April 2025

April 7, 2025

Market Update

The tariffs rattle the stock market by creating uncertainty, raising costs, and fueling inflation.

Real estate, by contrast, offers stability, income, inflation protection, and diversification, making it a smart alternative investment when stocks are on shaky ground.

As of mid-April 2025, New York City's real estate market is exhibiting a mix of growth and challenges:

Manhattan Market:

The median sale price in Manhattan rose 12% year-over-year to $1.175 million in Q1 2025, with resale condos reaching a record median of $1.595 million .
This price increase is attributed to a shift toward larger, more expensive properties, despite limited inventory and rising mortgage rates .inhabit

Rental Market:

Rental prices in NYC have risen by 6.4% compared to last year, approaching all-time highs.
Limited apartment availability and high mortgage rates are expected to drive rents even higher during the spring and summer seasons.

Overall Outlook:

The city's total property market value is projected to increase by 5.7% in fiscal 2025, reaching $1.6 trillion, with residential properties leading this growth.
Despite rising prices, the market remains competitive, with limited inventory favoring sellers.

If you're considering entering the NYC real estate market, it's essential to stay informed about these trends and consult with local experts (us!) to navigate the current landscape effectively.

Property of The Month

Step into true luxury loft living at Unit #5, 253 W 28th St—a full-floor, 5,500-square-foot masterpiece in the heart of Chelsea’s coveted Fashion District. Designed for those who value scale, character, and flexibility, this rare live/work residence seamlessly blends industrial charm with refined sophistication, offering a one-of-a-kind lifestyle opportunity for discerning buyers.

Accessed via a private elevator landing, the home opens into a dramatic great room with soaring ceilings, exposed brick walls, and sweeping eastern light—perfect for grand-scale entertaining, intimate gatherings, or gallery-style living. The layout currently features four bedrooms, two full bathrooms, and a powder room, with newly installed soundproof flooring throughout the living, dining, and studio areas to ensure quiet comfort.

Reach out to us today for more information on this one-of-a-kind listing. Get the insider scoop before it comes to market!

See Listing

Bring Spring In

This April, breathe new life into your NYC apartment by transforming it into a spring garden paradise—no backyard required. Start with easy-care indoor plants like snake plants, pothos, ZZ plants, and aloe vera, which thrive in apartment conditions and instantly make any space feel more vibrant and calm. For a splash of springtime color and scent, bring in fresh-cut flowers like tulips, daffodils, hyacinths, and peonies. Local florists such as Scotts Flowers NYC, Starbright Floral Design, and Plaza Flowers offer seasonal bouquets, delivery services, and custom arrangements to match your space and style.

If you have a windowsill, balcony, or even a fire escape, try window boxes or vertical planters filled with herbs and weather-hardy flowers like petunias or pansies. Use macramé hangers and decorative pots to layer greenery throughout your home, adding both function and flair. For a finishing touch, scented flowers or herbs like lavender, mint, and rosemary can refresh the air and double as ingredients for homemade sachets or candles.

Don’t hesitate to ask your florist for plant care tips or ideas for small-space gardening—they’re a great resource for city dwellers looking to add a little nature to their homes. Whether you’re filling a corner with leafy greens or building a blooming balcony escape, now’s the perfect time to welcome spring indoors.

Outdoor Activities for April

As the days get longer and the flowers start to bloom, there's no better time to get outside and explore all that the city has to offer. From vibrant festivals to tranquil parks, there’s something for everyone!

1. Sakura Matsuri at Brooklyn Botanic Garden (April 26-27)

Celebrate the breathtaking beauty of cherry blossoms at the Sakura Matsuri (Cherry Blossom Festival) at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden. The festival offers a full weekend of cultural performances, traditional Japanese tea ceremonies, and family-friendly activities. Take a leisurely stroll under the canopy of pink and white blooms, and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere while savoring delicious Japanese food from local vendors.

