Viewing entries tagged
new york real estate

July 2023

As we transition into the second half of 2023, a seasonal summer slowdown is upon us. The definite lull is dramatically different from the robust activity of the post pandemic summers of 2021 and 2022. Today’s sellers are frustrated by fewer showings, silent open houses, and no offers, not even low, embarrassing bids.

May 2023

In New York, we’re back to pre-pandemic levels, having regained the acknowledged 8-12% drop in property pricing from 3 years ago. This year, we’ve managed to avert disasters, but it was a helluva roller coaster ride!

December 2020

December 2020

We’re two weeks away from the start of a new year, and despite an accelerating pandemic and the closing of indoor restaurant dining, here are ten reasons to be optimistic about the New York real estate market of 2021.

March 2020

March 2020

Early spring’s daffodils are here, and we’ve shed our scarves and gloves, but we find ourselves in uncharted waters during an unprecedented season. A new virus is threatening our lives and our livelihoods as it spreads angst, anxiety and confusion. With an incubation period of 2-14 days according to the CDC, and with symptoms appearing about five days after infection, the novel virus unnerves and unsettles us. Human distancing seems to be the most effective tool against the spread of this contagious disease.

January 2020

January 2020

At the threshold of a new decade, we greet 2020 with enthusiasm and optimism. We’ll celebrate Martin Luther King Day on the 20th. Had the Reverend lived, we can only speculate how he would have joined with other clergy to counter the current wave of horrific antisemitic violence. To my Chinese friends who will be hosting two weeks of new year celebrations from January 25th to February 11th, I wish you huge blessings and good fortune in the Year of the Rat. May you smile often.   

December 2019

December 2019

Neither winter’s frost nor shortened daylight hours can dampen end-of-the-year holiday parties, with the first Chanukah candle at sundown on the 21st, Christmas on the 25th and Kwanzaa on the 26th. With flutes of champagne and mugs of hot chocolate, we’ll bid goodbye to the last month of the decade to welcome 2020. Merry New Year one and all!

November 2019

November 2019

Is it already November? Don’t wait for the 13th for World Kindness Day or for the 28th to express gratitude. Do remember to turn your clocks back on the 3rd when Daylight Savings ends, do get out and vote for your local officials on the 5th, and honor military veterans on the 11th. In case you didn’t know, November 24th is Celebrate Your Unique Talent Day, so pull out your harmonica or stand on your head and rejoice in YOU! Happy Thanksgiving!

October 2019

October 2019

Autumn is my favorite time of year when the air is crisp but not yet cold, and the apples and pumpkins are ripe for picking. Our region’s fall colors will soon show bursts of red and golden yellows, so do take a drive north or a stroll through Central Park. It’s the month for Breast Cancer and Lupus Awareness. World Teachers Day is on the 5th and World Smile Day on the 7th. Watch out for friendly goblins on the 31st. 

September 2019

September 2019

Today is National Skyscraper Day, so look up to marvel at the more than 7,000 architectural feats of engineering in our city—structures with 40 floors or more. This month, Labor Day came early, and the Jewish High Holy Days will be late with Rosh Hashanah on the eve of September 29th. Coinciding with the Hebrew month of Elul, it’s an important season for self-reflection. Lord knows we have much to consider and improve upon and build in our lives and in our nation. Autumn, my favorite time of year, begins on the 23rd.

August 2019

August 2019

Those hazy hot and humid days of August are upon us in this third month of summer, the perfect time of year to hang your GONE FISHING sign and when most Europeans take their annual vacations. Celebrate Sisters’ Day on the month’s first Sunday, Lazy Day on the 10th, Middle Childs’ Day on the 12th, and Just Because Day on the 26th.

July 2019

July 2019

And just like that the 2nd half of 2019 begins with summer in full swing. Local zucchini is in abundance and corn and tomato season lie ahead. Throw some shrimp on the barbie and celebrate the 4th with gratitude. As of July 1, NY State’s new progressive mansion tax goes into effect. A one-time payment at closing, the levy begins at 1% for transactions from $1M-$2M and rises incrementally in eight tiers, capping at 3.9% for sales of $25M or more. It could have been worse.

June 2019

June 2019

Take time to smell the roses and the honeysuckle this month. After all, it’s June and the days are longest, so there’s time for gardening, camping and tennis in this first month of summer. Take stock of your achievements as it’s also the end of the 2nd quarter and the midpoint of the year. Happy Father’s Day to all great Dads. Iced tea anyone?

April 2019

April 2019

With the start of the 2nd quarter comes the promise of warmer weather and increased sales activity. This month, we’ll celebrate with family and friends on Easter, Passover and Earth Day. Tax day is approaching quickly, and on the 19th, a Full Moon will be rising.