Boroughs & Burbs, the National Real Estate Conversation

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

💬 Leave a comment and share your thoughts!

📌 Keywords for Search Visibility:
zen home design, luxury wellness homes, katie lydon interiors, mike lubin BHS, deanna hains zen home, mindful real estate, wellness interior design, staging for serenity, peaceful living, luxury real estate podcast

📣 Hashtags:
#johnengel #realestate #boroughsandburbs #luxuryrealestate #bestrealestateagent #investmentstrategies #housingmarket #realestatemarket #realestateinsights #investmentopportunities #podcast #homedecor #architecture #findyourdreamhome #realestatepodcast #douglaselliman #realestateagency #podcastclips #podcasting #podcastlife #podcastshow #zenhomedesign #luxuryliving #wellnessdesign #mindfulinteriors #deannahains #mikelubin #katielydon #interiordesignpodcast #realestatewellness #boroughsandburbs

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
Have questions or feedback? Leave a comment!

SEO Keywords:
home inspection podcast, New York home inspection, Connecticut home inspection, Stonehollow, Pillar To Post, real estate inspections, co‑op inspections, home buyer tips, real estate podcast, Jacqueline Gathers, Stephen Gladstone, luxury real estate, pre-listing strategy

Hashtags:
#HomeInspection #RealEstatePodcast #Stonehollow #PillarToPost #StephenGladstone #JacquelineGathers #NYRealEstate #CTRealEstate #LuxuryRealEstate #PreListingTips #HousingMarket #HomeBuying #BoroughsAndBurbs

In Season 5, Episode 191, hosts John Engel and Roberto Cabrera welcome Dave Dubeau, founder and host of the Property Profits Podcast. A Canadian real estate investor, Dave shares his strategies for building wealth through content creation, capital raising, and smart investing.

Dave offers actionable insights into:

• How everyday people can use podcasting and real estate to scale their portfolios

• His process for sourcing opportunities, structuring deals, and securing funding

• Lessons learned from leading thought–leaders, investors, and educators through interviews

Whether you're just getting started or scaling up, this episode delivers deliberate wisdom for investors of any experience level.

🎧 Related Episodes

• Ep. 190 – Large Luxury Renovation Projects
Featuring Vincent DiSalvo, Matthew Berman & Brian McCarthy on executing high-end renovations across NYC.
▶️ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6I05WTKy7nA YouTube+8boroughsandburbs.com+8Listen Notes+8Listen NotesAmazon Music+2Instagram+2boroughsandburbs.com+2boroughsandburbs.com

• Ep. 192 – Home Inspections in New York and Connecticut
A deep dive into inspection practices by Stephen Gladstone and Jacqueline Gathers.
▶️ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U9f6H7xSeW4 ([YouTube overview]; episode feature) boroughsandburbs.com

• Ep. 193 – Making Your Home Zen
Deanna Hains, Mike Lubin & Katie Lydon explore mindful design and wellness-centered real estate.
▶️ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YAOcBmhzHbk YouTube+10boroughsandburbs.com+10Apple Podcasts+10

🔗 Stay Connected

• Website: https://www.boroughsandburbs.com

• To join our mailing list: email info@theengelteam.com

• Questions or feedback? Reach out or leave a comment

🔑 Keywords for SEO

real estate investing podcast, Dave Dubeau, Property Profits Podcast, content-driven real estate strategy, capital raising tips, real estate portfolio growth, high yield deals, storytelling in investing, real estate podcast, real estate wealth building

📣 Hashtags

#BoroughsAndBurbs #RealEstateProfits #PropertyProfitsPodcast #DaveDubeau #RealEstateInvesting #Podcasting #ContentMarketing #CapitalRaising #InvestingTips #LuxuryRealEstate #johnengel #realestate #boroughsandburbs #luxuryrealestate #bestrealestateagent #investmentstrategies #housingmarket #realestatemarket #realestateinsights #investmentopportunities #podcast #homedecor #architecture #findyourdreamhome #realestatepodcast #douglaselliman #realestateagency #podcastclips #podcasting #podcastlife #podcastshow #realestateinvesting #davedubeau #propertyprofitspodcast #realestatetips #boroughsandburbs #passiveincome #realestatepodcast #wealththroughrealestate #raisecapital #investingstrategies

