

Commercial Real Estate Secrets
Aviva Sonenreich
Welcome to Commercial Real Estate Secrets, hosted by Aviva Sonenreich, a seasoned commercial real estate owner, broker, and content creator. On this podcast, you'll hear real stories from real people who have created real success in commercial real estate. Join us each week to gain invaluable insights and practical steps you can take to achieve your dreams of becoming a successful commercial real estate investor, agent, or broker.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Dec 24, 2025 • 29min
Buying Land in 2026: The Rules Have Changed
In today’s episode, I sit down with Monica Cataluna, CCIM, a Florida-based land broker, to talk about why development has slowed, how land banking is shaping today’s market, and what rising costs mean for land values. We also break down entitlements in simple terms and where patient investors are finding opportunity. Hope you enjoy!

Dec 17, 2025 • 30min
How to Build a Real Estate Career That Lasts in New York with Owning Manhattan’s Nile Lundgren
In today’s episode, I sit down with Nile Lundgren, star of Netflix’s Owning Manhattan, to talk about what it really takes to succeed in New York City real estate—playing the long game, building real trust with clients, why off-market deals are often misunderstood, and how systems and media allow agents to scale in the most competitive market in the world. Hope you enjoy!

Dec 10, 2025 • 40min
The Real Reason You’re Not Winning Bigger Clients in Commercial Real Estate
In today’s episode, I sit down with Marcy Moneypenny, founder of the Moneypenny Collective, to talk about what actually separates top commercial real estate brokers from the rest—client experience, real client management, and why the long game always wins. We get into how brokers can use social media and data transparency to build trust, why “posting closings” isn’t enough anymore, and what owners should ask in a broker pitch to avoid getting sold a fantasy price. Hope you enjoy!Connect with Marcy: LinkedIn | Website

Dec 3, 2025 • 28min
How Industrial Rents Tripled… Then Collapsed
In today’s episode, I sit down with Allen C. Buchanan—industrial real estate advisor, author, speaker, and one of the most respected voices in Southern California industrial—to break down what’s really happening in the Inland Empire and greater SoCal industrial market. We talk about the post-COVID rent surge, the 2022 reset, why tenants with credit are driving the best deals right now, and how brokers can “let the market be the bad guy” when owners are stuck on yesterday’s numbers. We also get into Allen’s book The Sequence and his best commercial real estate secret: strategic networking. Hope you enjoy!Connect with Allen: LinkedIn | Website

Nov 26, 2025 • 37min
The 2026 Social Media Strategy Every Broker Is Sleeping On
In today’s episode, I sit down with James Bean to talk about how commercial real estate brokers can use social media, branding, and consistent content to build real trust—and real deal flow. We get into why most brokers post the wrong kind of content, how selfless, value-driven marketing differentiates you fast, and why “networking while you sleep” is the most underused advantage in CRE. James also shares what he’s seeing in the 1031 exchange world (and why so many exchanges fail), plus the misinformation online that’s hurting investors. Hope you enjoy!Connect with James Bean: LinkedIn

Nov 19, 2025 • 21min
The Investor’s Guide to Distressed Debt in 2025–2026
Distress is building faster than most investors realize — and 2025–2026 will be the biggest transfer of CRE wealth since the Great Financial Crisis.This episode is Part 2 of Aviva Sonenreich’s extended conversation with Michael Cohen, continuing the deep dive into CMBS distress, why Denver is becoming one of the most troubled MSAs in the country, and how investors can prepare for the wave of maturities ahead.Highlights:The real reasons Class A assets are stabilizing while Class B properties face mounting distressThe CMBS data points that reveal the severity of Denver’s office, multifamily, and hospitality stressWhether high-profile assets — like Aspen’s $85M Prada store — can still secure CMBS financingHow DSCR drops, trapped reserves, and cash sweeps quietly strip borrowers of leverageThe decision-making hierarchy inside CMBS servicing — and why “waiting and hoping” never worksPerfect For:Investors preparing for the 2025–2026 distressed cycle, owners with CMBS loans nearing maturity, family offices protecting generational assets, brokers advising clients through workouts, and anyone who wants a clear, unfiltered understanding of how CMBS distress actually works — and what’s coming next.Connect with Michael: Website | LinkedIn

Nov 12, 2025 • 20min
CMBS Explained: Trusts, Servicers & Real Strategy in 2026
Billions in CMBS loans are coming due in 2026 — and most borrowers still don’t understand how the system really works.In this episode, Aviva Sonenreich sits down with Michael Cohen, Managing Principal at Brighton Capital Advisors, to break down how CMBS trusts, servicers, and bondholders interact — and what borrowers must do to protect their equity.Highlights:How CMBS trusts actually function (and who really owns your loan)Why calling your servicer is like dialing 1-800-MORTGAGEThe biggest mistake borrowers make when entering special servicingHow to approach CMBS workouts and loan modifications strategicallyWhy CMBS remains one of the few active lending channels heading into 2026Perfect For:Borrowers with CMBS loans coming due, investors looking for distress before it hits auction, and anyone trying to understand what’s really driving the 2026 debt market.

Nov 10, 2025 • 9min
3 Colorado Commercial Properties I’d Buy Right Now!
Where should you invest in Colorado commercial real estate right now?In this solo episode, Aviva Sonenreich breaks down three real buildings (that are for sale) she’d buy today, from tech-infused industrial properties in Boulder to high-credit tenants near Denver International Airport.You’ll also learn her CoStar search hack that helps brokers and investors spot opportunities before anyone else.If you’re watching from Colorado (or looking to invest here), this one’s for you.

Nov 5, 2025 • 41min
How I Closed a $9.5M Deal From Social Media
In this episode of The Proof Stacker Podcast, Aviva Sonenreich joins the show to share how she turned a niche family business into a digital brand that drives real deals — including a $9.5 million transaction sourced directly from social media. From building authority with proof stacking and case studies to leveraging culture hacking and TikTok’s geo-local reach, Aviva breaks down the strategies that have made her one of the most influential voices in commercial real estate. If you want to learn how to turn content into clients and build a business that compounds online, this conversation is a must-listen.

Oct 29, 2025 • 21min
How This New Broker Closed a $7.5M Hotel Deal Just 4 Months Into Her Career
In this episode of Commercial Real Estate Secrets, Aviva Sonenreich sits down with Sky Velez to talk about how niching down can fast-track success in commercial real estate. From breaking into the hospitality sector with zero experience, to closing a $7.5 million hotel deal just four months into her career, to overcoming imposter syndrome and building credibility fast, this conversation is packed with real-world lessons for anyone looking to stand out and win bigger deals in 2025.


