What exactly does Ratner Consulting do?

We are a boutique consulting firm for NYC commercial landlords, focused on growing building income. We advise on income strategy, investment decisions, sale and acquisition guidance, market positioning, and portfolio optimization. For brokerage or management execution, we introduce you to trusted partners — while we stay your independent advisor.

What kinds of buildings do you work with?

Class B and C office, industrial, and mixed-use buildings across Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, and the Bronx — typically valued up to $50M. These are the buildings where smart, hands-on strategy makes the biggest difference to income.

Is the 25–300% income growth real?

Yes — it reflects results achieved across more than 100 building engagements, driven by lease restructuring, expense reduction, occupancy gains, and repositioning. Every building is different, so the first thing we do is tell you honestly what's realistic for yours.

I'm a tenant, not a landlord — can you help me?

Yes. We advise tenants on lease negotiations, space and area selection for their brand, and how to run the search itself. Instead of hiring a broker — who gets paid when you sign — a consultation makes you savvy enough to navigate the market on your own terms, saving time and money. Brokers aren't always the best fit for your situation; sometimes what you need is knowledge, not representation.

How is this different from hiring a broker?

A broker is paid when a transaction closes, which can shape the advice you receive. We earn nothing from your transactions — no listings, no management — so our only incentive is giving you the answer that's actually right for your building.

Do I have to sign a long-term contract?

No. Our on-demand model means you engage us when you need premium advice, with no binding agreements. One call, one project, or ongoing counsel — the scope is always yours to set.

Who will I actually be working with?

David — the founder and principal — personally leads every engagement. He brings 25+ years as a business owner and entrepreneur, 13+ years of daily, on-the-ground work in New York City real estate across all asset types with a focus in CRE, and over 50,000 hours of hands-on experience. He's the one on your calls, in your numbers, and at your negotiations. No hand-offs.

Insights

Notes on NYC commercial property, from the consulting side of the table.

Practical thinking for landlords and tenants across Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens and the Bronx. No listings, no commissions — just the analysis we'd give a client.

Landlords

How NYC Landlords Grow Building Income 50–300% Without Paying a Broker

The consulting-only playbook for Class B and C buildings in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens and the Bronx.

September 15, 2026 · 7 min read

Landlords

Class B/C Office in Brooklyn and Queens: Why Vacancy Is Usually a Pricing and Positioning Problem

Empty floors in older office buildings are rarely a demand problem. They are a product problem — and product problems are fixable.

September 14, 2026 · 6 min read

Tenants

Tenant Advisory in NYC: How to Negotiate a Loft, Industrial or Office Lease When Nobody in the Room Works for You

The landlord has a lawyer and a broker. The broker is paid by the landlord. Here is how a tenant levels the table.

September 12, 2026 · 7 min read

Landlords

The Mixed-Use Owner's Income Audit: 12 Things to Check Before You Lease Another Space

A retail ground floor, offices above, maybe a residential unit or two. Here is how to find the income hiding in a mixed-use building.

September 10, 2026 · 8 min read

Strategy

Consultant vs. Broker: What a Fee-Based CRE Advisor Actually Does for a $3M–$50M Owner

They are not competing services. They are different jobs with different incentives — and most owners have only ever been offered one of them.

September 8, 2026 · 6 min read

Tenants

Leasing Warehouse or Industrial Space in the Bronx: A Tenant's Guide to Hunts Point and Port Morris

NNN lease terms, building condition, zoning and the six clauses that determine whether a Bronx industrial lease is actually a good deal.

September 16, 2026 · 6 min read