
Seller of 200 East 59th Street
Bob Knakal and his entire team did a great job representing me in the sale of my building on 46th Street. We found the perfect user buyer! Thanks guys!!
Seller of 200 East 59th Street
I have done many deals with Bob Knakal and always found him to be honest, straight-forward and extraordinarily hard working. Bob did a great job on the sale of my garage and I highly recommend him.
Seller of 200 East 59th Street
I have been a friend and client of Bob Knakal’s since the establishment of Massey Knakal in 1988 and remain so these many years later. Bob’s straightforward and efficient representation, intuitive logic, cerebral process, and integrity are his hallmarks. In my opinion, these characteristics and traits allow me to feel privileged, comfortable, and happy doing, or discussing, business with Bob past, present and future.
Seller of 200 East 59th Street
Our relationship with Bob goes back prior to the inception of Massey Knakal. The years have gone by and the degree of sophistication and excellence Bob and his team have demonstrated gives them an extensive global platform. Bob has demonstrated the ability not only to access buyers in the local market but also to access buyers from around the world. He is a wonderful psychiatrist and chess player as he encourages the parties to come to agreement, regardless of the hurdles every deal faces. When it came time to sell, our partnership chose Bob for those obvious reasons. During the marketing process, as expected, we received offers from a wide array of potential buyers. Ultimately, the activity that Bob and his team generated created a bidding war and, ultimately, an outstanding price for us. It was a job extremely well done!
Seller of 200 East 59th Street
Bob and his team delivered in every way and outperformed our initial expectations by a wide margin. The board was extremely pleased with the results and are thrilled to have successfully completed the transaction.
Seller of 200 East 59th Street
Our work with Bob Knakal, over many years, provided us with a comfort level to allow him to help with our largest transactions. Bob was a guiding light who helped us navigate shark-infested waters towards a result which we could not have imagined. I highly recommend Bob and his team to anyone who wants a devoted advocate on their side when they are negotiating with the toughest real estate developers in New York.
Seller of 200 East 59th Street
We have enjoyed a long and mutually beneficial relationship with Bob Knakal and his team. They did a great job for us.
Seller of 200 East 59th Street
Bob and his team did a great job helping us bring this very difficult transaction to a close. Through their comprehensive marketing, they were able to identify a very unlikely purchaser who performed as they said they would on the transaction within an extremely tight timeframe. I would happily work with Bob and his team again and highly recommend him to other sellers.
Seller of 200 East 59th Street
Bob Knakal has been our family’s trusted real estate advisor for many years. Whenever we wanted an update on the market, or had an issue with our building, Bob was always our first call. He provided sage advice and wisdom far beyond his years. Bob did an outstanding job for us in the sale of our building, making us feel like we were his only client. We could not give Bob a higher recommendation to anyone looking to sell a building in New York City. He is brilliant, savvy and the hardest working broker you will ever see.
Seller of 200 East 59th Street
We had owned our properties for generations and the decision to sell was not an easy one. Our family needed some professional help with the sales process and Bob Knakal and his team were the perfect choice for us. They held our hands each step along the way and produced an absolutely outstanding price for us. We could not have been happier with the service they provided.
Seller of 200 East 59th Street
I knew we needed a broker who was an expert in the sale of development sites and who could access the broadest arena of buyers in the marketplace. Bob Knakal and his team did just that. We were really surprised by how many offers we received and were so pleased by how hard the team worked on our behalf. I was also happy with the responsiveness of the team. My calls were returned very timely and I felt like the team was there for me every step of the way. I give Bob and his team my highest recommendation.
Seller of 200 East 59th Street
When it was time to sell our retail assets, a friend suggested that I reach out to Bob Knakal and his team to run a marketing process for us. I’m glad we did that. Bob and his team have worked relentlessly for us turning over every stone to find us the perfect buyer. He said they would proactively engage with the brokerage community and did just that. Ultimately, the buyer came through another broker and Bob and his team pushed that transaction just as hard as if it was a direct deal. They kept our best interests in mind every step of the way and it was a pleasure to work with them. I highly recommend them to other sellers of assets in New York City.
Seller of 200 East 59th Street
Bob Knakal did a great job for us selling the building at 256 West 52nd Street. The building was in terrible shape but, because it was vacant, Bob felt a user buyer would be the best buyer and - in fact - in our first meeting told us a restaurant operator would purchase the property. After an exhaustive marketing program, the highest offer we received was from a restaurant operator just as Bob predicted months earlier. We look forward to doing more business with Bob.
Seller of 200 East 59th Street
When our families needed to select a broker, we interviewed several firms. Bob Knakal’s enthusiasm, optimism and professionalism made him the clear choice for us. He protected our best interests every step of the way throughout the entire sales process. We are already doing more deals with him and are happy to recommend Bob to other potential sellers of properties. Bob will not let you down.
Seller of 200 East 59th Street
Bob Knakal knows the market like the back of his hand. He is hard working and tenaciously pursued us to get this listing. We assumed he would work even harder to find a buyer and he did. We are extremely pleased with the job Bob Knakal did for us. He always put our interests ahead of his own and worked around the clock to find the perfect buyer for us.
Seller of 200 East 59th Street
We have enjoyed a long-term relationship with Bob Knakal, Pat Yannotta and their team and have always found them highly professional and easy to work with. Our 153rd Street transaction was a complex one for a variety of reasons. Bob and Pat showed why they are considered among the top land brokers in the city. They provided steadfast counsel throughout the sales process and were there to advocate for us at every twist and turn and demonstrated, several times, that they would fight for our best interest. We highly recommend them to any seller of a development site in New York City.
