Boroughs & Burbs, the National Real Estate Conversation

Season 5, Episode #199 - This week on Boroughs & Burbs, we dive into the art of outdoor living with two masters of luxury landscape design: Steve Griggs of Steve Griggs Design and Lisa Ricotta of Bella Garden Landscape Design. From sprawling estates to intimate gardens, these experts bring beauty, function, and harmony to outdoor spaces. We'll discuss the latest trends in high-end landscaping, how design enhances property value, and the creative process behind transforming backyards into lifestyle destinations. Whether it's pools, gardens, terraces, or full outdoor living environments, discover what makes luxury landscapes truly exceptional.

This week, Season 5, Episode #198 on Boroughs and Burbs, we dive into the intersection of healthcare, aging, and migration with Russell Barksdale, CEO of Waveny LifeCare Network, and Connecticut State Senator Ryan Fazio. Connecticut and New York face mounting challenges: rising taxes, high costs of living, shrinking housing inventory, and healthcare system pressures. Seniors—projected to grow by 57% in Connecticut by 2040—are becoming a powerful voting bloc, shaping policy and demanding more choices. Why are some retirees leaving for Florida, Arizona, or the Carolinas, while others are staying local and downsizing? And how will healthcare closures, policy shifts, and private equity restrictions affect communities? Join us for a candid discussion on the future of aging, housing, and healthcare in our region.

In this episode #197, Season 5 of Boroughs & Burbs, we dive into the art of simplifying, decluttering, and maximizing value. Stephanie Radman of Mayflower Home Organizing shares strategies for creating order and balance in your home, from taming closets and kitchens to preparing properties for market. Then, Grant Panarese and Christie Spooner of Black Rock Auctions explains how auctions can turn excess belongings, estates, and even luxury assets into opportunities for profit. Together, they reveal how organization and auctions complement each other, freeing up space while unlocking hidden value. Whether you're downsizing, preparing to sell, or simply looking to live with less, this conversation will leave you inspired to rethink your relationship with “stuff.”

In Episode 196 of Boroughs & Burbs, hosts John Engel and Roberto Cabrera sit down with Jonathan Tuttle and Alec McElhinny of Land Play to explore why flex space development has become one of the fastest-growing segments in commercial real estate.

Jonathan and Alec share how these multi-use properties—blending warehouse, office, and retail—are transforming communities while delivering strong ROI for investors. They explain how macroeconomic and demographic shifts are fueling demand, what metrics they analyze when evaluating a site, and why municipalities are embracing this hybrid model.

You’ll hear practical insights on:

• The tenant mix that drives sustainable returns, from small businesses to larger corporate users.

• How zoning laws, municipal incentives, and financing structures are shaping flex space projects.

• The role of modular construction and ESG principles in keeping developments cost-effective and future-proof.

• Why underserved markets present some of the biggest growth opportunities over the next five years.

Whether you’re an investor, developer, or business owner, this episode offers a masterclass in adaptive commercial real estate strategy.

🎥 Watch on YouTube: Flex Space Development | Boroughs & Burbs Ep. 196

Related Episodes

• Ep. 195 – Integrated Planning & Design Services with Benjamin Watson & Vincent Yan

• Boroughs & Burbs 190 || Large Luxury Renovation Projects. boroughsandburbs.com

• Boroughs & Burbs 189 || Texas New Development. boroughsandburbs.com

• Mobile Homes & Parking Lots as a Real Estate Investment | Boroughs & Burbs Ep. 181. boroughsandburbs.com

• Boroughs & Burbs 180 || The Greenest Buildings Are Already Built. boroughsandburbs.com

Keywords
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In Episode #195, we’re joined by Benjamin Watson and Vincent Yan of Douglas Elliman for a conversation about integrated planning and design services in real estate. From concept to completion, they guide clients through the intricacies of architecture, interior design, construction, and project management—often long before a home hits the market. We explore how their early involvement helps avoid costly mistakes, optimize layout and flow, and add long-term value. Whether it’s ground-up construction or transformative renovations, Ben and Vincent share how buyers and developers alike benefit from a unified vision, expert curation, and a design-first mindset. A must-listen for agents, investors, and anyone building their dream home.

In Episode 194 of Boroughs & Burbs: The National Real Estate Conversation, hosts John Engel (http://www.theengelteam.com) and Roberto Cabrera (http://www.robertocabrera.com) speak with Willis Gay of Howard & Gay Insurance and Bernice Rodriguez of PURE Insurance about the evolving world of luxury home risk and property insurance in 2025. The episode focuses on how escalating construction costs, climate exposure, and regulatory changes are transforming coverage expectations for high-net-worth homeowners.

Key takeaways include navigating premium increases, understanding policy exclusions, assessing replacement cost versus actual cash value, and best practices for advising clients proactively on flood and windstorm risk—based on real insurer protocols and strategies.

