The Brownstoner Podcast

Compass agents Debbie Zolan and Jacquelynn Rossiter share strategies for Brooklyn buyers, how the Compass Concierge program works, and how to overcome special situations in the latest episode.

When something shakes up the market like the recent rise in interest rates, “there’s a moment of pause, but then life happens, the things we need to do we still need to do,” said Rossiter. “It’s tough but there are still properties out there and there will be more properties coming on the market in January.”

To hear more, tune into The Brownstoner Podcast. To get in touch with Zolan and Rossiter, check out the Zolan Rossiter Team website. (Sponsored)

“The number one piece of advice I always give to developers is engage with your title company a lot earlier,” he said. “Include the title company in discussions with your architect and zoning attorneys to go over things that can come up in a title report and affect what you’re building.”

To hear more, tune into The Brownstoner Podcast here. To get in touch with Dorian Lam, check out the Cornerstone Land Abstract website here.(Sponsored)

From a real estate family in Westchester, award winning Compass real estate agent and Brooklyn Heights resident Peter Riolo talks about putting people first, the market in Brooklyn, and the easiest way to move out of the city on the latest episode of The Brownstoner Podcast.(Sponsored)

In the latest episode of The Brownstoner Podcast, Compass real estate agent Kristin Miller shares tips for sellers and how to put your best foot forward when selling a home.

With a background in art and a passion for interior design, Miller recently spearheaded the creation of two of the most popular real estate listings on StreetEasy. An expert in townhouse, condo and co-op resales in brownstone Brooklyn, Miller shares how she helps prepare and stage a property, determines pricing, and negotiates to get the best possible results for her clients. (Sponsored)

In the latest episode of The Brownstoner Podcast, Meridian Retail Leasing’s Greg Goldberg talks about the impact of COVID-19 on New York City’s stores, eateries and nightlife. Before getting into retail leasing, Goldberg worked in restaurants and design. Now he’s a director in the company’s midtown office.

“Stores are going out of business, which is sad, but when one closes, another opens,” he said. “It’s a tenant’s market. You can’t walk down an avenue without seeing a for rent sign.”

The number of leases dropped in 2020, but deals are still happening. “Vaccines are coming out, spring is coming, people are in a better mood. As soon as we get back to normal, this city is going to be back,” Goldberg said. (Sponsored)

In the latest episode of The Brownstoner Podcast, Executive Director Nancy Gagnier and Program Director Audrey Rowe of the South Orange/Maplewood Community Coalition on Race share with us how the nonprofit has helped create a unique suburban community in South Orange and Maplewood in New Jersey that is free of racial segregation in its housing and community activities. The area is also known for its high-performing schools, quaint and walkable neighborhoods, and easy commute to Manhattan. Tune into The Brownstoner Podcast here. (Sponsored)

In the latest episode of The Brownstoner Podcast, Jessica Henson and Lucy Perry of the Henson Soule Perry Team discuss the charms of brownstone Brooklyn, the impact of COVID on the Brooklyn real estate market, and what you need to know before renovating a townhouse.

The townhouse is “classic urban living that goes back hundreds of years,” said Perry. “The proportions, larger rooms and higher ceilings create a wonderful place to live.”

If a property needs attention, look at the potential and what will be there whether you renovate or not: ceiling heights, building width and depth, the location of the stair and light quality, she said.

In this stressful year, many buyers at the higher price points prefer move-in condition, said Henson. At the same time, thanks to low interest rates and a buyer’s market, buyers around $2 million and less are seeing opportunity in fixer-uppers, she said.

The Brooklyn market is not “suffering because of COVID,” said Perry. “Things have been slow and steady.” Home hunters coming from Manhattan are looking for “bigger sky, fresh air, more space. There is almost a mystique about Brooklyn.” (Sponsored)

Drawing on expertise renovating fixer-uppers and working in housing for the city after 9/11 and Sandy, Compass real estate agent Erica Keberle offers what she calls “real estate therapy” for folks who are feeling conflicted about home in 2021: To buy or rent? Sell and rent? Hold and renovate? Invest or trade up or move out of New York City?

In this latest episode of The Brownstoner Podcast, Keberle explains what is special about the neighborhoods ringing Prospect Park, describes life in the Catskills, offers advice to first-time buyers, and predicts how COVID-19 will affect New York City.

“We’re in a unique period in history and for New York City,” said Keberle, who specializes in co-ops and condos in the $500,000 to $2 million range. “We might have a challenging couple of years, but this is a city that survives, reinvents, and thrives, and I feel there is a lot of opportunity for positive outcomes in the future.” (Sponsored)

In this latest episode of The Brownstoner Podcast, Julie Cohen and Nick Ferrone of Compass’ Cohen Ferrone Team discuss how COVID is affecting the real estate market and the many changes and growth Brooklyn has undergone. Veteran real estate brokers who’ve lived in Brooklyn for more than 65 years combined, they describe their passion for the borough’s vibrant waterfront, its unique history and architecture.

Julie and Nick also explain how they prepare owners for bringing a home to market, recommend staging techniques, and suggest affordable and creative renovation upgrades. (For more renovation tips, check out Julie’s three-part sponsored series here.) They also share insight on where first-time homebuyers can find a bargain in Brooklyn. (Sponsored)

In the latest episode of The Brownstoner Podcast, Morris Betesh, senior managing director for capital services with Meridian Capital, describes the twists and turns of commercial real estate financing since the coronavirus hit in March. “It’s a tale of two cities,” he said.

Now that the market has thawed, deals unaffected by COVID are going to get “the best financing you’ve ever seen,” with 10-year fixed loans at rates under 3 percent, but for properties affected by COVID, “it’s very difficult,” he said.

What lenders love is anything with good collections, which tends to be rental apartments in the outer boroughs such as Brooklyn and Queens. “We’ve seen less of an impact on collections and vacancies in those areas, which is why owners in those areas are better positioned to take advantage of the attractive financing available right now,” he said.

Market knowledge and relationships have helped Meridian steer clients through challenging times and close deals with favorable terms. (Sponsored)