Send us a text

The real estate landscape in New York is undergoing significant changes, and understanding these shifts could save you thousands of dollars whether you're renting, buying, or selling property. 

At the forefront of these changes is the newly implemented FAIR Act, which fundamentally alters how broker fees work in rental transactions. Despite widespread confusion, the rule is actually straightforward: whoever hires the broker pays the fee. If you're a renter seeking assistance, you'll pay the broker fee. If a landlord hires a broker to find tenants, they—not the renter—must cover that cost. This legislation brings much-needed transparency to transactions that historically lacked clarity.

For property owners with tenants who want to sell, the podcast offers crucial advice: build positive relationships rather than pursuing costly evictions. With tenant protection laws in New York being exceptionally strong, eviction proceedings can drag on for years, costing landlords substantial amounts in legal fees while receiving zero rental income. The smarter approach? Work collaboratively with tenants, potentially helping them relocate or offering reasonable compensation. This strategy typically costs less than lengthy legal battles and results in faster, more profitable sales.

The Department of Buildings has also stepped up enforcement, actively monitoring real estate listings for unpermitted work. When purchasing property, always request floor plans and property cards during your title search—these documents reveal illegal modifications and can serve as powerful negotiation tools. Taking photographs throughout renovation processes provides essential protection against potential violations later. 

Ready to stop renting and start building equity? Many tenants are surprised to discover they qualify for mortgages. Connect with us to explore your options and take that first step toward homeownership—where you're sleeping and making money simultaneously through property appreciation and equity building.

Have questions about navigating New York's complex real estate environment? Reach out to our family business where we pride ourselves on transparency, expert guidance, and lifetime relationships with our clients that extend well beyond closing day.

Send us a text

Ever had a home inspection reveal something utterly unexpected? On this eye-opening episode, Chris shares his jaw-dropping discovery of an abandoned boat left in a backyard during a final walkthrough. This remarkable story highlights why these last-minute inspections are non-negotiable when purchasing property—revealing how this unusual situation required a $10,000 escrow hold until the sellers properly removed their nautical souvenir.

Beyond boat tales, we dive deep into savvy homebuying strategies that could dramatically increase your purchasing power. Discover how multi-family properties and Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) can help you qualify for substantially larger mortgages by leveraging potential rental income. We break down exactly how lenders view these additional income streams and why this approach might be your ticket to affording more home than you thought possible.

With current market conditions in mind, we tackle the burning question many potential buyers are facing: buy now at higher rates or wait for rates to drop? Our candid analysis reveals why waiting might actually put you at a disadvantage when competition surges as rates decline. Learn why buying with less competition now and refinancing later could be your winning strategy in today's evolving real estate landscape.

From government rental assistance programs to refinancing guidelines, we provide actionable insights for navigating the current market with confidence. Whether you're a first-time homebuyer or looking to expand your real estate portfolio, this episode delivers practical wisdom to help you make informed decisions. Have questions about financing? Reach out to our preferred lender Heidi—her contact information is in the episode description. Subscribe now for more real estate strategies that could save you thousands!

Send us a text

What makes a successful offer in today's ultra-competitive real estate market? Contrary to popular belief, the highest bid doesn't always win—and that's just one of the eye-opening insights Angelo and Chris share in this candid conversation about New York's real estate landscape.

Drawing from their recent experiences with packed open houses and same-day sales in Queens, the hosts take you behind the scenes of a market where properties are receiving offers before buyers have even stepped inside. Their upcoming open house near JFK Airport perfectly illustrates this phenomenon—a property attracting both first-time homebuyers and investors due to its prime location just minutes from the terminal.

For those entering the market, Angelo and Chris break down the critical differences between co-ops and condos, explaining why co-ops typically sell for half the price of comparable condos ($100k-200k vs. $300k-400k) but come with stricter qualification requirements. They discuss closing costs (4-5% of purchase price), equity building, and how today's buyers approach properties differently than during the 2-3% interest rate era of the pandemic.

