As the year comes to an end, I find myself reflecting on 2025 with gratitude.
This is one of the rare moments in the real estate world when things slow down just enough for us to catch our breath. The week between Christmas and New Year’s Eve traditionally sees limited activity—everyone is in holiday mode, attending parties, reconnecting with loved ones, and enjoying our magnificent city dressed in lights.
As a lifelong New Yorker, I don’t often play tourist. But this season, I had family visiting from Italy, and together we did all the classic NYC experiences: the Rockefeller Center tree, the World Trade Center, Dyker Heights, Little Italy, and one of my personal favorites—the Empire State Building Observatory at night. I hadn’t been there since grade school, and seeing it again on a clear, cold December evening was absolutely breathtaking.
Standing above the city, pointing out neighborhoods in every direction—north, south, east, and west—I was reminded of just how extraordinary New York truly is. The lights that blanket Manhattan at night are like nothing else in the world. From above, they blend into a sparkling, glistening globe, yet each neighborhood below maintains its own rhythm, personality, and pace.
That contrast is exactly what makes New York City so special.
There’s the nonstop energy of Midtown, the creativity and edge of Downtown, the relaxed charm of the Upper West Side, and the unmistakable elegance of the Upper East Side—yes, complete with dogs in designer coats. Each neighborhood tells its own story, and together they create a city unlike any other in the world.
As we move into a new year, we also welcome a new mayor sworn in on January 1. Despite speculation, there was no mass exodus from New York City. People continue to clamor—and pay top dollar—to live here, reaffirming the city’s enduring appeal.
The real estate market remained strong throughout 2025. Properties that were truly “move-in ready” often sold quickly and, in many cases, at or above asking price. Homes that required renovations or some TLC tended to take longer to sell and often closed slightly below ask. These trends reinforced what many buyers value most today: ease, condition, and immediacy.
Looking ahead, I anticipate a strong market as we move into 2026. In fact, I’ll be bringing a beautiful, mint-condition one-bedroom to market on the Upper East Side in a coveted doorman building just after the new year—and I expect significant interest and activity.
I feel incredibly fortunate to work in a field that is both dynamic and deeply rewarding. The success I experienced in 2025 is entirely thanks to the wonderful clients who entrusted me with their most valuable possession—their home. It’s a responsibility I never take lightly.
As we step into 2026, I look forward to continued success, new opportunities, and helping more people find their place in this extraordinary city.
Wishing you a happy, peaceful, and prosperous New Year.
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