Author: Serj Markarian
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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,…
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NYC’s All-Cash Housing Boom: How It’s Changing the Market
All-Cash Deals Hit a Record High in NYC: What It Means for Buyers and Sellers A growing share of New York City home sales in 2025 were completed without financing, and according to recent reporting, all-cash transactions reached a record high for the year. While this trend is especially pronounced at the luxury end of the…
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NYC Real Estate Outlook for 2026: Lessons from 2025 and What’s Ahead
As 2025 comes to a close, New York City’s real estate market finds itself at an important inflection point. The past year was defined by recalibration — buyers and sellers adjusting expectations, interest rates remaining elevated, and inventory staying tight across many neighborhoods. But as we look ahead, the narrative is shifting. In a recent CityRealty…
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What Yesterday’s Fed Cut Means for NYC Real Estate in 2026
Yesterday, the Federal Reserve issued a widely expected 25-basis-point rate cut — its third consecutive reduction — bringing the benchmark rate to its lowest level in three years. But while borrowing costs moved lower, the tone was unmistakably cautious. As CNBC previewed ahead of the meeting, this turned out to be a true “hawkish cut”— a…
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How Long New Yorkers Hold Onto Their Homes (And What It Means for 2026 Real Estate)
A new report from PropertyShark offers a detailed look at how long New Yorkers stay in their homes, and the results show a noteworthy divide. While Manhattan and Brooklyn tend to see faster turnover, homeowners in Queens and the Bronx hold onto their properties for significantly longer. For buyers and sellers alike, understanding these patterns sheds…
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50-Year Mortgages Explained: Why They Likely Won’t Apply to NYC Buyers
The proposed introduction of a 50-year mortgage, discussed recently by the White House, is generating a lot of conversation nationwide. Supporters argue it could help improve affordability for first-time buyers, while critics warn it may extend debt burdens and inflate home prices even further. But one question matters most for New Yorkers: Would a 50-year…