Laurent Morali

How much longer can this go on?

It depends on where you live. New York City is back with a vengeance; most people are vaccinated, and we’re able to resume normal life, work and play. In other parts of the country, it may take a bit longer, but I know we will get there. 

What does normal look like?

Two or three years from now, “normal” will look a lot like pre-pandemic life. In the meantime, we’ll have to have a flexible mindset a bit longer. 

If you could go back in time to March of 2020, what’s the first thing you would do?

Short the market! 

What do you do now that you never did before 2020?

Zoom, and wear a mask. Not at the same time.

What’s the biggest threat to the return to normal?

Regulations that don’t go away — especially when certain groups have ulterior motives for keeping them in place, having nothing to do with health. I’m in favor of science advising general policy, while also allowing life to go on.

Is now the time to buy or sell?

Interestingly enough, we’re doing both. We are taking advantage of a market primed to sell older vintage multifamily assets, and we are buying newer properties in new markets. The debt markets remain very attractive and provide good leverage for acquisitions.

Suddenly, there’s a big change to the New York state constitution and you’re now named the 58th governor of the Empire State — what do you do about the eviction moratorium?

Cancel it. If and when I face opposition, I would offer lawmakers the chance to extend it in exchange for corresponding real estate tax abatements.

Lightning round

Eric Adams or Curtis Sliwa? 

Isn’t Eric Adams mayor already?

Last time you got on an airplane, what was your destination?

The Amalfi Coast this summer.

What vax did you get? 

Moderna, as soon as I could take it.

Your go-to takeout?

Bettola on the Upper West Side.

Where does your patience wear thinnest — evictions or anti-vaxxers?

Not a huge fan of biased media.