Real Takk Podcast

We're back on today's topic: the NYC Pied-à-terre tax, focusing purely on co-ops. The mathematics for co-ops is tricky & most definitely not what you think, or perhaps what the CITY thinks!

Reese didn’t come up the traditional way. He got his start renovating investment properties—tearing into the bones of homes, figuring out what actually creates value, and learning firsthand what makes a property sell. That hands-on construction background still shapes how he works with clients today, whether he’s helping sellers maximize equity before listing or guiding buyers through both the purchase and potential rehab.

Now based in the Broward County market, Reese brings deep local knowledge from Plantation to the coast, with a particular strength in investment properties, rehabs, and larger estate and acreage deals. He’s closed over $50 million in career sales and is known for combining that renovator’s eye with strong negotiation and a no-nonsense, service-first approach.

When he’s not working deals, you’ll usually find him on the water—fishing both the east and west coasts of Florida. For Reese, boating and fishing aren’t just hobbies; they’re how he stays connected to the South Florida lifestyle he helps his clients live every day.

We’re excited to dig into his path, the South Florida market, and what he’s seeing right now.

Follow him on Instagram at reesechase.re

My special guest on this episode is none other than my friend who shares a name with one of the greatest quarterbacks of all time — but this is definitely not Tom Brady, the NFL legend. No touchdowns on the field here, but plenty in the investment sales game.

Tom Brady & I first met almost two decades ago at what was once known as Town Real Estate, here in the same office we’re in today on 5th Avenue & 17th Street. Fast forward to today: Tom was recently a Managing Director at BKREA (BK Real Estate Advisors), run by Bob Knakal, also a friend of the pod, and has since transitioned to Douglas Elliman Commercial. 

With nearly two decades in the NYC commercial real estate trenches, Tom specializes in Manhattan’s mixed-use and multifamily investment sales. He’s been closing major deals, including the Friars Club, a historic elevator building spanning 15K square feet across six floors with 33 feet of frontage, offering stunning architecture and flexible potential for private club, hospitality, embassy, or luxury residential use. The club in its heyday boasted members including Johnny Carson, Jimmy Fallon, and Joan Rivers, and was known for its comedy roasts of showbiz legends. 

From navigating interest rates and office recovery to spotting opportunities in an evolving market, Tom brings that street-level expertise and war stories you don’t want to miss.

Please give Tom a follow on IG @TVBNYC

Very excited to have Brandon Polakoff, Principal and Head of NYC Investment Sales at Avison Young, join us on this episode of the Real Takk Pod. 

Based in the firm’s New York City office, Brandon leads a team of more than 30 professionals, guiding clients through the sale of multifamily, office, development, and retail assets across New York City and beyond. 

Brandon joined Avison Young in 2018 and quickly rose through the ranks, becoming one of the company’s youngest Principals. He’s been involved in approximately $5 billion in transactions and has consistently ranked as the top producer for Avison Young’s Tri-State Investment Sales group, and has earned multiple awards in the commercial field since.  

Prior to joining Avison Young, Brandon worked in investment sales at Cushman & Wakefield (following its acquisition of Massey Knakal Realty Services), with earlier experience and internships at Silverstein Properties and Beacon Capital Partners. He brings over a decade of specialized experience, particularly in the multifamily sector, where he has helped build and scale Avison Young’s platform in the region.

A highly regarded leader in commercial real estate, Brandon’s accolades include:

Brandon holds a BA in Economics from Trinity College, where he was a member of the lacrosse team and earned All-Academic and All-Sportsmanship honors. 

Please follow Brandon on LinkedIn & Instagram, and check his listings on the company website.

I’m excited to bring Gabe Phillips onto The Real Takk Podcast. Gabe is the founder and CEO of Catalyst Power, a New York-based integrated energy company that’s helping mid-market commercial and industrial businesses across the Northeast decarbonize their operations without the burden of upfront costs.

Gabe’s journey in energy began with trading electricity and gas at Sempra Energy Trading. He went on to found GP Energy Management, a full-service energy trading and risk management platform, which he successfully built and sold. From there, he launched Catalyst Power from the ground up, creating a true one-stop shop for building owners: retail electricity supply, cogeneration, on-site solar, battery storage, community solar, and EV charging infrastructure. The goal is simple but powerful — dramatically lower energy bills while shrinking the carbon footprint.

Gabe was recently named one of Goldman Sachs’ Most Exceptional Entrepreneurs of 2025, and his expertise lands right at the intersection of commercial real estate, sustainability, and the evolving way New York buildings are powered. With Local Law 97 penalties now in full effect, this discussion is more relevant than ever for our audience of property owners and managers.

Catalyst Power's Website

Gabe's LinkedIn 

I am thrilled to have Ann Korchak, the Board President of the Small Property Owners of New York, or SPONY. What exactly is SPONY? They are a non-profit, all-volunteer advocacy and education organization founded in 1984. It represents small housing providers—primarily independent, family-owned landlords and multi-generational businesses in New York City (and, to some extent, statewide)—who own and manage smaller multifamily buildings (often with an average of around 11 units per member, many of whom live in or alongside their properties). In short, SPONY positions itself as the voice for the "little guy" in NYC's housing ecosystem: small-scale landlords who provide a significant portion of the city's rental stock but face disproportionate burdens from overregulation, high costs, and policies that favor larger entities or tenants over owners without adequate protections.

Anna has become a powerful voice in Albany and at City Hall—testifying on issues like tax liens, good cause eviction, rent guidelines, and policies like COPA —always pushing for balanced, sustainable solutions that support both owners and tenants without driving small providers out of business. She's been featured in outlets like the New York Post, The Real Deal, the NYT, and at various industry events, as recently as 72 hours ago.  Please follow her organization on: 

Spony's X

Spony's Instagram

SPONY's Website

Ann's LinkedIn

In this solo episode of The Real Takk Podcast, I unpack the complexities of NYC rezoning and spotlight the Midtown South Mixed-Use Plan, approved in August 2025. After decades of outdated zoning, it finally opens 42 blocks to nearly 10,000 new homes.

Then I dive into this month's hottest topic: the renewed attention on the Epstein files following the DOJ's massive January 2026 document release, with a focus on the elite real estate connections and broker name-dropping linked to Epstein's former Upper East Side townhouse.