2. Tribeca Film Festival (April 16-27)

While not exactly an "outdoor" event, the Tribeca Film Festival offers plenty of opportunities to enjoy New York’s vibrant streets and outdoor spaces. With many screenings, talks, and pop-up events happening throughout the city, the festival offers something for film lovers and explorers alike. You can even catch outdoor screenings and free events like “Tribeca Drive-In,” where iconic films are shown in different outdoor spaces around Manhattan, including Pier 57.

3. Smorgasburg Brooklyn (Every Saturday & Sunday)

This outdoor food market, held every weekend in Brooklyn (with locations in Williamsburg and Prospect Park), features some of the best street food vendors from around the city. From mouthwatering ramen burgers to decadent donuts, there's something for every palate. Take a stroll around the market, sample delicious bites, and enjoy the fresh spring air with a view of the Manhattan skyline.

4. The Great GoogaMooga at Prospect Park (April 26-27)

For foodies and festival enthusiasts, the Great GoogaMooga returns to Prospect Park for a weekend of great food, music, and fun. The event features an impressive lineup of food vendors, craft beers, and live performances from indie bands and top DJs. This year's festival promises even more interactive experiences, so be sure to bring your appetite and your dancing shoes.

5. Washington Square Park - Free Outdoor Concerts (Sundays in April)

Washington Square Park, a true New York icon, comes alive with music in April. Every Sunday, local musicians gather to perform free outdoor concerts. Whether it’s jazz, folk, or indie rock, the park is the place to be for a relaxing afternoon of live music. Grab a coffee from one of the nearby cafes, sit on the grass, and enjoy the tunes while people-watching in one of the city's most famous public spaces.

6. Outdoor Yoga at Bryant Park (Weekdays and Saturdays)

Looking for a way to combine wellness with your love for the outdoors? Bryant Park offers free outdoor yoga classes on weekdays and Saturdays. These all-levels classes are led by certified instructors and offer a peaceful environment to unwind amid the hustle and bustle of the city. It’s the perfect way to start your day or to relax after work while soaking in the fresh spring air.

March 2025

March 5, 2025

Market Update

Contracts reported in Manhattan saw a 17% increase, rising from 23 last week to 27 this week. The total dollar volume also went up by 6%, increasing from $87M to $92M. However, the average unit price decreased by 10% to $3.4M from $3.8M last week. Similarly, the average price per square foot fell by 10%, from $2,250 to $2,035.

Our team has observed a dynamic shift in the market! Buyers are enthusiastic and prepared to make offers, while sellers are adjusting to more realistic expectations. Although there hasn't been a significant increase in inventory, properties that are priced correctly are selling. We're also noticing a growing interest in fixer-uppers, with more buyers willing to invest in renovations. We anticipate a vibrant spring market ahead!

Property of The Month

This gut renovated two bedroom two bathroom home combined two apartments to create a seamless modern space in the sky.

Spanning an entire half floor the unit features two private terraces, floor to ceiling windows, and City, River, and Central Park views.

Check out our drone video here!

View Listing

Printemps Brings France to FiDi

Printemps, the legendary French department store chain, is bringing a touch of Parisian glam to New York City with a flashy new store opening on March 21. Nestled in the historic One Wall Street building, this isn’t just another luxury retail experience—it’s a whole vibe. Designed by architect Laura Gonzalez, the space is dripping in Art Nouveau frescoes, pink marble stairs, and a shoe salon in the jaw-droppingly beautiful Red Room (which, by the way, boasts enough deep red and gold mosaic tiles to make even the most casual shopper feel like royalty).

Forget the usual department store chaos—Printemps is flipping the script with no shop-in-shops, no brand counters, and absolutely no boring displays. Instead, they’re curating a luxe experience where they own the products, hire the staff, and decide where everything goes (we're talking ultimate control, like an overachieving museum curator). With French and artisanal brands, a delicious restaurant serving dishes like duck confit, and a shoe salon that’s basically its own runway, Printemps is ready to take New York’s retail scene by storm—because who doesn’t want to shop like they’re in a Belle Époque fever dream?