Seller of 200 East 59th Street
Bob Knakal and his team performed flawlessly for us for this sale. Thank you Bob for a job well done.
Seller of 200 East 59th Street
Bob Knakal did a great job for us on this sale and got us a fantastic price. We have already retained him to sell another property for us.
Seller of 200 East 59th Street
We are from Arizona and needed to sell our development site. Everyone told us to call Bob Knakal. They said he was the best land broker in New York City. They were right! Bob did a great job for us.
Seller of 200 East 59th Street
When it comes to development site sales, Bob Knakal is our ‘goto’ broker, especially in Hudson Yards. Bob got us a fantastic price and did everything he said he would.
Seller of 200 East 59th Street
We really needed an advocate in our corner. Our advisors said Bob Knakal was the best man for the job. Bob protected us in every way and led us beautifully through a difficult process. He really was the best man for the job.
Seller of 200 East 59th Street
Most brokers do the minimum in terms of effort and expect very high fees. On the sale of my property, I gave Bob Knakal a second chance to represent me after the tremendous job he did for me on the sale of 969 Madison Avenue. Here he did the same great job and helped us get a fantastic price. Bob went above and beyond for me time and time again and I know he will be very successful in his career. All sellers should speak to Bob Knakal...he won’t let you down.
Seller of 200 East 59th Street
Bob Knakal and his team did a great job representing our interests in this transaction. There were hurdles to overcome but they never stopped pushing for the best deal possible and, ultimately, they were able to find a buyer who was willing to meet all of our objectives. Throughout the process, Bob was always available, seven days a week, to answer any questions and to guide our strategy. We are thrilled with the results.
Seller of 200 East 59th Street
Given the complexities of this site, Bob Knakal was the perfect broker to maximize our results on the sale. He found the perfect buyer for us.
Seller of 200 East 59th Street
We wanted to find a buyer who believed in the development potential of our property. Bob Knakal and his team found the perfect buyer for our site and we could not be happier with the results. We highly recommend him to the sellers of any property in New York City. They are the best in the business.
Seller of 200 East 59th Street
Unfortunately, this sale was more challenging than expected. I didn’t fully appreciate it until we got into the sales process how much of a turn-off the condition, location and legal problems would be. Under those circumstances, I think your team did an excellent job of finding a highly credible buyer for our loan at a very good price. Thanks again for your persistence and hard work on this transaction.
Seller of 200 East 59th Street
Bob Knakal called me for years about this site. When it was time to sell, who else was I going to call? Bob is a true professional.
Seller of 200 East 59th Street
Bob, I never thought we were going to get this building sold but you never gave up. You are a tireless and relentless broker and you did a great job for me. Thank you so much!
Seller of 200 East 59th Street
Bob Knakal does deals no one else can. Bob hit the ball out of the park for us at 1055 Park Avenue.
Seller of 200 East 59th Street
You hear stories all the time about how real estate brokers are slippery. My experience with Bob Knakal was completely opposite of that. He was a true professional and hung in there with us throughout the process.
Seller of 200 East 59th Street
When a deal is being quarterbacked by Knakal, you can have confidence that it will get done both technically and ethically.
Seller of 200 East 59th Street
We had assembled this world class site over many years through a disciplined acquisition process. When we decided to sell it, we decided to do so through a similarly disciplined disposition process. We selected Bob Knakal and his team because we were convinced that they could achieve full value and a smooth closing. We were impressed with their ability to get the asset in front of a broad audience of qualified buyers, to quickly identify the lead candidates, and to efficiently advance the deal from conceptual agreement to closing. We would be happy to work with Bob and his colleagues again.
Seller of 200 East 59th Street
Bob Knakal and his team were able to come up with great solutions when problems arose that were totally equitable for me. Bob is a creative dealmaker. I was confident that he would perform this way and that is why I hired him. Thank you for a job well done.
Seller of 200 East 59th Street
Bob you’re one of a kind! Thank you for all you have contributed to the commercial real estate industry.
Seller of 200 East 59th Street
I am not a real estate professional so when it became time to sell my building, I wanted someone I could trust and who was a nice person. Bob Knakal sent me real estate market information for years and would call me all the time without pestering me so when I decided to sell my building, I didn’t even talk to anyone else. If you want a broker who is highly capable, works very hard and is an extraordinarily nice person, then Bob is your man!
Seller of 200 East 59th Street
Our family has has known and worked with Bob Knakal and his team for decades and have always admired their ability to get challenging transactions closed. We respect the fact that day after day and year after year Bob and his team are fully engaged in the New York City market and have never taken their eyes off what is going on here. When we and our partners decided the time was right to sell our Third Avenue site, we chose Bob, Clint Olsen and the whole team to represent us. There were many twists and turns along the way but they stuck by our side each step of the way and, in the end, the results they produced were outstanding for us. We would happily work with them again and recommend them to anyone looking to sell a property in New York City.
Seller of 200 East 59th Street
We have enjoyed a long-term relationship with Bob Knakal and his team. When we were considering the sale of our retail condo at 85 Fifth Avenue, we felt Bob would be able to expose the asset to a large and diversified field of potential buyers from across the globe. We were very impressed with the wide array of interested prospects that the team developed. All of that competition led to a very favorable result for us. We are happy to recommend Bob and his team to other potential sellers.
Seller of 200 East 59th Street
Given the development aspects of this property, Bob Knakal and his team were the prefect choice for the sale of 538 Ninth Avenue. Bob is a winner!