The conversation shifts to the upcoming FAIR Act implementation in June, which will transfer broker commission responsibility from tenants to landlords in rental transactions. While designed to reduce upfront costs for renters, the hosts speculate about potential consequences, including rent increases as landlords seek to recoup these new expenses. They round out the episode with practical advice about buyer-broker agreements and the documentation now required before property showings.

Whether you're buying, selling, or just curious about real estate dynamics, this episode delivers valuable insights from professionals witnessing market trends firsthand. Subscribe to hear more candid conversations about navigating today's real estate challenges!

Send us a text

Baseball fans and property enthusiasts unite in this candid conversation that starts with passionate Yankees commentary before diving into the real estate trenches. We analyze how the Yankees might fare this season despite pitching injuries, debate NBA playoff favorites, and reveal why the Celtics remain the team to beat unless OKC's young hunger prevails.

The heart of our discussion explores the surprisingly robust real estate market, where our Queens Village open house recently attracted 30 potential buyers despite rising interest rates. This seller's market continues to defy expectations, demanding aggressive agent representation to secure the best outcomes. We share the fascinating story of our Rockland County property that demonstrated unique buying patterns within the Jewish community, creating the most competitive bidding war we've ever witnessed.

Nothing compares to our Manhattan brownstone adventure, however. This nightmare property previously owned by a hoarder required us to navigate mountains of belongings, encounter potential vermin, and marvel at historical construction quality that prevented collapse despite severe water damage. The five-inch thick doors and robust framework tell a story of craftsmanship rarely seen in modern buildings. We wrap up acknowledging the surprising challenges of content creation in real estate marketing – it's practically another full-time job! Have real estate questions you'd like us to address in future content? Drop your ideas in the comments and we'll turn them into informative videos tailored to your interests.

Send us a text

Spring has arrived, bringing with it the most dynamic season in New York City's real estate market. We dive deep into why this time of year creates the perfect storm for property transactions, as families race to secure homes before the September school year begins and weather conditions improve for property viewings.

Brooklyn takes center stage in our discussion as we explore its transformation into "the new Manhattan." With banks relocating, businesses flourishing, and development booming in neighborhoods like Williamsburg, the borough is experiencing unprecedented growth. This shift is further accelerated by Manhattan's controversial congestion pricing—the first of its kind in any American city—which is actively reshaping real estate dynamics across all five boroughs.

We share a shocking real-life story about an elderly homeowner who fell victim to a fraudulent contractor, highlighting the critical importance of estate planning. This cautionary tale demonstrates how failing to establish proper legal protections can leave your property vulnerable and your heirs facing expensive, complicated probate processes. Whether you're 30 or 80, we explain why consulting with an attorney about estate planning should be an essential part of homeownership.

The conversation takes fascinating detours into the practical benefits of electric vehicles for homeowners (charging a Tesla at home costs just $7-10 compared to $80-90 for gas!), the rapid development happening in the Bronx, and even LeBron James defending his son against media criticism—drawing parallels between protecting your family and protecting your real estate assets.

Join us for these insights and more as we share our expertise from the frontlines of New York's ever-evolving property landscape. If you have questions about navigating the spring market or protecting your real estate investments, leave a comment—we're here to help!

Send us a text

Send us a text

Have you noticed how the cold winter months influence not just our daily lives, but also the real estate landscape? In this engaging episode, we navigate through the intricate dynamics of the current market and its fluctuating trends driven by seasonal changes. With temperatures dropping, we discuss strategies that families and buyers are adopting, especially those looking to secure their dream homes before the school year starts. The impact of winter on buyer urgency is tangible, and we explore how it tells a compelling story of hope, anticipation, and strategic decision-making.

We'll dig deep into the renewed interest from first-time homebuyers, reflecting on our own experiences. Discover the emotional highs—alongside the nerves—that accompany purchasing your first home. As we highlight the transformations taking place, we observe key changes in buyer behavior where individuals are getting pre-approved and entering bidding wars once more. Despite high-interest rates, many are willing to embrace the challenges of the market, proving that the desire for homeownership often trumps financial concerns.

