ReaLife: Recent Episodes
John Christopher, WLIW-FM
Realife with John Christopher dives into the dynamic real estate world of the Hamptons and the North Fork. Join John every week to hear about the people, places and things that are the pulse and heartbeat of real estate on the East End.
Tim Kelly, Elliman Regional Manager, dissects this year's rental market transformation versus the prior period. With inventory up, tenants have more choices. Regarding the sales market, Tim sees promise in continued demand. He advises sellers to price wisely. Tim's insights guide both landlords and sellers in a dynamic real estate landscape.
Discover the local landscape with Chris Nuzzi, Advantage Title's Regional Director, who draws on his experience as a former Southampton Town Trustee. Chris shares valuable insights into local government dynamics. Delving into the real estate realm, Chris demystifies title insurance. He highlights the significance of title insurance protecting property ownership rights, underlining why having it is paramount for peace of mind.
Martha Gundersen, a distinguished name in the real estate industry and a top producer at Elliman, offers invaluable insights into the qualities that pave the way to success in this dynamic field. When asked about the current state of the market in the Hamptons, Martha shares her expert analysis. For landlords who may have faced challenges in renting their properties this year, Martha offers valuable advice to prepare for the next rental season.
Ralph Pacifico, the visionary behind Pacifico Engineering, simplifies the distinctions between residential codes and building codes to help us understand them better. As an engineer and advocate for sustainable solutions, Ralph shares one of his pet peeves - the unnecessary destruction of Homestead, Florida, following the devastating impact of hurricane Andrew.
Foster Reeve, the expert behind Foster Reeve Plaster, passionately advocates for the advantages of plaster and delves into its historical roots. This versatile material has been utilized throughout history, dating back to ancient times, and has now found its way into contemporary high-end homes, progressively replacing wood for several compelling reasons.
Brian Moorman, renowned for his impressive NFL career as the Buffalo Bills' star punter, has made an inspiring transition to the world of real estate. As the founder of the Moorman Group in Ponte Vedra Beach, he brings the same level of dedication and passion that defined his football success to the dynamic real estate industry. With its stunning coastal location, the area has become a highly desirable destination for both primary residence seekers and vacation home buyers.
One of Telluride's top brokers, Lars Carlson elucidates us as to why Telluride has so much to offer besides snow. As a member of the town council, he has led the way to affordable housing. How's the inventory and the market?
Corcoran agent Joe Gonzalez shares his insights and strategies for buying and selling in the Hamptons. How should a buyer be prepared to buy? Where is the market and where is it going?
Shelter Island broker Susan Cincotta explains how the island has morphed with new restaurants and renovated hotels like The Pridwin, The Chequit, and the Rams Head Inn while still maintaining its idyllic qualities. Susan further expands on the new but somewhat confusing rental laws that were recently enacted for the island.
Costa Rica broker Tim Giannone explores all the real estate possibilities that the Pacific Ocean coastline offers, especially Jaco and the surrounding communities. Tim details the process of buying a house or condo on the Pacific Ocean and why so many people are becoming expats.
Simon Harrison, owner of one the few mom and pop real estate offices left in the East End, gives his insights into the Hamptons and surprisingly, Nova Scotia. How has he maintained his independence? Why is the Hamptons market is still going strong, contrary to some media headlines, and where is it going for the rest of the year?
As the co-owner of one of the leading agencies in Newport, Rhode Island, Paul Leys chats about the similarities and differences between the Hamptons and Newport. Where are buyers coming from and has the sales and rental market changed since last year?
Leading West of the Canal top producer, Deirdre DeVita shares her insights as to how the real estate market has changed in the last decade. Deirdre also gives her professional perspective as to what landlords need to do if they want to rent in a competitive market.
Diletta Giorgolo, head of residential sales offices in Italy, explains why people want to buy in Rome as compared to other European cities. Diletta also illuminates the process of purchasing a Roman home and the importance of having the right agent.
Leading Malta Managing Broker, Benji Psaila paints a picture of tranquility, beautiful seascapes, and cosmopolitan flair that is drawing people from all over the globe to the island. He details the benefits of buying and living in Malta, especially with the expat residency options it offers.
One of Milwaukee's top agents, Cierra Burmeister shares her thoughts of the City and the surrounding communities. Having pursued real estate after graduating college, she explains why Milwaukee is such a great place for investors and families.
