Category: Spotlight Content

What was the best decision that you made in 2018 and how did it impact your business? To launch sexualharassmenttrainingny.com as HR’s one-stop sexual harassment solution in full compliance with NYS Labor Law §201-g and NYC Local Law 96.

What was your most notable project, deal, transaction or professional achievement in 2018? I was honored to be recognized by many publications, including the Commercial Observer as a 2018 “Barrier Breaker,” the New York Real Estate Journal as one of the 2018 “Women in Real Estate”, and by BISNOW as a New York Power Woman.

What market trend(s) will impact your industry in 2019? Keen interest in opportunity zones investment coupled Affordable New York Housing program incentives will spur rental development in sub-markets throughout the city.

What was an unexpected event that occurred in 2018, and how did it impact your career or personal life? This was definitely a year of surprises! After my old firm closed its doors, a wonderful new firm opened its doors. This amazing opportunity to launch the commercial division for Compass, the venture-backed firm, which has disrupted the residential world, presented itself.

What market trend(s) will impact your industry in 2019? In 2019, assorted government agencies in New York City will continue to enforce rules and regulations implemented to ensure the safety and well-being of buildings’ occupants in the five boroughs.

What was your most notable project, deal, transaction or professional achievement in 2018?  Gosh, all my deals are noteworthy, it means my clients didn’t fire me yet…that’s something, no? I guess doing a nine figure CRE portfolio for a client, some buildings of which represent the 3rd time I am financing it

What was your most notable project, deal, transaction or professional achievement in 2018? My most notable deal of 2018 was closing the construction loan on Brooklyn Point for Extell. I had worked on the project for years, and the loan was a huge milestone for one of the most exciting projects in Brooklyn, and the culmination of years of thoughtful work by Extell with the city and other stakeholders. 

What market trend(s) will impact your industry in 2019? The better part of my commercial law practice has involved the acquisition, disposition, financing and leasing of retail properties, including regional malls, power centers, lifestyle centers and strip centers.

What was your most notable project, deal, transaction or professional achievement in 2018? The acquisition closing of portfolios consisting of 24 skilled nursing facilities spanning 7 states in excess of $270 million dollars.  All financed in a bridge to HUD format with a multitude of unique zoning, subdivision and title/survey issues. 

What was your most notable project, deal, transaction or professional achievement in 2018? Starting an investment sales division at RM Friedland. We hired John Barrett at the beginning of the year and in September the dynamic Team Lala with Marco Lala at its helm joined. We expect that we will have more investment sales professionals starting at the beginning of the year.

What was your most notable project, deal, transaction or professional achievement in 2018? In 2018, we at Berko & Associates have significantly enhanced our brokerage business model.  After launching a new debt platform in 2017, we expanded our focus in our new company, Astor Realty Capital, to equity investments in major markets across the US. 

What market trend(s) will impact your industry in 2019? The road ahead for real estate in 2019 is shaping up to be unlike any in recent memory.  There are a number of global and local factors that point to growing concern and uncertainty that stand to significantly impact commercial and residential real estate.