Marcy Sagel explains how disciplined design decisions directly impact budget control, lease-up speed, and long-term returns in multifamily real estate.

In this episode of RealDealChat, Marcy Sagel—principal of MSA Interiors—breaks down how interior design quietly determines whether a multifamily project stays on budget or spirals out of control.

With nearly 30 years of experience across market-rate, student housing, senior housing, and affordable housing, Marcy explains why doing all the design work upfront is the single biggest cost-saving move an investor can make. We dive into how late-stage construction changes destroy budgets, how durable materials outperform trendy finishes, and why investors often underestimate how design affects maintenance, operations, and resident retention.

Marcy also shares practical insights on paint color strategy, micro-amenities that outperform flashy features, space planning for high-traffic areas, and how design choices directly influence NOI—not just aesthetics. We explore why customization (like accent walls) can beat giveaways, how to future-proof amenity spaces, and where AI helps—and absolutely does not help—in commercial design.

This is a must-listen episode for investors who want design that performs, not just looks good on day one.

🌐 Learn more about Marcy & MSA Interiors: 👉 https://msainteriors.com

If this episode helped you rethink design and ROI, share it with one investor friend—and learn more at https://realdealcrew.com

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Attorney and surety expert Gary Eastman explains how bonds protect real estate investors from delays, contractor failures, and costly litigation.

In this episode of RealDealChat, Gary Eastman—attorney and founder of Swift Bonds—breaks down what surety bonds really are, why they exist, and when real estate investors should actually use them.

Gary shares how he accidentally built a nationwide surety business after noticing a gap in how probate, construction, and licensing bonds were being handled. We dive into the three main bond categories (court bonds, contract bonds, and license & permit bonds), how bonds differ from escrow, and why they’re increasingly being used on private real estate projects—not just public jobs.

You’ll hear real-world stories from over $1B in bonded projects, including situations where a simple problem turned into a six-figure mess—and how bonds prevented years of litigation. We also cover contractor red flags, labor shortages, supply-chain risk, AI’s limits in forecasting, and why time delays—not cost overruns—are usually the real portfolio killers.

This is a practical, risk-aware conversation for investors who want to scale without gambling their timeline or capital.

🌐 Learn more about Gary & surety bonds: 👉 https://swiftbonds.com

If this episode helped you think differently about construction risk, share it with one investor friend—and learn more at https://realdealcrew.com

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Erik Nordstrom and Eric Strom share how surviving the 2008 crash shaped their approach to partnerships, underwriting, and in-house property management.

In this episode of RealDealChat, Erik Nordstrom and Eric Strom of Iron Ridge Capital break down what nearly two decades of investing together has taught them about real estate, relationships, and risk.

We start with Erik’s early exposure to apartment syndication and the decision to bet on commercial real estate just before the Great Financial Crisis. From living through 2008–2009 to swinging hammers on their first six-unit deal, Erik and Eric explain how that painful period forged discipline that still guides every deal they underwrite today.

The conversation dives deep into why partnerships often fail, how they handled the awkward conversations upfront, and why trust, communication, and clearly defined roles matter more than deal structure. We also explore why they ultimately brought property management in-house, how that decision nearly doubled NOI on one property, and why most third-party managers are structurally misaligned with owners.

On the operations side, they share lessons from growing to 48 employees, bootstrapping without corporate debt, navigating layoffs and pay cuts transparently, and building a culture that people choose to stay in. We wrap with a candid look at today’s market cycle, distress driven by bridge debt, and why Iron Ridge is positioning aggressively for the next 12–24 months.

This episode is a masterclass in patience, vertical integration, and building a real estate business that survives bad markets—not just good ones.

🌐 Learn more about Iron Ridge Capital:

👉 https://ironridgecap.com

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If this episode helped you think differently about partnerships and operations, share it with one investor friend—and learn more at https://realdealcrew.com

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