The best part? It opens March 21st! Be the first to grace the halls of this chic paradise, and be the New Yorker who's always in the know!

Check it Out

I’ve always had a deep love for fashion, (hence my excitement about Pritemps above) and at the same time, I’m passionate about sustainability. When the opportunity to combine the two came my way, it felt like the perfect fit.

Retail with Ronnie lets me rent fresh styles, reduce waste, and constantly evolve my wardrobe without contributing to the cycle of fast fashion. It’s an easy way to try new looks, have fun with fashion, and make a positive impact on the planet.

I love that with Retail with Ronnie, I can experiment with different styles and get something new to wear whenever I feel like it—no commitment, no waste. And if I find something I can’t live without, I can buy it at an exclusive discount. It feels good to know that my fashion choices are making a difference.

It’s more than just about looking good; it’s about feeling good and being part of something bigger. Fashion can be fun and sustainable at the same time, and I wanted to share this with you because I truly believe in it. Fashion should reflect who we are, and with Retail with Ronnie, it can also reflect who we want to be—responsible and stylish!

Check It Out

February 2025

February 27, 2025

Market Update

In January, the NYC housing market experienced a 10.7% annual rise in contracts, even with mortgage rates at 7%. This growth is linked to an increase in new listings at more affordable prices. Successful sellers have been adjusting their pricing strategies to align with current market trends.

The median price of homes entering contracts decreased by 3.7% year-over-year, settling at $890K. This trend is particularly prominent in Manhattan, where the median asking prices for new listings have seen a notable drop. Eight of the ten NYC neighborhoods with the most significant declines in median asking prices are located in Manhattan. In contrast, increased buyer competition in Brooklyn is driving up prices, with median asking prices exceeding $1M in 34 neighborhoods—a record high.

Although mortgage rates are expected to remain high this year, reduced volatility could assist buyers and sellers in better financial planning.

Property of The Month

6H at the Frost House is a chic 1-bedroom, 1-bathroom apartment situated on 3rd Avenue in the vibrant Lenox Hill neighborhood. With its eastern exposure, this residence offers sweeping views of 3rd Avenue, providing a smart and casual urban living experience. Inside, you'll find a well-designed pass-through kitchen equipped with a dishwasher, full-size appliances, a breakfast bar, and granite countertops. The option to install a washer and dryer adds a modern convenience to this city home.

The spacious living/dining area can accommodate a large 8-person table and an entertainment section.The living room features custom built-ins for ample storage and space for a television. The primary bedroom is a peaceful retreat with city-quiet windows and built-in wall storage, allowing you to showcase your personal style while keeping the space clutter-free. Apartment 6H offers abundant closet space throughout. Enjoy the luxury of private outdoor space, a rare find in the heart of the city.

view listing

Fashion Week

February 2025 marked yet another transformative season for New York City’s Fashion Week, where bold creativity and innovation take center stage in the heart of the fashion world. Following the prestigious global fashion weeks in Milan, Paris, Copenhagen, and Berlin, New York Fashion Week showcased the exceptional talent of iconic American designers such as Ralph Lauren, Michael Kors, and Marc Jacobs.

The event continued its rich tradition of celebrating top-tier designers like Brandon Maxwell and Christian Siriano while also introducing fresh faces to the fashion scene. This season, rising stars like Kate Barton, Agbobly, Contessa Mills, Luar, and Leblancstudios made their debut, wowing audiences with their remarkable collections.

Beyond the stunning runway shows, Fashion Week further solidified New York’s position as a global hub for style and star power. Celebrities flocked to the shows and afterparties while the streets buzzed with fierce, six-foot-tall models, channeling Carrie Bradshaw’s iconic “free-range models” vibe. Whether you were front row at a show or watching from home, New York Fashion Week 2025 was truly a spectacle. And the best part? It’s just the beginning—get ready for another round this fall!

