1907 viewsThis week, we spotlight Ari Meridy and Matt Melinger, the dynamic Brown Harris Stevens duo behind The 13th Floor, now entering its third season. With Ari named one of the firm’s Rising Stars and Matt ranking among the Top 40 agents companywide in 2024, the two share their unfiltered take on the NYC and Hamptons markets, the power of podcasting, and what’s next for their hit real estate series. Plus, they weigh in on agent “icks,” favorite filming moments, and the hottest new spots in the city.
Entering your third season now, what should we expect from this season of the 13th Floor?
More guests, more fun & informative content, and the same brutally honest/authentic delivery.
Matt, where would you say are the greatest areas of opportunity in each of these markets, as an agent licensed and active in NYC and the Hamptons?
Properties that require a degree of work are the most overlooked opportunities right now: In NYC, it all but guarantees a return on your investment since many buyers will pay a premium for a turn-key product. Out east, vacant land is scarce and new builds tend to resemble one another. Finding a teardown n a prime location and doing your own renovation will result in a property that is both 100% to your liking and a unique future resale opportunity that will immediately garner attention from buyers.
Ari, for those considering producing a social media series or a podcast series, why should they consider trying it out?
If you're even thinking about creating a social media series or a podcast, I’d say: GO FOR IT. Seriously. It’s one of the most powerful ways to build trust, show your personality, and let people connect with you at scale. People want to feel like they know you before they work with you and content lets you create that relationship, even if you've never met someone in person.
The best part? You don't have to be perfect. You just have to be consistent and real. Over time, people start to tune in because they like you. It’s a creative outlet, you get to explore ideas, have great conversations, and you never know where it may take you.
You both had a very popular episode last season on the "Icks of Real Estate". Have any agents come to you with any more of them or did you find more?
Ari: An Ick for me recently is when an agent tells you there are multiple offers, magically after 2 months on the market to try and pressure a client to make an offer and then you still see it on the market months later… transparency always wins the day.
Matt: My list of icks is a lot longer than what we could capture in 90 seconds (I started making a list in my 'notes' app years ago). We may have to do a part 2...3..or turn it into a running series complete with guest submissions!
What are your forecasts for the rest of 2025 for the NYC Real Estate Market?
Ari: The NYC real estate market in 2025 is steady & competitive for both buyers and sellers, certain inventory is flying with active bidding wars and best and finals happening while some is still taking a very long time, even if price to sell- buyers that are savvy (and have a great BHS agent) can really find pockets of value and a “good deal.” If you stay focused on apartment data, not the tariffs, sellers, buyers and agents will thrive.
Matt: Those who are capable of tuning out the noise around them and focusing on the 'here and now' will benefit in 2025. Even during times of uncertainty, NYC is a resilient, painfully-efficient market. There are good deals to be had now that inventory is coming on at a decent pace and there a bit less competition with nervous buyers sidelining themselves prematurely.
What are your favorite moments of filming your show so far?
Ari: That moment in every shoot where I am directing some creative elements and Matt gives his iconic eye roll and smirk. It’s a fun dynamic.
Matt: Our 'mobile' episode where we surprised our guests with a show on the go. You'll have to tune in to warch it this season!
The goal of "The 13th Floor" is to have a fresh perspective on trending topics in real estate, with a little bit of humor. Share with us your best real estate joke.
Ari: I’ve officially joined New York City’s elite… No, not Fifth Avenue, not Park Avenue, not even Central Park West — I got a dishwasher & washer and dryer in the apartment. Mama, I made it.
Matt: Do you want to hear a roof joke? It's on the house.
You are always out and about networking. Where is your favorite new hotspot in NYC that everyone should know and why.
Ari: Chez Fifi on the Upper East Side, put it on your list, especially the cocktail lounge upstairs, a two-story dimly-lit French bistro inside a refurbished townhouse, it is designed beautifully and the vibe is top-class.
Matt: I've been a regular at Striphouse on 12th street for years and always meet the most interesting people at the bar but my favorite neighborhood spot of the moment is Canto's new location on the Upper West Side.
