connect in the MORE Network Studio on February 3rd and 4th, this special episode of Boro4Boro brings together industry experts for a dynamic conversation on the power of professional partnerships in real estate.

Our hosts sit down with Brian Scott Cohen of Guaranteed Rate and Pierre Debbas of Romer Debbas PLLC to explore why building a trusted network — from lenders to attorneys — is essential to navigating the complexities of buying or selling a home.

From financing to contracts and everything in between, this episode highlights how the right team can make all the difference in a seamless real estate transaction.

Guests:

Brian Scott Cohen

Pierre Debbas

Sponsor:

Romer Debbas — Full-service real estate law | romerdebbas.com

Boro4Boro highlights the best of NYC real estate — neighborhoods, market insights and conversations with industry leaders.

Part of the Mastery of Real Estate (MORE) Network. Filmed at Brown Harris Stevens' Studio 1873.

Hosts:

Matthew Wynter | @milliondollarwynter

https://www.bhsusa.com/real-estate-agent/matthew-wynter

Isaiah Ajala | @isaiahajala

https://www.bhsusa.com/real-estate-agent/isaiah-ajala

Traci Byers | @uptowntraci

https://www.bhsusa.com/real-estate-agent/traci-byers

Scottie Cabrera | @scottiecabrerahomes

https://www.bhsusa.com/real-estate-agent/scottie-cabrera

Subscribe to Boro4Boro for more conversations on NYC real estate.

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/boro4boro/id1731246276

Brown Harris Stevens is one of the largest privately owned real estate brokerages in the country, with more than 40 offices across four states: New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, and Florida.

https://bhsusa.com/

Most investors focus on cash flow. Jude Bernard focuses on the full picture — equity walk-in, forced appreciation, debt reduction and tax strategies that compound over decades.

In our Season 3 premiere, we sit down with Jude to learn what 27 years of NYC real estate investing has taught him about finding deals, building wealth and playing the long game. Jude is a licensed broker, general contractor, landlord and founder of The Brooklyn Bank, a nonprofit dedicated to financial literacy in urban communities.

Timestamps:

0:00 – Intro

2:15 – What "real estate entrepreneur" means

5:30 – How Jude got his start

8:45 – Staying in specific neighborhood pockets

12:20 – The Class B short-term rental strategy

18:00 – Group economics and SEC considerations

24:30 – Knowing better, doing better

28:45 – Finding deals through relationships

35:00 – Due diligence red flags

42:15 – Reading a neighborhood before renovating

48:30 – Highest and best use

54:00 – Building your team

58:30 – Jude's call to action

Guest: Jude Bernard

IG: @mr.judebernard

Sponsor:

Romer Debbas — Full-service real estate law | romerdebbas.com

Boro4Boro highlights the best of NYC real estate — neighborhoods, market insights and conversations with industry leaders.

Part of the Mastery of Real Estate (MORE) Network. Filmed at Brown Harris Stevens' Studio 1873.

Hosts:

Matthew Wynter | @milliondollarwynter

https://www.bhsusa.com/real-estate-agent/matthew-wynter

Isaiah Ajala | @isaiahajala

https://www.bhsusa.com/real-estate-agent/isaiah-ajala

Traci Byers | @uptowntraci

https://www.bhsusa.com/real-estate-agent/traci-byers

Scottie Cabrera | @scottiecabrerahomes

https://www.bhsusa.com/real-estate-agent/scottie-cabrera

Subscribe to Boro4Boro for more conversations on NYC real estate.

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/boro4boro/id1731246276

Brown Harris Stevens is one of the largest privately owned real estate brokerages in the country, with more than 40 offices across four states: New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, and Florida.

https://bhsusa.com/

In this episode of Boro4Boro, Brown Harris Stevens agents Matthew Wynter, Isaiah Ajala, Traci Byers, and Scottie Cabrera welcome Ariel Viera—better known as Urbanist Ariel—for an in-depth conversation on New York City zoning. Together, they break down the current zoning landscape, explore upcoming policy changes, and discuss how these shifts could reshape the city in the near future.

Filmed at Brown Harris Stevens' Studio 1873, Part of the Mastery of Real Estate (MORE) Network.

