Deconstruct

After a $10 million fraud, Josh Schuster's victims try to claw back their cash

In this week’s episode of Deconstruct, a podcast from The Real Deal, hosts Lilah Burke and Hannah Kramer examine how record Wall Street bonuses could influence New York City’s luxury real estate market, preview the upcoming trial of a former Vornado executive accused of fraud, discusss foreclosure risks at Kaufman Astoria Studios, and why Palantir’s Miami headquarters announcement may not be what it seems. Then Senior Reporter Rich Bockmann joins the podcast to explain how infamous developer Josh Schuster rose to prominence, fell from grace, and how the would-be investors he left behind are struggling to claw back their profits.

Zillow vs. Compass: behind the battle to control home listings

Compass and Zillow have been battling it out over real estate listings. The outcome could reshape how homes are marketed across the U.S. In this episode of Deconstruct, hosts Lilah Burke and Hannah Kramer talk to reporter Sheridan Wall to break down Compass’ lawsuit, which accused Zillow of anticompetitive behavior after the portal introduced a ban on privately marketed listings. At the heart of the dispute: who controls access to listings, and how much power platforms like Zillow should have over the residential market. The conversation unpack what Zillow’s policy actually does, why Compass says it harms competition, and how the fight fits into a broader battle over listing transparency, private networks, and the future of home search. They also explore what this means for agents, buyers, and sellers—and whether this case could set a precedent for how real estate platforms operate going forward. If listings are the lifeblood of residential real estate, this is a fight over who gets to control the bloodstream. Plus, the hosts take you through headlines about the future owner of the Chrysler building, a stalled project at the World Trade Center, an ambitious rezoning starting to take shape in Brooklyn, and more.

A constitutional crisis in Section 8 housing

In the latest episode of Deconstruct, a podcast by The Real Deal, hosts Lilah Burke and Hannah Kramer talk about proposals for increased property taxes, rent control, and a rezoning that could open a floodgate for New York City development. In an interview with TRD Policy Pro reporter Caroline Spivack, they dive into a debate over Section 8 vouchers, which some landlords say are unconstitutional.

Who's still buying NYC's rent stabilized buildings?

In the latest episode of Deconstruct, hosts Lilah Burke and Hannah Kramer explain the battle to demolish a landmark church on the Upper West Side, close the loop on the verdict in the sex trafficking case against the Alexander brothers, and explain why development in Gowanus has boomed. Then, the hosts interview multifamily broker Lev Mavashev to find out who's buying New York City's devalued rent-stabilized building – and who isn't.

The sex trafficking case against the Alexander Brothers comes to a close

Oren and Tal Alexander were once among the highest echelon of luxury real estate brokers, rubbing elbows with celebrities and billionaires. For the last month we've seen them in the courthouse as they, along with Oren's twin brother Alon, stood trial on federal sex trafficking charges. TRD senior editor Ellen Cranley, who was on the team that broke the earliest allegations against the brothers in June of 2024, explained to Deconstruct's Lilah Burke and Hannah Kramer what the reporters have seen in the courtroom, breaking down the strategy for both the defense and prosecution and explaining what it all means for real estate. Plus, why the late Ivana Trump's townhouse took so long to sell, why Dish wireless is enraging landlords, and more.