What does it take to pull off a large-scale luxury renovation? In Episode 190 of Boroughs & Burbs, the hosts welcome four industry leaders to unpack the complexities behind high-end transformations:

Vincent DiSalvo – Founder of DiSalvo Contracting (disalvo.nyc), a firm renowned for historic preservation and complete premium home rebuilds across Manhattan and Long Island.Apple Podcasts+2Boroughs and Burbs+2Boroughs & Burbs+2

Matthew Berman – Founding Principal of the NYC-based architecture and design firm Workshop/APD, known for layered, material-rich projects that balance modernity with context.Architectural DigestWorkshop/APD

Brian J. McCarthy – Award-winning interior designer and founder of Brian J. McCarthy, Inc., with a portfolio spanning globally recognized residences and membership in AD100 & Elle Decor A‑List.Brian J. McCarthy, Inc.Galerie Magazine

Lisa Ben-Isvy – Principal at LBI ConneXt (mentioned in the episode listing) providing project coordination and client-facing oversight for these renovation projects.Boroughs and Burbs

We explore project timelines, managing client expectations, contract coordination, structural complexity, and the artistry required to bring bold renovation visions to life. This episode is essential for developers, architects, designers, brokers, and anyone interested in the intersection of luxury design and construction.

🔗 Related Episodes to Explore

• Ep. 191 – Real Estate Profits & Podcasting
With Dave Dubeau on leveraging content and capital in real estate.
▶️ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6I05WTKy7nAinhabit.corcoran.com+5Apple Podcasts+5Boroughs & Burbs+5Boroughs and Burbs

• Ep. 188 – Outdoor Spaces with Amy Andrews (Interior Designer)
An episode with Amy Andrews, who discusses how outdoor design (terraces, rooftop lounges, garden settings) plays a vital role in home harmony and living flow—directly relevant to luxury renovation and overall design strategy.
▶️ hhttps://youtu.be/Y2qvtqKREvU

• Ep. 43 – The Color Show
Lisa Ben‑Isvy joins expert designers Andrea Magno, Katie Lydon, Carl D’Aquino, and others to explore trends in color—how shades influence emotion, branding, and home value.
▶️  Boroughs & Burbs 43

• Ep. 99 – Kips Bay Decorator Show House
Hosted at the annual Kips Bay Decorator Show House, this episode includes commentary and curation by design luminaries like Katie Lydon and Lisa Ben‑Isvy. A showcase in aesthetics, staging, and design-event strategy.
▶️ Watch on YouTubeApple Podcasts+9YouTube+9Boroughs & Burbs+9

• Ep. 192 – Home Inspections in New York and Connecticut
Featuring Stephen Gladstone and Jacqueline Gathers on regional inspection standards.
▶️ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U9f6H7xSeW4Boroughs and Burbs

🌐 Stay Connected

Website: https://www.boroughsandburbs.com
To join our mailing list: Email info@theengelteam.com
Questions or feedback? Leave us a comment or send a message.

🎯 SEO Keywords

luxury renovation podcast, DiSalvo Contracting, Workshop/APD architecture, Brian McCarthy interior design, high-end construction, historic restoration, renovation strategy, project coordination, luxury real estate insights

📢 Hashtags

#LuxuryRenovation #DiSalvoContracting #WorkshopAPD #BrianMcCarthy #HistoricPreservation #LuxuryDesign #BoroughsAndBurbs #RealEstatePodcast #HighEndConstruction #NYCRenovation #LuxuryHomes #DesignAndBuild #johnengel #realestate #boroughsandburbs #luxuryrealestate #bestrealestateagent #investmentstrategies #housingmarket #realestatemarket #realestateinsights #investmentopportunities #podcast #homedecor #architecture #findyourdreamhome #realestatepodcast #douglaselliman #realestateagency #podcastclips #podcasting #podcastlife #podcastshow #luxuryrenovation #highenddesign #hometransformation #architecturaldesign #historicrestoration #interiordesign2025 #nycrenovation #luxuryhomes #custombuild #designcollaboration

Explore Texas’s luxury real estate surge in Boroughs & Burbs Episode 189 with Benjamin Watson and Leon Trakhtenberg of Douglas Elliman Texas.

