Boroughs & Burbs, the National Real Estate Conversation

We kick off Season 6 with a deep look inside the institutions that power American homeownership. In Episode 213, The Mortgage Machine, we’re joined by three insiders: Rick Coyle, who spent his career at Freddie Mac; Tony Lucente, formerly in Freddie Mac’s credit division; and Jeff Farrell, who worked in Freddie Mac’s affordable housing group. Together, they unpack how Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac helped make homeownership more accessible in the U.S. than anywhere else, the role they play in stabilizing mortgage markets, and what they’ve learned about banks, borrowers, and risk. We also revisit the lessons of the financial crisis and tackle the ongoing debate around privatizing Fannie and Freddie—and what that could mean for the future of housing.

In Season 5, Episode #212 of Boroughs & Burbs, we dive into one of the most overlooked, yet highly profitable real estate niches: vacant land. Our guest, Brent Bowers, founder of The Land Sharks, has built a nationally recognized business teaching investors how to find, acquire, and flip land for substantial returns with surprisingly low competition. We explore why land offers unique advantages compared to traditional real estate, how to build systems that generate passive income, and the strategies Brent uses to identify hidden opportunities others miss. Whether you're a seasoned investor or land-curious beginner, this episode will change how you think about dirt and what it’s worth.

This week on Boroughs & Burbs, Season 5, Episode #211 we explore one of the most resilient and quietly powerful asset classes: timberland investments. Our guest, John Brenard of Southview Timberland Investments, brings deep expertise in land management, sustainable forestry, and income-producing agricultural assets. We break down why institutional investors love timber, how farmland performs in volatile markets, and what makes these sectors attractive for long-term wealth preservation. John explains valuation, risk, conservation strategies, carbon credits, and where future opportunities are emerging. Whether you're a seasoned investor or simply land-curious, this episode reveals why timber and ag assets continue to outperform—and how to enter the space wisely.

🎙 Season 5, Episode 210: “The Claim Before the Storm”

This week on Boroughs & Burbs, we tackle one of the most urgent and misunderstood topics in homeownership: preparing for damage before disaster strikes. Our guests Larry Janesky, founder of CT Basement Systems; John Otero and Rick Wahlstrom, of 1-800-Water-Damage join us to reveal what every homeowner should know before the next storm hits. We break down hidden vulnerabilities, the biggest mistakes owners make when filing claims, how to protect your home from water and structural damage, and what actually happens behind the scenes in the restoration and claims process. If you care about safeguarding your biggest asset, you can’t miss this episode.

This week on Boroughs & Burbs, Season 5, Episode #209, we explore how creativity meets compliance in real estate transactions. Our guests, Caleb Christopher, founder of Creative Title Company, and Amanda Burns, Attorney at Law are redefining what’s possible in complex deal structures. Caleb has closed thousands of creative finance transactions and built the systems that make innovative deals safe, legal, and ethical. From risk management to remote transaction coordination, his experience helps investors and agents navigate gray areas with confidence. Together with Amanda, we’ll uncover how to protect clients, close unconventional deals, and leverage creative finance strategies that work nationwide.

In Season 5, Episode #208 of Boroughs & Burbs we dive into one of the most complex, yet essential, areas of real estate: estate, trust, and probate sales. Our guests, Kelly deLaat, Rachelle Rosten and Peter Hernandez of Douglas Elliman, share their firsthand experience guiding families, trustees, and investors through these sensitive transactions. We’ll explore how to maximize property value while navigating legal nuances, timelines, and emotional factors that often accompany estate sales. From market strategy and communication with attorneys to identifying investment opportunities within probate portfolios, this episode unpacks how expert agents manage trust properties with precision, empathy, and success.

🎙️ Season 5, Episode #207: Jackson Hole – Luxury, Lifestyle & 1031 Opportunities

In this episode of Boroughs & Burbs, we head to the mountains for a deep dive into Jackson Hole, Wyoming — one of America’s most exclusive real estate markets. Our guests, Meredith Landino of Sotheby’s International Realty and Nancy Hughes of IPX1031, explore why this destination continues to attract ultra-high-net-worth buyers seeking beauty, privacy, and tax advantages. We’ll discuss how limited inventory shapes pricing, how investors are leveraging 1031 exchanges in this region, and what makes Jackson Hole’s lifestyle and community so magnetic. From conservation to capital gains, discover how this mountain town has become a haven for smart investors and luxury homeowners alike.

Hosts John Engel and Roberto Cabrera explore how smart developers are turning demolition waste into economic opportunity. This week on Boroughs & Burbs, we welcome Mark Foster, Founder & CEO of Second Chance, to reveal how deconstruction—the careful dismantling and reuse of building materials—can be both green and profitable.

Foster explains how reclaiming architectural treasures, reselling high-value materials, and leveraging tax deductions can transform a project’s bottom line while supporting sustainability goals. Discover why demand for reclaimed wood, fixtures, and architectural elements is booming, and how builders, investors, and homeowners can integrate deconstruction into future developments.

🎧 Listen on boroughsandburbs.com
▶️ Watch on YouTube: @JohnEngelOfficial

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