In this in-depth conversation, recently retired CBRE Executive Vice President Laurie Lustig-Bower shares decades of insights from one of the most successful multifamily brokerage careers in Los Angeles real estate.With over 36 years at CBRE (formerly Coldwell Banker Commercial), Laurie and her team handled more than $12 billion in multifamily transactions in the last decade alone. She built her business on the Westside of LA — specializing in apartment buildings, condo conversions, and development sites — consistently ranking as a top national producer in CBRE’s Private Capital Group.Key topics include:- How she chose multifamily and the Westside LA niche as her "blue ocean" path to expertise- Building a referral-based business without ever making cold calls- Networking strategies with residential brokers, appraisers, internal CBRE colleagues, estate attorneys, banks, and more- The power of internal referrals and paying generous referral fees early on- Daily habits, discipline, and idea generation that drove consistent deal flow- Preparing killer listing pitches: underwriting depth, rent comps, creative value-add strategies, rehearsals, psychology of the seller, and why most brokers skip rehearsal- What truly makes the ultimate broker: drive, persistence, emotional intelligence, creative problem-solving, and gut-level numbers mastery- Pricing psychology — why overpricing kills momentum, the dangers of long market time, and why multifamily buyers think differently than residential- Lessons from iconic deals and market cycles (without specifics)- Advice for new or growing brokers: pick a tight lane (product type + geography + price range), reverse-engineer your business plan, brand yourself clearly, become the go-to expert- Why specializing beats being a generalist in today’s information-rich marketWhether you're a multifamily broker, investor, or anyone in commercial real estate looking to level up prospecting, client relationships, preparation, and long-term business building, this episode is packed with timeless, battle-tested principles from one of LA’s most respected multifamily pros.Timeless wisdom from a true multifamily legend in Los Angeles commercial real estate.Subscribe and Stay Ahead! Stay informed and empowered in the multifamily real estate market. Subscribe to the channel for exclusive insights, rental updates, and expert analyses on the Los Angeles market.Sponsor — Citizens BankConnect with a banker athttps://www.citizensbank.com/novacancySponsor - AI for CRE CollectiveAI for CRE Community: https://www.skool.com/ai-for-cre-collective/about?ref=3b3ff2c0ccce44ba8039fafd54bf291a🔔 Don’t miss out on the latest trends and tips to maximize your property's potential: https://www.youtube.com/c/TaylorAvakian📈 Connect with me:Website: https://www.thegroupcre.com/Email: taylor@thegroupcre.comX: https://x.com/TAYVAY_LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tayloravakian/#realestate #commercialrealestate #podcast

Father-son duo Shawn Evenhaim and Edan Evenhaim are reshaping the Los Angeles skyline through Balaciano Group and the iconic The Q brand. With nearly 3 billion in transactions and multiple Builder of the Year awards, they share how they build, brand, and manage modern multifamily properties in one of the most challenging real estate markets.

In this in-depth conversation they cover:- Starting as an immigrant in construction and evolving into large-scale multifamily development- The power of true vertical integration: in-house entitlement, architecture, general contracting, and property management- Why controlling the entire process delivers better design, quality, and community outcomes- Building a premium residential brand inspired by Tesla and Louis Vuitton - cohesive identity, no concessions, standing behind the product- Creating genuinely smart apartments with integrated technology at scaleUsing detailed data tracking (amenity usage, fob scans, equipment analytics) to constantly improve buildings- The realities of developing in Los Angeles: regulations, Measure JJJ, ULA, rent control concerns, and their impact on housing supply- Family business dynamics - respect, generational differences, and wanting the next generation to surpass you- Calculated risk-taking, surviving major market cycles (including 2008), and knowing when to slow down- The critical role of relationships, political access, community involvement, and philanthropy in real estate success- Advice for younger developers: start slow, learn from others, avoid over-leveraging, question everythingWhether you're interested in multifamily development, branding in real estate, smart-home technology in apartments, vertical integration, Los Angeles real estate challenges, or family business succession, this discussion offers rare insight from operators actively building and managing thousands of units in a high-regulation environment.

