Boroughs & Burbs, the National Real Estate Conversation

This week on Boroughs & Burbs, Season 6, Episode #218, we sit down with Stephen Kliegerman, President of Development Marketing at Brown Harris Stevens, for a deep dive into the state of NYC’s new development market. From shifting buyer demand and rising construction costs to financing hurdles and political headwinds, Stephen breaks down what’s really happening behind the cranes. What projects are selling? What’s stalled? Where is opportunity emerging? We explore the pipeline, pricing strategies, and how developers are adapting to today’s economic climate. If you want a clear look at Manhattan’s future skyline and the forces shaping it, this episode is essential listening.

The Kips Bay Decorator Show House is one of the most anticipated design events of the year, setting the tone for luxury interiors, emerging trends, and philanthropic impact. In this special episode of Boroughs & Burbs, we go behind the scenes with four standout designers who brought their vision to life: Jennifer Cohler Mason, Melanie Roy, Chris Coleman and Jack Ovadia with Lisa Ben-Isvy of LBI ConneXt. They share what inspired their rooms, how they balanced creativity with function, and the design risks that paid off. From color and texture to craftsmanship and storytelling, this episode reveals how top designers think, collaborate, and push boundaries, while supporting the Kips Bay Boys & Girls Club. A must-listen for design lovers, homeowners, and industry professionals alike.

On episode #216 of Boroughs & Burbs, we head uptown to explore one of Manhattan’s most intellectually rich and architecturally distinctive neighborhoods: Morningside Heights. Joining us is Pierre Malterre-West and Ella Chavers of Douglas Elliman, who brings deep market insight into a community shaped by world-class institutions, historic prewar buildings, and a growing mix of longtime residents, faculty, students, and buyers seeking value north of Central Park. We discuss how Columbia University, Barnard, Riverside Church, and nearby parks influence housing demand, what types of properties are most sought after, and how pricing compares to neighboring areas. From co-ops to condos and townhouses, Pierre and Ella break down why Morningside Heights remains one of Manhattan’s most compelling and misunderstood submarkets.

Las Vegas is one of the most closely watched real estate stories in the country. In Season 6, Episode #215 of Boroughs & Burbs, we head to Las Vegas with Don Kuhl of Douglas Elliman to unpack what’s really happening on the ground. From luxury communities and second-home demand to inbound buyers from California and the Northeast, Don shares why Vegas has matured into a serious lifestyle and investment market. We discuss pricing trends, inventory shifts, new development, and how tax policy, remote work, and pro sports have reshaped demand. If you’re curious whether Las Vegas is peaking—or just getting started—this episode delivers the context you need.

Season 6, Episode 214 of Boroughs & Burbs takes us inside one of the most coveted luxury markets in the world with “Billionaire’s Triangle.” Joined by Tara West and Drew Backoff of Douglas Elliman, we explore the rarefied pocket where Palm Beach, Jupiter Island, and surrounding enclaves converge to attract ultra-high-net-worth buyers from across the globe. What defines this market beyond price? Who is buying, and why now? Tara and Drew share insights into privacy, waterfront scarcity, lifestyle drivers, and the subtle differences that make each corner of the triangle unique. From legacy estates to new development and off-market opportunities, this episode breaks down how wealth, location, and timing intersect in one of America’s most exclusive real estate corridors.

We kick off Season 6 with a deep look inside the institutions that power American homeownership. In Episode 213, The Mortgage Machine, we’re joined by three insiders: Rick Coyle, who spent his career at Freddie Mac; Tony Lucente, formerly in Freddie Mac’s credit division; and Jeff Farrell, who worked in Freddie Mac’s affordable housing group. Together, they unpack how Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac helped make homeownership more accessible in the U.S. than anywhere else, the role they play in stabilizing mortgage markets, and what they’ve learned about banks, borrowers, and risk. We also revisit the lessons of the financial crisis and tackle the ongoing debate around privatizing Fannie and Freddie—and what that could mean for the future of housing.

In Season 5, Episode #212 of Boroughs & Burbs, we dive into one of the most overlooked, yet highly profitable real estate niches: vacant land. Our guest, Brent Bowers, founder of The Land Sharks, has built a nationally recognized business teaching investors how to find, acquire, and flip land for substantial returns with surprisingly low competition. We explore why land offers unique advantages compared to traditional real estate, how to build systems that generate passive income, and the strategies Brent uses to identify hidden opportunities others miss. Whether you're a seasoned investor or land-curious beginner, this episode will change how you think about dirt and what it’s worth.

