The Brick Underground Podcast

The Brick Underground Podcast brings you everything you need to know about New York City real estate—condos, co-ops, buying, selling, and renting, from politics to practical guides—with tips on how to achieve your housing goals in NYC.

Brick Underground Office Hours 05/02/2023

Brick Underground Office Hours Renting in New York City usually comes with some kind of headache—a broken elevator, a rent increase, leaks, mold, the list goes on. In this episode, tenant attorney Sam Himmelstein, a partner at and a longtime sponsor of Brick Underground, sits down for our first live Office Hours. Some of the questions addressed during the event include: Can I be charged fees for late rent payments if it isn't in the lease? What are landlords' obligations for cleaning common areas? Can a landlord increase my rent in retaliation if I complain about conditions? How do I handle mold? Another important issue: How to check if your apartment is rent-stabilized. You can see the video on Tenant attorney Sam Himmelstein writes Brick Underground's popular column. /episode/index/show/brickunderground/id/26672421

Racism and the lack of diversity in the appraisal business 12/01/2022

Racism and the lack of diversity in the appraisal business Claims about racial bias in appraisals are not new but there are now reports the pandemic has made the situation worse. Recently, researchers digging through millions of appraisals from the Federal Housing Finance Agency found, yet again, evidence of systematic racial bias from appraisers. In a conversation with Jonathan Miller, president and CEO of appraisal firm Miller Samuel, he says this type of discrimination is likely to be as prevalent in New York City as it is in rest of the country and blames the lack of diversity in the appraisal business is a key driver of this bias. Related links: (U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics) (Eruka) /episode/index/show/brickunderground/id/25168329

Making sense of the NYC real estate market with Jonathan Miller 11/18/2022

Making sense of the NYC real estate market with Jonathan Miller Appraiser Jonathan Miller, president and CEO of Miller Samuel, joins host Emily Myers to discuss what buyers, sellers, and renters in New York City can take away from the real estate data as we head into 2023. Rents are 15 percent higher than they were before the pandemic but concessions (like free rent given by a landlord to entice someone to sign a lease) are actually starting to rise. Meanwhile, apartment sales have slowed because of rising mortgage rates and uncertainty about the economy. One tip: If you want to follow sales price trends in NYC you need to look at inventory and months of supply—the metrics that tell us how many apartments are available and how quickly they are selling. When months of supply go above eight and a half, buyers get some leverage. Related links: (Douglas Elliman) (Brick Underground) (Brick Underground) (Brick Underground) /episode/index/show/brickunderground/id/25050456

Predators in the NYC rental market, with Hannah Levintova from Mother Jones 06/28/2022

Predators in the NYC rental market, with Hannah Levintova from Mother Jones In this episode, we take a look at the biggest New York City landlords you’ve probably never heard of—private equity-backed owners. The number of these investor landlords has increased during the pandemic and when private equity is involved in the purchase of a rental building the outcome is rarely, if ever, positive for the tenants living there. Investigative reporter Hannah Levintova talks with host Emily Myers about what she uncovered reporting on this topic for the national publication Hannah Levintova’s work on this topic includes these articles: Public data on who owns what in NYC: For help getting your rent history, contact New York State Division of Housing and Community Renewal's rent administration office at 718-739-6400 or by submitting a question /episode/index/show/brickunderground/id/23528600

Protecting against fire and floods in your NYC apartment 02/16/2022

Protecting against fire and floods in your NYC apartment Fires and flooded apartments pose risks for New Yorkers, prompting many to ask: How do I stay safe in my apartment? In this episode, Robert O’Brien, co-owner of New York Fire Consultants and a former F.D.N.Y. firefighter talks with host Emily Myers, offering tips on how to minimize fire hazards, find out if our building is up to code, determine if a basement apartment is legal, and where to look for your building's fire safety plan. The episode touches on personal safety issues and gives some reminders about a landlord's responsibility for looking after residents. /episode/index/show/brickunderground/id/22145054

Finding a deal in NYC as landlords pull concessions and raise rents 07/20/2021

Finding a deal in NYC as landlords pull concessions and raise rents If you want to rent in NYC right now, what should you expect? Apartments are no longer sitting empty and the balance of power is tipping in favor of landlords. So how do you get the edge? In this episode of the podcast, Adrian Savino, director of leasing and business development at Living New York, joins host Emily Myers to shed light on where the deals are as landlords pull concessions and raise rents. /episode/index/show/brickunderground/id/19855199

