The city’s real estate industry isn’t known for showing mercy. But as New York continues to grapple with an affordable housing crisis, developers are increasingly teaming up with institutions known for doing just that.

The Mount Hope Renaissance portfolio includes 515 affordable units spanning between East 175th St. and East Burnside Ave., and ranges from studios to five-bedroom apartments. The comprehensive rehabilitation plans, slated to commence in the first quarter of 2019 includes in-place reconstruction of kitchens, bathrooms, and energy-efficient upgrades.

Dealing with title issues for some of New York’s older properties can be a challenge. But when your property was built around the time the Pilgrims immigrated to America, the number of possible encumbrances boggles the mind.

National Standard Abstract (NSA) is a family owned title insurance company located in Floral Park, NY. This year they have closed more than $500 million in commercial real estate transactions.

This trend has grown in such abundance because of the fact that churches like the Church of God of East Flatbush have these properties and these parcels and are able to now capitalize on it by monetizing it and providing affordable housing.

"We have to facilitate some documents and certain processes to help them achieve the approvals of the attorney general, as well as just understanding all of the bits and pieces of moving parts," said Osei Rubie, the owner of National Standard Abstract Title Insurance Company.

Osei Rubie and Nadir Rubie of National Standard Abstract continue to excel in faith-based and affordable housing developments.

Many organizations own land in areas desirable for development but do not have the resources or capacity to develop the land without engaging a development partner. This makes the transaction attractive to both parties.

The plan addresses land use spanning 190 blocks of East New York, Cypress Hills and Ocean Hill, which is the first and largest of 15 areas to be rezoned under Mayor de Blasio’s affordable housing plan.

Joint venture partnerships continue to evolve, thereby expanding the landscape of affordable, supportive, and market-rate housing. While the joint venture model has long been an option for housing developers, we’ve seen it more widely used in recent history.

“While the real estate market is strong across the city, the success we’ve seen in our first six months of business is largely due to the long-standing relationships our staff has nurtured over the years resulting in clients’ eagerness to work with us without hesitation,” said Osei Rubie, founder and president of National Standard Abstract.

Since launching in March 2015, National Standard Abstract (NSA), a full-service title insurance firm, established itself as a leading minority-owned business, working with the most active real estate developers in New York.

What was your most notable project, deal, transaction or professional achievement in 2015?

Launching National Standard Abstract, a full-service title insurance firm and minority-owned business enterprise in New York’s title insurance industry where few other such firms exist.

"It is undeniable that our communities grow and prosper when there is a strong economic foundation to build upon. Often, small businesses provide valuable work experience and the jobs many people need to find stability, support their families and begin careers.