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A fifth-generation Brooklynite with nearly $500 million in career sales, Catherine Witherwax brings a deep knowledge of the borough and a consistent, full-service approach to every client relationship. Drawn back to Brown Harris Stevens by its people and collaborative culture, Catherine returns home to BHS for the next chapter of her career. In this week’s…

Ever heard of “looksmaxxing?” Don’t worry if you haven’t. It’s a Gen Z term that describes maximizing your physical appearance. Around the internet, Gen Z has made a habit of adding “maxxing” to the end of words, but it turns out they’re not just focused on their looks—they’re also trying to “retirement-maxx.” Bloomberg.com recently highlighted…

On June 25, the Rent Guidelines Board froze rents on roughly 1 million apartments for the first time in a decade. Here’s why it happened, who it helps, who it hurts, and what comes next. On the night of June 25, 2026, the New York City Rent Guidelines Board (RGB) voted 7–1 to set a…

What Today’s Affluent Buyers Appear to Value Last month, I shared how affluent buyer preferences continue to influence New York City’s luxury market, particularly around privacy, discretion, and lower-profile living environments. Interestingly, some recent industry observations suggest another trend may be emerging—a shift in who today’s luxury buyers are and what they increasingly appear to…

In a thought-provoking opinion piece for Inman, Brown Harris Stevens CEO Bess Freedman warns that the growing push toward private listing networks threatens the trust that underpins the real estate profession, and that consumers should be wary whenever exclusivity and opacity are marketed as advantages. “As with any profession, recognition and deference should be given…

As fireworks begin appearing on calendars and flags start lining Main Streets across the country, there’s another place where red, white, and blue quietly shine: at home. The colors of the American flag have long been staples of interior design. Crisp whites create a sense of calm and openness. Deep blues bring sophistication and depth.…

The NY Knickerbockers are the NBA Champions following a 53 year drought. I’d like to spot light what the city was like 53 years ago. Given this 53-year reflection, I started to think about where I was and what real estate values 53 years ago. It was 1973, and my parents purchased the home I…

Emma Chao brings a unique perspective to Brooklyn real estate, blending firsthand experience as an investor with a deep appreciation for the borough’s neighborhoods and communities, with a background in tech and design. Drawn to Brown Harris Stevens by its culture and leadership, Emma recently joined our Brooklyn Heights office to help clients navigate one…

In this week’s BHS Agent Spotlight, we’re featuring Shanna Katz, the new Head of Operations for The Louise Phillips Forbes Team at our East Side Office. Formerly the VP of Operations at William Raveis NYC, Shanna brings a sharp operational mindset and deep industry experience to one of the most respected teams in luxury real…