Realty Speak

As Realty Speak marks eight years since its first episode, host Bill Weidner launches a new mission: moving beyond housing divisiveness and toward housing harmony. Joined by Ann Korchak of the Small Property Owners of New York and Erik Engquist of The Real Deal, this episode explores how housing policy actually works and how new ideas can lead to better outcomes for all stakeholders.

Today on Realty Speak I sat down with Runwise COO, Kelly-Ann Corrigan and Patrick Beesley, Director of Partnerships to explore the evolving world of building tech.  We unpack how smart heating, cooling and leak detection tech is helping NYC buildings slash utility costs and stay compliant while bringing comfort, precision and measurable ROI in months, not years. Lots of great stories in this one t...

This episode of Realty Speak dives deep into the world of tax-efficient planning with my co-host David Feeser of 1031 Specialists and our guest Paulo Aguilar of Wealthstone Group. We cover 1031 and 721 exchanges, Delaware Statutory Trusts, Deferred Sales Trusts and the evolution from Opportunity Zones 1.0 to the new, permanent 2.0 under the “One Big Beautiful Bill.” Paulo and David share how to pr...

In this powerhouse episode of Realty Speak, I sit down with George Fontas and Frank Ricci of Fontas Advisors - two experts who’ve helped shape and navigate New York’s most complex political and regulatory landscapes. We break down how public affairs strategy, political relationships and coalition-building directly influence real estate development, rent regulation and housing policy in NYC. George...

In this dynamic start to 2025, Amanda Gerome, CEO of A+ Electric, joins me as co-host for this special episode of Realty Speak. Together, we welcome Sadie McKeown, President of The Community Preservation Corporation, to discuss electrification and other critical upgrades driving the transformation of NYC buildings toward greater affordability and sustainability. Our engaging conversation delves in...

As we say goodbye to 2024, this conversation weaves together the inspiring thoughts our guests shared at the close of each episode we had this year. Then, I add my own thoughts to the mix - words I composed before creating this year-end message. It all comes together as a shared hope for an even brighter 2025 and beyond. Enjoy! Wishing you and yours an amazing New Year celebration!

In this timely episode of Realty Speak, I’m joined by Guest Host Josh Blackman, CEO of Brownstone Property Group and Greg Krueger, SVP of LEW Environmental Services. Together, we dive headfirst into NYC's lead paint regulations, cutting through the noise to give you the straight facts on what you need to know. We cover everything from the looming August 9th, 2025 compliance deadline to how XRF lea...

In this special episode of Realty Speak, the tables are turned as I step in as a guest on Inside R&E, the podcast from the real estate law firm Rosenberg & Estis, P.C., hosted by Justin Weitzman. Justin and I dive into the critical topic of Local Law 152 - Periodic Inspection of Gas Piping Systems, focusing on what Coop and Condo Boards, building owners, and property managers need to know during t...

In the fast-paced world of New York City real estate, keeping up with the ever-changing local laws is more than just a challenge—it’s a necessity. Don’t get caught off guard! Join us as Adam Batista and John Longo from Prise lead us through NYC’s most critical regulations, including lead paint safety, gas piping inspections, parapet and parking garage inspections. But that’s not all—climate change...

Get ready for an electrifying episode as we unpack New York City's ambitious "City of Yes" initiative! Hear from Rob Holbrook, Executive Director of the Get Stuff Built initiative for NYC Mayor Eric Adams. Rob outlines the ambitious plan to generate 500,000 housing units over the next decade, addressing the housing crisis and the initiative’s innovative zoning reforms. Discover how these changes w...

In this captivating episode, Robert Levine, the visionary founder and CEO of RAL Companies, who is renowned for transforming New York City's skyline with iconic developments like Brooklyn’s Quay Tower, shares his extraordinary journey from launching an innovative architectural firm in 1979 to becoming a present-day real estate luminary. Robert captivates us with tales of development in New York Ci...

Has the recent 24/25 New York State budget brought significant changes to housing laws? Absolutely! Ann Korchak, President of SPONY, leads a riveting webinar, unpacking these crucial updates with attorney Craig Gambardella from Kucker Marino Winiarsky & Bittens, LLP. Together, they dissect the latest amendments to the rent stabilization law, highlighting the increased allowances for Individual Apa...

Join us in the pulsing heart of Times Square, Manhattan, for a special Fair Housing Month episode with Neil Garfinkel, a leading authority on fair housing and the managing partner at the law firm of Abrams Garfinkel Margolis Bergson. Neil dives deep into the essential facets of fair housing laws, highlighting their pivotal role across the real estate spectrum and offering a guide to navigating the...

