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In the New York real estate market, success is often measured by numbers, but for the Barbara Mullaney Team, it's measured by relationships. Based in the unique "city by the sea," Long Beach, this team has built a legacy of trust, honesty, and family values that has propelled them to the top of the Long Island real estate ranks.

In this episode of the Work Hard, Play Hard, Give Back podcast, Mike Litzner welcomes back Barbara, Katie, and Peggy to discuss their journey from waitressing to real estate leadership, the specifics of "Barrier Island" living, and why culture is never overrated in a high-stakes industry.

From Bartender to Broker: The Power of the Pivot

Barbara's real estate journey began in 2002 as a single mother working multiple jobs in the service industry [00:01:11]. She credits her success to a simple piece of advice from her early mentor: "You can be a good, honest professional and succeed in this business" [00:02:47].

Transitioning from waitressing to full-time real estate took time and grit, but Barbara's service-industry background proved to be her greatest asset. By focusing on relationships rather than just transactions, she built a business almost entirely on referrals—a philosophy that remains the "North Star" of her team today [00:15:24].

Pro Tip: Referrals happen by design, not by accident. They are earned through consistent communication, transparency, and an internal focus on the consumer experience [00:17:08].

The Long Beach Nuance: More Than Just a Town

Long Beach is a "big little city" with approximately 40,000 units, ranging from bungalows to modern raised homes [00:17:54]. The team highlights the specific neighborhoods that define the island: the narrow, walk-to-everything West End, the centralized West Home area, and the wider, more spacious East End [00:21:26].

Because Long Beach is a barrier island, pricing strategy requires a hyper-local lens. A home just two blocks from the ocean versus one that is truly oceanfront can see a tremendous difference in valuation [00:30:44]. For home sellers, this local expertise is vital for navigating flood insurance zones and elevation requirements post-Sandy [00:32:50].

The Family Dynamic: Managing a Top-Tier Team

The Barbara Mullaney Team evolved in 2016 from a solo operation to a powerhouse of eight women, including Barbara's daughters Peggy and Katie [00:06:05]. As team manager, Katie handles the branding, marketing, and advertising, ensuring the team's vision stays aligned with their "safe and comfortable" workplace culture [00:09:51].

Peggy, a rental specialist, notes that nearly 25% of the team's business comes from rentals—a unique staple of the Long Beach market where summer and winter rentals serve as a "try before you buy" gateway for many future home buyers [00:24:28].

A Legacy of Giving Back

Honored as the 2018 Humanitarians of the Year, the team is deeply involved in local causes. From their annual bikeathon for the Long Beach Soup Kitchen to supporting the Michael Diamond Foundation, their commitment to the community is personal [00:40:34].

"Long Beach is a feeling," Barbara says. "The community comes together like nowhere else I've ever seen" [00:19:23]. Whether it's supporting local food pantries or advocating for new boardwalk developments, the team leads with their hearts first.

Market Insight: Pricing your home competitively is the best way to drive a bidding war. Use our CB Estimate tool to see how the Long Beach market is valuing your property today.

If you're looking for a team that treats your move with the same care they give their own family, reach out to the Barbara Mullaney Team today.

In the high-stakes world of commercial real estate, emotion takes a backseat to economics. For Tony Briguglio, Lead Broker of Coldwell Banker Commercial American Homes, the goal is simple: ensure the property earns. Whether it's a multi-family complex, a warehouse, or a retail shopping center, success is defined by data and strategy.

In this episode of the Work Hard, Play Hard, Give Back podcast, Mike Litzner sits down with "The King of Commercial" to explore the driving forces of the market. They break down the importance of Net Operating Income (NOI), the benefits of SBA loans, and why commercial real estate requires a specialized level of product knowledge.

Valuation Beyond Comps: Understanding the Cap Rate

While residential real estate relies heavily on comparable sales, commercial valuation is primarily driven by the Capitalization Rate, or "Cap Rate" [00:02:31]. Tony explains that the cap rate is the driving force that determines when an investor will see a return on their capital. It is calculated based on the property's Net Operating Income (NOI) and its geographic location.