Real estate litigator and educator Al Fazio expounds upon the new laws coming from New York State legislators this month and how they impact and affect property owners and real estate agents.
Having his license in both the Hamptons and the New York metro market, Corcoran broker Bob Kittine addresses some of the pitfalls of Co-Op boards and how to avoid them. Bob also explains how he sells homes in the Hamptons from the air.
Growing up in the Hamptons and being a family member of one of the Hampton's founding fathers, Mary Terry explains the unbelievable real estate boom and the changes that have happened in the last 10 years on the North Fork. Mary delves into the "why" of the rental market decline and the strong demand in the sales market.
Washwick Insurance agent Sharon Washwick shares her journey of following in her father Karl's footsteps. She enlightens us as to why it's important to have homeowner's and flood insurance even if you live miles from the bay or ocean.
On the Emerald Coast of Florida, Spears Group founder Jonathan Spears explains why people are giving up on going to the Greek Islands for Alys Beach. The architecture there is quite unique, with homes built around courtyards and painted Santorini white. Jonathan tells us why that is and also why home prices have risen 25% compared to last year.
Glacier top broker Debbie Maue has a license in Chicago and Whitefish, Montana. She educates us about what is happening in the Chicago real estate market and then takes us to Whitefish, Montana to explain why it is a little piece of heaven, especially in the summertime.
One of the Hamptons' top producers, Angela Boyer Stump shares her advice for landlords and why the rental market is different is compared to last year. When it comes to real estate sales, Angela espouses how buyers and sellers can navigate a "fluid market".
Division Manager for Contour Mortgages, Frank Melia clears up misconceptions with the recent changes to the Federal Housing Finance Agency mortgage pricing, especially when it comes to low and high credit borrowers.
Chief Economist for Terra Holdings, Greg Heym weighs in on the macro-economic real estate picture. Is Powell going to pause on a rate hike? Does raising the Fed rate affect mortgages? Are we in stagflation and when is the recession coming? Greg shares how it all affects the buyer and seller.
Wins Inspection Founder, Tom Unverzagt talks about the essential elements one should consider before buying an older home. Some of the things buyers should be aware of include structural integrity, the risk of lead paint and asbestos to mention a few.
Hamptons broker & developer Zackary Tunick shares his thoughts on developing properties and the market. Is inventory still in short supply and will the Hamptons bounce continue into 2023?
Chief Economist of Terra Holdings, Greg Heym ruminates about Fed Chairman Powell's recent 75 basis points rate hike and how that is affecting real estate. He wraps up the 11th year of Realife by making an economic prediction for 2023.
Top broker Susie Langford shares her insights into the Denver/Boulder market and articulates with extensive statistics. Is the "Mile High" market cooling or normalizing?
Hamptons House Watching owner & broker Amadeus Erhardt offers some helpful tips to homeowners when it comes to property management.
Lisa Fountain, Brown Harris Stevens Executive Direcector of Sales, Rhinebeck, elaborates on what it takes to be successful in real estate. Is this an opportune time despite high mortgage rates? Karl Washwick, owner of Washwick Insurance, speaks to what limits you should have on home and auto policies. What are some of the things homeowners are unaware of when it comes to insurance companies not paying for damages?
Monika Zasada, owner of De-Mazing, talks about helping people through the maze of home additions in dealing with architects, contractors, permitting, and the construction process all the way through completion. Corcoran broker and dual licensee Robert Kittine offers his insights regarding the similarities and the differences between New York City and the Hamptons real estate markets. Is the market cooling?
Top producer for Southampton and West of the Canal, Deirdre DeVita shares her insights about the business of real estate and why Remsenburg has become the "secret" Hamptons. Real estate journalist and former educator, John Viteritti explains why and how a real estate professional is so different from a professional salesperson.
Steve Kenny of SRK Pools explains how his passion for clean water lead him to develop a unique water system that reduces the need for chlorine in pools. He has remote water quality monitoring that maintains the balance of his systems whether they are in the Hamptons or the city. Chris Nuzzi, Vice President of Advantage Title, educates listeners on why a homeowner should have title insurance. What is it and why is it worth having? He also shares how he navigated closings after Suffolk County closed its offices due to ransomware.