Has the leading NYC real estate law firm Kucker, Marino, Winiarsky & Bittens taken action against NY Housing Court delays? Yes, it has! Three of the firm’s partners, Nativ Winiarsky, Craig Gambardella, and Eric McAvey, are challenging the status quo with this groundbreaking lawsuit. Together, they offer an insider look at their fight for swift justice in NYC's Housing Court. Beyond dissecting syst...

Delve into the inspiring journey of Anthos|Home with Laura Lazarus, as she reveals the driving force behind this mission-driven organization she co-founded with Leslie Abbey. Their mission? To tackle the challenges faced by property owners and rental voucher holders head-on, crafting innovative solutions that can revolutionize the landscape of affordable housing. Joined by Courtney Nelson, VP of H...

Whether you are a NIMBY or a YIMBY, you’ll still agree that increasing the options for housing, hospitality, entertainment, historical exhibits and open space will economically stimulate a local economy. Enter Freedom Plaza, a visionary project by the Soloviev Group, spearheaded by Stefan Soloviev, Chairman, and CEO Michael Hershman. Just south of the United Nations on the East River in Manhattan,...

Lindsay Liu of Super Software joins Realty Speak as my co-host with City University of New York Building Performance Lab Project Manager Jim Lane as our guest. We talk about the impending enforcement of the NYC climate laws and how this will impact all buildings across the state and city. After listening you will have a better understanding of what to expect around your particular situation. You'l...

After a 7 month break Realty Speak is back on air with Val, Lincoln and Irving, 3 NYC property owners, who are part of the leadership of Small Property Owners of New York aka SPONY. Val, Lincoln and Irving discuss the last 4 years and what legislative mistakes have led up to this present day intolerable rental housing crisis in NY City. More importantly they share the needed corrections to evolve...

Melissa Román Burch, EVP and COO of The New York City Economic Development Corporation and I talk about the future of this great city. You’ll be surprised how much this not for profit organization is driving change and progress across so many different economic sectors. The impact the NYC EDC will have on the future of this great city and how they do it? It is a story you do not want to miss. Enjo...

Federal, State and Local Lead Laws that dictate how to deal with lead based paint and lead dust in residential rental property are often jurisdictionally inconsistent and confusing. In New York City, the ongoing changes to existing protocols create additional confusion. Enter LEW Environmental Services where Lee Wasserman and Karrie Munoz share important details and clarify requirements. Knowledge...

If you don’t plan for the sale of real estate then you risk a big capital gain tax bill. Today Michael Burwick, Partner, Greenspoon Marder LLP and Kent Fitzpatrick, Managing Director, Asset Strategy Advisors not only review for us the many capital gain deferral strategies you have heard about before on Realty Speak but also share another strategy you’ll want to understand completely. What you will...

As part of a series with NYARM on the NYC emissions laws; Margie Russell, Executive Director of the New York Association of Realty Managers and I moderated a webinar addressing NYC Local Law 97 which will be enforced starting in 2024. On Tuesday 04/12/2022 we went live and asked very pointed questions to the Local Law 97 expert and Licensed Professional Engineer, Marc Karell. Then on 05/23/2022 I...

Margie Russell, NYARM and Anne Korchak, SPONY team up with me to chat about Good Cause Eviction; NY Senate Bill 3082/Assembly Bill A05573. Real Estate Attorney Alexander Lycoyannis explains in detail what Good Cause Eviction is and what it is not. After listening you will clearly understand why passage of this Bill will be GOOD for nothing! You will also know how to easily voice your opposition an...

Earlier this month Margie Russell, Executive Director of the New York Association of Realty Managers (NYARM) invited me to join her in moderating a webinar addressing NY City’s Local Law 87. On Friday, 03/18/2022, we went live and along with the audience, asked very pointed questions to the Local Law 87 expert and Licensed Professional Engineer, Marc Karell. He didn’t flinch. He knows his stuff. D...

When NYREJ radio emcee Rick Kaplan suggested Realty Speak moderate a live panel of 4 very astute investment real estate industry professionals, the answer was an emphatic, YES! In the is episode Attorney - Michael Sahn, JLL Chairman of NY Investment Sales - Bob Knakal, Lendlease Executive General Manager - Melissa Román Burch and Attorney - Gary Meltzer shine a bright light of optimism on what oth...