New York Real Estate Made…Less Hard.

If you are a New Yorker, in geography or mindset, you likely work like a dog.

So do I. Happily.

In my case, I sell residential real estate in New York City. Every week is different.

The market is intense and not easily discernible. There are significant differences based on price points, neighborhoods, construction and transportation changes. Properties gain or lose value (tens of thousands of dollars) in a matter of blocks.

In the last few months, I have been in 5–6 bidding wars. I just won a really intense one last month.

Here’s what I’ve learned:

• When offers are hot, time is a seller’s friend and a buyer’s enemy. When offers are cold — the opposite is true.
• The smartest sellers are pricing 2–5% under market. The smartest buyers are prepared to go 5–10% over ask.
• Buyers (under $3m) looking for bargains should head immediately to JFK, LGA or Newark.
• Sellers looking to beat the market because of their renovations, should think again.
• It’s not real until it is signed.
• Cash is king.
• You can’t control other people, but you can control yourself.
• A good agent is equal parts data analyst, psychologist, sleuth, negotiator, horse-whisperer and cheerleader.

In a city where people hire professionals to walk their dogs, or make their cocktails, hiring a realtor is a rite of passage. And hiring the right realtor is the difference between a crash-pad and a castle.

I like castles.