For example, a high-demand area like Manhattan might see a 3% cap rate, while properties in other regions might reach 8% or higher. For an investor, the NOI is 95% of the reason to buy [00:11:13]. Understanding these numbers is what separates a specialized commercial broker from a generalist.

Pro Tip: Product knowledge is everything in commercial sales. An investor will know in four seconds if you don't understand the nuances of their asset class, from lease longevity to environmental phase reports [00:05:11].

The SBA Advantage: Leveraging Government-Backed Loans

For owner-operators, SBA loans have become a popular tool in the current interest rate environment. These loans often offer higher Loan-to-Value (LTV) ratios—sometimes up to 90%—and more competitive rates compared to conventional financing [00:20:41].

Tony notes that while SBA loans require more rigorous due diligence and documentation, the long-term benefits for a reputable business are immense [00:19:04]. If you are looking to buy a commercial property for your business, understanding these financing vehicles is a critical first step.

Investment Hot Spots: Shopping Centers and Triple Net Leases

Where is the "fire" in the current market? Tony points to shopping centers with national tenants [00:21:24]. These "Triple Net" (NNN) leases are highly desirable because the tenant typically handles property taxes, insurance, and maintenance, leaving the owner to simply collect a check.

Tony highlights the "upside" of properties with high vacancy rates or expiring leases, which offer savvy investors the chance to renovate and re-tenant at higher market rates [00:15:02]. If you're ready to explore current opportunities, from gas stations to retail hubs, contact our commercial division for a curated list of listings.

Community Impact and Giving Back

Beyond the spreadsheets, commercial projects have a massive human impact. Tony emphasizes that multi-family developments provide essential housing and help stabilize local tax bases [00:43:09]. As a cancer survivor, Tony is also deeply committed to the Heart of American Homes foundation, supporting local initiatives that provide direct aid to those in need [00:42:12].

Market Insight: Thinking of transitioning from residential to commercial? Success requires a 100% commitment to the craft. Get a CB Estimate for your professional portfolio today.

Whether you're looking to lease office space in Franklin Square or invest in a shopping center in Westbury, Tony Briguglio and the CBC AMH team provide the "North Star" guidance you need to succeed.

Success in real estate is often a family affair, but for Jim McKenna Sr. and Jim McKenna Jr., it is a 25-year partnership built on mutual respect and a "Client First" philosophy. Known throughout the Huntington and Northport areas simply as "The Jims," this duo combines nearly 40 years of industry history with modern technical expertise.

In this episode of the Work Hard, Play Hard, Give Back podcast, Mike Litzner sits down with the 2023 Humanitarian of the Year, Jim Sr., and his son, Jim Jr. They discuss the unique challenges of selling a 21-unit subdivision from the ground up, the importance of "saving clients from themselves," and their relentless dedication to the American Legion.

The Northport New Construction Challenge: Walking the Woods

Selling new construction on Long Island requires a level of vision that goes beyond a standard listing. Starting in 2020, The Jims took on a 21-unit subdivision in Northport before the roads were even cut in [00:15:27]. Jim Jr. describes walking potential buyers through the snowy woods with nothing but a "tree map" to show them where their future front door would stand.

Their work ethic won over the developers. While other agents refused to show the property in poor weather, The Jims were always on-site, eventually selling 14 of the 21 total units [00:16:16]. Their dedication proved that in a tight market, the agent who goes the "extra 125 feet" is the one who closes the deal.

Pro Tip: In new construction, communication is your most valuable asset. The Jims kept buyers engaged through three years of town approval delays and interest rate hikes, ensuring not a single contract was lost [00:19:44].

Saving Clients from Themselves: The $90,000 Lesson

The Jims firmly believe in chasing service, not dollars. They share a story of a client who insisted on selling his home as a "secret agent" listing [00:06:56]. While they could have taken a quick "double-deal" commission on a $660,000 offer, they fought to bring the home to the open market instead.