Subscribe:

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/boro4boro/id1731246276

Connect with Matthew Wynter:

https://www.bhsusa.com/real-estate-agent/matthew-wynter

Connect with Isaiah Ajala:

https://www.bhsusa.com/real-estate-agent/isaiah-ajala

Connect with Traci Byers:

https://www.bhsusa.com/real-estate-agent/traci-byers

Connect with Scottie Cabrera:

https://www.bhsusa.com/real-estate-agent/scottie-cabrera

Sponsored by Romer Debbas, LLP:

https://romerdebbas.com/

Sponsored by The Everset:

https://theeverset.com/

Brown Harris Stevens is one of the largest privately owned real estate brokerages in the country, with more than 40 offices across four states: New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, and Florida.

https://bhsusa.com/

#boro4boro #realestate #nycrealestate #manhattan #brooklyn #queens #bronx #nyc

On this very special episode of Boro4Boro, filmed at the New York Real Estate Expo, host Matthew Wynter sits down with Matt Emmi, owner and principal of lighting technology firm, OneButton to discuss all things lighting and design in New York City real estate.

All episodes filmed and recorded as part of Brown Harris Stevens' Mastery of Real Estate (MoRE) Network.

Subscribe:

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/boro4boro/id1731246276

Connect with Matthew Wynter:

https://www.bhsusa.com/real-estate-agent/matthew-wynter

Connect with Isaiah Ajala:

https://www.bhsusa.com/real-estate-agent/isaiah-ajala

Connect with Traci Byers:

https://www.bhsusa.com/real-estate-agent/traci-byers

Connect with Scottie Cabrera:

https://www.bhsusa.com/real-estate-agent/scottie-cabrera

Sponsored by Romer Debbas, LLP:

https://romerdebbas.com/

Sponsored by The Everset:

https://theeverset.com/

Learn More About OneButton:

https://www.onebuttonlife.com/

Brown Harris Stevens is one of the largest privately owned real estate brokerages in the country, with more than 40 offices across four states: New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, and Florida.

https://bhsusa.com/

#boro4boro #realestate #nycrealestate #manhattan #brooklyn #queens #bronx #nyc

In this episode of Boro4Boro, Brown Harris Stevens agents Matthew Wynter, Isaiah Ajala, Traci Byers, and Scottie Cabrera welcome Brown Harris Stevens' powerhouse broker, Louise Phillips Forbes, as they discuss the luxury NYC market, and so much more.

Filmed at Brown Harris Stevens' Studio 1873, Part of the Mastery of Real Estate (MORE) Network.

Subscribe:

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/boro4boro/id1731246276

Connect with Matthew Wynter:

https://www.bhsusa.com/real-estate-agent/matthew-wynter

Connect with Isaiah Ajala:

https://www.bhsusa.com/real-estate-agent/isaiah-ajala

Connect with Traci Byers:

https://www.bhsusa.com/real-estate-agent/traci-byers

Connect with Scottie Cabrera:

https://www.bhsusa.com/real-estate-agent/scottie-cabrera

Connect with Louise Phillips Forbes:

https://www.bhsusa.com/real-estate-agent/louise-phillips-forbes

Sponsored by Romer Debbas, LLP:

https://romerdebbas.com/

Sponsored by The Everset:

https://theeverset.com/

Brown Harris Stevens is one of the largest privately owned real estate brokerages in the country, with more than 40 offices across four states: New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, and Florida.

https://bhsusa.com/

#boro4boro #realestate #nycrealestate #manhattan #brooklyn #queens #bronx #nyc

In this episode of Boro4Boro, Brown Harris Stevens agents Matthew Wynter, Isaiah Ajala, Traci Byers, and Scottie Cabrera recap the latest interior design and release estate trends with designers, John Douglas Eason and Katie Lydon, at the Boro4Boro Live Event at Carl Hansen & Søn's Flagship Midtown East showroom.

Filmed at Brown Harris Stevens' Studio 1873, Part of the Mastery of Real Estate (MORE) Network.

Subscribe:

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/boro4boro/id1731246276

Connect with Matthew Wynter:

https://www.bhsusa.com/real-estate-agent/matthew-wynter

Connect with Isaiah Ajala:

https://www.bhsusa.com/real-estate-agent/isaiah-ajala

Connect with Traci Byers:

https://www.bhsusa.com/real-estate-agent/traci-byers

Connect with Scottie Cabrera:

https://www.bhsusa.com/real-estate-agent/scottie-cabrera

Connect with John Douglas Eason:

https://johndouglaseason.com/

Connect with Katie Lydon:

https://www.katielydoninteriors.com/

Carl Hansen & Søn:

https://www.carlhansen.com/en/en/stores/flagship-store-new-york-midtown-east

Sponsored by Romer Debbas, LLP:

https://romerdebbas.com/

Sponsored by The Everset:

https://theeverset.com/

Brown Harris Stevens is one of the largest privately owned real estate brokerages in the country, with more than 40 offices across four states: New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, and Florida.

https://bhsusa.com/

#boro4boro #realestate #nycrealestate #manhattan #brooklyn #queens #bronx #nyc