Realty Speak

Episode 065 – From Division to Mission: A Case for Housing Harmony

In this milestone episode of Realty Speak, host Bill Weidner marks eight years since the show’s first episode and introduces a renewed mission: turning housing divisiveness into housing harmony. Housing policy in New York City has become increasingly polarized, with familiar arguments on all sides producing fewer workable outcomes for both housing providers and residents. In Episode 065, Bill is joined by Ann Korchak, president of the Small Property Owners of New York and Erik Engquist, journalist with The Real Deal, for a grounded conversation about how housing policy actually functions. The discussion explores the real-world impacts of post-2019 housing laws, including incentive misalignment, housing court delays and supply constraints affecting multifamily real estate across New York City. Rather than revisiting what should be different, this episode focuses on what can be built when the housing conversation moves forward to explore new ideas, shared incentives and practical solutions. As Realty Speak enters its next chapter, this episode sets the tone for a solutions-first approach to housing policy. One that prioritizes clarity, accountability and outcomes that work for all stakeholders in New York City real estate. To Reach Ann: Ann Korchak, President, SPONY – Small Property Owners of New York [https://spony.org/] Email – ann@spony.org https://www.linkedin.com/in/ann-heaney-korchak-027088b1/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/ann-heaney-korchak-027088b1/] To Reach Erik: Erik Engquist, Journalist, The Real Deal [https://therealdeal.com/] Email – EENGQUIST@therealdeal.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/erik-engquist-14270952/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/erik-engquist-14270952/] To Reach Bill: As always – Bill, the host of Realty Speak, is ready to be a resource to you when you finance, sell or purchase investment real estate and help you navigate around what you already own. Email bill@billweidner.com Call/Text 917-232-8529. Visit Bill’s website www.billweidner.com [http://www.billweidner.com]Connect with Bill on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/billweidner/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/billweidner/]ALL EPISODES on the website: https://realtyspeak.nyc/episodes/ [https://realtyspeak.nyc/episodes/] ALL EPISODES on the APPS: Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/12cxKCE58L7UFN1VEffTrW?si=1229450580cb491a&nd=1&dlsi=b505ca718ab64a97] – Apple Podcast [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/realty-speak/id1352310829] – Podcast Republic for Android [https://www.podcastrepublic.net/podcast/1352310829] Additional Resources from Bill: NYC Local Law 152 – Periodic Inspection of Gas Piping Systems – Solution @ https://www.keepmygas.nyc/ [https://www.keepmygas.nyc/] Property Owner and Property Manager Resources https://realtyspeak.nyc/property-owner-and-manager-resources [https://realtyspeak.nyc/property-owner-and-manager-resources] https://manhattanvendorsgroup.com/ [https://manhattanvendorsgroup.com/] https://spony.org/ [https://spony.org/]   AND  Discover SPONY You’re Not Alone Anymore [https://youtu.be/_0B5p2ivfAw?si=s_vD6ySsO5ir-tw6] Thinking of selling your investment Property? CLICK HERE [https://realtyspeak.nyc/contact/] to contact me to discuss your goals so I can craft a plan to sell your investment real estate and also make sure that at closing you have a plan for the sale proceeds and that you shelter as much of those proceeds from capital gains tax as possible.

Episode 064 – Runwise – Turning Building Data Into Real ROI

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 that will have you thinking differently about NOI and ROI. Join us at the SiteCompli RealFocus event that we mentioned in the episode. It is happening Monday 10/27/2025 Click HERE [https://realfocus.sitecompli.com/] for details. To Reach Kelly-Ann: Kelly-Ann Corrigan, Runwise [https://www.runwise.com/] Email: kelly@runwise.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/kacorrigan [https://www.linkedin.com/in/kacorrigan/] To Reach Patrick: Patrick E. Beesley, Runwise [https://www.runwise.com/] Email: pbeesley@runwise.com Mobile: 908-635-8036 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/patrick-e-beesley [http://linkedin.com/in/patrick-e-beesley] To Reach Bill: As always – Bill, the host of Realty Speak, is ready to be a resource to you when you finance, sell or purchase investment real estate and help you navigate around what you already own. Email bill@billweidner.com Call/Text 917-232-8529. Visit Bill’s website www.billweidner.com [http://www.billweidner.com]Connect with Bill on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/billweidner/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/billweidner/]ALL EPISODES on the website: https://realtyspeak.nyc/episodes/ [https://realtyspeak.nyc/episodes/] ALL EPISODES on the APPS: Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/12cxKCE58L7UFN1VEffTrW?si=1229450580cb491a&nd=1&dlsi=b505ca718ab64a97] – Apple Podcast [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/realty-speak/id1352310829] – Podcast Republic for Android [https://www.podcastrepublic.net/podcast/1352310829] Additional Resources from Bill: NYC Local Law 152 – Periodic Inspection of Gas Piping Systems – Solution @ https://www.keepmygas.nyc/ [https://www.keepmygas.nyc/] Property Owner and Property Manager Resources https://realtyspeak.nyc/property-owner-and-manager-resources [https://realtyspeak.nyc/property-owner-and-manager-resources] https://manhattanvendorsgroup.com/ [https://manhattanvendorsgroup.com/] https://spony.org/ [https://spony.org/]   AND  Discover SPONY You’re Not Alone Anymore [https://youtu.be/_0B5p2ivfAw?si=s_vD6ySsO5ir-tw6] Thinking of selling your investment Property? CLICK HERE [https://realtyspeak.nyc/contact/] to contact me to discuss your goals so I can craft a plan to sell your investment real estate and also make sure that at closing you have a plan for the sale proceeds and that you shelter as much of those proceeds from capital gains tax as possible.