Trading your NYC apartment for a cheap(er) vacation 07/13/2021

Trading your NYC apartment for a cheap(er) vacation If you’ve ever wanted to put your New York City apartment to work by trading it for a week’s vacation somewhere else, this might be the year. Surging demand and fewer listings for short -term rentals are pushing up prices in popular vacation spots and if you’re traveling with unvaccinated children you might well be looking for an alternative to a busy hotel. Mary Lowengard, a contributing writer for Brick Underground, joins host Emily Myers to offer advice from decades of experience swapping her Upper East Side co-op for places in Europe and the U.S. /episode/index/show/brickunderground/id/19781729

How to negotiate your NYC sale or purchase 06/29/2021

How to negotiate your NYC sale or purchase In this guide to negotiating, Mike Walker, residential sales manager at R New York, joins host Emily Myers to share some practical tips on how to get what you want when you are buying or selling. /episode/index/show/brickunderground/id/19605209

Your NYC buying, selling, and ownership questions 06/01/2021

Your NYC buying, selling, and ownership questions Is it a red flag if a developer has failed multiple building inspections as you go to close on your apartment? What if there's no Certificate of Occupancy? What are you signaling as a buyer if you offer the asking price on an apartment with your initial bid? In this episode of the podcast we discuss your real estate questions as the city’s sales market goes into overdrive. Host Emily Myers is joined by Allison Chiaramonte, an agent at Warburg Realty and attorney Shaun Pappas, a partner at Starr Associates. /episode/index/show/brickunderground/id/19278617

The shock of buying in NYC for the first time 05/11/2021

The shock of buying in NYC for the first time Even if you've bought real estate in another city, buying in New York will surprise you. Having to compromise on your purchase when you're spending a million or more is one of the biggest shocks for many. Host Emily Myers is joined by Brick Underground’s managing editor Jennifer White Karp and Kobi Lahav, director of sales at to talk about the often awkward, frustrating and always eye-opening process of buying in NYC. The conversation covers the layers of bureaucracy, the legal wranglings, the broker tricks, board politics, and why buying in NYC holds such an appeal. /episode/index/show/brickunderground/id/19049561

Spotlight on Queens real estate with Bianca Colasuonno 05/04/2021

Spotlight on Queens real estate with Bianca Colasuonno Trends in the Queens real estate market are similar to Brooklyn—there are fewer listings, lots of sales taking place, and prices are going up. In this episode of the podcast, Compass broker Bianca Colasuonno talks with host Emily Myers about buying and selling in Queens as New Yorkers find themselves less tied to a Manhattan commute. If you’re selling, the condition of your place is more important than ever because buyers want turn-key places that need little work. There are also tips for buyers in an increasingly competitive market. /episode/index/show/brickunderground/id/18961079

Your NYC real estate questions, answered 03/16/2021

Your NYC real estate questions, answered Does it matter if I don’t get a full copy of the lease returned to me once I've signed it? Can I install a portable washing machine in my rental? What compensation am I entitled to if the only elevator in the building is shut down for maintenance? This episode of the podcast is all about your questions. Host Emily Myers is joined by Corcoran broker Vicki Negron and real estate attorney Steven Kirkpatrick of Romer Debbas to help find solutions to some of the most pressing questions renters and buyers are asking right now. /episode/index/show/brickunderground/id/18308696

Spotlight on Brooklyn with Lindsay Barton Barrett 02/23/2021

Spotlight on Brooklyn with Lindsay Barton Barrett As many New Yorkers adjust to an infrequent commute and seek out dedicated office and dining space, they are looking to properties in Brooklyn to meet their needs. Townhouses, in particular, have been in demand as buyers prioritize privacy and space. In this episode of the podcast, Douglas Elliman broker Lindsay Barton Barrett talks with host Emily Myers about Brooklyn's resiliency. She has tips for both buyers and sellers—about how to evaluate a purchase and when to time your sale. /episode/index/show/brickunderground/id/18038522