Grammy's Recap

The 2025 Grammy Awards aired live on February 3rd, with a star-studded lineup of performances, surprise moments, and, of course, the crowning of this year’s top artists.

But if you didn't catch it, here's a recap of this year's winners:

KENDRICK LAMAR, NOT LIKE US

Record of the Year and Song of the Year

Kendrick Lamar wins five Grammy Awards in 2025, including Song of the Year for his legendary diss track, "Not Like Us". The crowd singing along to his iconic verse will surely be a defining moment in Grammy history.

DOECHII, ALLIGATOR BITES NEVER HEAL

Best Rap Album

Doechii became the third woman to win Best Rap Album, offering up what was arguably the best number of the night (when a woman can rap in a split, you know you’ve found someone special). If you want to see more of her (and who doesn't) check ouut her Tiny Dedk Concert online!

CHAPPEL ROAN

Best New Artist

A true Cinderella story of hardearned success, Chappel Roan’s rise may seem meteoric, but her win was no surprise for her loyal fanbase. With her old-school stage presence, she had the whole crowd dancing at the Pink Pony Club.

BEYONCE, COWBOY CARTER

Album of the Year, Best Country Album, and Best Country Duo Performance

Beyonce won three Grammys, becoming the first black woman to win Best Country Album, and finally claiming the coveted and long-awaited Album of the Year award.

SABRINA CARPENTER, SHORT AND SWEET, EXPRESSO

Best Pop Vocal Album and Best Pop Solo

Winning Grammys for her song, Expresso, and her album, Short and Sweet, Sabrina Carpenter has taken her fun, campy style to the highest level and proved her mettle as the poppiest pop star in the industry.

CHARLI XCX, BRAT

Best Dance/Electronic Album

The definition of cool girl music, BRAT gained so much momentum that it claimed a shade of green and was featured in both political campaigns. Charlie XCX was well deserving of a golden Grammy, and her SWEAT tour with Troye Sivan is a testament to her incredible performance skill.

The concept behind congestion pricing is straightforward: imposing a toll to access the city center reduces the number of cars on the road. This alleviates traffic congestion and decreases greenhouse gas emissions and other harmful pollutants while generating revenue for the public transit system.

In the policy's first week, Manhattan saw a 7.5 percent reduction in traffic. Commute times have significantly decreased on major and typically congested routes, such as the Lincoln Tunnel, the Holland Tunnel, the Williamsburg Bridge, and the Queensboro Bridge. This results in reduced congestion and pollution and time savings for drivers who must travel. Meanwhile, ridership of subways, buses, and commuter rails has increased substantially.

Restaurant Week is here....are you ready?

Restaurant week is 19 days this winter, spanning from January 21 until February 9th. The prix fixe menus will start at $30.00, and restaurants can be found throughout the 5 NYC boroughs. This is the perfect opportunity to find a new favorite restaurant, sample a new cuisine, or dine at one of the City’s top restaurants

Some of the notable restaurants from this year's options:

Harlem

Enoteca Harlem: Spanish food that will have you coming back to this restaurant time and time again. They serve tapas to Paella, even a gringo burger. No one will leave without being stuffed and swearing to come back soon.

Upper East Side

La Voglia: A fantastic new addition to the Upper East Side. This gorgeous restaurant is where Italian classics meet contemporary cooking. You will find the classics and some new dishes that will tempt your taste buds.

Astoria

Rivercrest- American food at its finest with a wide variety that will make everyone happy. From the expected buffalo wings to Maple Fried Brussel Sprouts, Traditional burgers to Beer battered fish tacos…

South Street Seaport

The Tin Building by Jean-Georges has two participating restaurants. T. Brasserie is perfect if you prefer French fare, and House of the Red Pearl is an excellent choice if you are looking for unique Chinese dining. Once you have dined, wander the fabulous Tin Building and buy a freshly made baguette and authentic French Butter to take home to savor later.