Seller of 200 East 59th Street
Bob Knakal had sold several assets for me previously and when it was time to sell 1176 Second Avenue, I knew the transaction was not going to be easy and knew exactly who I was going to have sell it for me. This three story retail condo was mostly below grade with two levels below the small space at street level. The space sat vacant for many years and we decided it was time to sell it. Bob told us that the likely buyer was a user and, more specifically, a user from the decorator & design industry given the predominance of these tenants in the neighborhood. Bob called on every one of those tenants and found the perfect user buyer for me. What can I say, he hit the ball out of the park for me on this very difficult transaction. I highly recommend Bob to anyone looking for flawless execution of a marketing process.
Seller of 200 East 59th Street
Bob Knakal and his team are the best of the best! They and their team helped the sellers of 920 Park navigate an uncertain market with their expertise, experience and unparalleled knowledge and understanding of the NYC multifamily market. Their ability to package, promote and shepherd the sales process from inception to closing is not only due to their skill and grasp of the market, but also their tremendous rolodex and tireless perseverance. They are available 24/7, make you feel as if you are their most important client, and have your back at all times. Because they work to protect your interests, every seller of NYC multifamily property should not hesitate to make them their first call.
Seller of 200 East 59th Street
Bob Knakal’s tenaciousness and perseverance were key ingredients in getting this deal done.
Seller of 200 East 59th Street
Bob Knakal and his team were wonderful throughout this process. We are not real estate people and he demonstrated professionalism and extreme patience with us during the entire sale.
Seller of 200 East 59th Street
I am a restaurant guy, and my father was a restaurant guy. My dad bought the building we operated out of but we really didn’t know a lot about real estate. When it was time to sell the building, I called Bob Knakal who was sending me market information for years and it seemed like he sold all the buildings in my neighborhood. I chose Bob to help me and he did a remarkable job. He had my back every step of the way. Bob, thank you! You helped my family more than you will ever know. If you’re selling a property in New York City, you’re crazy not to use Bob Knakal.
Seller of 200 East 59th Street
We have worked with Bob Knakal and his team for years and we have closed many, many deals together. Bob has always demonstrated integrity, hard work and always fights for our best interests. This was an unusual transaction for us but Bob was the perfect broker. No one in NYC understands the user buyer market the way Bob does. He did his usual fantastic job for us. We highly recommend Bob and his team to any seller in New York City.
Seller of 200 East 59th Street
When it was time for us to sell 130 William Street, market conditions were not ideal and I needed a broker who I knew would go above and beyond to get the job done for me. Bob Knakal and his team were the right choice for this assignment. The property was vacant and we had several potential buyers including user groups and aggressive investors. Throughout the process, it was clear that Bob was keeping our best interests in mind every step of the way and made sure that we received our marketing reports every week. We were extremely pleased with the job Bob and his team did and look forward to our next transaction together.
Seller of 200 East 59th Street
We at TIAA-CREF have admired and respected the work of Bob Knakal for years. Bob sold us this site so when it was time to sell, naturally we went back to him. Bob is the consummate professional and found the perfect buyer for us – a user. We could not be happier with the results.
Seller of 200 East 59th Street
We knew Bob Knakal by reputation but had never worked with him until we decided to sell our asset on East 91st Street. Bob laid out a very thorough marketing plan with the focus being on finding a user buyer who would occupy our property. Bob said that user would pay us a premium for the building over what an investor would pay. And he did just that. He brought us dozens of offers and ultimately found a user buyer who paid us a premium for the property. Bob lived up to his reputation and we recommend him to other sellers of properties in New York City.
Seller of 200 East 59th Street
We made the decision to retain Bob Knakal and his team based on their track record for achieving record development site pricing. This transaction was fairly complex, involving tenant litigation and challenging zoning issues that necessitated a non-traditional deal structure. In turn, this could have really harmed our sale pricing. In spite of the challenges, Bob and his team did an excellent job talking purchasers through the potential issues and were instrumental in bringing about a fantastic result. Overall, we were thrilled with their team’s execution and would certainly look to use their team again.
Seller of 200 East 59th Street
Bob, thanks for all of your hard work on our behalf. We couldn’t have done this without you!
Seller of 200 East 59th Street
Bob Knakal and his team did a masterful job maximizing our sale price on 44th Street. I highly recommend him to other sellers.
Seller of 200 East 59th Street
Bob Knakal and his sales team achieved a pricing level which was above and beyond our expectations. They secured worldwide attention by positioning this site as the most significant in the marketplace. Their creative approach led to a smooth and successful close.
Seller of 200 East 59th Street
Bob, you and your team did an incredible job selling our buildings. We can’t tell you how much we appreciate your thoughtful advice, insightful strategy and flawless execution of the marketing process. You guys were the perfect choice for us and we could not be happier.
Seller of 200 East 59th Street
Bob Knakal and his team once again showed how invaluable his participation in this transaction was. A consummate professional, Bob guided us through this process such that we discounted the buyers who could not perform and focused on those that had demonstrated the ability to close. If you are selling a large asset in New York City, you must speak to Bob Knakal and his team.
Seller of 200 East 59th Street
Few people are as knowledgeable about the marketplace as Bob Knakal. And that translates into the wisest deals and best execution possible. In multiple transactions, from selling unsold blocks of high-end condos to buying raw land in NYC - Bob has guided me with wisdom and a clear sense of where the market was moving. As the old commercial said - when he talks - I listen.
Seller of 200 East 59th Street
I had known Bob Knakal for many years since he would regularly be a speaker at Appraisal Institute real estate appraisal events. I was always very impressed with Bob’s knowledge of the New York City metropolitan investment sales market, so when it came time to select an investment sales broker to sell our family’s mixed-use building on Third Avenue, Bob was the first person that I thought of to assist us with the sale of our mixed use building. Bob and his team were incredibly professional and diligent in helping us to sell our asset. Selling a property during the Covid pandemic can prove to be very challenging so you need an experienced investment sales broker to help guide the process. Bob was able to get us the best possible sales price during these challenging times.
