The Real Deal 100: Bob Knakal Named a Real Estate Titan of the Year

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Bob Knakal, Chairman and CEO of BK Real Estate Advisors, has been recognized as one of the Real Estate Titans of the Year by The Real Deal. The honor highlights Knakal’s enduring influence in New York City investment sales and his continued leadership after launching BKREA in 2024.

Over more than four decades in the business, Knakal has built a reputation as one of the city’s most accomplished brokers, specializing in development sites, redevelopment opportunities, and investment property sales across New York City.

For more background on his career and media coverage, see his profile on The Real Deal:
Bob Knakal Profile on The Real Deal

Key Highlights Behind the Recognition

• One of NYC’s Most Prolific Investment Sales Brokers
  Knakal has brokered the sale of more than 2,300 properties totaling over $22–24 billion in transaction value, widely considered the highest total for an individual broker in New York City history.
• Co-Founder of a Historic Boutique Brokerage
  Knakal co-founded Massey Knakal Realty Services with Paul Massey in 1988. The firm became one of the most dominant investment sales brokerages in the country before being sold to Cushman & Wakefield for approximately $100 million.
• Leadership at Global Brokerage Firms
  After the sale of Massey Knakal, Knakal held senior leadership roles at Cushman & Wakefield and later JLL, advising clients on major New York investment sales transactions.
• Launch of BKREA and the Return to Boutique Brokerage
  In 2024, Knakal launched BK Real Estate Advisors, combining decades of proprietary market data with new AI tools to enhance brokerage strategy and client advisory services.
• Specialized Seller Representation Model
  BKREA focuses exclusively on representing sellers in New York City investment property transactions, particularly development sites, redevelopment opportunities, and vacant user properties.
• Continued Market Influence Through Major Transactions
  Knakal and his team completed 43 sales transactions in 2025, including the $50 million sale of 1800 Park Avenue from Durst Organization to Clipper Equity, along with development opportunities involving Brooklyn Hospital Center and TF Cornerstone.

Why Bob Knakal Remains a Real Estate Titan

Few professionals have shaped New York City investment sales as significantly as Bob Knakal. His combination of data-driven market intelligence, specialization in development sites, and decades of transactional experience continues to influence how commercial real estate brokerage operates in the city.

The Real Deal’s recognition reinforces what many industry participants already know: Knakal remains one of the most recognizable and influential figures in New York commercial real estate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Bob Knakal?

Bob Knakal is the Founder, Chairman, and CEO of BK Real Estate Advisors and one of the most accomplished commercial real estate investment sales brokers in New York City.

What is The Real Deal 100?

The Real Deal 100 is an annual recognition highlighting the most influential people shaping the commercial real estate industry.

What company did Bob Knakal co-found?

He co-founded Massey Knakal Realty Services, a boutique brokerage that became one of the most dominant investment sales firms in New York before being sold in 2014.

How many buildings has Bob Knakal sold?

He has personally brokered the sale of more than 2,300 buildings totaling over $22 billion in transaction value.

What is BKREA?

BK Real Estate Advisors is a New York City brokerage specializing in development sites, investment sales, and complex advisory assignments.

Where can I learn more about Bob Knakal’s career?

You can view his industry profile on The Real Deal here:
Bob Knakal Profile on The Real Deal

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