Bob Knakal Moderates Women’s Commercial Real Estate Panel on Navigating Market Uncertainty

‍

Read the Full Article on NY Headline - Click Here

‍

On February 5, 2026, Bob Knakal, Chairman & CEO of BKREA, moderated Offit Kurman’s Women’s Commercial Real Estate Panel, bringing together leading professionals across lending, law, environmental consulting, accounting, brokerage, and title. The discussion focused on how owners and investors can navigate uncertainty, manage risk, and uncover opportunity amid shifting commercial real estate market conditions.

Hosted in New York City, the panel delivered practical, real-world guidance from advisors actively working through complex transactions during today’s volatile environment.

Key Takeaways from the Women’s Commercial Real Estate Panel

• Discipline and Preparation Drive Opportunity in Uncertain Markets
  Panelists emphasized that volatility does not eliminate opportunity—it rewards those with strong underwriting, clean documentation, and disciplined execution.
  
• Lending Standards Have Shifted, Not Disappeared
  Lenders discussed how underwriting has tightened, what risks are prioritized today, and why well-prepared borrowers continue to secure capital even in constrained conditions.
  
• Environmental Due Diligence Is Critical in Distressed Transactions
  Environmental risks become amplified during downturns. Proactive assessments and planning can protect asset value and provide a competitive advantage.
  
• Accounting and Tax Strategy Impacts Liquidity and Exit Value
  Speakers highlighted overlooked tax and accounting considerations, including depreciation planning, liquidity management, Opportunity Zones, and recent tax law implications.
  
• Legal and Title Readiness Preserve Leverage and Speed
  Clean legal records and clear title were cited as essential to maintaining negotiating strength, avoiding delays, and preventing valuation erosion during sales or refinancing.
  
• Market Sentiment and Local Factors Shape Emerging Opportunities
  Brokers shared insights on early signs of opportunity across asset classes, emphasizing the growing role of zoning, political climate, and local policy in pricing and demand.
  

Industry Leaders Featured on the Panel

The panel included distinguished women leaders advising clients across all stages of commercial real estate transactions:

• Elizabeth Roy, Lender – On underwriting discipline and borrower readiness
  
• Janet Stelz, Environmental Consultant – On mitigating environmental risk
  
• Alicia Mynarska, Accountant – On tax planning and liquidity strategy
  
• Faith Miros, Attorney – On legal preparedness and documentation
  
• Genessy Jaramillo, Broker – On market sentiment and asset positioning
  
• Nicolette Sinatra, Title Expert – On title integrity and transaction risk
  

Bob Knakal on Leadership, Preparation, and Representation

“Periods of uncertainty do not eliminate opportunity,” said Knakal. “They reward preparation, discipline, and clarity of execution. This panel brought together exceptional women who understand where deals succeed, where they break down, and how owners can position themselves to move quickly when conditions shift.”

Knakal also emphasized the importance of increasing female representation in commercial real estate leadership:
“Women are among the very top professionals in our industry and have been for many years, yet they remain underrepresented. At BKREA, we are committed to finding, training, promoting, and supporting the next generation of female leaders in commercial real estate.”

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the focus of the Women’s Commercial Real Estate Panel moderated by Bob Knakal?

The panel focused on practical, real-world strategies for navigating market uncertainty, managing risk, and positioning commercial real estate assets for opportunity during volatile market conditions. Discussions centered on underwriting discipline, legal and environmental readiness, tax planning, documentation, and market sentiment.

Who participated in the Women’s Commercial Real Estate Panel?

The panel featured leading women professionals across lending, law, environmental consulting, accounting, brokerage, and title, each actively advising clients on complex commercial real estate transactions in today’s market.

Why is preparedness so critical in uncertain commercial real estate markets?

Preparedness allows owners and investors to move quickly, preserve leverage, and avoid costly delays. Clean documentation, accurate valuations, disciplined due diligence, and strong advisory teams help ensure assets are positioned to capitalize on opportunity when market conditions shift.

‍