Seller of 200 East 59th Street
Bob Knakal is always our choice when we want to go broadly to the market. He has the ability to extract the last dollar from the market and positions the assets in its best possible light to maximize the price. I highly recommend Bob and his team to anyone who wants to get top dollar for their property.
Seller of 200 East 59th Street
We have done many deals with Bob Knakal and his team. They are excellent at what they do and always get us top prices.
Seller of 200 East 59th Street
Bob Knakal led us brilliantly through the sales process. Thank you for your patience with us, and persistence with the buyers. You achieved a spectacular result for us and our family is very grateful for all of your hard work.
Seller of 200 East 59th Street
Bob Knakal really is the most astute person in real estate.
Seller of 200 East 59th Street
The prices obtained for these assets are a testament to the knowledge possessed by Bob Knakal, and his team, of the development landscape in New York City, as well as a profound understanding of the multifamily apartment building sale market in New York. Given the constraints on this process, the results were absolutely remarkable.
Seller of 200 East 59th Street
Given the complexities of our situation, we needed a broker who could strategize and implement a program in a multi dimensional way. Bob Knakal and his team were the perfect choice for this assignment. They were able to move down two different, but parallel paths simultaneously and provided us with many options to consider. We were extremely pleased with our results and would gladly recommend Bob and his team to any other potential seller in New York City.
Seller of 200 East 59th Street
When we decided to sell our site on 52nd Street, we knew we wanted a brokerage team with development site experience as well as granular knowledge of the neighborhood as the zoning is a bit complex here. When we interviewed Bob Knakal and his team, we immediately felt confident in their ability to get us the best price possible. We had done other transactions with Bob and his team previously and were aware of their track record in land transactions as well as their broad marketing program to maximize exposure. They did everything they said they would and produced great results for us. We highly recommend Bob and his team to any seller in New York City.
Seller of 200 East 59th Street
Bob, we could never thank you enough for all of the time and guidance you provided to us over the years. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!
Seller of 200 East 59th Street
Bob Knakal represented us on several transactions and the results he produced for us on 25th Street were no different from the others. They were GREAT! Bob, thanks for all of the hard work on our behalf.
Seller of 200 East 59th Street
Bob sold me the property so naturally, when I decided to sell it, he was my choice. Bob did a tremendous job for me and obtained a price we were very pleased with. Thanks Bob.
Seller of 200 East 59th Street
Bob and his team have sold dozens of retail assets for us over the years. Our two buildings on Nassau Street created a tremendous development opportunity. Bob created a competitive bidding process that achieved great pricing for us.
Seller of 200 East 59th Street
Bob Knakal and his team did an outstanding job for us on this challenging site. His track record in Hudson Yards is unmatched and made him an easy choice for us.
Seller of 200 East 59th Street
Bob Knakal has advised the United Methodist City Society, a religious based multifaceted program agency, on a significant amount of our real estate issues and dispositions over the years. We turned to Bob and his team as a trusted advisor because we have found them to know the entire NYC market better than any other broker; they have been completely trustworthy; and because of their unique ability to push pricing for us through their broad and structured bid process. For the sale at 450 Warren, a former church property, Bob and his team were able to achieve a price that was almost 20% higher than what we had originally considered on a direct basis from another developer. We could not be happier with the results and are thrilled with the outcome on behalf of the church.
Seller of 200 East 59th Street
Bob delivered everything we thought he would and we are so pleased with the job that he did for us. We look forward to working with him on other sales.
Seller of 200 East 59th Street
Thanks Bob. It’s always a pleasure working with you and your team. You have the patience of a saint. We look forward to closing more deals together when the time is right. Hopefully sooner than later.
Seller of 200 East 59th Street
When it comes to development site sales, its tough to top Bob Knakal and his team. They did a great job for us on the sale of 120-122 Water Street. We highly recommend Bob and his team.
Seller of 200 East 59th Street
Bob, thanks for doing such a great job for us. We couldn’t be happier with the results you produced
Seller of 200 East 59th Street
I recommend Bob Knakal to any seller of land in New York City. He is the best broker I have ever worked with.
Seller of 200 East 59th Street
When it was time to sell our headquarters building, we knew Bob Knakal and his team would be the best choice. Bob got us dozens of offers and negotiated ferociously on our behalf. He achieved the best possible price we could have gotten, and we couldn’t be happier with his services. If you are selling a property in New York City, you simply must use Bob and his team.
Seller of 200 East 59th Street
Thanks for all your help and guidance throughout the years Bob. I appreciate your patience. You’re a good soul to put up with the various perspectives of our partnership group.
Seller of 200 East 59th Street
Bob Knakal and his sales team achieved a pricing level which was above and beyond our expectations. They secured worldwide attention by positioning this site as the most significant in the marketplace. Their creative approach led to a smooth and successful close.
Seller of 200 East 59th Street
We have enjoyed a long-term relationship with Bob Knakal and his team. When we were considering the sale of our retail condo at 85 Fifth Avenue, we felt Bob would be able to expose the asset to a large and diversified field of potential buyers from across the globe. We were very impressed with the wide array of interested prospects that the team developed. All of that competition led to a very favorable result for us. We are happy to recommend Bob and his team to other potential sellers.
Seller of 200 East 59th Street
We have done several deals with Bob Knakal and his team and each time they go above and beyond for us. If you are selling a development site in New York City, you must speak to Bob and his team.
