Real estate is local. Always has been. Always will be.

In investment sales, success comes from knowing a market inside and out, the streets, the buildings, the people. That local expertise gives you an edge over anyone relying only on national or global platforms.

This business is personal, and the brokers who understand that are the ones who win.

Watch the full video now on YouTube.


#BobKnakal #BKREA #CRE #LocalExpertise #InvestmentSales

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On this episode of What Would BK Do, Lev Cohen asked me:
“Do people in New York City commercial real estate still respond well to cold calls?”

Most brokers today believe cold calling is dead. They think owners won’t pick up, that email and LinkedIn have replaced the phone. But that belief is wrong—and it’s costing them deals.

Cold calling isn’t dead—it’s just misused.

When you open with “Do you want to sell your property?” you’ll get hung up on. That’s the kiss of death. But when you bring value, listen, and build rapport, that “cold” call becomes a prospecting call. Over time, prospecting calls turn into relationships, and relationships turn into deals.

The real problem isn’t that cold calling doesn’t work—it’s that most brokers don’t actually make the calls. Few have a formal prospecting plan, which is why those who do consistently pick up the phone gain the edge.

In this video, you’ll learn:
– Why cold calling still works in NYC commercial real estate
– The biggest mistake brokers make when they call owners
– How to turn cold calls into prospecting calls (and deals)
– Why consistency and a plan are the difference-makers

If you’re serious about building a career in commercial real estate investment sales, it’s time to shift your belief: cold calling isn’t dead—it’s your most underused competitive advantage.

Keywords: cold calling real estate, NYC commercial real estate, Bob Knakal, WWBKD, brokerage tips, investment sales NYC, prospecting real estate, commercial property sales, real estate broker advice

#WWBKD #CommercialRealEstate #Brokerage #ColdCalling

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In real estate, numbers without context can do more harm than good.

A cap rate or price per square foot doesn’t mean much unless it’s grounded in consistent methodology. That’s why at BKREA, we’ve built our entire approach around disciplined data analysis.

We’re taking decades of historical data and applying AI to it not to chase headlines, but to spot real trends.

The goal is simple: help clients make better decisions by giving them clearer, more accurate insights.

When data is structured right, it doesn’t just describe the market. It helps you see where it’s going.

Watch the rest of the podcast here:
https://youtu.be/YRaKpbzMjiQ?si=2ntpeeZvHIGZO6L0


#BKREA #NYCRealEstate

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Are you just starting your career in commercial real estate? Or are you an aspiring broker wondering what it takes to become one of the most successful dealmakers in the industry?

In this episode of Joe Killinger’s podcast, Bob Knakal, legendary NYC real estate broker who’s closed over $24 billion in building sales, shares the defining moment that changed his career trajectory — and his life.

🔑 What you’ll learn in this video:
– How Bob accidentally discovered commercial real estate
– Why happiness doesn’t require Wall Street
– The mindset shift that leads to massive success
– Real estate career advice for Gen Z and young professionals
– How passion + hard work prestige every time

🎯 Whether you’re in school, stuck in a job you don’t love, or already in real estate and looking for your next edge — Bob’s story will inspire you to rethink what’s possible when you follow your passion and stay committed.

🧠 QUOTE FROM BOB:

"If you find something you love, you're really lucky. Because if you love it and you're passionate about it, you're gonna rise to the top."

🔔 Don’t forget to LIKE, COMMENT & SUBSCRIBE for more real estate success stories and insights.
💬 What’s your biggest takeaway from Bob’s story? Drop it in the comments!

#BobKnakal #TheKnakalMapRoom

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The Knakal Map started with one question: how do you really understand New York City’s development pipeline?

During the pandemic, I spent 220 hours walking the city, documenting every construction site by hand. The result was a 24-foot-long map, something no database could give me.

Today, that map has become a cornerstone of my brokerage practice, giving clients insights into development and competition that they can’t find anywhere else.

Watch the full video now on YouTube.


#BKREA #CRE #MapRoom #NYCDevelopment #RealEstateInsights #CommercialRealEstate

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While most people were checked out for Labor Day weekend, I was heading into the office. Why? Because the seeds of 2026’s real estate success are planted today.

In this episode of A Walk Down the Street, I share why September is the most critical month for brokers, investors, and property owners in New York City commercial real estate. The work you do in the fall—prospecting, planning, strategizing—is what determines your results not only for year-end but for the following year.