He Went From Del Taco to a $1.5B Empire (Here's How) | Henry ManoucheriHenry Manoucheri, Chairman and CEO of Universe Holdings, sits down for an in-depth conversation on building one of the largest privately held multifamily portfolios in the U.S. From his arrival in America as a teenage immigrant fleeing the Iranian Revolution to scaling a national real estate operation, Henry breaks down the mindset, strategies, and relentless work ethic that fueled his 42-year career in commercial real estate.This episode covers the power of persistent cold calling, transitioning from brokerage to principal investing, deal evaluation in today’s multifamily market, Los Angeles real estate dynamics, and timeless lessons for investors and entrepreneurs. Whether you're into multifamily syndication, value-add strategies, sales mindset, or long-term wealth building, this is packed with practical insights from a true industry leader.Chapters:0:00 – Intro: The Vision Behind a $1.5B Multifamily Empire1:09 – Immigrant Roots: Iran to Orange County & First Job at Del Taco7:45 – Early Hustle: Retail Sales to Real Estate Brokerage14:20 – Joining Marcus & Millichap & Mastering Cold Calling21:30 – Why Persistence Wins: 100,000+ Calls and Overcoming Rejection29:10 – Becoming a Top Producer and Transitioning to Principal36:40 – Building Universe Holdings: Family Office Strategy & Scaling Deals44:15 – Current Market Outlook: Los Angeles, Rent Control, and Opportunity52:30 – Deal Criteria: The Right Story, Motivated Sellers, and Value-Add Plays1:00:00 – New Construction vs. Value-Add: Wealth Preservation Strategies1:07:20 – Biggest Mistakes Investors Make & Lessons from Past Cycles1:14:50 – Leverage, Interest Rates, and Why Fixed-Rate Debt Matters1:22:00 – The Bottom of the Market? Cap Rates, Volume, and Future Predictions1:30:00 – Faith, Family, Legacy, and Final ThoughtsPerfect for anyone interested in multifamily real estate investing, commercial real estate brokerage, sales techniques, cold calling strategies, Los Angeles multifamily market, or immigrant entrepreneur success stories.🔔 Subscribe for weekly interviews with top real estate investors and operators👍 Like if you're inspired by Henry's journey💬 Comment below: What's ONE sales or investing lesson you'll take from this episode?Follow Henry Manoucheri and Universe Holdings for more insights.#MultifamilyInvesting #RealEstateInvesting #CommercialRealEstate #Multifamily #ColdCalling #RealEstatePodcast #LosAngelesRealEstate #ValueAddInvesting #RealEstateEmpire #ImmigrantSuccess #UniverseHoldings #HenryManoucheri #RealEstateSyndication #ApartmentInvesting Subscribe and Stay Ahead! Stay informed and empowered in the multifamily real estate market. Subscribe to the channel for exclusive insights, rental updates, and expert analyses on the Los Angeles market.🔔 Don’t miss out on the latest trends and tips to maximize your property's potential: https://www.youtube.com/c/TaylorAvakian📈 Connect with me:Website: https://www.thegroupcre.com/Email: taylor@thegroupcre.comX: https://x.com/TAYVAY_LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tayloravakian/

What really separates strong real estate professionals from everyone else when markets tighten and capital gets complicated?

In this episode of No Vacancy, Taylor Avakian sits down with Vicky Schiff for a wide-ranging conversation on work ethic, conviction, and how serious operators think about risk, relationships, and capital in today’s real estate market. Vicky shares how she built her career by being the person who actually executes, prepares, and shows up when it matters.

They dive into what’s happening inside the debt markets, how lenders are structuring risk through pref equity, CLOs, and loan-on-loan strategies, and why understanding the incentives behind capital is just as important as understanding the deal itself. Vicky also explains how high-level decision-makers prepare for meetings, evaluate opportunities, and maintain confidence without ego.