Seller of 200 East 59th Street
Bob, on behalf of myself and the Board of American Jewish Congress, we would like to thank you for doing such a great job representing us on the sale of 15 East 84th Street. You told us from the start that a user buyer would be the optimal buyer for us and you were not only correct, but you found the perfect buyer for our building. Thanks again for a job extraordinarily well done!
Seller of 200 East 59th Street
When it was time to sell a unique property we owned on Amsterdam Avenue, we knew we needed a brokerage team that had a great reputation, an extensive track record, an understanding of the local marketplace and, importantly, had expertise in user property sales as we knew that a user buyer would lead to an optimal result for us. Bob Knakal and his team possessed all of these qualities. They created and implemented a marketing plan that exposed the property to the widest arena of potential buyers domestically and internationally. Their extensive list of user buyers for properties in New York City was a great resource to access potential user buyers. The team was highly communicative, did everything they said they would and produced an outstanding result for us. We highly recommend Bob and his team to anyone interested in selling a property in New York.
Seller of 200 East 59th Street
When we considered selling 415 Eighth Avenue, we met with several brokers to obtain their perspective on our property. Bob Knakal and his team were, by far, the most optimistic in terms of our property’s value, to the point where we thought they were being overly aggressive. We decided to give Bob a shot and in a short period of time, he and his team produced results for us that exceeded our collective expectations. Savanna Partners highly recommends Bob and his team to any seller wanting to maximize their results.
Seller of 200 East 59th Street
This deal was not easy to get done. I am so happy I hired Bob Knakal and his team to represent me here. They were relentless in the pursuit of the perfect buyer for me.
Seller of 200 East 59th Street
Bob Knakal and his team did a fantastic job – under challenging circumstances. They are true investment sale professionals, particularly for properties with development potential.
Seller of 200 East 59th Street
Bob Knakal sold the property to me so it was only fitting that I have him sell it for me. Bob and his team did a fantastic job of getting me the highest possible price.
Seller of 200 East 59th Street
We could not give Bob Knakal a higher recommendation. We knew that a sale of our property at 48-50 West 74th Street was necessary and it was of utmost importance to us that we received the highest possible price as every single dollar was meaningful to us in order to continue our various missions. Bob led the process expertly - working diligently every day to find the perfect buyer for us. We are so happy that the new owners are going to operate a school out of the building. A seller of a building in New York City will never make a mistake working with Bob Knakal.
Seller of 200 East 59th Street
Given the proximity of our site to the core Midtown Plaza District, we suspected that a foreign based developer would be the most likely buyer. Based upon this, we felt that Bob Knakal, and his team, would be able to access this segment of the market. This along with extensive track record selling development sites in New York City made Bob an easy choice for the assignment. As expected, Bob was able to identify a foreign developer to purchase our site. We are very pleased with the results.
Seller of 200 East 59th Street
When I was selecting a broker to represent me, Bob Knakal’s track record really stood out. It felt like he sold every building in the neighborhood. Bob did a great job for me on the sale and found a user to purchase the property, just as he said he would. I highly recommend him to other sellers.
Seller of 200 East 59th Street
I’ve known Bob Knakal for nearly 20 years and over the last ten years we have done several transactions together. He is not only a successful entrepreneur and salesman, but he is also a quality person who cares a lot about what he is doing and the people around him.
Seller of 200 East 59th Street
There are brokers and then there are brokers. Bob Knakal and his team are the best in the business. He guided us through the sales process flawlessly and got us a great price.
Seller of 200 East 59th Street
I initially thought selling my building would be easy. For years, everyone on the block would be calling me and telling men they wanted to purchase the property. I never realized how treacherous the commercial real estate market could be. After trying to sell by myself for several months, I decided I needed help and hired Bob Knakal to guide me through the sales process. I am so glad I did that. Bob helped me maneuver through these shark infested waters and led me to safety. The number of twists and turns that occurred were significant and Bob had an answer or strategic solution for every curveball that was thrown at us. I should have brought him on from the start. If you are considering the sale of a property in New York, you must call Bob. It will be the best move that you make.
Seller of 200 East 59th Street
Bob Knakal and his team came highly recommended to us from several of our very best clients. Everything they told us about Bob was exactly right. He is hardworking, exhibits integrity and is an expert in his craft. He and his team did an outstanding job for us in the sale of our two buildings on East 39th Street. We could not have been happier with the job they did for us.
Seller of 200 East 59th Street
When our family was considering the sale of our building, we knew we needed a trusted advisor to assist us with the process as none of us were full time real estate professionals. We interviewed several brokers and Bob Knakal and his team stood out to us as professionals who had a great track record, had represented many families like ours and exhibited tremendous enthusiasm about the potential of helping us. They laid out a comprehensive marketing plan for our property and followed through on all of their promises. Bob and his team went the extra mile to help us achieve our objectives. We highly recommend Bob and his team to anyone considering the sale of a property in New York City.
Seller of 200 East 59th Street
We have worked with Bob Knakal for many years on several transactions and he is one of our go-to investment sales brokers. 4 East 39th Street was a perfect building for a user and no one knows the user market in Midtown better than Bob. Bob and his team did a great job for us on this sale.
Seller of 200 East 59th Street
We had a challenging history with 968 Third Avenue and Bob Knakal was there every step of the way with us. When it was time to sell our interest in the property, Bob was an easy choice. We are extremely pleased with the results Bob produced and would be happy to recommend him to other sellers. He will go above and beyond the call of duty to get the job done for you.
