Author: Serj Markarian
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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…
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How to Prepare for a Bidding War in NYC (Agent, Buyer & Seller Guide)
Recent reporting has positioned New York City among the most competitive housing markets heading into 2026, with demand outpacing supply in several key segments. For buyers and sellers alike, that translates to one thing—bidding wars are no longer occasional. They’re becoming routine. But preparation looks very different depending on whether you’re the agent, the buyer,…
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Co-op vs. Condo in NYC: Key Differences Buyers Should Understand
Co-op or Condo in NYC: How to Decide in Today’s Market One of the most common questions I hear from buyers, whether they’re first-timers or seasoned investors is, “Should I buy a co-op or a condo?” It’s not a simple choice. Each has its own financial implications, lifestyle trade-offs, and long-term value considerations. And in…
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Early Signs of a Competitive Spring Market in NYC
Buyer Behavior Is Quietly Shifting Even Without a Rate Cut Multiple-offer activity is picking up again across NYC, and it’s happening in the middle of winter. It feels like an early spring market is already forming. At a recent Brown Harris Stevens office meeting, our agents reported three to four multiple-bid situations per week across NYC. Just…
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Fed Holds Rates Steady: Impact on New York City Housing
What the Fed’s Pause Means for NYC Real Estate Right Now This week, the Federal Reserve chose to hold interest rates steady rather than move forward with another cut. While that decision plays out nationally, its meaning is more nuanced in New York City, a market where a large share of transactions are all-cash and financing…
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What to Expect from the NYC Spring 2026 Real Estate Market
Spring has always been New York City’s most active real estate season, and most buyers and sellers already know that. But what’s shaping up for this coming spring looks meaningfully different from what we’ve seen in recent years. The city is likely heading into a busier-than-normal spring market, fueled by rising inventory, returning buyer demand,…