In this video, you’ll learn:
– Why brokers should focus on 2026 now
– How planting seeds in Q3 and Q4 drives long-term deal flow
– Why most people waste Labor Day weekend—and how to use it strategically
– The difference between brokers who finish strong and those who fall behind

Whether you’re a property owner thinking about selling in NYC or a broker building your pipeline, this advice will help you finish 2025 strong and set yourself up to dominate in 2026.

Keywords: NYC commercial real estate, investment sales broker, Bob Knakal, commercial property sales, how to finish strong in real estate, brokerage strategy, real estate deals NYC, A Walk Down the Street

#CommercialRealEstate #InvestmentSales #BrokerTips #NYCRealEstate

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In a business as competitive as real estate, the key is specialization.

Jim Collins said it best in Good to Great: you don’t have to be the best at everything, you have to be the best at one thing.

That’s how you gain a true competitive advantage. Narrow your focus, build deep expertise, and dominate your niche.

Watch the full video now on YouTube.


#BKREA #CRE #Specialization #CompetitiveAdvantage #BrokerAdvice

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In this episode of What Would BK Do?, Zasha Smith asks a powerful question:

“What’s the most surprising insight you’ve uncovered in the Map Room that actually won a deal?”

Bob Knakal — Chairman & CEO of BKREA and NYC’s most prolific building sales broker — shares why the Map Room isn’t just a tool… it’s a strategy.

With 56 wins out of the last 57 competitive pitches, Bob explains how constant data updates, a visually immersive experience, and hyper-local expertise turn the Map Room into a client-convincing machine.

➤ If you're in commercial real estate, development, or investment sales, this is one you don’t want to miss.

💬 Got a question for a future episode? Drop it in the comments with #WWBKD or DM us!

🔔 Subscribe for more actionable insights from NYC’s top real estate strategist.

📈 More from Bob Knakal:
– Tuesday Testimonial Series
– Motivational Monday
– Throwback Thursday
– Knakal Knuggets

#WWBKD #BobKnakal #ZashaSmith #MapRoom #RealEstateStrategy #CommercialRealEstate #NYCLandSales #InvestmentSales #RealEstateBrokerTips #LandDevelopment #BrokerageSuccess #DataDrivenSales

💼 Want to learn more about how BKREA is helping clients close smarter deals in NYC?
📧 Contact us: BK@BKREA.com
| 📱 Text Bob: 917-509-9501

—

🎯 What Would BK Do? is your go-to series for real estate insights straight from Bob Knakal, the man who’s sold more buildings in NYC than anyone in history.

Subscribe. Ask. Win.

#NYCRealEstate #WhatWouldBKDo #RealEstateInsights

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Architecture is the backbone of New York City’s story. Preserving history while creating space for growth is always a balancing act.

Class A offices are proof of that balance, modern spaces that meet today’s needs and command a premium because of the experience they deliver.

The challenge for NYC is clear: protect our history, but keep building for the future. Sustainability and preservation must go hand in hand.

Watch the full video now on YouTube.


#BKREA #NYCRE #Architecture #HistoricPreservation #CommercialRealEstate #CRE

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Welcome to the Knakal Map Room – where every square foot counts. In this video, Bob Knakal, Chairman & CEO of BKREA, introduces the newest tool in his proof-stacking arsenal: The BKREA Big Board.

📈 With over 2,300 buildings sold, $23 billion in sales volume, and 89 million square feet transacted, Bob shares how visualizing performance can inspire momentum, build trust, and elevate credibility in the world of commercial real estate.

🎯 In this video, you’ll learn:

What “proof stacking” means and why it matters

How top brokers stay motivated and accountable

How BKREA tracks performance metrics to build brand equity

Why consistency and visibility are crucial in real estate success

🚀 If you’re a real estate professional, investor, or aspiring broker, this quick but powerful message will give you actionable insight on how to build your brand, earn client trust, and keep stacking results—day after day.

👉 Don’t forget to LIKE, COMMENT, and SUBSCRIBE for more commercial real estate insights, brokerage tips, and behind-the-scenes looks at NYC's most accomplished dealmaker.

🛠️ Tools Mentioned:

The BKREA Big Board

Knakal Map Room

📌 Want to learn more about proof stacking and investment sales success?
➡️ Visit: www.BKREA.com

📣 Let’s connect:
📧 Email: BK@BKREA.com

📱 Call/Text: 917-509-9501
🔗 LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/bobknakal

✅ Hashtags (SEO + Relevance):
#BKREA #BobKnakal #ProofStacking #CommercialRealEstate #InvestmentSales #RealEstateBroker #BigBoard #NYCREalEstate #BrokerMotivation #SalesLeadership #RealEstateTips

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There’s more information online today than ever before, and AI is only accelerating that. But access to data isn’t the same as knowing how to use it.