Andrew Lieb of Lieb at Law elucidates the ramifications of the new law enacted this September 21st by New York State as to cultural competency. He also explains the benefits of "As Is, No Contingencies" in contracts of sale. Platinum producer for William Pitt, Maria Tziolis espouses why Westport, Connecticut is booming. She delves into how she came from Kalamata, Greece to be a part of the community, and why the inventory there is so low.
Jackson Hole's top broker Christian Cisco explains the many benefits of living there. One is Wyoming's ability to offer the lowest taxes of any state in the union, plus the unique culture. Robert Nelson is Executive Managing Director of the Hamptons at Brown Harris Stevens. He shares his advice to those thinking of becoming agents. He also delves into what happened in the rental market and what is happening in sales.
President Dai Dayton and Vice-President Sandra Ferguson illuminate the bounty of activities that the Long Pond Greenbelt offers, from hiking and moonlight walks to fishing and birding. They also touch upon what environmental harm could occur if the proposed power lines go through the Greenbelt. Ken Secor of Ken Secor Construction enlightens listeners as to what a boutique construction firm is and what it does to make the construction process easier for the homeowner, from building permits to changes in building plans.
Paul Leys, co-owner of Gustave White, chats about the bidding wars in Newport, Rhode Island and about where the buyers are coming from, especially in the high-end part of the market. Halley Thatcher, founder of Houseport, shares her unique concept of building an affordable home that is extremely energy efficient and good for the environment. Houseport has built homes in California, Texas, and the North Fork.
Ralph Pacifico of Pacifico Engineering explains the importance of rental permits. Owners may think they're onerous, but they can save lives. Besides people flocking to the Hamptons for the sun and surf, they're coming for the culture and art. Executive Director of the Hamptons Festival of Music, Michael Yip tells us why and how the festival contributes to the appeal of the East End.
Bianca Kramer of Chelsea Staging illustrates why staging a house can put more money in the hands of the seller and why she refers to herself as a "home editor". New York State Assemblyman Fred Thiele addresses a long-standing issue for the East End: affordable housing. What is being done to alleviate the problem?
Jarrod Parslow, owner of J.P. Diagnostics, educates us on the new technology he employs for discovering water leaks in older buildings and homes. He shares how he overcomes challenges that others had failed at before. Win Home Inspections owner Tom Unverzagt elaborates on the technological advances he employs when it comes to septic and cesspool inspections. Why is analyzing pool water and pool water loss is so important to pool inspections?
Cliff Meredith, owner and managing broker of Meredith Fine Properties, shares America's best-kept secret: Maryland's Eastern Shore. The waterfront estates are similar to the Hamptons, except for one notable difference. Marc Chiffert of Chiffert Engineering and Architectural Design has come up with a unique concept to alleviate the East End affordable housing crisis and promote mental health in the process.
Twin Forks Realty broker, Mary Terry, has a family heritage going back to the settlers of the East End. Though some headlines purport a slowdown in the market, Mary explains why that is not happening and why real estate in the North Fork is a good investment, especially for young families. North Fork attorney, Sandra Saiegh, shares her past as an attorney in Argentina and how different real estate there is as compared to here. Also, what should buyers be aware of when purchasing property in the North Fork.
We ask real estate manager Stephanie McNair about the similarities and differences between the Berkshires and the Hamptons. How does one navigate the challenges of sight unseen properties with out-of-town buyers? Punit Chugh, Director of Aryaman Builders, shares a new concept in building homes that is changing the home building landscape. He is building fine homes that are more energy-efficient, greener, and completed in a shorter period of time than stick-built.
New York State Assemblyman Fred Thiele explains the Peconic Bay Community Preservation Fund, which is celebrating its 25th anniversary. What is the fund? Who benefits from it? Who controls it, and how has it expanded since its inception? Lylla Carter is in the top 1% of agents in the country, with over twenty years of real estate experience. She talks about the changes in the Hamptons market and what buyers should know coming into it.
Brown Harris Stevens broker Jane Holden delights us with her past, growing up in Sag Harbor Village and the infamous days of the Black Bouy. She offers helpful advice to new buyers as well as to new agents coming into the business. Berthed on Long Wharf, the American Beauty II has become an iconic fixture of Sag Harbor Village. Captain Don Heckman explains how the town has become a destination for people from around the world and is in the center of natural beauty.
