HOW MUCH SCREEN TIME IS TOO MUCH?

During a group text with my in-laws, the topic of “screen time” came up, and everyone started checking and texting their respective daily iPhone screen time. Of course, this prompted me to do so myself—although I was quite hesitant, given how much time a busy real estate broker is glued to their phone. (Incidentally, you can easily check yours as well by going to Settings → Screen Time, but fair warning—it will add screen time to your daily accrual!) I discovered I’m clocking in at about 5 to 5½ hours a day. I was quite astonished that I didn’t exceed everyone on the group text, simply because a real estate broker’s phone is like an additional limb. However, it still felt like a lot… until I saw the national average.

In the U.S., adults now average 7 hours and 3 minutes of screen time every single day—just on phones. That’s nearly half of our waking hours spent looking at a tiny screen. And here’s the kicker: our screen time has increased more than 60% since 2020. But we are certainly not alone, and not even the worst offenders (contrary to our reputation as the uber-consumers).

Globally, the average is 6 hours and 40 minutes a day. But some countries leave us in the dust: South Africa tops the charts at 9 hours and 37 minutes a day—almost 60% of waking hours. This didn’t surprise me, since I am married to a South African and the origin of this newsletter started with a group text with his family! Brazil and the Philippines both average over 9 hours a day. I’ve never visited either place, so I can’t opine. Japan spends just over 4½ hours—less than half the time of South Africa. I have visited Japan and assume the balance of their time is spent consuming the ridiculously delicious food!

There is a generational divide with screen time as well. It probably won’t shock you that Gen Z leads the pack, averaging 9 hours of daily screen time. Millennials aren’t far behind. Boomers, meanwhile, average less—but still spend a substantial part of the day glued to their phones. If you’re wondering where you fit, just check it out—you might be surprised, especially since (as a reminder) screen time includes work and personal emails, text messages, video calls, news updates, a bazillion apps, and online shopping—not to mention social media. I think people forget just how much we rely on and engage with our phones all day.

One would think with all this screen time that replies to texts, emails, or messages would be lightning fast. But that’s not the reality. I was surprised to discover that the average email response time is about 12 hours—which is interesting, since in business, 89% of customers want a reply within an hour! That’s a huge disconnect between the amount of time we’re on our devices and how quickly we respond. Text responses come much faster on average, but the expectation of a response is also much faster—90 seconds, in fact!

This is exactly why my team has a simple, non-negotiable policy: respond to listing inquiries in 90 seconds or less—no matter where they come from. Our website, another site where we advertise, email, text, real estate portal, Instagram DM—it doesn’t matter. Someone on my team (and we have enough hands on deck to do so) will get back to you within a minute and a half.

We adopted this because we know speed builds trust, opens doors, and closes deals. We also know that if someone is shopping for real estate and they see something that captures their fancy, we don’t want a massive flash sale at Hermès (fictional example, of course) to distract them! And with everyone’s phones practically glued to their hands, there’s no excuse for letting hours slip by without replying—especially when it comes to something as time-sensitive and high-stakes as New York real estate.

The next time you think of a question about the market, see a property online you want to view, or need advice on your own real estate plans—reach out. You’ll get a response. Fast. Because around here, ASAP means right now.

I challenge you to put your phone down this weekend (even for a moment) and enjoy the lovely weather!

Best, Michael

Question of the Day

Are you in the habit of charging your phone while you're traveling at the airport?

Local News

The iconic Flatiron Building will light up for the first time in 123 years

After more than a century in the shadows, NYC’s most famous triangle is finally getting its glow-up

For more than a century, the Flatiron Building has been one of New York’s most photographed landmarks, without ever putting on a proper nighttime show. That’s about to change.

When the 307-foot Beaux-Arts beauty unveils its restored exterior later this year, it will debut something it’s never had in its 123-year history: exterior lighting. Thanks to a newly approved plan by design studio L’Observatoire International, the wedge-shaped wonder at Fifth Avenue, Broadway and 23rd Street will finally shine like its fellow skyline icons.

The Landmarks Preservation Commission has signed off on a scheme that will bathe the upper five floors in LED glow while also spotlighting the ornate limestone, brick and terra cotta detailing on the lower façade. Developer Daniel Brodsky calls it “an honor” to give the Flatiron its first-ever lighting plan—one that will see it join the illuminated ranks of the New York Life, Metropolitan Life and Con Ed towers.

🌟 NYC’s Flatiron is about to glow up like never before! Ready for the big reveal?

⚡ See the stunning details below — click to shine a light!

More Info: CLICK HERE

This Mind-Bending Skyscraper Would Loop

Over Manhattan Like A Roller Coaster — And

Become The World’s Longest

Step aside Big Ben, this architect has plans for "The Big Bend" in NYC, set to break records as the longest building in the world.

NYC has seen its fair share of wacky proposals for its iconic skyline, from a skyscraper that would hang inverted from an asteroid to a 3,300-foot battery building. However, one in particular, titled The Big Bend, quite literally bends the rules of NYC architecture.

The city has strict zoning laws regulating a building’s height and floor area ratio (FAR). Not to mention, the higher you build, the more you have to pay. Yet, the Big Bend, recognized for its unique U-shaped design, would circumvent the extra costs all the while occupying more space in the sky.

🏙️ Ready to see NYC’s mind-bending skyscraper that loops like a roller coaster?

Click below for the full futuristic scoop!

More Info: CLICK HERE

This New NYC Movie Theater Lets You Book

A Private Room With Dinner Inspired

By The Film

NYC’s movie night scene is getting a major upgrade–Metro Cinema is opening this summer, and it’s bringing private rooms, themed dinners, and your favorite blockbusters all under one roof.

Forget noisy moviegoers, obstructed views, and fighting for the best seat at the movie theater–NYC’s new Metro Cinema is letting you book the entire room for your own private movie night! Launching in Chelsea later this summer, this all-new theater concept is flipping the script on the traditional moviegoer experience.

Created by Tim League, the founder and former CEO of Alamo Drafthouse, Metro Cinema ditches the single-seat model. Instead, you and your friends (up to 20 people) get your very own cinema suite–just make sure everyone agrees on whether talking during the movie is allowed!

🎬 Ready to upgrade your movie night with private rooms and themed dinners?

🍿 Tap below to discover the full experience!

More Info: CLICK HERE

Michael J. Franco

Lic. Assoc. R.E. Broker

M: 917.817.4122

mfranco@compass.com