This week on Boroughs & Burbs, Season 5, Episode #211 we explore one of the most resilient and quietly powerful asset classes: timberland investments. Our guest, John Brenard of Southview Timberland Investments, brings deep expertise in land management, sustainable forestry, and income-producing agricultural assets. We break down why institutional investors love timber, how farmland performs in volatile markets, and what makes these sectors attractive for long-term wealth preservation. John explains valuation, risk, conservation strategies, carbon credits, and where future opportunities are emerging. Whether you're a seasoned investor or simply land-curious, this episode reveals why timber and ag assets continue to outperform—and how to enter the space wisely.

🎙 Season 5, Episode 210: “The Claim Before the Storm” This week on Boroughs & Burbs, we tackle one of the most urgent and misunderstood topics in homeownership: preparing for damage before disaster strikes. Our guests Larry Janesky, founder of CT Basement Systems; John Otero and Rick Wahlstrom, of 1-800-Water-Damage join us to reveal what every homeowner should know before the next storm hits. We break down hidden vulnerabilities, the biggest mistakes owners make when filing claims, how to protect your home from water and structural damage, and what actually happens behind the scenes in the restoration and claims process. If you care about safeguarding your biggest asset, you can’t miss this episode.

This week on Boroughs & Burbs, Season 5, Episode #209, we explore how creativity meets compliance in real estate transactions. Our guests, Caleb Christopher, founder of Creative Title Company, and Amanda Burns, Attorney at Law are redefining what’s possible in complex deal structures. Caleb has closed thousands of creative finance transactions and built the systems that make innovative deals safe, legal, and ethical. From risk management to remote transaction coordination, his experience helps investors and agents navigate gray areas with confidence. Together with Amanda, we’ll uncover how to protect clients, close unconventional deals, and leverage creative finance strategies that work nationwide.

In Season 5, Episode #208 of Boroughs & Burbs we dive into one of the most complex, yet essential, areas of real estate: estate, trust, and probate sales. Our guests, Kelly deLaat, Rachelle Rosten and Peter Hernandez of Douglas Elliman, share their firsthand experience guiding families, trustees, and investors through these sensitive transactions. We’ll explore how to maximize property value while navigating legal nuances, timelines, and emotional factors that often accompany estate sales. From market strategy and communication with attorneys to identifying investment opportunities within probate portfolios, this episode unpacks how expert agents manage trust properties with precision, empathy, and success.

🎙️ Season 5, Episode #207: Jackson Hole – Luxury, Lifestyle & 1031 Opportunities In this episode of Boroughs & Burbs, we head to the mountains for a deep dive into Jackson Hole, Wyoming — one of America’s most exclusive real estate markets. Our guests, Meredith Landino of Sotheby’s International Realty and Nancy Hughes of IPX1031, explore why this destination continues to attract ultra-high-net-worth buyers seeking beauty, privacy, and tax advantages. We’ll discuss how limited inventory shapes pricing, how investors are leveraging 1031 exchanges in this region, and what makes Jackson Hole’s lifestyle and community so magnetic. From conservation to capital gains, discover how this mountain town has become a haven for smart investors and luxury homeowners alike.

Hosts John Engel and Roberto Cabrera explore how smart developers are turning demolition waste into economic opportunity. This week on Boroughs & Burbs, we welcome Mark Foster, Founder & CEO of Second Chance, to reveal how deconstruction—the careful dismantling and reuse of building materials—can be both green and profitable. Foster explains how reclaiming architectural treasures, reselling high-value materials, and leveraging tax deductions can transform a project’s bottom line while supporting sustainability goals. Discover why demand for reclaimed wood, fixtures, and architectural elements is booming, and how builders, investors, and homeowners can integrate deconstruction into future developments. 🎧 Listen on boroughsandburbs.com ▶️ Watch on YouTube: @JohnEngelOfficial Keywords / SEO tags: Boroughs and Burbs Podcast, John Engel, Roberto Cabrera, Mark Foster Second Chance, deconstruction, sustainable construction, reclaimed materials, circular economy, green building, construction tax benefits, salvage architecture, real estate innovation, sustainable design Hashtags: #BoroughsAndBurbs #Deconstruction #SustainableConstruction #SecondChance #GreenBuilding #ReclaimedMaterials #CircularEconomy #JohnEngel #RobertoCabrera #DouglasElliman #RealEstatePodcast #BuildingInnovation #Sustainability