Chiffert Engineering and Architectural Design founder Marc Chiffert illuminates us how the delays in issuing construction permits are creating an unprecedented volume of work being done without permits. What are the ramifications and what are the solutions? Shelter Island broker Susan Cincotta speaks to the recent news article saying the "Rock" is attracting the rich and famous because the ferries make the island a gated community, and how the real estate market has changed.
Broker Deirdre DeVita gives us the lowdown on what is happening "West of the Canal". How is the rental market? Is the market slowing down? Deirdre also advises on bidding wars. Ralph Pacifico of Pacifico Engineering educates us about Innovative/Alternative Onsite Wastewater Systems. Who is required to have them? Why are they required? How much do they cost? How are they maintained and are they necessary?
Mortgage banker Frank Meile educates listeners about Asset Utilization Mortgages. What are they, how do they work, and who qualifies? He also touches on how fluctuating Bitcoin and Crypto Assets can be employed for a mortgage. We go South and chat with one of Nashville's top agents, Karl Jacobsen. Karl speaks to the population surge there and its effect on the real estate market. How do buyers navigate the multiple bids scenario?
San Francisco real estate manager Jeff Gibson shares his insights about the market in this West Coast city. Are San Franciscans transplanting to other locales? Are bidding wars still happening? Have rising mortgage rates hurt the market? Top Corcoran broker Mary Slattery explains her viewpoints as to why the rental market is so markedly different from years past. She sheds light on how to price your house in this buyers' market, since comps from 6-9 months ago might not work.
John has Andrew Lieb of Lieb at Law back to talk about two new courses that are required for agents continuing education: implicit bias and cultural competency. What are they and what do they mean? Miami Beach's top producer Anna Sherril illuminates us with her insights into the South Beach market. Why it is on fire, where is it going, and who is going there?
Corcoran dual agent Bob Kittine discusses the differences between the Hamptons and the five boroughs of New York City. Have the markets changed in the last six months? Greg Heym, Chief Economist for Terra Holdings, illuminates how inflation will affect the real estate market. Will we have a recession or stagflation?
Andrew Lieb of Lieb at Law begins the 11th year of Realife educating us as to why real estate brokerages are now required to have Standard Operating Procedures, or SOP's. Why is it important? Diane Saatchi, a consummate broker for Saunders, explains what pocket listings, off-market listings, and "coming soon" listings are and the differences between them. Are they good for a seller?
Susan Cincotta, a top broker on Shelter Island, elucidates the transformation of Shelter Island from when she arrived in the '80s to today, and how it has remained an unspoiled island with no traffic lights because of community involvement. John wraps up his 10th year of Realife by chatting with Saunders broker Diane Saatchi about the psychological aspects of furniture. How does the sale of a house get complicated when you include the sale of furniture?
John goes across the Sound to New Canaan, Connecticut to talk with Christine Williams, a top producer for William Pitt, about what is happening in the real estate market there and in the surrounding communities of Greenwich, Westport, and Darien. Lars Carlson, one of the leading brokers in Telluride for LIV, shares his 35 years of knowledge of how a once-upon-a-time mining town transformed into a thriving community and a destination for avid skiers and why starter homes begin above 3.5 million.
Julie Tietel, Senior Mortgage Loan Officer for Citizens Bank explains the differences of a mortgage banker as compared to a mortgage broker. Why are interest-only loans back, and how can they be beneficial for high net worth buyers. Robert Nelson, the Executive Managing Director of the Hamptons for Brown Harris Stevens, shares his wisdom of 37 years in real estate and why pricing a house correctly for sale is so important, especially in this booming market.
Hal Zwick, head of the commercial division of Compass educates us about the commercial real estate market on the East End. He talks about Cap Rates and why there is a difference in them in other markets as compared to the Hamptons. Chris Nuzzi, executive VP of Advantage Title, talks about title insurance and why a homeowner needs it to protect themselves from some of the issues that can arise before and after the closing.
John goes out West to Bend, Oregon to discuss with top producer Christy Evans the reasons why homes are selling within four days of coming on the market and why Bend's real estate market is so attractive and booming. Martha Gundersen, a high-profile broker with Eliman, chats with John about the role the pandemic had on the Hamptons market and where it is going in the future. Will prices continue to rise? How are developers reacting to the supply chain issues?