Seller of 200 East 59th Street
I have seen some innovative and creative approaches to overcoming problems on deals but Bob Knakal and his team really pulled a rabbit out of a hat on this one to get such a high price. Wow, what a job!
Seller of 200 East 59th Street
When we saw how much interest was being generated for land sites in the Hudson Yards, we decided we could realize a huge profit without the risk of building and deploy that capital into several other transactions. In order to maximize our price, we decided to retain Bob Knakal, Stephen Palmese and their team to develop a market strategy and implement a sales process. Bob’s intimate knowledge of the complexities of the district proved invaluable in our being able to achieve a record price in record time. We highly recommend their team to any potential sellers.
Seller of 200 East 59th Street
After another successful transaction with him in the neighborhood, we decided to give Bob the opportunity to compete for the assignment to sell our office building at 21 Penn Plaza. He and his team gave us a valuation that was tangibly higher than the other brokers we interviewed and also told us that the buyer would not be one of the typical buyers of this type of asset. The buyer did indeed fall into the non-typical category for this type of asset and the price Bob achieved for us was in excess of his valuation. We are extremely pleased with the quality of the execution we received here.
Seller of 200 East 59th Street
Bob Knakal was able to market and complete the sale of our portfolio in Washington Heights all in under three months, while hitting our objectives for terms and price. It was a herculean task made to look simple.
Seller of 200 East 59th Street
Our bank got stuck with this asset as values fell during the savings and loan crisis. We thought the big brokerage houses wouldn’t pay attention to this small deal. We hired Bob Knakal and had confidence in him given his passion and market knowledge. This kid was amazing. He treated our building like it was the most important building in the world and got us a price above what we thought it was worth. Someday Bob is going to do something very special in the NYC brokerage world.
Seller of 200 East 59th Street
I chose to work with Bob and his team because I could tell from the very beginning that they were not only the most enthusiastic about the potential assignment, but also because it was clear that their unparalleled experience with land sales would bring our group the highest possible price coupled with the best terms.
Bob, I started following you on Linkedin and had not realized you had written a book. I was pleasantly surprised to see you had just written a book, bought it and am almost done with it! I think your genuineness around your success is fantastic. I appreciate the honesty, outline of your commitment to strategy and processes, and the outline of corresponding challenges and successes is FANTASTIC. I am at an important juncture in my career/life, and I am using your book as a template for my next steps. I am on the CRE PE side (early start up), and oversee our NC/SC market. I would love to talk more, and understand you are super busy, but would love some time to talk. My number is 828.280.1167, and would appreciate a call whenever convenient. I really want to "pick your brain"...at your convenience of course. Tank you so much and keep putting out content!!
This is a powerful reflection on building an empire through hustle, consistency, and grit, proving that merit still wins. The story of Massey Knakal selling over 4,000 buildings against major giants is a testament to the power of focusing on "micro-wins" every single day. That culture of relentless "hustle" and consistency, however, is exceptionally difficult to sustain manually as a team scales. In today's market, the successful execution of those daily "micro-wins" relies heavily on efficient systemization.
I've always known Bob Knakal was one of the greats in NYC real estate. But since commercial deals haven't been my world, he wasn't on my radar until recently. I started following him about a month ago and quickly realized why he's in a league of his own. What's impressed me most isn't just the wins (though there are plenty), but his willingness to share the losses and the lessons behind them. I'm sure part of it is smart marketing-and it's working. If I were selling a building, I'd start (and probably end) with Bob.
Bob Knakal Mapping the road to success.
Great breakdown. Bob's story is such a powerful reminder that the real edge in this business is consistency over decades, not one big win. The simplicity of his message-do the work, track everything, build real relationships-never goes out of style.
What a positive outlook and role model you've been to so many. Congrats on all your successes
This is great Bob Knakal! I just dropped an article about the value of mentorship in our business. Thank you for being such a great example of this!
I have never been there, but from what I've read, the Knakal Map Room seems to embody both scholarship and street-level knowledge - a fusion of history, geography, and market intelligence that few cities or professionals can match. As The New York Times quoted Bob Knakal: "It's not really the real estate business, it's the information business." If data is the most valuable resource in business, then in NYC's CRE world, that resource is the Knakal Map Room.
Adding fuel to the inner fire - The last few weeks have been packed with action. I wrapped up the CCIM/C5 Global Summit, where some of the best and brightest in CRE gathered in Chicago. During the summit, I toured one of five multi-story industrial facilities in the United States. A reminder that our industry never stops evolving. I also met Bob Knakal, a titan of commercial real estate. Five minutes with him felt like decades of repetition distilled into one conversation. Discipline, data, and showing up everyday. That's how he built his career, and that's how I'll build mine. I can hear him in my head- "keep on going, keep on growing!"
Been following Bob's career for years. The man is truly a legend in NYC real estate - his consistency over decades is what impresses me most.
You're the goat Bob!! It was incredible getting the chance to hear directly from you on everything you did to build your business and everything you're currently doing to grow in a new niche!
You are an icon and inspiration to all!
Thank you Bob for the shout out. Even back in your early years it was evident you would rise to the top. You and Paul had a special chemistry and work ethic that enabled your early success. It is a small world/business indeed and I still advise all young brokers that I cross paths with to follow you on LinkedIn. Kudos on your best selling book and much continued success my dear friend. Be well till we have breakfast again on my next trip to NYC.
Hi Bob, I've been following you and continue to be inspired by your success and longevity in the business. It's especially impressive how you've embraced new technologies and techniques to stay at the forefront of the industry. I'd appreciate the opportunity to connect here on Linkedin. Best regards, Darren
It was wonderful to learn from you! Thank you for being so generous with your knowledge and sharing your experiences. I just ordered your book on Amazon!