The result? After a full marketing push and a high-traffic open house, they secured a $750,000 all-cash offer—netting their client an extra $90,000 [00:08:11]. This commitment to fiduciary duty is why their business is built almost entirely on long-term loyalty and local referrals.

A Legacy of Service: Honoring the Northport Veterans

For Jim Sr., a combat-decorated Vietnam veteran, the "Give Back" pillar is a daily practice. As the First Vice Commander of American Legion Post 694, he spends upwards of 20 hours a week advocating for his fellow veterans and organizing community programs like "Boys and Girls State" [00:27:26].

Jim Jr. recently spearheaded the Northport Banners Project, a visual tribute featuring 21 banners of local veterans hanging along Main Street from Memorial Day through Veterans Day [00:42:23]. This initiative not only honors those who served but also acts as a fundraiser for the Legion's community efforts.

Why Northport? The Village Advantage

Living and working in Northport Village offers a unique "Rockwellian" sense of community. From the dog-friendly waterfront parks to the self-sufficient local police and harbor departments, The Jims are deeply entrenched in the village fabric [00:26:37].

They emphasize that Northport operates under its own specific rules—such as strict accessory apartment regulations—that differ from the broader Town of Huntington. This hyper-local knowledge is essential for anyone buying a home in the area.

Strategic Insight: Thinking of building or selling in Huntington? Don't settle for a "onesie-twosie" approach. Connect with a team that has a 25-year track record of navigating town halls and building departments. Contact The Jims today.

Ready to see what your Northport or East Northport home is worth in today's robust market? Get your CB Estimate and start your next chapter with a team that truly cares.

In a world of constant digital shifts, few leaders have seen the evolution of real estate marketing quite like David Marine. As the Chief Marketing Officer for Anywhere Brands, David oversees the marketing strategies for global icons like Coldwell Banker, Century 21, and Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate.

In this episode of the Work Hard, Play Hard, Give Back podcast, Mike Litzner sits down with David to discuss his 22-year legacy with Coldwell Banker. From creating the first-ever PowerPoint listing presentation to measuring the massive ROI of Thursday Night Football commercials, David provides a masterclass in staying relevant in a changing market.

From PowerPoint to the Metaverse: Leading with Innovation

David's career began in 2002 as an "electronic product manager," a role that tasked him with bringing the traditional three-ring binder listing presentation into the digital age [00:02:07]. Since then, he has consistently pushed the brand toward the "bleeding edge," including setting up the first Facebook page in real estate and exploring virtual open houses in "Second Life" as early as 2009 [00:05:42].

He views marketing through the lens of a "North Star," guiding both agents and consumers through the noise. David emphasizes that while the tools change—from VR headsets to AI-driven search—the core mission remains the same: proving that your marketing efforts produce measurable results [00:08:42].

Pro Tip: Marketing is like sports—you have to keep score. Whether you are an individual agent or a global brand, you must track your ROI. If you can't show how your marketing leads to traffic or conversion, you're just making noise [00:08:54].

The Power of Brand Recognition: Why Your Name Matters

A central theme of David's philosophy is that branding is wired into our human DNA. He argues that being associated with something larger than oneself—like the Coldwell Banker "North Star"—provides instant credibility and trust [00:14:05].

He notes that while "hot new brands" may grab headlines, legacy brands like Century 21 and Coldwell Banker offer a history of thriving, not just surviving [00:25:03]. For an agent, having your name next to a brand that has guided people home since 1906 is a powerful differentiator in a competitive listing presentation.

The "Convince/That/Because" Strategy for Agents

For agents looking to sharpen their local market impact, David offers a simple but effective marketing brief strategy based on three words: Convince, That, Because [00:28:24].

• Convince: Identify your specific audience (e.g., luxury buyers in Nassau County).
• That: State exactly what you want them to do (e.g., list their home with you).
• Because: Provide the hard proof (e.g., you've sold the most Million-Dollar homes in the area over the last year).

This approach forces you to move past generic "I'm Number One" claims and create a compelling, data-backed story that resonates with the consumer's needs [00:30:13]. If you're ready to see how a data-backed approach can help you, start by getting an accurate CB Estimate for your property today.