Listen on Spotify (or your preferred platform): https://open.spotify.com/episode/1IH5G3GFVKGkxpbU6Rjnhs
Listen on Podbean: https://boroughsandburbs.podbean.com/e/real‑estate‑insurance‑boroughs‑burbs‑ep‑194/

Related Episodes:
• Boroughs & Burbs 123 || Navigating the Changing Tides of Insurance – Coastal coverage insights from insurance experts Chris Marten (AssuredPartners) and Nicholas Phillips (Goosehead Insurance).
Watch on Podbean: https://boroughsandburbs.podbean.com/e/boroughs-burbs-123-navigating-the-changing-tides-of-insurance/

• Boroughs & Burbs 113 || The Changing Insurance Landscape for the High Net Worth Market – Brendan O’Brien (Rand Insurance), Frank DiGrande (PURE Insurance), and Joe Rossi (Joe Flood Insurance) explore trends and risk management strategies in luxury insurance.
Watch on Podbean: https://boroughsandburbs.podbean.com/e/boroughs-burbs-113-the-changing-insurance-landscape-for-the-high-net-worth-market/ 

• Boroughs & Burbs 192 || Home Inspections in New York and Connecticut – Stephen Gladstone and Jacqueline Gathers put insurance-adjacent home inspection practices under the microscope—essential for protecting high-value properties.
Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/E_PPBWzKaB0?si=rohQ9-QdbeIng9hf

• Boroughs & Burbs 190 || Large Luxury Renovation Projects – Design-build leadership discusses risk assessment, liability considerations, and insurance coordination during high-end renovations.
Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6I05WTKy7nA

• Boroughs & Burbs 92 || Uninsurable Florida with Sally Daley & Nevin Miller – A deep dive into why some Florida properties are becoming uninsurable due to rate hikes, fraud legislation, and climate risk—making it highly relevant for market risk assessment today.
Watch on Podbean: https://boroughsandburbs.podbean.com/e/boroughs-burbs-92-uninsurable-florida-with-sally-daley-and-nevin-miller/

Keywords:
#realestate #insurance #luxuryhome #risk  #insurancepremium #escalation #disastercoverage #propertyreplacementplanning #climaterisk #RealEstateInsurance #HighNetWorthInsurance #RiskManagement #LuxuryHomeInsurance #PolicyExclusions #ClimateRiskCoverage #JohnEngel #RobertoCabrera #BoroughsAndBurbs #InsuranceTrends2025 #HowardGay #PUREInsurance

Zen Home Design for Wellness & Luxury Living – Hains, Lubin & Lydon | Boroughs & Burbs Ep. 193

Discover how design, wellness, and real estate intersect to create peaceful, intentional living spaces. In Episode 193 of Boroughs & Burbs, we’re joined by three experts who help turn homes into sanctuaries:

🧘‍♀️ Deanna Hains – Founder of Zen Home, Deanna explains how scent, cleanliness, and energy awareness shape a calm and centered home environment.

🏡 Mike Lubin – Brown Harris Stevens luxury broker, shares what high-end buyers want today: mindful design, tranquility, and emotional resonance.

🎨 Katie Lydon – Interior designer and founder of Katie Lydon Interiors, Katie reveals how lighting, color, and layout directly impact mood and behavior.

Whether you're designing, staging, buying, or selling, this conversation offers practical ideas and inspiration for curating harmony in an increasingly chaotic world.

🎧 Related Episodes Featuring Today’s Guests:

• Ep. 89 – The Brooklyn Show
Jared LaFrenais, Lee Solomon & Katie Lydon discuss design and development in one of NYC’s trendiest boroughs.
▶️ https://youtu.be/Dpnc2kFm2_8

• Ep. 49 – Top Realtors in New York
Mike Lubin & Matt Cohen unpack buyer psychology and post-COVID trends in Manhattan real estate.
▶️ https://youtu.be/13Ke829ulg0

🔗 Stay Connected:
🌐 Visit our website: https://www.boroughsandburbs.com
📧 Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLn0GRA-Kf96kkb9rEmIYyTdWknPpx_ghi

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What do homebuyers really need to know about inspections — and why do standards vary between New York and Connecticut?

In Episode 192 of Boroughs & Burbs, we break down what makes a good home inspection with two industry veterans from both sides of the state line:

Stephen Gladstone – Founder of Stonehollow Home Inspections (stonehollow.com), Steve brings decades of experience inspecting homes across Connecticut. Learn about common pitfalls, what buyers should expect, and how a great inspector can protect your investment.

Jacqueline Gathers – Licensed inspector with Pillar To Post – The Gathers Team (pillartopost.com/inspectors/jacquelinegathers), Jackie offers insight into the unique challenges of New York City and suburban inspections, including co‑op requirements, multi‑unit dwellings, and scheduling logistics.

This episode is essential for real estate professionals, homebuyers, and sellers who want to understand what to inspect — and what to expect — during one of the most critical steps in a real estate transaction.

Related Episodes to Explore:

• Ep. 113 – The Changing Insurance Landscape for the High Net Worth Market
A look at how insurance influences risk and inspections in luxury real estate.

• Ep. 75 – The Science of Selling
Covers pre-listing strategies and how inspection findings impact pricing and staging.

• Ep. 66 – Big Brokerage in the Big Apple
Featuring Richard Ferrari & Richard Grossman, exploring the high-stakes New York luxury market and how inspections affect deals.
▶️ Watch on YouTube

Stay Connected:
Website: https://www.boroughsandburbs.com
To join our mailing list: Email info@theengelteam.com
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