No Signs of a Summer Slowdown: Why Sellers Should Act Now

 By Louise Phillips Forbes

With 34 years of experience in residential real estate and nearly $6 billion in career sales, I can confidently say: the so-called “summer slump” is nowhere in sight. Buyer demand remains strong, inventory is moving, and motivated sellers are successfully closing deals. The momentum of the spring market has rolled right into summer—and that means opportunity! 

Serious buyers are still actively searching, but soon their attention will shift to summer getaways, sleepaway camps, and second homes. For sellers, my message is clear: If you’re considering listing, don’t wait. Focus on the fundamentals: Preparation, Presentation, and Pricing.

Preparation
With renovation costs continuing to climb, how you present your home can be even more important than how you price it. A well-prepared property portfolio creates emotional impact, cultivates trust, and minimizes buyer objections before they arise.

Presentation
When it comes to presentation, less is more. How we live in a home is very different from how we market it. Sellers should edit down personal items, reduce visual clutter, and rearrange furniture to highlight space, light, and versatility. Buyers need to envision themselves—and their future—the moment they step through the door.

Pricing
The market is no longer looking back. Buyers are evaluating value based on today’s active listings, not sales from months ago. Pricing must reflect what’s happening now. And if interest is slow? As I always advise my clients: “If you haven’t gotten any offers, it’s time to sharpen your pencil and meet the market.”

Representing both sellers and buyers at Brown Harris Stevens, I’ve already closed or put under contract nearly $50 million in prime New York City real estate this year. The opportunities are here, but they won’t last forever.

The summer market is real. The time to act is now.

Xoxo,
Weze

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New Beginnings: Why Manufactured Homes Are Great First Homes

Finding the perfect first home is a remarkable milestone, and manufactured homes offer an underrated yet exceptional opportunity for first-time buyers. With affordability, modern amenities, and a lifestyle that suits diverse needs, manufactured homes present a compelling alternative to traditional site-built homes. If you’re onto new beginnings, here’s a closer look at why manufactured homes are great first homes. 

Cost-Effective Homeownership  

For first-time buyers, affordability often tops the priority list when choosing a home. Manufactured homes stand out with their significantly lower purchase price compared to traditional site-built homes. The average manufactured home provides a cost-effective solution that allows buyers to own property without compromising on quality or comfort.  

Reduced property taxes further add to the financial feasibility of manufactured homes. Since these homes are often classified differently than traditional homes, buyers can save on annual taxes and create a more sustainable living arrangement. 

Additionally, savings on insurance premiums make manufactured homes even more budget friendly. Keep in mind, applying mobile home maintenance tips can also preserve the long-term value of the property, ensuring peace of mind for new homeowners.  

Customizable and Modern Designs  

One of the standout features of modern manufactured homes is their versatility in design. Unlike the older perception of cookie-cutter models, today’s manufactured homes offer a wide range of customization options to suit individual lifestyles and aesthetics. From choosing open-concept layouts to selecting finishes like countertops, flooring, and lighting fixtures, buyers can design a home that feels uniquely theirs.  

Beyond interiors, there’s potential to improve the curb appeal of your manufactured home. Adding fresh landscaping, decorative lighting, or upgrading the exterior personalizes the property even further. These small changes add charm and create a home you can feel proud to show off to friends and family.  

Energy Efficiency and Sustainability  

Modern manufactured homes are built with energy efficiency in mind, making them environmentally friendly and cost-efficient for first-time buyers. Enhanced insulation, energy-efficient windows, and state-of-the-art appliances support a smaller carbon footprint and a significant reduction in utility bills.  

Features, such as ENERGY STAR-certified systems, improve temperature regulation throughout the home and offer consistent comfort while saving money. Sustainable building materials and efficient use of space contribute to an eco-friendly lifestyle, giving manufactured home buyers a chance to make positive environmental choices from the start.  

Community Living and Integrated Amenities  

Purchasing a manufactured home often comes with an added benefit that traditional homebuyers may not consider: the opportunity to be part of a vibrant and welcoming community. Manufactured home communities often feature shared amenities like pools, clubhouses, and fitness centers, which create convenient options for recreation and relaxation.  

Living in such communities builds a sense of connection with fellow homeowners, as many neighborhoods provide social events and activities to foster camaraderie. For first-time buyers, this supportive environment will make the transition into homeownership feel less overwhelming and much more rewarding.  

Manufactured homes offer first-time buyers an ideal mix of affordability, customization, energy efficiency, and a sense of belonging. By investing in a home designed to suit personal needs while staying within budget, buyers will lay the foundation for years of comfort and financial success. Manufactured homes are great first homes that offer a chance to truly thrive in a new beginning.   

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Upper East Side in Bloom: Why Downtown is Still Flocking Uptown

By Lisa Simonsen, Brown Harris Stevens

Even after the first Monday in May, the Upper East Side remains undeniably hot. The renewed buzz isn't just about the allure of new luxury condos like The Surrey and The Giorgio Armani Residences; it's a cultural and residential renaissance that continues to draw significant attention. With a vibrant mix of established and new restaurants, Frida Escobedo’s innovative Met wing design underway, and the newly unveiled, stunningly renovated Frick Collection welcoming visitors, the UES is a thriving hub of activity. Bloomberg’s recent recognition of the Upper East Side as a top travel destination for 2025 is well-deserved.

We're still witnessing a "Great Migration" of downtown dwellers drawn by the UES's dynamic restaurant scene, exclusive private clubs like Casa Tua, unparalleled high-end retail, and, crucially, its top-tier private schools. When clients seek their uptown dream homes, the blend of classic charm and modern vibrancy, access to world-class culture, exceptional quality of life anchored by Central Park, and consistently excellent schools remain key selling points.

Elegant pre-war architecture and white-glove service in many buildings add to the timeless appeal of the UES. The significant influx during and post-Covid was fueled by the need for more spacious residences, immediate proximity to green spaces, and the strong sense of established community offered by these uptown enclaves during uncertain times.

Meanwhile, securing a coveted reservation at some of the newer culinary hotspots requires planning! The retail landscape is ever-evolving and now includes an expanded presence of new boutiques, along with established luxury brands along Madison Avenue like Chanel, Ralph Lauren, Hermes, and Maison Goyard. Boutique stores like Ludivine offer curated collections from luxury and contemporary designers. The Upper East Side is competing with downtown’s “perfume Alley” on Elizabeth Street, with many notable perfumeries opening along Madison Avenue.   Culturally the reopening of the beautifully renovated Frick Collection by Annabelle Selldorf is a major draw.

We continue to observe a gradual shift towards greater pragmatism among coop boards regarding financing and the streamlining of their application processes, likely influenced by sustained market demand. Some buyers prioritize proximity to their children’s schools, and while breathtaking park views are always desirable, practical considerations often take precedence.

The Simonsen Team consistently has access to a curated selection of exceptional uptown properties both on and off the market, with current strong buyer interest focused on fully renovated, move-in ready condominiums offering modern amenities and meticulously restored pre-war coops in prime locations. The market for elegant townhouses also remains highly competitive due to limited availability.

Currently, we are seeing a particularly strong trend towards high-end, meticulously renovated condominiums that offer immediate occupancy and modern conveniences, alongside a steady demand for beautifully maintained pre-war coops in premier buildings. Outdoor space remains a particular draw across all price points.

The Upper East Side undoubtedly has renewed energy and cultural richness right now. The downtown migration continues as buyers recognize the exceptional lifestyle offered by this iconic Manhattan neighborhood. It’s an opportune time to experience the enduring and evolving appeal of the neighborhood.

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