Experts Share Industry Insights at Property Management Symposium

Leaders in law, real estate, and property operations gathered Nov. 18 at Nazarian College for the Property Management Symposium hosted by the Bookstein Real Estate Center.

The evening featured discussions on the impact of artificial intelligence on real estate, new legal and compliance trends for 2025, and emerging career paths in property management.

Panelists included Simon Newfield, Esq. of Newfield Puritsky LLP; Derek M. Karpel, Esq. of KIG Property Management; Lexi Moriarty CCIM, CRE of Axia Real Estate Advisors; Grayce Long, Esq.; Dennis Duitch of Duitch Consulting Group; Kristina Cardone of Karpel Insurance Services; and Jitin Agarwal of Fixology Maintenance and Cleaning. Nazarian College real estate professor Jared Karpel, Esq. moderated the discussion.

Realtor Derek Karpel called property management “a contact sport,” emphasizing that the work happens in the field, not behind a desk. “You’re solving problems in real time, from a broken stove on Thanksgiving to a leak on Christmas Eve,” he said.

The conversation turned to artificial intelligence and its growing presence in real estate. “AI is an advanced processing system — it can’t make decisions,” said Duitch. “It won’t replace you if you’re managing information or people. The risk is in the doing, not the managing.”

Panelists also shared career advice for students eager to enter the industry. “You have 15 chances a week to connect with someone,” said Moriarty. “Play the student card — it’s fleeting but powerful.”

Professor Karpel added, “Network, network, find someone who’s doing what you want to be doing.” Realtor Karpel advised, “People remember gratitude, send a thank-you note within 24 hours.”

Agarwal highlighted the operational side of the business. “Maintenance is a balance between cost, quality and time,” he said. “Be proactive — show that you’re addressing issues before they become problems.”

Panelists also discussed California’s evolving insurance market and housing challenges. “Insurance companies are pulling out of the state for property policies, but liability coverage remains,” said Cardone. Agarwal added, “When the market shifts, opportunity isn’t far behind.”

Newfield noted that California’s housing shortage remains a major hurdle. “Rent control won’t fix the issue,” he said. “Developers aren’t investing because it’s not profitable.”

The symposium highlighted the complexity and opportunity in property management — an industry that blends business, law, operations and social responsibility.

“Events like this help our students see the full picture of real estate,” said Professor Karpel. “They connect classroom learning to the challenges shaping the industry today.”

To learn more about the Bookstein Real Estate Center, visit the Bookstein Real Estate Center web page.