You've been speaking these truths forever. I've been enjoying Selling Building$ and I can definitely see how these points are foundational for you. Congrats on all your success and for sharing your experience, insights and wisdom.
Bob, you are an absolute legend that perfects your craft to get better-every-day, a motto we live by at Zyyo. Your skillset combines the world-class technical analysis of commercial real estate with the fundamental strategies of relationship building. We admire your use of social medial and other technologies to spread the word of the opportunities in commercial real estate and those hands-on tactics have contributed to your high volume success during these challenging times of high interest rates and economic uncertainty. It was a privilege to show you around Louisville and hear about your gameplan for the next decade. Keep up the outstanding work and we look forward to partnering with you to build a strong relationship in Louisville, NYC and beyond.
Honored to announce that Bob Knakal, Chairman & CEO of BK Real Estate Advisors, has been recognized as the Top Leading Inspirational Leader in Real Estate of 2025. With a remarkable career spanning over four decades, Bob has brokered more than 2,351 properties, setting a record in New York City's commercial real estate history. His innovative approach, including the integration of Al at BKREA, exemplifies leadership and forward-thinking in the industry. Read more about this achievement: [https://lnkd.in/dkKpHJie]
Bob, you are the platinum standard for all of these brokers; hands down and I applaud you!
I've sat in Bob's office on multiple days and watched him call every single person he needed to, instantly. He wasn't Googling their numbers or asking for help. Every call had purpose, and watching that changed everything for me.
Bob Great work navigating the challenges and securing that premium price. Shows the power of experience in complex deals.
One question that I have for all the brokers - once you get the listing, what is your strategy to market a property over the long haul. Some of the listings and buildings don't sell promptly, What do you do that sets you apart from the others to make sure that your property stays top of mind!
Great reflections - Bob's consistency and focus are a powerful reminder that success in real estate isn't about overnight wins, but decades of disciplined work, relationship-building, and systems. Truly inspiring.
Knakal's resilience is unreal. The guy turns every chapter into a case study in staying power.
This is beautiful. You can feel the gratitude in every word. Bob sounds like one of those rare people who's not just sharp in business, but grounded in values-and that balance is everything. And shoutout to you for showing up fully-faith, brand, heart. Moments like this aren't luck, they're alignment. Can't wait to see how you build from here.
Presence and warmth beat credentials any day. Bob's example is a masterclass in relationship building.
It's incredible how he's shaped the commercial real estate landscape with relentless consistency and innovative thinking.
Many have animosity for those that have left their firm. Only a true gentleman is genuinely happy for those they have mentored and moved on. Not many can be a true gentleman.
Blessed to have met you a couple weeks ago. You truly have an energy and passion that is rarely found. Keep spreadin' the good word, Bob, and congratulations on all your successes!
Bob's warmth and approachability truly set him apart in the industry. It's inspiring to see how building genuine connections can lead to meaningful relationships. I love your initiative, Gabe! Let's keep turning those DMs into real-life connections. Who's next on your list?
So cool Bob. Go BKREA - BK Real Estate Advisors. To echo some of the other comments here. Your content is awesome, and your creativity speaks volumes to your potential clients on here. Even my mother-in-law walked into my home office and asked me the other day who is that guy on your wall? I said he is the GOAT!
This is so awesome Bob! Thank you for inspiring all of us everyday
Have you jumped on any of the Bob Knakal and Rod Santomassimo (World's Top CRE Coach) Selling Buildings Book Club calls? They're so good-the additional insight is gold. I could listen to those two pros for hours. I was just in NYC last week, and those residential towers along Billionaires' Row... wow! Since you secured the permits for the tallest building in LA, I'd love to get your take on them. I had to walk up to the base of Central Park Tower on 57th and look straight up—amazing and a little terrifying at the same time.
Congrats to Bob Knakal and BKREA for remarkable industry leadership! Bob Knakal
Nobody deserves this recognition more than Bob. He's not just the GOAT in commercial real estate, he's also one of the most generous and disciplined people I've ever met. Watching how he prepares, how he connects, how he shows up has been a masterclass for anyone lucky enough to work with him.
I am starstruck. I just think Bob Knakal hung the moon. Not only do I respect his work ethic and his creativity, but his kindness and willingness to talk to people and share immense wisdom are a gift. If you wish to aspire to be a great leader, follow and mimic Bob's style. He is just incredible. I truly hope you consider attending the #CREiSummit and have the bonus of meeting Bob Knakal. I am so looking forward to it.
Bob Knakal I love how you surround yourself with so many fabulous young people and teach them how to do the business the right way. I know you're going to say that you learn a lot by being around them. You are a truly special and unique person. I love watching and learning from you.
This was one of my favorite episodes. Bob Knakal is a great storyteller. I never get tired of hearing him talk about his COVID project that led to the infamous Map Room. I greatly admire businesspeople who build success from the ground up then commit themselves to reaching back a hand to those coming up behind them. Thanks, Tina Lichens for highlighting a few "Knakal nuggets" here.
Your mindset is truly inspiring. Setting big goals and staying disciplined through the ups and downs is what separates long-term achievers from everyone else. The consistency and mental toughness you mentioned are exactly what drive sustainable success, especially in a demanding field like real estate. Your perspective is a great reminder that persistence really does win in the end. Would love to connect if you're open to it!
Bob, every time I see you comment on a post, I smile a little. I'm still in awe of everything you've accomplished. Grateful to learn from the best.
You are doing the Lord's work, Bob
This is such a great story - proof that relationships built with authenticity online can turn into powerful real-world connections. Bob's presence, generosity, and longevity in the game are inspiring. Love your "From DMs to Real Life" series making Linkedin human again is exactly what we need.
