In Episode #195, we’re joined by Benjamin Watson and Vincent Yan of Douglas Elliman for a conversation about integrated planning and design services in real estate. From concept to completion, they guide clients through the intricacies of architecture, interior design, construction, and project management—often long before a home hits the market. We explore how their early involvement helps avoid costly mistakes, optimize layout and flow, and add long-term value. Whether it’s ground-up construction or transformative renovations, Ben and Vincent share how buyers and developers alike benefit from a unified vision, expert curation, and a design-first mindset. A must-listen for agents, investors, and anyone building their dream home.

In Episode 194 of Boroughs & Burbs: The National Real Estate Conversation, hosts John Engel (http://www.theengelteam.com) and Roberto Cabrera (http://www.robertocabrera.com) speak with Willis Gay of Howard & Gay Insurance and Bernice Rodriguez of PURE Insurance about the evolving world of luxury home risk and property insurance in 2025. The episode focuses on how escalating construction costs, climate exposure, and regulatory changes are transforming coverage expectations for high-net-worth homeowners.

Key takeaways include navigating premium increases, understanding policy exclusions, assessing replacement cost versus actual cash value, and best practices for advising clients proactively on flood and windstorm risk—based on real insurer protocols and strategies.

Listen on Spotify (or your preferred platform): https://open.spotify.com/episode/1IH5G3GFVKGkxpbU6Rjnhs

Related Episodes:

• Boroughs & Burbs 113 || The Changing Insurance Landscape for the High Net Worth Market – Brendan O’Brien (Rand Insurance), Frank DiGrande (PURE Insurance), and Joe Rossi (Joe Flood Insurance) explore trends and risk management strategies in luxury insurance.

• Boroughs & Burbs 192 || Home Inspections in New York and Connecticut – Stephen Gladstone and Jacqueline Gathers put insurance-adjacent home inspection practices under the microscope—essential for protecting high-value properties.

• Boroughs & Burbs 190 || Large Luxury Renovation Projects – Design-build leadership discusses risk assessment, liability considerations, and insurance coordination during high-end renovations.

• Boroughs & Burbs 92 || Uninsurable Florida with Sally Daley & Nevin Miller – A deep dive into why some Florida properties are becoming uninsurable due to rate hikes, fraud legislation, and climate risk—making it highly relevant for market risk assessment today.

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Zen Home Design for Wellness & Luxury Living – Hains, Lubin & Lydon | Boroughs & Burbs Ep. 193

Discover how design, wellness, and real estate intersect to create peaceful, intentional living spaces. In Episode 193 of Boroughs & Burbs, we’re joined by three experts who help turn homes into sanctuaries:

🧘‍♀️ Deanna Hains – Founder of Zen Home, Deanna explains how scent, cleanliness, and energy awareness shape a calm and centered home environment.

🏡 Mike Lubin – Brown Harris Stevens luxury broker, shares what high-end buyers want today: mindful design, tranquility, and emotional resonance.

🎨 Katie Lydon – Interior designer and founder of Katie Lydon Interiors, Katie reveals how lighting, color, and layout directly impact mood and behavior.

Whether you're designing, staging, buying, or selling, this conversation offers practical ideas and inspiration for curating harmony in an increasingly chaotic world.

🎧 Related Episodes Featuring Today’s Guests:

• Ep. 89 – The Brooklyn Show

• Ep. 49 – Top Realtors in New York

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What do homebuyers really need to know about inspections — and why do standards vary between New York and Connecticut?

In Episode 192 of Boroughs & Burbs, we break down what makes a good home inspection with two industry veterans from both sides of the state line:

Stephen Gladstone – Founder of Stonehollow Home Inspections (stonehollow.com), Steve brings decades of experience inspecting homes across Connecticut. Learn about common pitfalls, what buyers should expect, and how a great inspector can protect your investment.

Jacqueline Gathers – Licensed inspector with Pillar To Post – The Gathers Team (pillartopost.com/inspectors/jacquelinegathers), Jackie offers insight into the unique challenges of New York City and suburban inspections, including co‑op requirements, multi‑unit dwellings, and scheduling logistics.