Greg Heym is back again. As the chief economist for Brown Harris Stevens, he summarizes his thoughts about inflation as to how it will affect the real estate market here in the Hamptons and in New York City. Andrew Lieb, managing director of Lieb at Law, discusses the ramifications of the new rental law that was recently enacted in New York and how it affects the short-term rentals of the Hamptons.
“Comps” from a year ago are not comparable to today's market. So what do you do? Appraiser Tom Padden of Peconic Appraisers shares his insights and the challenges he faces in appraising homes, especially in a rising market. FEMA expert Alison Schmidt of Epic Insurance enlightens us about the various flood zones of FEMA. She explains the new regulations that are going to affect premiums and how FEMA will calculate them. Schmidt discusses how and why some will see significant increases in their premiums while others won’t due to new FEMA algorithms.
Nate Schar, Director of Luxury Real Estate for Heritage Auctions, illuminates the benefits of selling a house via auction. What is the due dilligence necessary in getting a house ready for auction? Kathryn Slye, V.P of the East Hampton Aviation Association, explains why the East Hampton airport should remain open. How would closing it would the East End economy and what remedies are being taken to alleviate the noise?
Greg Heym, chief economist for Brown Harris Stevens, shares his thoughts about the real estate economy before, during, and after the pandemic. Are people going back to the city and is Powell correct about inflation being temporary? Mary Terry, a North Fork top producer, illuminates us with her insights into the North Fork real estate market. Her ancestry dates back to the Halseys and the Corwiths. Mary also expands on the question, will the North Fork become like the South Fork?
Troy Owens of Group One tells us about the charms and the attractions in the Treasure Valley, why Boise, Idaho is the fastest growing city in the country, and who and where are the buyers coming from. Along with his insights and prognostications into the Hamptons market, Joe Gonzalez of Brown Harris Stevens shares some hilarious stories of his childhood in Japan.
Attorney Andrew Lieb, principal of Lieb at Law discusses his new real estate book “10 Strategies to Purchase Property Post-Pandemic” and why it is the ultimate guide to real estate investing. He also tells us where the eviction moratorium stands. West of the Canal Top Producer Deirdre DeVita explains how being a ballerina for the Metropolitan Opera influenced her success in real estate. She also gives her insights into why the summer surge season happened and her poignant thoughts for the fall.
As a tribute to the memory of a good friend, John reruns his interview with the legendary "Mr. Ranger", Rod Gilbert.
John goes out to the desert and discusses with top producer Alan Zeider the Phoenix area and the secondary market of Scottsdale. Why new are industries moving there and creating a boom and what effect has the drought had? James Peyton, a top Corcoran broker, speaks about how this summer rental season was similar to last year and shares his thoughts about next year. Has the market slowed down or is it just on pause?
Eliman manager of the Sag Harbor and Montauk offices, Tim Kelly explains why Sag Harbor and Montauk evolved from sleepy towns to hot destinations for home buyers. He also gives advice to buyers who are going outside their comfort zone as prices rise. Jack Cotton, author, educator, and founder of a large Cape Cod agency, shares his passion and philosophy about real estate. Having started his agency from his college dorm room, he shares the knowledge he has acquired over the years.
Brad Slack brings his years of knowledge and experience of mold inspection to Realife. Why should potential homeowners consider doing a mold inspection as part of their due diligence? Not all mold can be seen, but modern technology has changed all that. As more homeowners are becoming full-time residents, Jack Kelly of JK Chef and Domestic Collections chats about the benefits of having a chef becoming part of the household and the process that takes place to make that happen. Besides chefs, there are domestics. What is involved in being a butler?
Shah Gilani, Fox Business News personality, illuminates what cryptocurrency is, the pros and cons of using cryptocurrencies when buying and selling real estate, and how it will affect real estate in the future. John visits with Jonathan Soh, Brokerage Manager of Sotheby's Wine Country offices, to talk about the similarities of East End real estate and the Napa Valley market. They discuss how it was affected by the pandemic, the wildfires, and what is happening now.
Harris Allen, videographer and real estate photographer, joins John in a lively conversation about the importance of video in today's real estate world. Harris shares some of his techniques for making photos pop and the effort it takes in doing it. Foster Reeve of Foster Reeve Associates is back again to educate about "what is old, is new" and that's plaster. Reeves explains how it is eco-friendly, mold-free, and versatile for all applications, especially in modern construction and unique situations like vaulted staircases.