Give Back: More Than Just a Donation

Giving back is a core pillar for both David personally and the brands he represents. He highlights the "Give Back" partnership with St. Jude Children's Research Hospital as a highlight of the Coldwell Banker culture [00:42:12].

Personally, David finds fulfillment in using his professional skills to serve his community—from singing in his church to live-streaming his sons' high school basketball games during the pandemic [00:40:55]. These small acts of service often produce the most unexpected and rewarding results.

Strategic Insight: Success in real estate marketing is about storytelling. If you can't tell a unique story that identifies why a home buyer should trust you over the competition, you haven't refined your value proposition enough.

Ready to work with a brand that combines 119 years of legacy with the industry's most innovative marketing tools? Contact Coldwell Banker American Homes today to start your journey.

Success in the New York real estate market often requires a unique blend of empathy and endurance. For Marie Asher, a "realtor extraordinaire" serving Massapequa Park and the surrounding areas for over 20 years, those skills were forged during her previous career as a nurse. Today, she applies that same level of care to guiding families through one of the most emotional transitions of their lives.

In this episode of the Work Hard, Play Hard, Give Back podcast, Mike Litzner explores Marie's "aha moment" in the Levittown office, her strategies for balancing life as a single mother, and her influential role as Chairman of the Family Services Committee for the Heart of American Homes foundation.

See It to Be It: The Power of Visualization

Marie's entry into real estate at age 42 was driven by a need for flexibility to care for her ailing grandmother [00:01:02]. However, the first year was a challenge. Her turning point came when she refused to fail in front of her children, setting a bold goal to sell 20 houses in 12 months. She ended up selling 22 [00:01:50].

"If you see it, you'll be it," Marie explains. This mindset allowed her to master the fundamentals of the business quickly. She emphasizes that while real estate school teaches you to pass a test, the true education happens on the ground—often by assisting top producers and showing up for every training session possible [00:15:43].

Pro Tip: Don't be a "secret agent." Your sphere of influence is your greatest asset. Tell everyone what you do, and if you're new, don't be afraid to partner with a veteran who can provide the experience your clients deserve [00:13:04].

Managing the Emotional Transaction

Real estate is rarely just about bricks and mortar; it's about managing major life changes like divorce, estate sales, or growing families. Marie views her role as providing emotional support and preparation to make clients feel comfortable [00:06:31].

With over 70 testimonials on her website, Marie's reputation is built on her willingness to do whatever it takes—even if it means "cleaning the toilet" before a showing to ensure her clients' homes look their best [00:06:13]. For home sellers, this personal touch is what transforms a stressful process into a successful closing.

The Heart of American Homes: Local Impact

As the 2019 Humanitarian of the Year, Marie's true passion is giving back. She leads the Family Services Committee for the Heart of American Homes, an internal foundation that has completed nearly 200 missions since 2017 [00:29:02].

The foundation provides direct, localized aid for families facing crisis, such as house fires, terminal illness, or sudden loss. Unlike national charities, 100% of the funds raised go back to the community, as the foundation has no paid employees and is housed rent-free within CBAM offices [00:31:34].

A Haven at the Ronald McDonald House

Recently, Marie organized a team from the Massapequa Park office to serve brunch at the Ronald McDonald House in New Hyde Park [00:24:22]. This "haven" supports families whose children are being treated at Cohen Children's Hospital, providing them with food, shelter, and a supportive community during their darkest hours.

"It just was a beautiful, loving atmosphere," Marie recalls [00:26:21]. This commitment to service is a core part of the culture at Coldwell Banker American Homes, where agents regularly contribute a portion of their commission checks to ensure the foundation is always ready to help [00:29:09].

Community Insight: Giving back doesn't always require money. Whether it's donating blood or volunteering time, there is a way for everyone to be a humanitarian. Start by connecting with a local office to see how you can help.

Whether you're looking to buy your first home or need a veteran's guidance to sell a long-time family residence, Marie Asher's mix of nursing-level care and real estate expertise is the "North Star" you need.

Ready to see your home's potential? Get an instant CB Estimate today.