This episode is essential for real estate professionals, homebuyers, and sellers who want to understand what to inspect — and what to expect — during one of the most critical steps in a real estate transaction.

Related Episodes to Explore:

• Ep. 113 – The Changing Insurance Landscape for the High Net Worth Market

• Ep. 75 – The Science of Selling

• Ep. 66 – Big Brokerage in the Big Apple

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In Season 5, Episode 191, hosts John Engel and Roberto Cabrera welcome Dave Dubeau, founder and host of the Property Profits Podcast. A Canadian real estate investor, Dave shares his strategies for building wealth through content creation, capital raising, and smart investing.

Dave offers actionable insights into:

How everyday people can use podcasting and real estate to scale their portfolios

His process for sourcing opportunities, structuring deals, and securing funding

Lessons learned from leading thought–leaders, investors, and educators through interviews

Whether you're just getting started or scaling up, this episode delivers deliberate wisdom for investors of any experience level.

• Ep. 190 – Large Luxury Renovation Projects

• Ep. 192 – Home Inspections in New York and Connecticut

• Ep. 193 – Making Your Home Zen

Website: https://www.boroughsandburbs.com

To join our mailing list: email [email protected]

Questions or feedback? Reach out or leave a comment

real estate investing podcast, Dave Dubeau, Property Profits Podcast, content-driven real estate strategy, capital raising tips, real estate portfolio growth, high yield deals, storytelling in investing, real estate podcast, real estate wealth building

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What does it take to pull off a large-scale luxury renovation? In Episode 190 of Boroughs & Burbs, the hosts welcome four industry leaders to unpack the complexities behind high-end transformations:

Vincent DiSalvo – Founder of Apple Podcasts+2Boroughs and Burbs+2Boroughs & Burbs+2

Matthew Berman – Founding Principal of the NYC-based architecture and design firm Architectural DigestWorkshop/APD

Brian J. McCarthy – Award-winning interior designer and founder of Brian J. McCarthy, Inc.Galerie Magazine

Lisa Ben-Isvy – Principal at LBI ConneXt (mentioned in the episode listing) providing project coordination and client-facing oversight for these renovation projects.Boroughs and Burbs

We explore project timelines, managing client expectations, contract coordination, structural complexity, and the artistry required to bring bold renovation visions to life. This episode is essential for developers, architects, designers, brokers, and anyone interested in the intersection of luxury design and construction.

• Ep. 191 – Real Estate Profits & Podcasting

• Ep. 188 – Outdoor Spaces with Amy Andrews (Interior Designer)

• Ep. 43 – The Color Show

• Ep. 99 – Kips Bay Decorator Show House

• Ep. 192 – Home Inspections in New York and Connecticut

Website: https://www.boroughsandburbs.com

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Explore Texas’s luxury real estate surge in Boroughs & Burbs Episode 189 with Benjamin Watson and Leon Trakhtenberg of Douglas Elliman Texas.

Learn why Houston is the new luxury frontier—from the neighborhoods attracting affluent buyers to the data-driven strategies powering new development success. This episode is essential listening for brokers, investors, developers, and anyone interested in where high-end real estate is heading next.

🎧 Listen now: Episode 189 – Texas Luxury Development

• Ep. 187 – LA Luxury with Peter Hernandez & Kevin Krakower

• Ep. 188 – Outdoor Design with Amy Andrews

Website: https://www.boroughsandburbs.com

Texas luxury real estate, Houston new development, Douglas Elliman Texas, Benjamin Watson, Leon Trakhtenberg, real estate podcast, Texas development trends, luxury market insights, Houston neighborhoods

#TexasRealEstate #LuxuryDevelopment #DouglasElliman #HoustonLuxury #BenjaminWatson #LeonTrakhtenberg #RealEstatePodcast #BoroughsAndBurbs #HoustonDevelopment #LuxuryMarket

In Boroughs & Burbs Episode 188, we dive into the evolving world of outdoor living with interior designer Amy Andrews. As homeowners and buyers increasingly prioritize terraces, pool areas, and seamless indoor-outdoor transitions, Amy shares how thoughtful exterior design adds both aesthetic and market value.