Hosts John Engel and Roberto Cabrera sit down with two design visionaries—Carey Karlan, founder of Casa Vergara Interiors. Together they explore how to blend historic architecture with modern living to create homes that feel both rooted and relevant. From preserving original craftsmanship to introducing contemporary finishes, our guests share how they navigate the delicate line between restoration and reinvention. You’ll hear real-world examples, design philosophies, and stories from clients who seek authenticity, elegance, and enduring beauty in their spaces. Whether you’re an architect, designer, or homeowner, this conversation reveals how timeless design is achieved—through intention, restraint, and respect for history. 🎧 Listen on boroughsandburbs.com ▶️ Watch on YouTube: @JohnEngelOfficial Keywords / SEO tags: Boroughs and Burbs podcast, John Engel, Roberto Cabrera, Carey Karlan, Antonio Vergara, interior design podcast, historic restoration, modern interior design, timeless homes, renovation strategy, design balance, traditional meets modern, luxury home design, Connecticut interiors, architectural preservation Hashtags: #BoroughsAndBurbs #InteriorDesign #CareyKarlan #AntonioVergara #LastDetailInteriorDesign #CasaVergara #DesignPodcast #TimelessDesign #HistoricHomes #ModernLiving #JohnEngel #RobertoCabrera #DouglasElliman #HomeDesign #LuxuryHomes #Architecture

Hosts John Engel and Roberto Cabrera travel south to explore the real-estate renaissance of Charleston, South Carolina—a city where history, design, and coastal living come together in perfect balance. Joining them are two local experts: Alester Spears of Carolina One Real Estate and Larry James of Charleston Magazine. Together they uncover what makes Charleston one of America’s most desirable cities to live, invest, and visit. From its walkable historic districts and vibrant culinary scene to luxury waterfront homes and thoughtful preservation efforts, this episode reveals how Charleston continues to evolve while protecting its soul. Discover what’s driving buyer demand, where the new development hotspots are, and how this Southern gem maintains its timeless charm amid rapid growth. 🎧 Listen on boroughsandburbs.com ▶️ Watch on YouTube: @JohnEngelOfficial Keywords / SEO tags: Boroughs and Burbs podcast, John Engel, Roberto Cabrera, Charleston real estate, Charleston South Carolina, Alester Spears Carolina One, Larry James Charleston Magazine, luxury real estate Charleston, historic homes, preservation Charleston, coastal living SC, Southern architecture, real estate podcast, lifestyle Charleston Hashtags: #BoroughsAndBurbs #Charleston #SouthCarolina #CharlestonRealEstate #LuxuryRealEstate #HistoricHomes #Preservation #SouthernLiving #CoastalLiving #JohnEngel #RobertoCabrera #DouglasElliman #RealEstatePodcast #Architecture #Design #CharlestonMagazine

Hosts John Engel and Roberto Cabrera explore the art of stretching creativity and redefining what’s possible in design and construction. Joining them are Lindsay Biondo-Lugo, founder of Houz of Rebel, and Scott Hobbs, president of boroughsandburbs.com ▶️ Watch on YouTube: @JohnEngelOfficial Keywords / SEO tags: Boroughs and Burbs podcast, John Engel, Roberto Cabrera, Lindsay Biondo-Lugo, Scott Hobbs, Houz of Rebel, Hobbs Inc., design podcast, architecture podcast, construction innovation, client collaboration, creative risk, luxury home design, high-end construction, builder-designer partnership, creative leadership Hashtags: #BoroughsAndBurbs #DesignPodcast #Architecture #ConstructionInnovation #HouzOfRebel #HobbsInc #CreativeRisk #LuxuryDesign #JohnEngel #RobertoCabrera #DouglasElliman #RealEstatePodcast #Collaboration #ClientExperience #DesignLeadership