Suffolk Property Inspector John Hurst discusses what is involved in home inspections, why buyers should be there, and why it's important to do another inspection just before the closing. John Christopher goes out to Big Sky Country with Debbie Maue of Glacier Realty in Whitefish, Montana to explore the state of the real estate market there. Being a second home market like the Hamptons, Debbie gives her perspective on the pandemic and how it has changed since it started and who is flocking to her area.
Dave Harvey of D & D Harvey Architects chats with John about architecture and the various challenges architecture faces in today's world. Harvey also gives insights into a controversial Sag Harbor village waterfront complex that brought about the John Steinbeck park. John invites Ken Secor of Ken Secor Construction to discuss the recent Wall Street Journal article titled, "Small Contractors Miss Out on the Housing Boom" and how challenging it has been in the construction business with the pandemic, rising lumber prices, and the lack of certain supplies.
Foster Reeve, a neo-plaster, enlightens John and the audience about the evolution of plaster from ancient times to being employed in modern homes, and how it's beneficial especially for people who have other homes. They discuss how neo-plaster was employed on a project on Further Lane and the Phipps Mansion at Old Westbury Gardens. John Goldman, the managing director for Brown Harris Stevens commercial division in Manhattan, elucidates what happened to the market during the pandemic, what is happening now, and what may come in the future.
Going beyond the Hamptons, John talks with Holly Switow, Premier Agency broker in Sarasota about the influx of people going to Florida from high tax states. Are they staying or becoming disenchanted? What about the Red Tide? And has it become a superheated buyer's market with no inventory? John interviews Hamptons Interior Designer, Barabra Feldman. With over 30+ years in the business, Barbara imparts her knowledge of gut renovations, expansions to kitchens and bath layouts, and stairway design. They also touch upon space planning.
Deirdre DeVita, a top producer further in central Suffolk county, illuminates what the real estate market looks like "west of the canal" and why taxes are high in certain towns and not in others. She also discusses what challenges buyers face in this market and what sellers should be selling. Andrew Lieb educates the listener about what a 1031 is, the overall tax strategy of using them, and what would happen if they are eliminated. They also broach the subject of cannabis becoming legal in New York and what effect that might have on the vineyards in the East End.
John Christopher and Amadeus Erdhardt of Hamptons House Watching discuss what questions should you ask a property manager before hiring. What are the benefits of a property manager? What is property management beyond simply checking on your property? Then, Robert Kittine, Corcoran Manhattan Broker tells John Christopher why there is a sudden surge in the Manhattan market. They also dive into why Co-Op boards can sometimes be difficult, how to overcome some of the difficulties and what the market looks like for the future.
How do you know when it’s time to sell? Is this a good time to sell? Do you know what you need to do before you sell? These are just a few of the questions that John Christopher and Diane Saatchi, associate broker of Saunders & Associates, address in this episode. What do you do if you do if a bird has fallen from a tree in your back yard? Or for that matter, you have a baby duck in your pool or a squirrel in your chimney? One of the joys of living in the Hamptons is the wildlife. But what happens when it comes into your home? John Christopher speaks to Evelyn Alexander Wildlife Rescue Center executive director Ginni Frati to illuminate some of the things you should do when it comes to wildlife.
John and Mayor of Sag Harbor Kathleen Mulcahy discuss the “real” real estate issues of the Village, from John Steinbeck Park to the Baystreet Theatre building to parking and more. VP of Quontic Bank Lending Frank Melia speaks with John on a number of topics, from myths and mortgages to why some banks are not lending.
Robert Kittine of Corcoran,who has been licensened for 50 years, and John talk about the market since the pandemic and how you should price your home in this sellers market. Also, what should buyers do in this market to be able to buy. Ralph Pacifico of Pacifico Engineering chats with John about home inspections last year and now. Should buyers be there at inspections? What to be aware of when it comes to 100 year home and new construction. Also, they discuss I/A septic systems and grants available.
Andrew Lieb of Lieb at Law is also the Real Estate Chairperson for the Suffolk County Bar Association. He and John discuss the New York State Rental Eviction Extention and its ramifications for the landlord and tenant. Diane Saatchi of Saunders and Company converses with John about what happened in the real estate market over the last year.