Boroughs & Burbs, the National Real Estate Conversation

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

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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

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Hosts John Engel and Roberto Cabrera sit down with Benjamin Watson and Vincent Yan of Douglas Elliman to discuss how integrated planning and design services are transforming the real estate process.

From concept to completion, Ben and Vincent guide clients through architecture, interior design, construction, and project management—long before a property hits the market. Their design-first approach helps avoid costly mistakes, optimize layout and flow, and add lasting value to every project.

Whether it’s ground-up construction or transformative renovation, this episode reveals how early collaboration between developers, designers, and agents creates homes that are both beautiful and profitable. A must-listen for agents, investors, and anyone building their dream home.

🎧 Listen on boroughsandburbs.com
▶️ Watch on YouTube: Boroughs & Burbs Ep. 195 – Integrated Planning & Design Services

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🔗 Related Episodes

• Ep. 196 – Flex Space Development with Jonathan Tuttle & Alec McElhinny of Land Play

• Ep. 199 – Luxury Landscape Design with Steve Griggs & Lisa Ricotta

• Ep. 190 – Large Luxury Renovation Projects with Vincent DiSalvo, Matthew Berman & Brian McCarthy

• Ep. 203 – Pushing Your Client’s Boundaries with Lindsay Biondo-Lugo & Scott Hobbs

• Ep. 205 – Balancing Old and New with Carey Karlan & Antonio Vergara

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Hashtags: #BoroughsAndBurbs #DouglasElliman #IntegratedDesign #Architecture #Construction #ProjectManagement #BenjaminWatson #VincentYan #LuxuryHomes #DesignPodcast #RealEstatePodcast #JohnEngel #RobertoCabrera #Development #Renovation #HomeBuilding

Escalating premiums, climate exposure, and construction inflation are rewriting the rules of luxury-home insurance. 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/

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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/

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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: The National Real Estate Conversation, hosts John Engel and Roberto Cabrera welcome three leading voices who turn homes into sanctuaries of calm and connection.

🧘‍♀️ 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.

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🎧 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

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🔗 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!

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Hashtags: #BoroughsAndBurbs #ZenHomeDesign #LuxuryLiving #WellnessDesign #MindfulInteriors #DeannaHains #MikeLubin #KatieLydon #InteriorDesignPodcast #RealEstateWellness #LuxuryRealEstate #HomeDesign #JohnEngel #RobertoCabrera #DouglasElliman #PodcastLife #Architecture #WellnessHomes

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.

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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

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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:
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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.

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🎧 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

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🔗 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

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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.

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🔗 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

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🌐 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.

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🎯 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

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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

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🔗 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/

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🌐 Stay Connected

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

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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

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