That’s why I built the Knakal Map Room. It’s not just data, it’s context, depth, and insight that give clients a true edge.

Since launching the Map Room, I’ve had a 100% success rate in winning exclusives from pitches made within that space. The results speak for themselves.

Watch the full video now on YouTube.


#BobKnakal #BKREA #CRE #MapRoom #AIinCRE

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In this episode of A Walk Down the Street, Bob Knakal, Chairman & CEO of BKREA, reflects on the importance of teamwork in commercial real estate.

From winning 56 out of 57 pitches in the Knakal Map Room to closing his first-ever billion-dollar transaction and being awarded another, Bob explains why success in this business is never individual — it’s collective.

On this Labor Day, the message is clear: in brokerage, the best results come from working like a team, not acting like a solo player.

What You’ll Learn in This Video:
0:00 Intro – A Walk Down the Street
0:25 Thank You to the BKREA Team
0:45 56 out of 57 Wins in the Knakal Map Room
1:05 Closing the First Billion-Dollar Deal
1:30 Why Team Sports Predict Success in Brokerage
2:00 Legacy: 32 Companies Led by Former Teammates
2:30 Belief Shift – Greatness Is Built by Teams

Keywords (SEO Optimized):
Bob Knakal, BKREA, teamwork in commercial real estate, Labor Day real estate message, billion-dollar real estate deal, Knakal Map Room, real estate broker tips, CRE brokerage teamwork, investment sales NYC, how to succeed in real estate, legacy in brokerage

Subscribe for More:
Weekly episodes of A Walk Down the Street plus Knakal Knuggets and behind-the-scenes lessons from 40 years in NYC real estate.

https://www.youtube.com/@BobKnakal

Connect with Bob:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bobknakal
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bobknakal
Website: https://www.bkrea.com

15 4

If there’s one thing I’ve learned over the years, it’s this: without passion, you won’t make it in this business. Real estate will test you, stretch you, and throw curveballs your way.

But if you love what you do, you’ll keep showing up. And that consistency is where success lives.

Watch the full podcast on YouTube.


#BKREA #NYCRealEstate #CRE #BrokerLife #RealEstateBroker

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“If you were starting in commercial real estate today at 19 years old, what would be the first three actions you’d take to build a strong career?” – That was Ramiro Prioli’s question, and in this episode of What Would BK Do? I break down my exact answer.

Most young brokers make the mistake of trying to do everything—but the truth is, long-term success comes from focus, data, and discipline.

In this video, you’ll learn:
– The #1 first step every aspiring broker must take
– How to pick the right specialization in commercial real estate
– Why you need to “own the data” in your market to stand out
– How to build a verified prospecting list that becomes your foundation

The difference between brokers who last and those who burn out

Whether you’re 19 and just starting out or shifting into brokerage later in life, these three steps will help you build a career that actually lasts.

Timestamps:
0:00 – Intro & Ramiro’s Question
0:30 – Step 1: Pick Your Specialization
1:05 – Step 2: Study the Market (and Own the Data)
1:40 – Step 3: Build and Verify Your Prospecting List
2:20 – Wrap-Up: How to Build a Career that Lasts

Keywords: how to start real estate career, starting in commercial real estate, Bob Knakal advice, WWBKD, brokerage tips, real estate for beginners, commercial real estate broker, sales prospecting, how to succeed in real estate.

15 0

If you’re building something in this business, start with specialization. Early on, I realized that the narrower your focus, the deeper your expertise, and that’s what sets you apart.

From there, you need a clear vision and a scalable operating platform. Without structure, even the best ideas struggle to grow.

That’s been key in everything I’ve built, from Massey Knakal to BKREA.

Watch the full podcast on YouTube.


#BKREA #NYCRealEstate #CRE #BrokerLife #RealEstateBroker

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In the high-stakes world of commercial real estate, mindset isn't just important — it’s everything. In this video, Bob Knakal shares a powerful shift in thinking that can make or break your sales career.

Are you stuck in a zero-sum game mentality where someone else’s win feels like your loss? Or do you embrace the abundance mindset — knowing there’s more than enough success to go around?

