Meredith Marshall.
Meredith Marshall
Co-founder and managing partner at BRP Companies
In 2021, will you buy or sell any real estate? What kind?
In 2021, we will look to purchase pieces of land for mixed-income, workforce housing developments. Additionally, we’re looking to buy existing portfolios in need of attention, including value add and preservation affordable deals.
How f@*$ed is retail?
The retail sector, in the short term, is certainly fraught with serious issues. From a long-term perspective, the selling of products and services will always be a constant in our lives, so once an equilibrium between online and in-person purchases are met again, the sector will find a way to rebound.
Today, there are retail businesses currently thriving, as well as those that are struggling, which has always been the case. However, the recent pandemic has hastened those business performance rates at levels we hadn’t witnessed prior.
How flexible are you with negotiating rents?
As reasonable owners, we like to partner with our existing tenant and customer base as much as we can. This involves being somewhat flexible in terms of rent on a case-by-case basis depending on individual tenant need.
Has your “dead to me” list grown?
Unfortunately, yes. Mum’s the word.
Are you in the market for financing?
Absolutely, in a big way. We’re looking for debt and equity opportunities in several different markets.
What would be the signs that things are NOT going to improve in 2021?
Much of our day-to-day life has been, and will continue to be, affected by the pandemic until a treatment or cure for the virus is provided and readily available. Depending on that timing, improvement may be inhibited moving into 2021, as people may still feel unsafe while shopping, commuting to work, and using public transportation.
What do you think will NOT go back to normal?
What was considered normal ahead of the pandemic wasn’t sufficient enough; we must be better. Our ultimate response to COVID-19 will bring societies closer together and on a global scale. We’re beginning to move in the right direction in terms of exploring new systems and measures that are inclusive of everyone. Continuing to put focus on wellness measures and overall well-being beyond financial status is key in advancing our new normal.
Who do you like for mayor in 2021?
Whoever wins.
What do you think the city and/or state should do to help both real estate and the city?
Listening to subject-matter experts will be key, along with committing to plans of action that are well-
articulated, predictable, and implemented exactly as advertised to the public. Both the real estate industry and the city need courses of action that are both predictable and can be relied on.
How do you think the November election will affect real estate? How do you see a Trump win? How do you see a Biden win?
Whoever wins the upcoming election in November will inevitably have to put money in the housing market. Any politician will have to allocate a significant amount of attention and funding into housing efforts for our nation’s greater workforce. Housing should win no matter what.
LIGHTNING ROUND
Where’s your apocalypse bunker? The Caribbean
Favorite at-home quarantine foods? Curried chicken, Haagen-Daaz rum raisin ice cream, and a variety of fruits.
Did you gain or lose weight during quarantine? Gained three pounds, not too bad.
Sourdough bread, banana bread, other? Banana bread
Which TV show have you binged? “Blackish” and “Insecure.”
What restaurant did you go to when restaurants reopened? Philippe Chow
Mayor de Blasio: Best Mayor or Best Mayor EVER? Of course!
Best WFH hack? Zoom presentations in the school carpool line.
Where did you quarantine? New York City
Biden, Trump or Kanye? Next question.