Stress-free moving strategies with Janine Sarna-Jones 02/01/2021

Stress-free moving strategies with Janine Sarna-Jones Slower sales and a huge supply of empty rentals in NYC means finding a new apartment is relatively easy right now but the move itself can still feel like an overwhelming ordeal in what has been an overwhelming 12 months—so how do you move with the least stress possible? Professional organizer Janine Sarna-Jones talks with host Emily Myers about how to get and stay organized ahead of a move. She offers tips on how much time to give yourself, how to pare down your belongings, and even when to time your move to make sure your needs are prioritized. /episode/index/show/brickunderground/id/17741420

NYC buying guide with real estate attorney Daniel Gershburg 01/19/2021

NYC buying guide with real estate attorney Daniel Gershburg Whether you’ve bought in New York City before or this is your first time, the closing process has changed in the last year: We now have video tours, virtual co-op board interviews, and electronic filings. Escrow closings are now the norm, ending lengthy in-person meetings to exchange keys and share certificates. Has buying in NYC become more efficient or more fraught? Real estate attorney Daniel Gershburg, partner at the law firm Konner Gershburg Melnick talks with host Emily Myers about what to expect when you’re buying in NYC right now. /episode/index/show/brickunderground/id/17566442

Bargain hunting in NYC with John Walkup from UrbanDigs 12/22/2020

Bargain hunting in NYC with John Walkup from UrbanDigs Real estate watchers will know there are deals to be had in sales and rentals in NYC right now—but where exactly? And how do you find them? In this episode, John Walkup, co-founder of the real estate analytics firm UrbanDigs, provides some context for what’s happening in the market right now. He also has advice to buyers about how to identify a motivated seller. What will the long term impact be of shifts in workplace culture and what changes might it bring to the city’s neighborhoods? These are some of the issues explored in this episode of the Brick Underground Podcast. /episode/index/show/brickunderground/id/17276807

Deals and dilemmas in new development 12/15/2020

Deals and dilemmas in new development In this episode we take a look at new development in NYC. It's an ongoing narrative that the city has a glut of brand new luxury condos and the pandemic has compounded the problem, as privacy and outdoor space are prized over tall buildings with shared amenities. What happens now? What kind of deal can you get if you want to buy and what are the challenges you face if you want to sell? Broker Ryan Serhant, CEO and founder of the real estate brokerage SERHANT joins host Emily Myers to share his expertise. /episode/index/show/brickunderground/id/17186843

2020 NYC real estate by the numbers 12/01/2020

2020 NYC real estate by the numbers This episode is all about the numbers. Jonathan Miller, CEO and president of real estate appraisal firm Miller Samuel, joins host Emily Myers to map out how the pandemic shifted buyers towards the suburbs and how renters are now being lured back to the city by deals. Is it a good time to buy? How long will rental concessions last? What is the lasting impact of the pandemic on NYC real estate? These are some of the questions explored in this week’s episode. /episode/index/show/brickunderground/id/17005697

NYC's eviction crisis and resources for renters 11/24/2020

NYC's eviction crisis and resources for renters How are renters currently protected from eviction in NYC? And what happens when those protections end? These are some of the questions explored in this episode of the Brick Underground Podcast. Host Emily Myers talks to Andrew Scherer, policy director at the Impact Center for Public Interest Law and a visiting associate professor at NY Law School about the impact of the pandemic on the city's renters, resources for tenants, what he anticipates happening in the new year and his hopes for more humane housing policies as a result of this year's public health crisis. /episode/index/show/brickunderground/id/16931690

Renovation questions for NYC buyers 03/06/2020

Renovation questions for NYC buyers How do you raise renovation questions in a co-op board interview? Is it possible to get pre-approval to do upgrades from a board before you buy? Are there ways to tell if a board is open to renovations without directly asking? Is now the time to renovate or sell? These are some of the questions tackled in this episode of the Brick Underground Podcast with host, Emily Myers, and Vickey Barron, a broker with Compass who has put together a full day course for brokers to help educate buyers on some of the issues they'll face if they plan to renovate. /episode/index/show/brickunderground/id/13430618

