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How excited I am that days are getting longer! While I'm craving the warmth of the sun I am grateful that the heat in my building has been working, so far. And my social life is more alive than ever and that truly makes me happy! Two things we celebrate in February: The people we love, and Black History Month. I have pledged long ago to always show and speak, and share my affection with the people I care about; and during this dark time of year it's even more vital to connect with the people we care about with kindness, understanding and tenderness. "Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better." (Maya Angelou) A more detailed analysis of Census Bureau data shows the exact opposite of a common rhetoric: homeownership in America is actually rising. Since 2015, when the post-Great Financial Crisis recovery started, the number of home-owning households has grown by 10 million, driven in part by a sharp rise in ownership among middle-income households headed by people under the age of 45. Economists predicted a recession. So far they've been wrong. Instead, The US economy grew at a robust pace of 3.3% (almost the exact rate of inflation) in the 4th quarter of 2023, well above expectations. While most anticipated, warned and broadcast the 'almost certainty' of a recession in 2023, GDP growth for the entire year was 3.1%. In 29 of the past 62 years GDP growth has been above 3%. However, in the past two decades, the US has experienced growth above 3% in only 4 of those years: 2004, 2005, 2021 and 2023. (CNBC) A Harvard report says 22.4 million US households now spend more than 30% of their income on rent. 12.1 million spend more than 50%! (NY TIMES) It's wise to evaluate very carefully, if continuing to rent is the best path forward, or if building equity and owning property isn't a more desirable and more advantageous option. If you'd like to explore your options, reach out to me to chat. Yes, mortgage interest rates seem high - but in the historical context they are still lower than the average - which they have been since the nineties, following two decades with much higher rates. Take a look at the chart, below. Humans have so much in common - if we learn how to embrace our alikeness and our differences - there is room for learning and growth in every diversity. |
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For the Q4, 2023 ManhattanMarket Report, For the Q 4, 2023 Townhouse Market Report, click HERE For the Q 4, 2024 Brooklyn Market Report, click HERE |
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| Mortgage Rates Have Dropped Quickly: How Low Will They Go In 2024? |
| Homebuyers received an unexpected gift around the holidays as mortgage rates dropped rapidly late last year...the question on the minds of many aspiring homebuyers is just how low mortgage rates will drop this year. |
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Interest rates in the historical context: |
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| The theme for Black History Month 2024 focuses on “African Americans and the Arts”. "Artists are the gatekeepers of truth. We are civilization’s radical voice" (Paul Robeson, Concert artist, actor, athlete and activist) The magnificence and variety of Black culture and art - in music, theatre, literature and dance is captured in these two wonderful documentaries: |
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FEBRUARY 2 AND FEBRUARY 29 |
| At Pangea in the East Village there are two acts this month I can highly recommend: February 2nd in the Front Lounge at 8:30 PM: on February 29, in the Cabaret Room at 7 PM with her show |
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| | Take a family trip to the all-ages and one of a kind colorful experiences, 'Colors in Bloom', the latest exhibition at SoHo's Color Factory. Click HERE to learn more! |
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| Beyond Beauty: Architecture That Makes a Difference in New York |
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| | Dinner and music or just Jazz? Peter Brainin (sax) and his band, Cecilia Coleman (p), Boris Kozlov (b), Steve Johns (dr) are featured at Room623. Showtimes: 9 PM and 11PM. |
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| | The 2023 winner of Best Documentary Film at the Swiss Film Award, Stuntwomen, will be screened at the Winter Film Awards International Film Festival in New York. The filmis aimed to raise awareness on how cinema and television distribute roles and violence on screen.Tickets HERE |
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| | Head to Chinatown to celebrate the year of the dragon! In the heart of Chinatown on Bayard Street between Mott and Mulberry, you will find dancing, festival booths, martial art performers, stunning outfits, firecrackers and more! This is an NYC tradition not to be missed! Click HERE to learn more! |
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| Lifestyle Tips and Tricks |
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| Real Estate and Design Trends to Watch in 2024 |
| Staying abreast of what’s new and innovative in design and real estate is important, not to be trendy but to learn about innovative materials, systems and products to live more sustainably and benefit the planet... |
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20 Most Affordable Places to Live in the US |
| With the cost of living on the rise, many Americans are on the hunt for the cheapest places to live in the U.S. that still offer a high quality of life... |
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| 16 Steps to Boost Your Home's Value |
| Hint hint: Updated kitchens, stone veneer exteriors, and converted attic bedrooms are money well spent... |
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| Foolproof Paint Colors that will Sell your Home |
| Selling a home with an electric, lime-green living room is going to be more difficult than you originally anticipated... |
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| | 800 Riverside Drive, Unit 8H |
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| | 447 Fort Washington Avenue, Unit 44 |
| 3 BD 2 BA 1120 SF $839,000 |
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| | | | 324 East 41st Street, Unit 1101C |
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| | 2621 Palisade Avenue, Unit 16A |
| 2 BD 2 BA 1193 SF $750,000 |
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| | | | 250 Cabrini Boulevard, Unit 9J |
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| | 5 East 131st Street, Unit 3A |
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| | | | 17472 Old Harmony Dr. Unit 102, |
| 3 BD 2 BA 1,752 SF $ 375,000 |
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Thanks for reading and subscribing! Ready to achieve your next real estate goal? |
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Office: 212-913-9058 Compass is a licensed real estate broker. All material is intended for informational purposes only and is compiled from sources deemed reliable but is subject to errors, omissions, changes in price, condition, sale, or withdrawal without notice. No statement is made as to the accuracy of any description or measurements (including square footage). This is not intended to solicit property already listed. No financial or legal advice provided. Equal Housing Opportunity. All Coming Soon listings in NYC are simultaneously syndicated to the REBNY RLS. Photos may be virtually staged or digitally enhanced and may not reflect actual property conditions. |
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