Beyond markets and structures, the episode explores discipline, curiosity, and human connection — and why relationships still drive outcomes even as the industry evolves.

This is a practical conversation for anyone operating in commercial real estate who wants to think more clearly, move with conviction, and understand what’s really happening behind the capital stack.

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Uncovering the Hidden Power Structures in Commercial Real Estate with Hiten Samtani (Founder of Ten31 Media)Deep-dive conversation with Hiten Samtani, former Editorial Director at The Real Deal and founder of Ten31 Media, on the unseen forces driving commercial real estate in America's biggest markets.From long-term family dynasties and low-basis empires to cultural niches quietly controlling billions in Los Angeles and New York, political leverage in mega-projects, the surge of private credit and insurance capital, and the evolving role of insider-focused media in an opaque industry.Essential for commercial real estate investors, brokers, developers, lenders, operators, and professionals looking for unfiltered perspective on market movers, capital flows, and power dynamics.

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Connect with Hiten Samtanihttps://www.thepromote.com/https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-promote-podcast/id1801355295https://youtube.com/@ten31tv?si=Ke5cIHVQCNAnXptYChapters:0:00 - Intro & Real Estate as Nexus of Power, Money, and Politics1:29 - Guest Intro and Background in CRE Media2:14 - Who Really Shapes Cities: Long-Term Owners vs Transient Capital3:48 - Family Dynasties, Nepo Babies, and Low-Basis Advantages5:30 - Information Arbitrage, Broker Relationships, and Deal Flow7:27 - Political Juice in Mega Projects (Beverly Hills, Hudson Yards)9:04 - Negotiating Tactics vs Outright Corruption10:59 - Appraisals, Incentives, and Gray Areas12:09 - LA vs New York Kingpins: Quiet Wealth and Cultural Niches16:51 - Private Credit Evolution with Insurance Capital19:08 - Sub-Institutional Trends and Fraud Scrutiny19:33 - Market Sentiment: LA vs New York Asset Classes22:50 - Political Risks and Narrative Shifts25:53 - Starting Ten31 Media: Bridging the Industry-Media Gap28:39 - Building a Niche Media Business for Specialists31:07 - Paywalls, Premium Content, and Audience Monetization32:04 - AI's Impact on Media and Quality vs Slop34:39 - Institutional Players Courting Retail Capital via Social Media39:49 - Future of CRE Media: Counterpoint and Swagger42:01 - Building Clout with Exclusion and Quality44:01 - Expanding Platforms While Keeping the DNA45:52 - Podcast Growth and Chemistry49:19 - Writing Craft, Inspiration, and Editing52:44 - Balancing Business, Content, and Life55:06 - Favorite Stories and Idea Generation58:49 - Media Impact on Markets and Industry Opacity1:02:05 - Maintaining Integrity at Scale1:05:50 - Interviewing Techniques and Co-Hosting Dynamics1:08:31 - How to Ask Great Questions1:10:23 - Preparation vs Natural Flow in Interviews1:12:37 - Building Relationships Through Conversations1:13:30 - Closing Thoughts and Future of Ten31#CommercialRealEstate #CRE #RealEstateInvesting #PrivateCredit #RealEstateMedia #Ten31Media

Join Taylor Avakian on the No Vacancy Podcast as he sits down with Jan Brzeski, a co-founder of Arixa Capital and a leading expert in private credit and real estate lending in California. In this in-depth episode, Jan shares his journey building a massive commercial real estate debt fund, revealing the inner workings of private credit syndication and how lenders navigate today's shifting interest rate environment.Discover key insights into commercial real estate opportunities in California, including the impact of rising rates on property values, the role of private credit in bridging financing gaps, and strategies for underwriting strong loans in multifamily and construction projects. Jan breaks down fund economics, borrower selection, and why real estate private lending remains a resilient niche amid market adjustments.Whether you're an investor exploring commercial real estate in California, interested in private credit funds, or following trends from experts like Taylor Avakian and Jan Brzeski on the No Vacancy Podcast, this conversation offers valuable perspectives on building wealth through disciplined lending in today's dynamic market.Sponsor — Loan TitanUpscale your experience with: https://loantitan.com/Jan's Company:Sage Credit Investment Partners: https://scipfinance.com/My Newsletter: https://www.thegroupcre.com/newslette...📈 Connect with me:Website: https://www.thegroupcre.com/Email: taylor@thegroupcre.comX: https://x.com/TAYVAY_LinkedIn: / tayloravakian

