2025 Women in CRE: Camila Morcos, Forchelli Deegan Terrana LLP

If you could change one thing about the CRE industry, what would it be and why?

If I could change one thing about the CRE industry it would be eliminating the mortgage recording tax (MRT), which imposes a tax of 2.55% if you take out a mortgage or refinance a property, forcing buyers to pay two separate taxes to the state and the local jurisdiction. This tax discourages investments and limits market activity. The only way to avoid the tax is to buy the property in an all-cash deal or to buy in a county that does not also charge MRT. Currently, only seven states impose MRT. Removing it would reduce costs, attract more buyers, and spur commercial real estate development.

What advice would you give to a woman considering a career in commercial real estate?

Some advice I would give to women considering careers in commercial real estate is to embrace the discomfort you may feel and conduct yourself as if you belong in every room you enter. Confidence revolves around showing up prepared, asking the right questions and seeking out mentors and industry peers that can guide you. Further, remember that success is built on persistence and the ability to adapt in a constantly changing environment. You can’t do everything all at once so prioritize what matters most and trust the value you bring to the table.

Camila Morcos is an associate at Forchelli Deegan Terrana, LLP, concentrating her practice in the areas of tax certiorari and real estate. Morcos, represents national, regional and local property owners and tenants in real property tax proceeding throughout New York state.

Morcos earned her J.D. from St. John’s University School of Law, where she was associate competition director for Moot Court Honor Society and president of the Corporate & Securities law society. Morcos received her bachelor’s degree in Business, specializing in Finance and Accounting from Stony Brook University.