Built Like Mark Newsletter

4th Edition

November 18, 2025

Watch this Space

In this edition, I’m pulling back the curtain on my world as a real estate developer and broker in New York City. Here are my three latest valuable lessons in real estate:

  1. The hidden costs most buyers miss are expensive lessons on the job. This month I had to send back $60,000 windows because one of my guys had measurements wrong by nearly an inch and a half. It’ll cost me roughly $500 to fix, but time is the most costly lesson of all. This is why it’s always important to be on the job pre completion. Plus, the earlier you see the property, the more you can customize and catch mistakes, or more expensive lessons.

  1. Build it and they will come.

    When I first launched social media, I was apprehensive given my age and also how time consuming it could be. Quite frankly, I didn’t understand the business of it… yet. Over 400K followers later, I’m looking to scale through brand partnerships. This is why I’ve partnered with CeraVe. Brands want to partner with people who are authentic. If you’re in social media or looking to start, JFDI, just f*king do it. The brands that align with you and your brand will come. You attract the opportunities. Just be you. And no, usually I’m not your typical skincare guy.

  1. Blend the old with the new.

    Looking to buy a property? Let me let you in on a secret: Prices are crazy but people are buying still and spending almost just as much on renovating to make them more custom and modern. The first thing to look for when finding a property? Go to the roof. It’s one of the most underrated spaces you can add value and make your property bigger.

Hot Spots

21 South William Street #5D – Financial District – $900k: A sun‑soaked 1‑bed, 1‑bath condo in the historic Block Hall building, featuring soaring 10′ ceilings, oversized windows, and a Juliet balcony with South/West views—all in the heart of the Financial District. Nestled next to one of Mark’s favorite blocks in the city on Stone Street, this property blends historic charm with modern living.

Neighborhood Spotlight:

I love the Chelsea Hotel’s staircase and its use of suspended newel posts. I feel so inspired by them as I look the get new to get new stairs restored at 428 Vanderbilt Ave. What does it make you think of?

My Latest Side Quest

My love for projects expands beyond homes and real estate portfolios. Here’s a look into two nostalgic guys with a love of cars checking out my latest restoration project, this 1967 Ford F100:

Mark in House Beautiful

ICYMI: I shared my top strategies for smart real estate investing in House Beautiful, including my journey from corporate consultant to developer and the treehouse story that paid off by $500K over ask.

I talk about real estate being “both a practical game and a creative venture” and somehow everybody’s listening (and giving me nicknames along the way).

Let’s Connect

If you liked this, you’ll love what didn’t make the newsletter. Follow Mark on TikTok & IG to see what happens between the emails or work with him directly.