Secrets of a Well-Run NYC Building 02/14/2020

Secrets of a Well-Run NYC Building When you buy a condo or co-op in NYC, it's important to do everything you can to find out how the building is run. After all, it’s is a big investment—so what are the secrets to a well-run building? What are the typical flashpoints between residents and how are they best resolved? These are some of the questions addressed in this week's podcast with real estate attorney Steve Wagner, partner at the Manhattan law firm Wagner, Berkow & Brandt. /episode/index/show/brickunderground/id/13138661

How to Read Listings 02/07/2020

How to Read Listings Brick Underground’s "Take It Or Leave It" column is the subject of this week’s podcast. Host Emily Myers is joined by Jennifer White Karp, Brick Underground’s managing editor, and Constantine Valhouli, founder of the analytics firm NeighborhoodX, for a discussion of how to read between the lines of New York City rental listings and avoid getting tripped up by, among other things, illegal bedrooms, slick staging, and confusing rent information. /episode/index/show/brickunderground/id/13043732

The intersection of transit and housing in NYC 01/31/2020

The intersection of transit and housing in NYC Commute times have an impact on prices and the hunt for affordable housing means people are living further from their jobs. Host Emily Myers and guest, Sarah Kaufman of the NYU Rudin Center for Transportation, talk about some of the city’s transit challenges—and surprising recent improvements. Plus, what it means to be a smart city, how New York is competing, and what public data collection can do for your housing goals. /episode/index/show/brickunderground/id/12949349

Market Forecast 2020 01/23/2020

Market Forecast 2020 To say it’s currently a buyer’s market in NYC is to miss the fact that prices for starter apartments are rising much more than at the high end. Host Emily Myers gets into the details of NYC's current market data with real estate appraiser Jonathan Miller, President and CEO of the firm Miller Samuel, exploring “peak uncertainty” in sales and a “cauldron of unaffordability” in rentals. Plus, we look at what impact the 2020 election might have on NYC sales. /episode/index/show/brickunderground/id/12848927

Rent Reforms 07/19/2019

Rent Reforms Tenants in New York City now have many more protections thanks to sweeping rent reforms passed in June. Host Emily Myers is joined by attorney Sam Himmelstein to consider what the changes mean for New Yorkers. /episode/index/show/brickunderground/id/10564529

Airbnb 07/12/2019

Airbnb New York City has a complicated relationship with Airbnb and other short term rental sites. The city is keen to get out the message that renting your place for less than 30 days when you're out of town is illegal. Host Emily Myers is joined by Matt Murphy, Executive Director of the NYU Furman Center to consider the impact of home-sharing on the city's rents and affordability. Plus, are penalties too steep and how do you stay on the right side of the law as a host or visitor? /episode/index/show/brickunderground/id/10488236

NYC Building Management 06/28/2019

NYC Building Management If your NYC building has management issues it can be a real headache. Host Emily Myers is joined by Steve Elbaz, president of , to explore how to look for signs of mismanagement before you buy. Also in the podcast—advice for tenants who are looking for new management as well as best practices, like addressing building violations quickly. /episode/index/show/brickunderground/id/10319195

Closing costs and Co-investing 06/14/2019

Closing costs and Co-investing Like any big financial transaction, when you buy or sell an apartment in NYC, you have to pay various fees and taxes. Host Emily Myers gets into the details of closing costs and how they can affect your buying power. In a slower market, you might also see closing credits—the show explores how they work and who they help. Plus, a conversation with the CEO of co-investment company who wants to share in your NYC condo or townhouse purchase. /episode/index/show/brickunderground/id/10144091

The State of the Market 06/07/2019

The State of the Market Buyers and sellers are out of sync when it comes to NYC real estate. What does this misstep mean for apartment prices and in what ways does it affect the city's rental market? Host Emily Myers explores some of the current market data with real estate appraiser Jonathan Miller from appraisal firm . /episode/index/show/brickunderground/id/10083002

Zoning 05/31/2019

Zoning What happens when your New York City neighborhood gets rezoned? Zoning is an important tool when it comes to sharing the city, affecting the population density, the size of buildings, housing, jobs, and infrastructure. Host Emily Myers digs into the details with Christopher Walters of the Association for Housing and Neighborhood Development, a neighborhood advocacy group. /episode/index/show/brickunderground/id/9980987

The Brick Underground Podcast

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