Episode 063 – Start Smart Tax Planning NOW: 1031, 2 DST Strategies & Opportunity Zones 2.0

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 preserve wealth, defer capital gains and create smart, tax-efficient portfolios tailored to your goals. Packed with insights and critical takeaways, this is a must-listen for anyone navigating real estate transactions, a business sale or other passive investment strategies. To Reach David: David Feeser Mobile – 929-552-6313 Email – david@1031specialists.com https://www.1031specialists.com/ [https://www.1031specialists.com/] https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-feeser-0b0aa0/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-feeser-0b0aa0/] To Reach Paulo: Paulo Aguilar, CFA, CAIA Wealthstone Group Office – 201-751-2110 Email – paguilar@wealthstonegroup.com https://www.wealthstonegroup.com/ [https://www.wealthstonegroup.com/] https://www.linkedin.com/in/pauloaguilar/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/pauloaguilar/] To Reach Bill: As always – Bill, the host of Realty Speak, is ready to be a resource to you when you finance, sell or purchase investment real estate and help you navigate around what you already own. Email bill@billweidner.com Call/Text 917-232-8529. Visit Bill’s website www.billweidner.com [http://www.billweidner.com]Connect with Bill on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/billweidner/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/billweidner/]ALL EPISODES on the website: https://realtyspeak.nyc/episodes/ [https://realtyspeak.nyc/episodes/] ALL EPISODES on the APPS: Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/12cxKCE58L7UFN1VEffTrW?si=1229450580cb491a&nd=1&dlsi=b505ca718ab64a97] – Apple Podcast [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/realty-speak/id1352310829] – Podcast Republic for Android [https://www.podcastrepublic.net/podcast/1352310829] Additional Resources from Bill: NYC Local Law 152 – Periodic Inspection of Gas Piping Systems – Solution @ https://www.keepmygas.nyc/ [https://www.keepmygas.nyc/] Property Owner and Property Manager Resources https://realtyspeak.nyc/property-owner-and-manager-resources [https://realtyspeak.nyc/property-owner-and-manager-resources] https://manhattanvendorsgroup.com/ [https://manhattanvendorsgroup.com/] Thinking of selling your investment Property? CLICK HERE [https://realtyspeak.nyc/contact/] to contact me to discuss your goals so I can craft a plan to sell your investment real estate and also make sure that at closing you have a plan for the sale proceeds and that you shelter as much of those proceeds from capital gains tax as possible.