My significant connection has been Bob Knakal! Bob is a legend in the commercial real estate space in New York City, and he is incredibly generous with both his time and his knowledge!
Building a truly unique resource requires that level of commitment. By walking every street yourself, you turned time into unmatched market insight.
Love this-Bob's story is a masterclass in relentless consistency, proving that decades of disciplined effort beat flashes of brilliance every time Yonah Weiss.
Building the market data seems overwhelming but with technology today it is possible. I think the most profound observation is how Bob was alway trying to add value for his prospects, clients, and staff. In doing that he created some great strategies.
Congrats Bob - well deserved! Your consistency and focus are inspiring, and it's great to see someone in CRE recognized not just for results, but for how they elevate the whole industry. Gives the rest of us something to chase - keep setting the bar!
Bob Knakal Truly an honor to meet you in person (I will get you booked for an event here in Miami soon), even more incredible to find that someone I've admired for years is as down-to-earth, kind, and genuine as they are accomplished. Grateful for the connection and the inspiration you continue to bring to our industry.
Bob Knakal One day, I will bore you with how important your social media videos have been for me during my journey over the last 4 years as a private equity real estate fund manager. Thank you so much for being such a inspirational leader within our industry in NYC.
Bob Knakal This comment beautifully illustrates the profound impact of mentorship and the multiplier effect of investing in people. The fact that 31 companies or divisions are now led by those who learned the business at Massey Knakal speaks volumes about the quality of your leadership and the lasting influence you've had. Shifting the focus from personal achievements to the success of those you've mentored highlights a truly selfless and impactful. approach to your profession. Your excitement about guiding a new generation is inspiring and underscores the cyclical nature of growth and leadership. What a remarkable and meaningful legacy to have built.
Forty years as New York's top broker and go to expert. Bob has either just completed a transaction or is working to complete a deal. There is no better person to guide the market. If he is no your broker the next best thing is his book, which I cannot wait to read!
Bob, your mojo shines in the insights you share. Thanks for elevating all of us and inspiring professionals to win at every stage!
I will be there and I do want to hob (k)nob with Bob! His stories are so interesting and he is just an inspiring human being. Being around positive and creative and kind people, like @BobKnakal is so uplifting. I cannot wait!
Bob Knakal I love how you honor the people who have launched their own ventures. I've never seen it before in our industry. We are all very familiar with the more customary reaction when teammates move on... Another reason why you are a legend and your impact to our industry is unmatched.
A masterclass in patience and strategy, Bob- love how you used silence to let the market compete against itself. Also, a great reminder of how creative thinking and control of the process can unlock so much more value than meets the eye. Congratulations on 41 years of deals (and stories) that keep inspiring the rest of us in the industry!
Love this-shows how small, consistent effort builds credibility and opens doors in ways a big check never could.
LETSSSSS GOOOOO. I remember you telling me you saw on the plane. Mr. Bob Knakal is one of the most authentic professionals in our industry that I ever had the honor speaking with.
Bob Knakal it's not everyday that one gets to listen to the life experience of the top producing broker in the world. Thank you so much for sharing your wisdom and look forward to connecting with you soon.
I got to hang out with the legendary Bob Knakal the other night at an event. His company BKREA - BK Real Estate Advisors was cohosting the event. This guy is inimitable. The amount that he's accomplished in his career is incredible and while we focus on different areas of the real estate business, he's absolutely an inspiration for me. He's also a truly genuine person. While we were chatting, I let him know it was "one of those weeks" and he told me (while pantomiming a sledgehammer, mind you!) "just keep hitting the stone...one day it'll break". That was all I needed to hear. Sometimes it really is just raw persistence that gets you through to the other side. Thanks Bob for your time and for the signed copy of your book! Starting it soon and excited to share tidbits from that on here as well. Hope we cross paths again soon.
This is brokerage at its finest. Navigating offers, managing information flow, and staying one step ahead of the market gossip-it's a masterclass in deal-making.
Great insights Yonah Weiss and the book is a great read too. But my biggest take is that you can be a super nice guy like Bob Knakal and still be super successful in this cutthroat business of CRE brokerage. Bob autographed his book for me in Miami and when I met Bob, I was excited as if I was meeting a celebrity. For me, Bob is a celebrity in our CRE world.
You are a true legend Bob! Incredible career.
Amazing! Yes, make Linkedin human again! And yes, Bob Knakal is the GOAT.....not just in NYC!
That is a true legacy and something to be extremely proud of, Bob Knakal. If you can't leave an industry better from your work, why do what you do every day?!? Congrats to you and Adam J. Hess (and the 31 other founders you've inspired).
I've always like the saying, measured persistence, so true.
First of all, congratulations on 41 years, Bob. I don't know if younger professionals in CRE can look past the number of years and fully understand the cycles, the trends and the pivots you've made in your career. It's a lot of hard work, dedication and stamina to remain successful and relevant in our industry. Congratulations AGAIN!
This resonates deeply, Bob Knakal. Early in my career, I thought my value would be measured by how many leases I negotiated or how well I cut expenses. But over time, I've realized: the real win in property management is the people-vendors who grow with you, tenants who trust you, and junior team members who become operators themselves. Deals come and go. Culture and mentorship? That's what lasts. Appreciate you setting the bar for what legacy looks like in CRE. #Commercial RealEstate #CRELeadership #Legacy OverTransactions #PropertyManagement
Amazing article! Thanks for sharing all these helpful insights Robert Knakal! So true about attending in-person events. It's who knows you and also what you know. Be of value!