In this episode of Commercial Real Estate Secrets, I sit down with Rich Vaaler, founder and principal of Vaaler CRE, to discuss the hidden risks of “leaving commercial property to the kids” and why simplification—not accumulation—is often the smarter legacy strategy. Rich introduces the concept of Elder CRE, explains how single-tenant absolute net lease properties create true “coupon clipper” income, and shares practical insights on 1031 exchanges, generational wealth, and protecting families from costly surprises.

Connect with Rich: LinkedIn | Website

In today’s episode, I sit down with Matt Smith of RealNex to talk about where commercial real estate technology is actually adding value—and where it’s just noise. We get into how brokers should think about AI in 2026, why systems and data ownership matter more than ever, and how top producers use technology to ask better questions, not replace human judgment. Matt also shares what separates useful proptech from hype, why your website is your digital storefront, and how brokers can build real leverage and freedom with the right processes. Hope you enjoy!

Connect with Matt: Linkedin | RealNex

In today’s episode, I sit down with Monica Cataluna, CCIM, a Florida-based land broker, to talk about why development has slowed, how land banking is shaping today’s market, and what rising costs mean for land values. We also break down entitlements in simple terms and where patient investors are finding opportunity. Hope you enjoy!

In today’s episode, I sit down with Nile Lundgren, star of Netflix’s Owning Manhattan, to talk about what it really takes to succeed in New York City real estate—playing the long game, building real trust with clients, why off-market deals are often misunderstood, and how systems and media allow agents to scale in the most competitive market in the world. Hope you enjoy!

In today’s episode, I sit down with Marcy Moneypenny, founder of the Moneypenny Collective, to talk about what actually separates top commercial real estate brokers from the rest—client experience, real client management, and why the long game always wins. We get into how brokers can use social media and data transparency to build trust, why “posting closings” isn’t enough anymore, and what owners should ask in a broker pitch to avoid getting sold a fantasy price. Hope you enjoy!

Connect with Marcy: LinkedIn | Website

In today’s episode, I sit down with Allen C. Buchanan—industrial real estate advisor, author, speaker, and one of the most respected voices in Southern California industrial—to break down what’s really happening in the Inland Empire and greater SoCal industrial market. We talk about the post-COVID rent surge, the 2022 reset, why tenants with credit are driving the best deals right now, and how brokers can “let the market be the bad guy” when owners are stuck on yesterday’s numbers. We also get into Allen’s book The Sequence and his best commercial real estate secret: strategic networking. Hope you enjoy!

Connect with Allen: LinkedIn | Website

In today’s episode, I sit down with James Bean to talk about how commercial real estate brokers can use social media, branding, and consistent content to build real trust—and real deal flow. We get into why most brokers post the wrong kind of content, how selfless, value-driven marketing differentiates you fast, and why “networking while you sleep” is the most underused advantage in CRE. James also shares what he’s seeing in the 1031 exchange world (and why so many exchanges fail), plus the misinformation online that’s hurting investors. Hope you enjoy!

Connect with James Bean: LinkedIn

Distress is building faster than most investors realize — and 2025–2026 will be the biggest transfer of CRE wealth since the Great Financial Crisis.

This episode is Part 2 of Aviva Sonenreich’s extended conversation with Michael Cohen, continuing the deep dive into CMBS distress, why Denver is becoming one of the most troubled MSAs in the country, and how investors can prepare for the wave of maturities ahead.

Highlights:

• The real reasons Class A assets are stabilizing while Class B properties face mounting distress
• The CMBS data points that reveal the severity of Denver’s office, multifamily, and hospitality stress
• Whether high-profile assets — like Aspen’s $85M Prada store — can still secure CMBS financing
• How DSCR drops, trapped reserves, and cash sweeps quietly strip borrowers of leverage
• The decision-making hierarchy inside CMBS servicing — and why “waiting and hoping” never works

Perfect For:

Investors preparing for the 2025–2026 distressed cycle, owners with CMBS loans nearing maturity, family offices protecting generational assets, brokers advising clients through workouts, and anyone who wants a clear, unfiltered understanding of how CMBS distress actually works — and what’s coming next.

Connect with Michael: Website | LinkedIn

Billions in CMBS loans are coming due in 2026 — and most borrowers still don’t understand how the system really works.

In this episode, Aviva Sonenreich sits down with Michael Cohen, Managing Principal at Brighton Capital Advisors, to break down how CMBS trusts, servicers, and bondholders interact — and what borrowers must do to protect their equity.

Highlights:

• How CMBS trusts actually function (and who really owns your loan)
• Why calling your servicer is like dialing 1-800-MORTGAGE
• The biggest mistake borrowers make when entering special servicing
• How to approach CMBS workouts and loan modifications strategically
• Why CMBS remains one of the few active lending channels heading into 2026

Perfect For:

Borrowers with CMBS loans coming due, investors looking for distress before it hits auction, and anyone trying to understand what’s really driving the 2026 debt market.

Where should you invest in Colorado commercial real estate right now?

In this solo episode, Aviva Sonenreich breaks down three real buildings (that are for sale) she’d buy today, from tech-infused industrial properties in Boulder to high-credit tenants near Denver International Airport.

You’ll also learn her CoStar search hack that helps brokers and investors spot opportunities before anyone else.

If you’re watching from Colorado (or looking to invest here), this one’s for you.