Author: Serj Markarian
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Why Affluent Buyer Preferences Continue to Influence NYC’s Luxury Market
Luxury Buyers Are Still Active in Manhattan, But Their Priorities May Be Changing Recent headlines surrounding the proposed pied-à-terre tax and the political rhetoric around it have raised questions about whether wealthy buyers might begin pulling back from New York City real estate. But recent luxury market activity appears to suggest otherwise. High-end sales…
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Common Negotiation Mistakes Buyers Make in NYC Real Estate
Why Negotiation Strategy Still Matters in Today’s NYC Market In New York City real estate, negotiation is often associated with price, but in practice, successful negotiations involve far more than simply offering more or less money. Terms, timing, preparation, and market awareness can all play a significant role in how a deal ultimately comes together.…
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Why Manhattan Luxury Sales Are Rising Even as Prices Ease
Luxury Sales Are Rising, So Why Are Prices Easing? Manhattan’s ultra-luxury market has been sending an interesting signal: transaction activity is rising sharply, even as pricing at the top end has softened. Transactions above $10 million reportedly rose 43% year-over-year, even as median pricing in the segment declined. At first glance, those trends may seem…
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What the Proposed Pied-à-Terre Tax Could Mean for NYC Real Estate
A Proposed Pied-à-Terre Tax: What Could It Mean for NYC Real Estate? A newly proposed pied-à-terre tax is once again raising questions about how public policy can shape New York City real estate, particularly at the luxury end of the market. The proposal would impose an additional tax on certain non-primary residences above a high value…
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What Q1 2026 Tells Us About the Manhattan Real Estate Market
The first quarter of 2026 offered a clearer picture of where the Manhattan market is heading, and in many ways, the results were stronger than expected. According to the recently released Q1 2026 Manhattan Apartment Market Report, both average and median apartment prices moved higher compared to a year ago, with several segments of the market…
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Interest Rates Are Holding, But Buyer Behavior Is Changing
Rates Aren’t Dropping Anytime Soon and What That Means for NYC Buyers Many buyers have spent the past year waiting for interest rates to come down before entering the market. It’s a reasonable strategy, but recent signals from the Federal Reserve suggest that meaningful rate cuts may take longer than expected. As discussed earlier this…
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What’s the Best Time to Buy a Home in NYC?
Is There Really a “Best” Time to Buy a Home in NYC? Buyers often ask whether there’s a “best” time to enter the New York City real estate market. The short answer is yes, but it depends on what you’re optimizing for. Timing in NYC isn’t one-size-fits-all. Each season brings different advantages, and understanding those…
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The Rise of “Luxury” Buildings—and Why Quality Isn’t Always Guaranteed
Not All “Luxury” Buildings Are Created Equal in NYC New construction has become synonymous with “luxury” in New York City, but that label doesn’t always tell the full story. In recent years, a growing number of newly built properties, particularly on the rental side, have faced issues ranging from maintenance concerns to construction quality. While…
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The Two Renovations That Still Matter Most in NYC
Which Renovations Actually Add Value in NYC? Kitchens and Bathrooms Still Lead As the spring market approaches, many homeowners start thinking about renovations that could improve their home’s value before listing. While large-scale projects often require months of planning and construction, understanding which upgrades matter most to buyers can help sellers decide where improvements may…
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Where Manhattan’s Biggest Luxury Contracts Are Happening
Manhattan’s luxury market continues to produce eye-catching transactions even before the spring season officially begins. Recent reports show more than $1 billion in high-end contracts signed in February alone, with several standout buildings and neighborhoods accounting for a large share of that activity. Looking more closely at where these deals are happening offers a useful glimpse…