🧠 Learn how adopting an abundance philosophy can:
– Increase your deal flow
– Improve your client relationships
– Boost your long-term career satisfaction
– Position you for market leadership in NYC and beyond

Whether you're a broker, investor, or entrepreneur, this is a belief shift you can’t afford to ignore.

🔔 Subscribe for more weekly insights from the #1 building sales broker in NYC, Bob Knakal.
📩 Contact BKREA: https://www.bkrea.com
📈 Grab your copy of Selling Buildings on Amazon.com

👥 Let us know in the comments: Do YOU believe success is limited or abundant?

#CommercialRealEstate #MindsetMatters #BobKnakal #BrokerTips #AbundanceMindset #RealEstateSuccess #NYCRE #SalesTips

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One trick I’ve learned over the years? Pretend you’re going on vacation.

When I do that, I become hyper-efficient, clearing my desk, making the calls, getting deals moving. It sharpens your focus. But here’s the thing: efficiency should never come at the cost of hard work, integrity, or putting clients first. Those are non-negotiables in this business if you're playing the long game.

Watch the full podcast on YouTube.


#BKREA #NYCRealEstate #CRE #BrokerLife #RealEstateBroker

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In this episode of A Walk Down the Street, Bob Knakal, Chairman & CEO of BKREA, shares why too many brokers act like “butterflies” — floating from deal to deal without a plan, expertise, or focus.

If you want to build a long-term, sustainable career in commercial real estate, you can’t be a generalist. You have to be the go-to expert in a narrow slice of the market.

Bob explains how specialization turns brokerage from a deal-to-deal hustle into a predictable annuity business — one where clients seek you out because of your reputation and expertise.

What You’ll Learn in This Video:
0:00 Intro – A Walk Down the Street
0:20 What It Means to Be a “Butterfly” Broker
0:55 Why Generalists Lose to Specialists
1:30 The Surgeon Analogy – Expertise Wins Trust
2:10 How Specialization Turns Brokerage Into Recurring Business
2:55 Belief Shift: Don’t Be a Butterfly. Be the Expert.

Subscribe for More Real Estate Insights:
Weekly episodes of A Walk Down the Street, Knakal Knuggets, and behind-the-scenes lessons from 40 years of NYC building sales.
https://www.youtube.com/@BobKnakal

Connect with Bob:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bobknakal
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bobknakal
Website: https://www.bkrea.com

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If I could go back and talk to my younger self, I’d say this: ask more questions. Seek advice early and often. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes, but make sure you learn from every one.

This business rewards proactivity. You grow by pushing yourself, by being curious, and by constantly finding ways to get better. That’s how you build a career that lasts.

Watch the full podcast on YouTube.


#BKREA #NYCRealEstate #CRE #BrokerLife #RealEstateBroker

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The Top People in Our Business Aren’t Who You Think They Are

It’s not the flashiest personalities. It’s not the biggest risk-takers. It’s not even the smartest people in the room.

The very best brokers I’ve seen over four decades share three traits:

1️⃣ Expertise in a narrow slice of the market – Not too broad, not too small. Narrow enough to truly be an expert, broad enough to make a great living.
2️⃣ Passion for the business – Real estate is cyclical. It always has been, always will be. If you don’t love it, you won’t have the stamina to push through the inevitable downturns. Passion is what keeps you standing when others quit.
3️⃣ Discipline – This business isn’t rocket science. It’s making calls, knocking on doors, sending mailers, following up. Simple, unglamorous tasks that compound when done relentlessly. The ones with discipline, not brilliance, win.

Success isn’t about luck or talent. It’s about becoming an expert, loving the game, and showing up with discipline every single day.

That’s the formula. Always has been. Always will be.

Special thanks to Stash Geleszinski for having me on The Stash Cast Podcast. Watch it here: https://youtu.be/KyE7L5vu7eE?si=OO_fppcF7LRy0ioV

#TheWinningFormula #BKREA #NYCRealEstate

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Not every market is the right market to sell. But when there’s a compelling reason, whether it’s financial pressure, partnership dynamics, or long-term strategy, it’s my job to help clients assess that clearly.

In this environment, you have to be thoughtful. There’s no room for knee-jerk decisions. Sellers need clarity, not just urgency. And that starts with understanding the “why” behind the sale.

Watch the full podcast on YouTube.


#BKREA #NYCRealEstate #CRE #BrokerLife #RealEstateBroker

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