Deconstruct

The Real Deal
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Apr 3, 2026 • 21min

After a $10 million fraud, Josh Schuster's victims try to claw back their cash

In this week’s episode of Deconstruct, a podcast from The Real Deal, hosts Lilah Burke and Hannah Kramer examine how record Wall Street bonuses could influence New York City’s luxury real estate market, preview the upcoming trial of a former Vornado executive accused of fraud, discusss foreclosure risks at Kaufman Astoria Studios, and why Palantir’s Miami headquarters announcement may not be what it seems. Then Senior Reporter Rich Bockmann joins the podcast to explain how infamous developer Josh Schuster rose to prominence, fell from grace, and how the would-be investors he left behind are struggling to claw back their profits.
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Mar 26, 2026 • 22min

Zillow vs. Compass: behind the battle to control home listings

Compass and Zillow have been battling it out over real estate listings. The outcome could reshape how homes are marketed across the U.S. In this episode of Deconstruct, hosts Lilah Burke and Hannah Kramer talk to reporter Sheridan Wall to break down Compass’ lawsuit, which accused Zillow of anticompetitive behavior after the portal introduced a ban on privately marketed listings. At the heart of the dispute: who controls access to listings, and how much power platforms like Zillow should have over the residential market. The conversation unpack what Zillow’s policy actually does, why Compass says it harms competition, and how the fight fits into a broader battle over listing transparency, private networks, and the future of home search. They also explore what this means for agents, buyers, and sellers—and whether this case could set a precedent for how real estate platforms operate going forward. If listings are the lifeblood of residential real estate, this is a fight over who gets to control the bloodstream. Plus, the hosts take you through headlines about the future owner of the Chrysler building, a stalled project at the World Trade Center, an ambitious rezoning starting to take shape in Brooklyn, and more.
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Mar 19, 2026 • 17min

A constitutional crisis in Section 8 housing

In the latest episode of Deconstruct, a podcast by The Real Deal, hosts Lilah Burke and Hannah Kramer talk about proposals for increased property taxes, rent control, and a rezoning that could open a floodgate for New York City development. In an interview with TRD Policy Pro reporter Caroline Spivack, they dive into a debate over Section 8 vouchers, which some landlords say are unconstitutional.
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Mar 12, 2026 • 23min

Who's still buying NYC's rent stabilized buildings?

In the latest episode of Deconstruct, hosts Lilah Burke and Hannah Kramer explain the battle to demolish a landmark church on the Upper West Side, close the loop on the verdict in the sex trafficking case against the Alexander brothers, and explain why development in Gowanus has boomed. Then, the hosts interview multifamily broker Lev Mavashev to find out who's buying New York City's devalued rent-stabilized building – and who isn't.
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Mar 5, 2026 • 19min

The sex trafficking case against the Alexander Brothers comes to a close

Oren and Tal Alexander were once among the highest echelon of luxury real estate brokers, rubbing elbows with celebrities and billionaires. For the last month we've seen them in the courthouse as they, along with Oren's twin brother Alon, stood trial on federal sex trafficking charges. TRD senior editor Ellen Cranley, who was on the team that broke the earliest allegations against the brothers in June of 2024, explained to Deconstruct's Lilah Burke and Hannah Kramer what the reporters have seen in the courtroom, breaking down the strategy for both the defense and prosecution and explaining what it all means for real estate. Plus, why the late Ivana Trump's townhouse took so long to sell, why Dish wireless is enraging landlords, and more.
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Feb 26, 2026 • 19min

Inside the multifamily mortgage fraud that's rattled the real estate industry

In this episode of Deconstruct, hosts Hannah Kramer and Lilah Burke discuss the ongoing trial of the Alexander brothers, who face serious allegations of sexual assault and sex trafficking. They also cover the fraud case against Nir Meir, the implications of high-end rental prices in New York City, and a deep dive into a complex mortgage fraud scheme affecting the market. The episode concludes with a look at ICE's controversial plans to convert industrial sites into detention centers and upcoming events in the real estate community.
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Feb 19, 2026 • 18min

How real estate brokers scrambled to get inside the Epstein house

Deconstruct is the only podcast that brings you all the news you need to know about real estate. Now back for a fifth season, hosts Lilah Burke and Hannah Kramer will ake you inside The Real Deal's newsroom to cover the biggest issues in New York City and real estate today. In the first episode, the hosts talk with reporter Jake Indursky, who sifted through the Epstein files to find out just how badly top real estate brokers wanted to get inside his Upper East Side townhouse. Then, an update on new mayor Zohran Mamdani's plan to freeze the rent, a quick look at mounting CMBS debt, and more. Deconstruct is a weekly podcast. Look out for new episodes every Thursday at 3:00 PM.
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Dec 2, 2024 • 16min

Will Trump be a net positive for commercial real estate?

President-elect Donald Trump's campaign promises look to be a mixed bag for commercial real estate. Extended tax cuts would be a boon for dealmaking; tariffs could spark inflation and push the Federal Reserve to throw the cutting cycle in reverse. Deconstruct sits down with NYU Schack Institute of Real Estate Associate Dean Marc Norman and partners at Holland & Knight Joe Guay and Joel Roberson to parse the impact on investors and developers in 2025. Do you have guests you want to hear from? Topics you want explored? Questions, feedback, critiques? Write to us with "Deconstruct" in the subject line @ suzannah.cavanaugh@therealdeal.com. _
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Nov 25, 2024 • 23min

The guy holding the gavel at the Fortress v. Cohen auction

Matthew Mannion, a notable auctioneer from New York City, is renowned for handling real estate foreclosures and high-profile auctions. He shares riveting stories from the bustling courthouse steps, including a jaw-dropping $76 million bid. Mannion dives into the complexities of judicial versus UCC foreclosures, detailing the nuances of each process. He emphasizes the essential role of advertising in attracting bidders and discusses trends affecting co-op auctions. His journey from a Marine officer to a top auctioneer adds a unique flavor to the conversation.
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Nov 18, 2024 • 28min

Investment lessons from 13th Floor's very active Arnaud Karsenti

Arnaud Karsenti, the head of Miami-based 13th Floor Investments, has a whopping dozen multifamily projects underway in a city set to break another record for deliveries in 2024. Does Miami have the tenants to meet that supply? Karsenti talks in-migration, demand for housing near public transit and the pros and cons of public-private partnerships at The Real Deal's South Florida Real Estate Forum.

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