Topics include:

How to design outdoor spaces that elevate lifestyle and luxury appeal

The materials, lighting, and layout choices that make a difference

What today’s buyers expect from outdoor environments in high-end homes

Amy Andrews is the founder of Amy Andrews Interior Design, a boutique design firm known for creating both harmonious interiors and curated outdoor spaces.

🎧 Listen on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y2qvtqKREvU

• Episode 168 – Vermont Real Estate

• Episode 180 – The Greenest Buildings Are Already Built

• Episode 182 – Sustainable Living in Phoenix

Website: https://www.boroughsandburbs.com

outdoor living design, patio trends 2025, terrace design, luxury home staging, exterior design podcast, Amy Andrews designer, real estate podcast, luxury lifestyle

#OutdoorDesign #LuxuryLiving #AmyAndrews #InteriorDesign #RealEstatePodcast #BoroughsAndBurbs #LuxuryHomes #PatioDesign #OutdoorSpaces #johnengel #realestate #boroughsandburbs #luxuryrealestate #bestrealestateagent #investmentstrategies #housingmarket #realestatemarket #realestateinsights #investmentopportunities #podcast #homedecor #architecture #findyourdreamhome #realestatepodcast #douglaselliman #realestateagency #podcastclips #podcasting #podcastlife #podcastshow #outdoorliving #luxuryoutdoorspaces #backyarddesign #patioinspiration #outdoordesign2025 #rooftopterrace #homedesign #amyandrewsdesign #indooroutdoorliving #boroughsandburbs

In Season 5, Episode 187 of Boroughs & Burbs, hosts John Engel and Roberto Cabrera sit down with Peter Hernandez and Kevin Krakower of Douglas Elliman for an exclusive analysis of the Los Angeles luxury real estate market. With decades of experience, Peter and Kevin discuss evolving buyer demand, neighborhood hotspots, investor strategies, and what’s driving activity in LA’s most sought-after micro‑markets.

They explore rising interest in neighborhoods like Holmby Hills, Beverly Hills, and coastal enclaves, guided by shifting preferences for modern luxury, architectural character, and walkable amenities. This episode delivers actionable insight into how LA’s high‑end real estate scene is reshaping in 2025.

🎧 Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k6AaNryUgPU Amazon+5Boroughs and Burbs+5Audacy+5Wikipedia+8YouTube+8Boroughs and Burbs+8

Related Episodes (Season 5, Episodes #180–190, LA and luxury or market insights):

• Episode 182 – Sustainable Living in Phoenix

• Episode 180 – The Greenest Buildings Are Already Built

• Episode 190 – Large Luxury Renovation Projects

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#johnengel #realestate #boroughsandburbs #luxuryrealestate #bestrealestateagent #investmentstrategies #housingmarket #realestatemarket #realestateinsights #investmentopportunities #podcast #architecture #losangelesrealestate #lahousingmarket #realestate2025 #douglaselliman #losangeles #investinla #californiarealestate #realestatetrends

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In Season 5, Episode 186 of Boroughs & Burbs, hosts John Engel and Roberto Cabrera welcome Julia Jiang Hawkins and Charles Hawkins of Douglas Elliman for an exclusive look into Chinese demand for U.S. real estate. They explore cross-border investment trends, buyer preferences, and geopolitical and cultural factors shaping the evolving pipeline of Chinese capital into luxury U.S. markets homevaluation.elliman.com+6Douglas Elliman+6Douglas Elliman+6.

Julia and Charles discuss practical strategies for working with Chinese buyers—from understanding client motivations to bridging cultural nuances and structuring international deals. For brokers, investors, and global real estate stakeholders, this episode offers critical insights into one of the most influential buyer groups shaping U.S. luxury real estate in 2025 Boroughs and Burbs.

Expert bios:

🎧 Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/_pbMx7dFR8Q

Related Episodes (Season 3–4, global luxury real estate markets):

• Episode 111 – Navigating the French Riviera

• Episode 162 – Back in Sydney, Australia

• Episode 182 – Sustainable Living in Phoenix

• Episode 168 – Vermont Real Estate

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Chinese real estate investment, Chinese buyers U.S. luxury, Julia Jiang Hawkins, Charles Hawkins Elliman, cross-border real estate trends, international buyer podcast, global luxury market insights

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