Amidst these discussions, we dive into the emerging trends seen in neighborhoods like the Bronx, which are rapidly becoming hotspots for investment as prices soar. We emphasize the importance of positioning oneself strategically in this landscape, whether selling or purchasing, so you can make informed decisions in the heightened competition we see today. Lastly, we shine a light on legislative news that could impact families facing capital gains upon inheriting property—a crucial consideration in these dialogues.

Join us for an enlightening exploration into the real estate world, as we share our knowledge and passion to help empower you on your journey to buy or sell. Don't forget to subscribe and stay connected with us for more insights and guidance!

Send us a text

How did a simple preschool playdate turn into a lifelong friendship that celebrates community spirit and the power of dreams? Join us as we explore this journey with my dear friend Amanda, an accomplished real estate agent from Yonkers. Our conversation takes us from organizing class events with our children to reminiscing about Amanda's transition from bustling Brooklyn and the Bronx to the suburban charm of Yonkers. We reflect on the warmth of community life, contrasting the vibrancy of city living with the tranquility of suburban neighborhoods, and how these experiences have shaped our families' deep connections.

Travel with us through cherished memories as we talk about favorite spots like Honest Art and Untermyer Park, and indulge in the delightful offerings of the new Paris Baguette bakery. From nostalgic tales of the Bronx to aspirations for future adventures, we dive into the power of vision boards as tools for realizing dreams, like visiting Italy or buying that dream car. The importance of involving family, especially children, in goal-setting is a highlight, emphasizing that success is a shared journey. Tune in and get inspired to weave community, memories, and dreams into your own life tapestry.

Send us a text

Embark on an inspiring journey with us as Heidi Baez, my incredible wife and business partner, shares how we turned our dream of homeownership into reality. Despite not having the full down payment, Heidi's unwavering faith and expertise as a mortgage broker were instrumental in our first property purchase. Together, we reveal how teamwork, persistence, and a bit of faith can lead to success, while offering practical advice like visiting neighborhoods at different times to truly understand your potential new home. Learn from our story and discover how these principles can guide your path to owning your own space.

In this episode, Heidi and I also explore the meaningful nuances of gratitude in the real estate and mortgage sectors. Hear the heartwarming story of a client who thanked Heidi with flowers after a long journey to improve her credit score. We also discuss the advantages of working with a mortgage broker and navigating common concerns like interest rates. With an optimistic outlook towards 2025, we encourage listeners to consider the lasting value of real estate investments, focusing on building equity and leaving a legacy for future generations. Let our experiences inspire you to take that significant and rewarding step into homeownership.

Send us a text

Join us for a captivating conversation with entrepreneur and family business expert, Steven Pizarro. In this episode, we dive into the intricacies of managing two successful businesses alongside his wife, who leads the insurance side of their operations. Steven shares valuable insights on the importance of teamwork and the legacy they aim to build for their children. Discover how their partnership mirrors a harmonious marriage and gain practical strategies for passing on family businesses to future generations.

Uncover the truth about house flipping and contracting in this eye-opening chapter. Steven debunks common misconceptions and highlights the realities and unpredictabilities of these ventures. Learn why it's crucial to hire licensed and transparent professionals and the risks of dealing with unverified contractors. Discover the importance of obtaining detailed invoices and verifying contractor credentials to avoid potential pitfalls. This chapter emphasizes the significance of conducting thorough research and checking past work to ensure a secure and successful renovation process.

Tune in as we explore the impact of rising material costs and the importance of adequate insurance coverage. Steven offers valuable advice on navigating the complexities of the current real estate and insurance markets. Discover strategic renovation tips that enhance home appeal and protect your investment. We also provide essential tips for first-time homebuyers, focusing on inspecting key utilities and structural components to avoid costly repairs. With Steven's expertise as a contractor and insurance broker, this episode equips you with the knowledge to make informed decisions and protect your investments.