Guy Morris is a legend in the real estate business and in this episode, you will hear why.

He started in advertising but quickly realized that real estate was where it was at for him. Guy shares with Chris Ressa his experiences in building a portfolio, the resilience of retail real estate post-COVID, and the current dynamics of the market in New York City. He emphasizes the importance of central business districts, the shift in tenant profiles, and the competitive landscape of real estate investment. The stories of some of Guy's deals are not to be missed. Exploring themes such as sale leasebacks, the impact of 9/11 on property values, and the strategic use of air rights. They reflect on the evolution of Floor Area Ratios (FAR) and its implications for future developments. The discussion also touches on nostalgia for iconic retailers like Toys R Us and the joy of giving $2 bills, highlighting the personal connections and stories behind these experiences.

Takeaways

• Guy emphasizes the importance of central business districts in real estate investment.
• He prefers deals that allow for value enhancement rather than passive income.
• The retail real estate market has shown resilience post-COVID, contrary to initial fears and many markets have recovered from COVID-related challenges.
• The competitive landscape in New York remains strong, with more buyers than sellers.
• Interest rates and cap rates have both increased, affecting deal structures.
• Guy shares a unique deal experience where he acted as both broker and buyer. Sale leasebacks can provide low initial cash flow but future value.
• The impact of significant events like 9/11 can reshape real estate markets.
• Air rights can be a lucrative asset in urban development.
• FAR changes can lead to unexpected windfalls for property owners.
• Chris' three questions: Nostalgia for brands like Toys R Us reflects deeper connections to childhood.
• Retail experiences are evolving with consumer preferences.
• Creative financing strategies can enhance investment returns.
• The joy of giving can create meaningful connections with others.
• Long-term real estate investments can yield significant returns over time.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Guy Morris and His Journey

03:11 Transitioning to Real Estate and Building a Portfolio

05:57 Current Business Model: Ownership vs. Brokerage

08:57 Types of Deals and Value Enhancement Strategies

11:59 Resilience of Retail Real Estate Post-COVID

14:52 Market Dynamics: Supply, Demand, and Tenant Changes

17:58 Current Landscape of Retail Real Estate in Metro New York

20:53 Competitive Landscape and Investment Trends

24:03 Unique Deal Experiences and Insights

27:47 Navigating Sale-Leasebacks and Financing Strategies

30:09 The Impact of 9/11 on Real Estate Transactions

32:13 Leveraging Air Rights for Profit

34:36 The Evolution of FAR and Its Implications

38:34 Reflections on Retail and Nostalgia

42:24 The Joy of Giving: $2 Bills and Their Significance