What happens when a developer goes head-to-head with California’s most powerful cities, unions, and politicians?

In this episode of The Group CRE, Taylor Avakian sits down with Leo Pustilnikov — one of the most controversial and influential developers in California’s housing landscape. Leo has become a central figure in the statewide housing reform battle, pushing projects forward using tools like the Builder’s Remedy, SB 9, SB 35, Density Bonus Law, and other pro-housing policies that force cities to comply with state law.

Leo breaks down the political fights behind the scenes, how cities illegally block projects, what developers must understand about CEQA and entitlement strategy, and why California’s housing shortage is by design. This episode dives deep into corruption, NIMBY power, union pressure, lawsuits, and the future of LA housing — straight from someone who has been in the center of it.

You’ll learn:

- Why California cities block housing and how state law overrides them

- How the Builder’s Remedy actually works (and why it’s so powerful)

- The truth behind local corruption, CEQA abuse, and political retaliation

- Why small and mid-sized developers abandon California

- How Leo navigates union pressure, lawsuits, and city pushback

- What it will take for California to ever meet housing demand

- How to survive entitlement warfare and regulatory resistance

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Connect with Leo Pustilnikov

Subscribe and Stay Ahead! Stay informed and empowered in the multifamily real estate market. Subscribe to the channel for exclusive insights, rental updates, and expert analyses on the Los Angeles market.

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#TheGroupCRE #LeoPustilnikov #CaliforniaHousingCrisis #BuildersRemedy #CEQA #RealEstateDevelopment #NIMBY #HousingReform #CommercialRealEstate #TaylorAvakian #MultifamilyDevelopment #PolicyReform

In this episode of The Group CRE, Taylor Avakian sits down with Luke Morris — Co-Founder of CREXi and Founder of Capitalize.io — to break down how AI is transforming commercial real estate from the inside out. Luke shares the early days of CREXi, how he helped reshape CRE workflow at scale, and why he’s now focused on the next evolution of AI-powered tools for brokers, operators, and investors.

From automating research to accelerating deal flow, Luke explains the problems he saw firsthand while building CREXi — and the AI solutions modern CRE professionals will rely on in the next decade.

If you want to understand the future of real estate tech, the next wave of automation, and the mindset of a founder who helped build one of the most impactful CRE platforms ever created, this episode is a must-watch.

You’ll learn:

- How Luke co-founded CREXi and changed CRE deal flow forever

- The biggest inefficiencies he discovered while building a marketplace

- Where AI is already outperforming traditional CRE workflows

- How automation supports brokers, researchers, and analysts

- Why PropTech adoption is accelerating faster than ever

- What the next generation of CRE software will look like

- How founders think about scaling tools for a legacy industry

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🔗 Links

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Connect with Luke Morris

Subscribe and Stay Ahead! Stay informed and empowered in the multifamily real estate market. Subscribe to the channel for exclusive insights, rental updates, and expert analyses on the Los Angeles market.

🔔 Don’t miss out on the latest trends and tips to maximize your property's potential: https://www.youtube.com/c/TaylorAvakian

#LukeMorris #CREXi #TheGroupCRE #PropTech #LoanTitan #CommercialRealEstate #RealEstateTech #CREBrokerage #AutomationTools #AIInBusiness #CREMarketplace #TaylorAvakian