Category: News + Insight

By Serj Markarian, Licensed Associate Real Estate Broker Everyone wants a piece of the NYC real estate pie—and many are going to great lengths to get it. For first-time buyers, owning property in the city is no small feat. While the market has always been competitive, it’s becoming increasingly difficult to assess exactly who is buying.…

By Gregory Heym, BHS Chief Economist and and host of Crossing The Line This week, we expose how fickle consumers can be, present the latest on pending home sales, and tell you something unbelievable about President John Tyler. What a Difference a Fortnight Makes Hope you got the Dinah Washington reference, and sorry to my son…

By Serj Markarian, Licensed Associate Real Estate Broker In a significant turn of events, Wynn Resorts and Related Companies have officially withdrawn their $12 billion proposal to build a casino at Hudson Yards, citing persistent community opposition and the complexities of rezoning the site. This move marks a turning point in New York City’s casino race and…

Bess Freedman recently joined CNBC’s "Closing Bell Overtime" to discuss the worsening housing affordability crisis, following a report revealing that only 21% of middle-income Americans can afford a home today—down from 49% in 2019. Freedman called the situation “unsustainable,” noting that first-time buyers are now, on average, 40 years old—ten years older than a decade…

In this segment of Worldwide Exchange on CNBC,  Brown Harris Stevens CEO Bess Freedman, discusses the impact of rising mortgage rates on the U.S. housing market. With 30-year fixed rates hovering just under 7%, the market is feeling the strain, particularly during the critical spring selling season. Freedman highlights that while inventory levels have risen,…

By Gregory Heym, BHS Chief Economist and and host of Crossing The Line This week, we serve up the latest on tariffs, inflation, and consumer spending. Welcome to a very busy version of The Line.  U.S. and China Suspend Most Tariffs for 90 Days Boy did we need this. After a lot of name calling and…

By Candice Milano & Malessa Rambarran, Licensed Real Estate Professionals When people think about maximizing returns in real estate, they often focus on location, finishes, or amenities. While those factors certainly matter, one of the most powerful (and often overlooked) drivers of profitability is the floor plan. Yes, we’re talking about layout—not just square footage. Two apartments with…

  By Serj Markarian, Licensed Associate Real Estate Broker Despite headlines dominated by high interest rates and economic uncertainty, the American housing market continues to demonstrate its long-term resilience—and profitability. According to a recent Realtor.com report, the total value of residential real estate in the U.S. has surged by $3.2 trillion over the past year, reaching a…

By Gregory Heym, BHS Chief Economist and and host of Crossing The Line Today, we have the latest from the Fed, tell you what people believe is the best long-term investment, celebrate the first of hopefully many trade deals, and givve thanks to all the moms out there. The Fed Leaves Rates Unchanged This was not…

By Gregory Heym, BHS Chief Economist and and host of Crossing The Line This was a huge week for economic data but to save time and space, we will be focusing on the two biggest releases this week: 1Q25 GDP and the April jobs report. The U.S. Economy Contracted at a 0.3% Rate in the…