Episode 062 – Policy, Politics & Property: Inside the Game

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 shares how he built Fontas Advisors into a trusted partner for zoning, lobbying and alliance-building. Frank reflects on decades of hands-on experience, from co-founding SPONY to advocating through the RSA and NYAA. This one’s packed with real stories, sharp insights and must-hear takeaways for anyone who owns, manages, or influences housing in New York. Links to items mentioned in the episode: SPONY – Small Property Owners of New York [https://spony.org/] NYC Open Primaries [https://www.nycopenprimary.com/] New York Private Housing Finance Law Section 610: Process Guidance for Owners Updated March 2025 [https://www.nyc.gov/assets/hpd/downloads/pdfs/services/phfl-section-610-consolidated-guidance-for-owners.pdf] Local Regulated Housing Restoration Adjustment aka LRHRA. Assembly Bill A7757 [https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A7757] (Previously A6772A) – STATUS as per NY State Assembly website – 04/08/2025 In Assembly Committee. Senate Bill S6904 [https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S6904] (Previously S6352A) – STATUS as per NY State Senate website – 03/26/2025 In Senate Committee. To Reach George: George Fontas Office – 212-408-1920 Email – george@fontasadvisors.com https://fontasadvisors.com/george-fontas [https://fontasadvisors.com/george-fontas] https://www.linkedin.com/in/georgefontas/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/georgefontas/] To Reach Frank: Frank Ricci Office – 212-408-1920 Email – frank@fontasadvisors.com https://fontasadvisors.com/frank-ricci [https://fontasadvisors.com/frank-ricci] https://www.linkedin.com/in/frank-ricci-b237179/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/frank-ricci-b237179/] To Reach Bill: As always – Bill, the host of Realty Speak, is ready to be a resource to you when you finance, sell or purchase investment real estate and help you navigate around what you already own. Email bill@billweidner.com Call/Text 917-232-8529. Visit Bill’s website www.billweidner.com [http://www.billweidner.com]Connect with Bill on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/billweidner/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/billweidner/]ALL EPISODES on the website: https://realtyspeak.nyc/episodes/ [https://realtyspeak.nyc/episodes/] ALL EPISODES on the APPS: Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/12cxKCE58L7UFN1VEffTrW?si=1229450580cb491a&nd=1&dlsi=b505ca718ab64a97] – Apple Podcast [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/realty-speak/id1352310829] – Podcast Republic for Android [https://www.podcastrepublic.net/podcast/1352310829] Additional Resources from Bill: NYC Local Law 152 – Periodic Inspection of Gas Piping Systems – Solution @ https://www.keepmygas.nyc/ [https://www.keepmygas.nyc/] Property Owner and Property Manager Resources https://realtyspeak.nyc/property-owner-and-manager-resources [https://realtyspeak.nyc/property-owner-and-manager-resources] https://manhattanvendorsgroup.com/ [https://manhattanvendorsgroup.com/] Thinking of selling your investment Property? CLICK HERE [https://realtyspeak.nyc/contact/] to contact me to discuss your goals so I can craft a plan to sell your investment real estate and also make sure that at closing you have a plan for the sale proceeds and that you shelter as much of those proceeds from capital gains tax as possible.

Episode 061 – Building Bright Ideas: Affordable Capital, Compliance and a Sustainable Future

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 into the challenges of complying with NYC Local Laws like Local Law 88, uncovers how to unlock available rebates and offers actionable project and financing strategies for property owners pursuing sustainability for their buildings, both large and small. As a rising leader in the electrical industry, Amanda adds a fresh and insightful perspective, while Sadie brings invaluable expertise in affordable financing, grants and sustainability when collaborating with all stakeholders. And just when you think the conversation couldn’t get more captivating, Amanda introduces a creative twist you won’t want to miss. Link to webinar mentioned in the episode: Interested in learning about the benefits of ground-source heat pumps? Join The Community Preservation Corporation webinar “Ground-Source Heat Pumps: Successful Applications and Opportunities for Expansion” on January 28th! To Register for FREE – Click HERE [https://communityp.webex.com/webappng/sites/communityp/meeting/register/4f15d26978eb405091595ec5e2732fcc?ticket=4832534b00000007397fc55dba54b1b45ca19e61e7c3b8c98fca50e1427b9e80c8e52acabc819af5×tamp=1737545833475&RGID=r2c46827f4f2b983d73a4269869688b13&isAutoPopRegisterForm=false]. To Reach Amanda: Amanda Gerome, CEO and Founder A + Electric Mobile – 516-978-8658 Agerome@apluselec.com https://www.apluselec.com/ [https://www.apluselec.com/] https://www.linkedin.com/in/amanda-gerome/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/amanda-gerome/] To Reach Sadie: Sadie Mckeow, President The Community Preservation Corporation smckeown@communityp.com https://communityp.com [https://communityp.com] https://www.linkedin.com/in/sadie-mckeown-1024a1a/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/sadie-mckeown-1024a1a/] To Reach Bill: As always – Bill, the host of Realty Speak, is ready to be a resource to you when you finance, sell or purchase investment real estate and help you navigate around what you already own. Email bill@billweidner.com Call/Text 917-232-8529. Visit Bill’s website www.billweidner.com [http://www.billweidner.com]Connect with Bill on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/billweidner/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/billweidner/]ALL EPISODES on the website: https://realtyspeak.nyc/episodes/ [https://realtyspeak.nyc/episodes/] ALL EPISODES on the APPS: Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/12cxKCE58L7UFN1VEffTrW?si=1229450580cb491a&nd=1&dlsi=b505ca718ab64a97] – Apple Podcast [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/realty-speak/id1352310829] – Podcast Republic for Android [https://www.podcastrepublic.net/podcast/1352310829] Additional Resources from Bill: NYC Local Law 152 – Periodic Inspection of Gas Piping Systems – Solution @ https://www.keepmygas.nyc/ [https://www.keepmygas.nyc/] Property Owner and Property Manager Resource Page https://realtyspeak.nyc/property-owner-and-manager-resources/ [https://realtyspeak.nyc/property-owner-and-manager-resources/]Thinking of selling your investment Property? CLICK HERE [https://realtyspeak.nyc/contact/] to contact me to discuss your goals so I can craft a plan to sell your investment real estate and also make sure that at closing you have a plan for the sale proceeds and that you shelter as much of those proceeds from capital gains tax as possible.