Learn why Houston is the new luxury frontier—from the neighborhoods attracting affluent buyers to the data-driven strategies powering new development success. This episode is essential listening for brokers, investors, developers, and anyone interested in where high-end real estate is heading next.

🎧 Listen now: Episode 189 – Texas Luxury Development

🔗 Related Episodes

• Ep. 187 – LA Luxury with Peter Hernandez & Kevin Krakower
https://boroughsandburbs.podbean.com/e/episode-187-los-angeles-right-now/

• Ep. 188 – Outdoor Design with Amy Andrews
https://boroughsandburbs.podbean.com/e/episode-188-outdoor-spaces/

🌐 Stay Connected

Website: https://www.boroughsandburbs.com
Email: info@theengelteam.com

📈 SEO Keywords

Texas luxury real estate, Houston new development, Douglas Elliman Texas, Benjamin Watson, Leon Trakhtenberg, real estate podcast, Texas development trends, luxury market insights, Houston neighborhoods

🏷️ Hashtags

#TexasRealEstate #LuxuryDevelopment #DouglasElliman #HoustonLuxury #BenjaminWatson #LeonTrakhtenberg #RealEstatePodcast #BoroughsAndBurbs #HoustonDevelopment #LuxuryMarket

In Boroughs & Burbs Episode 188, we dive into the evolving world of outdoor living with interior designer Amy Andrews. As homeowners and buyers increasingly prioritize terraces, pool areas, and seamless indoor-outdoor transitions, Amy shares how thoughtful exterior design adds both aesthetic and market value.

Topics include:

• How to design outdoor spaces that elevate lifestyle and luxury appeal

• The materials, lighting, and layout choices that make a difference

• What today’s buyers expect from outdoor environments in high-end homes

Amy Andrews is the founder of Amy Andrews Interior Design, a boutique design firm known for creating both harmonious interiors and curated outdoor spaces.

🎧 Listen on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y2qvtqKREvU
🎧 Listen on Podbean: https://boroughsandburbs.podbean.com/e/episode-188-outdoor-spaces/

🔗 Related Episodes

• Episode 168 – Vermont Real Estate
Performance of luxury and second‑home markets in Vermont, including preferences for property layout and outdoor amenities. Episode page: https://www.boroughsandburbs.com/1444222/episodes/16448835-boroughs-burbs-168-vermont-real-estate•

• Episode 180 – The Greenest Buildings Are Already Built
Focuses on historic preservation and adaptive reuse, with insights into landscape and outdoor integration. Episode page: https://www.boroughsandburbs.com/1444222/episodes/16787062-boroughs-burbs-180-the-greenest-buildings-are-already-built

• Episode 182 – Sustainable Living in Phoenix
Examines eco‑conscious home design and outdoor planning responsive to climate and environment. Episode page: https://www.boroughsandburbs.com/1444222/episodes/16939109-boroughs-burbs-182-sustainable-living-in-phoenix

🌐 Stay Connected

Website: https://www.boroughsandburbs.com
Join our email list: info@theengelteam.com

📈 SEO Keywords

outdoor living design, patio trends 2025, terrace design, luxury home staging, exterior design podcast, Amy Andrews designer, real estate podcast, luxury lifestyle

📢 Hashtags

#OutdoorDesign #LuxuryLiving #AmyAndrews #InteriorDesign #RealEstatePodcast #BoroughsAndBurbs #LuxuryHomes #PatioDesign #OutdoorSpaces #johnengel #realestate #boroughsandburbs #luxuryrealestate #bestrealestateagent #investmentstrategies #housingmarket #realestatemarket #realestateinsights #investmentopportunities #podcast #homedecor #architecture #findyourdreamhome #realestatepodcast #douglaselliman #realestateagency #podcastclips #podcasting #podcastlife #podcastshow #outdoorliving #luxuryoutdoorspaces #backyarddesign #patioinspiration #outdoordesign2025 #rooftopterrace #homedesign #amyandrewsdesign #indooroutdoorliving #boroughsandburbs