Hosts John Engel and Roberto Cabrera travel south to explore why Winter Park and Central Florida have become two of the nation’s hottest real-estate markets. Joining them are Luz Sanchez and Orlando Sanchez of boroughsandburbs.com ▶️ Watch on YouTube: @JohnEngelOfficial Keywords / SEO tags: Boroughs and Burbs podcast, John Engel, Roberto Cabrera, Luz Sanchez, Orlando Sanchez, Douglas Elliman Florida, Winter Park real estate, Central Florida real estate, Orlando market trends, Florida migration, luxury homes Winter Park, lakefront living, Florida investment opportunities, Sunshine State real estate Hashtags: #BoroughsAndBurbs #FloridaRealEstate #WinterPark #CentralFlorida #Orlando #LuxuryRealEstate #DouglasElliman #JohnEngel #RobertoCabrera #RealEstatePodcast #FloridaLiving #InvestmentOpportunities #SunshineState #HousingMarket #LifestyleRealEstate

Hosts John Engel and Roberto Cabrera set sail for Greece with Jeronymo Kontonis, founder of boroughsandburbs.com ▶️ Watch on YouTube: @JohnEngelOfficial Keywords / SEO tags: Boroughs and Burbs podcast, John Engel, Roberto Cabrera, Jeronymo Kontonis, JK Property and Yachting, Greece real estate, Athens real estate, Greek islands property, Golden Visa Greece, luxury real estate Europe, international investment, second homes Greece, yachting and real estate, Mediterranean lifestyle, global buyers Hashtags: #BoroughsAndBurbs #GreeceRealEstate #JeronymoKontonis #JKPropertyAndYachting #GoldenVisa #LuxuryRealEstate #InternationalInvesting #Athens #GreekIslands #Yachting #MediterraneanLifestyle #JohnEngel #RobertoCabrera #DouglasElliman #RealEstatePodcast #GlobalLuxury

In this landmark 200th episode of Boroughs & Burbs, hosts John Engel and Roberto Cabrera welcome Jonathan Miller, President & CEO of boroughsandburbs.com ▶️ Watch on YouTube: @JohnEngelOfficial Keywords / SEO tags: Boroughs and Burbs podcast, John Engel, Roberto Cabrera, Jonathan Miller, Miller Samuel, housing market 2025, real estate trends, market analysis, mortgage rates, home affordability, inventory shortage, housing forecast, real estate data, real estate podcast, Douglas Elliman report, national housing market Hashtags: #BoroughsAndBurbs #JonathanMiller #MillerSamuel #HousingMarket #RealEstatePodcast #MarketTrends #MortgageRates #HomeAffordability #RealEstateInsights #JohnEngel #RobertoCabrera #DouglasElliman #RealEstateAnalysis #Economy #RealEstateForecast

Hosts John Engel and Roberto Cabrera tackle the intersection of healthcare, aging, and migration with Russell Barksdale, CEO of Waveny LifeCare Network, and Connecticut State Senator Ryan Fazio. Together, they unpack the demographic and policy shifts reshaping life in the Northeast. Connecticut’s senior population is projected to grow by 57% by 2040, creating both opportunity and strain. Rising taxes, high living costs, shrinking housing inventory, and healthcare system pressures are driving retirees to make tough choices: relocate to Florida, Arizona, or the Carolinas—or downsize locally. The conversation dives deep into how policy, healthcare closures, and private equity trends will impact communities, real-estate markets, and the future of care. For anyone invested in housing, healthcare, or public policy, this episode reveals what’s coming next in our aging society. 🎧 Listen on boroughsandburbs.com ▶️ Watch on YouTube: @JohnEngelOfficial Keywords / SEO tags: Boroughs and Burbs podcast, John Engel, Roberto Cabrera, Russell Barksdale, Waveny LifeCare Network, Ryan Fazio, Connecticut aging population, senior housing, healthcare policy Connecticut, retirement migration, affordable housing CT, healthcare closures, private equity in healthcare, senior living trends, demographic shifts Hashtags: #BoroughsAndBurbs #Connecticut #AgingPopulation #HealthcarePolicy #SeniorLiving #RetirementMigration #HousingCrisis #RyanFazio #RussellBarksdale #WavenyLifeCare #JohnEngel #RobertoCabrera #DouglasElliman #RealEstatePodcast #PublicPolicy #Demographics Would you like me to continue next with Episode 197, keeping this SEO-optimized series moving backward through Season 5?