Get ready, Skyliners!

This week, we’re thrilled to bring you an episode spotlighting James Nelson, Principal and Head of Tri-State Investment Sales at Avison Young, WSJ bestselling author of The Insider’s Edge to Real Estate Investing, and host of a podcast by the same name. With over 25 years of experience and more than $5 billion in real estate transactions, James is an unparalleled source of expertise. From his early days as an English major at Colgate to becoming one of New York City’s most respected investment brokers, James shares his remarkable and hard-earned lessons, offering actionable and valuable insights for listeners.

Inside the Episode

James takes us behind the scenes of his innovative approach to real estate brokerage, detailing how his shift from a territorial system to specialization by asset class has transformed his team’s success. From multifamily and office properties to retail and development assets, James’s focused expertise delivers results across New York City’s ever-evolving real estate landscape.

Key Highlights

• The State of NYC Real Estate

Explore James’s expert take on current market trends, including:

• Challenges and opportunities in the multifamily market post-2019 rent reforms.
• The resurgence of retail.
• The potential of office-to-residential conversions to address NYC’s housing crisis.

• The Art of Deal-Making

Learn James’s practical strategies for successful transactions, including:

• The critical importance of reputation and transparency.
• How being upfront about challenges can lead to stronger outcomes.
• Creative ways to uncover hidden value in properties, through zoning insights and key relationships.

• Lessons for Aspiring Investors:

James shares must-know advice for beginners, such as:

• Partnering with experienced professionals.
• Accurately assessing risks.
• Building the right team for long-term success.

Whether you’re an aspiring investor, a seasoned professional, or simply curious about the world of real estate, this episode is packed with actionable takeaways. James’s inspiring career journey and deep industry knowledge provide a masterclass in transforming challenges into opportunities and gaining that insider’s edge in Shaping the NYC Skyline.

More on Shaping the NYC Skyline:

Website - https://www.seidenschein.com/podcast/

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/shaping-the-nyc-skyline/

Instagram - @shapingthenycskyline

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@ShapingtheNYCSkyline

Email - shapingthenycskyline@seidenschein.com

Phone - 212-935-1400

You can Reach our Hosts by email:

David Shamshovich dshamshovich@seidenschein.com

Brenda Slochowsky - bslochowsky@seidenschein.com

Camila Almeida - calmeida@seidenschein.com

SEIDEN & SCHEIN, P.C.

570 Lexington Avenue, 14th Floor

New York, NY 10022

Buckle up, Skyliners, for a fascinating deep dive into the world of title insurance with Zoy Balaskas, Senior Vice President and Chief Underwriting Counsel at Commonwealth Land Title Insurance Company’s New York National Commercial Services. With over 20 years of experience, Zoy takes us through her process of “title forensics”—a meticulous, investigative approach to uncovering and resolving the hidden complexities that go beyond basic title clearance.

Zoy unpacks her methods for tackling intricate title issues, from untangling overlapping property boundaries to clearing old, unpaid mortgages and navigating tricky easements. Each problem demands a custom solution, blending legal expertise with an almost instinctual ability to detect red flags. In one standout story, Zoy describes how her title investigation led her to land records dating back to the 1800s. She even ventured into the “dungeon” archives of the New York Public Library to uncover historical maps—essential clues to solving the title puzzle.

Reflecting on industry evolution, Zoy explains how New York’s traditional, in-person closings have shifted to remote escrow processes, accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic. She shares how her team creatively adapted to pandemic challenges, from closed clerk’s offices to delayed records, ensuring that deals stayed on track. Technology, she notes, has reshaped the industry, introducing both efficiencies and new pressures for faster decision-making.

Zoy also brings us up to speed on recent changes to the Title Insurance Rate Service Association (TIRSA) Rate Manual, which now offers New York buyers and lenders a broader array of endorsements, aligning the state more closely with national standards. And she unpacks the vital distinction between omitting exceptions from a policy and obtaining affirmative insurance, explaining how transparency and disclosure in title policies are essential for long-term marketability.

Methodical yet adaptive, Zoy tackles each transaction as a unique case, understanding that every property has its own history, quirks, and risks. This episode spotlights the essential, often behind-the-scenes work of title insurance professionals like Zoy, whose expertise plays a critical role in Shaping the NYC Skyline.

More on Shaping the NYC Skyline:

Website - https://seidenschein.com/

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/seiden-&-schein-p-c-/

Instagram - Shaping the NYC Skyline (@shapingthenycskyline)

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/SeidenSchein

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@ShapingtheNYCSkyline

Email - shapingthenycskyline@seidenschein.com

Info Email - info@seidenschein.com

Phone - 212-935-1400

You can Reach our Hosts by email:

David Shamshovich dshamshovich@seidenschein.com

Brenda Slochowsky - bslochowsky@seidenschein.com

Camila Almeida - calmeida@seidenschein.com

You can Reach our Guest by email:

zoy.balaskas@cltic.com

SEIDEN & SCHEIN, P.C.

570 Lexington Avenue, 14th Floor

New York, NY 10022

In this episode, we are thrilled to feature Basha Gerhards, Senior Vice President of Planning at the Real Estate Board of New York (REBNY). With her deep expertise and unique perspective, Basha sheds light on the intricate and ever-evolving landscape of real estate development in New York City. Drawing on her rich background in urban planning, land use, and zoning, she has successfully bridged the gap between government policy and community-driven urban initiatives.

In this insightful conversation, Basha takes us through her career journey, which began with a Master’s in Urban Planning from Columbia University and led to impactful roles, including as Senior Land Use Advisor to former Manhattan Borough President Gale Brewer and Planner at the NYC Department of City Planning. Now at REBNY, Basha continues to be a driving force behind key initiatives shaping New York City's future—particularly in the areas of housing affordability, sustainable development, and land use policy. Her passion for community engagement is unmistakable, as she highlights the essential role of listening to communities and championing thoughtful, equitable solutions. From leading pivotal policy changes to tackling the complex challenges of housing production and office-to-residential conversions, Basha’s work is instrumental in creating a more resilient and inclusive NYC.

Basha’s journey is not only informative but also deeply inspiring. She shares how her love for art, history, and design has fueled her dedication to improving the city she calls home. Her path reflects a profound commitment to making New York a more equitable place for all, and her insights into today’s challenges and opportunities in urban planning are truly invaluable.

Join us as we explore Basha Gerhards' remarkable career, her hands-on experience in urban planning and development, and the groundbreaking policy solutions she is championing all in service of Shaping the NYC Skyline.

More on Shaping the NYC Skyline:

Website - https://seidenschein.com/

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/seiden-&-schein-p-c-/

Instagram - Shaping the NYC Skyline (@shapingthenycskyline)

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/SeidenSchein

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@ShapingtheNYCSkyline

Email - shapingthenycskyline@seidenschein.com

Info Email - info@seidenschein.com

Phone - 212-935-1400

You can Reach our Hosts by email:

David Shamshovich dshamshovich@seidenschein.com

Brenda Slochowsky - bslochowsky@seidenschein.com

Camila Almeida - calmeida@seidenschein.com

SEIDEN & SCHEIN, P.C.

570 Lexington Avenue, 14th Floor

New York, NY 10022