Wall Street confidence doesn’t always equal Main Street affordability. It was a privilege to contribute insights to Brian O’Connell’s article for @NTDNews on the latest data around rising household costs nationwide. The findings highlight a critical reality: while markets project stability, everyday families continue to feel pressure from elevated mortgage rates and historically high home Continue Reading
Manhattan Weekly Market Snapshot – Week of August 11th This week’s numbers reveal a Manhattan market that is both selective and active. Co-ops saw steady traction, with the Upper East Side recording 23 contracts at a median of $949K. Midtown remains competitive with 28 contracts signed at a median of $707K, showing that well-priced opportunities still attract attention. Condos continue Continue Reading
Understanding Hidden Monthly Homeownership Costs in NYC When buying in New York City, understanding the hidden monthly homeownership costs in NYC is crucial to avoid surprises. In New York City, the picture is much more complex. Beyond the mortgage and property taxes, homeowners must budget for 24-hour doormen, building reserves, utility surcharges, insurance gaps, and potentially expensive Continue Reading
Manhattan Luxury Real Estate Week of August 4th The Manhattan luxury real estate week of August 4th shows strong condo activity, selective townhouse sales, and evolving buyer strategies. The market is telling two different stories: fast-moving activity in the $1M–$3M range and cautious confidence at the ultra-luxury tier. Key Numbers from the Week Downtown condos led Continue Reading
In the News: I Was Quoted in ConsumerAffairs on Closing Costs I was recently featured in a ConsumerAffairs article titled “Closing Costs: Average Cost and How to Calculate,” where I shared insights on what homebuyers should expect when it comes to closing costs — and how to prepare for them. In the article, I explain how closing costs typically range from 2% to 5% of a home’s Continue Reading
Unlocking Mortgage Recording Tax Savings in NYC: The Power of Loan Assignments In the high-stakes New York real estate market, buyers face many expenses that can significantly add to closing costs. One of the largest is the mortgage recording tax, but there’s a way to save—by taking advantage of a loan assignment process through a Consolidation, Extension, and Continue Reading
When it comes to selling a home, many sellers instinctively believe that pricing it above market value gives them room to negotiate. It feels logical—start high, and settle somewhere in the middle. But in today’s fast-moving real estate market, this strategy can backfire dramatically. The Counterintuitive Truth: Lower Pricing Can Lead to Higher Returns Strategically pricing Continue Reading
| Real Estate Tips by Karen Kostiw Are you preparing for your final walk-through before closing on a condo, co-op, or apartment in New York City? The walk-through is one of the most critical steps in the NYC homebuying process—and it's often the last chance to ensure the property is in the agreed-upon condition. As a trusted NYC real estate agent, Karen Kostiw offers this Continue Reading
By Karen Kostiw, Coldwell Banker Global Luxury – New York City As a former Wall Street mortgage analyst turned luxury real estate broker, I understand that your time is valuable and every detail matters. In New York City’s high-end market, your most substantial advantage isn’t negotiating down the price—it’s structuring the transaction with precision. For busy Continue Reading
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