A Quiet February Shift

It may not be spring just yet, but NYC real estate is already finding its rhythm. February is short on days but often long on momentum. As winter lingers, serious buyers step back in and thoughtful sellers begin positioning for the season ahead. So, hold on tight!

Compass News

Compass Acquires Top Rival, Creating World's Largest Brokerage

"We are pleased with the strong support from our and Anywhere's stockholders in approving this transaction," said Compass founder and CEO Robert Reffkin. "This outcome reflects confidence in our shared vision to empower real estate professionals with everything they need to grow their business and better serve their clients."

He added: "Our collective vision is to become the best in the world at empowering real estate professionals with everything they need to realize their entrepreneurial potential.

 Please click HERE to read Robert Reffkin's entire letter to our community, where he shares his vision for the future we are building.  

Real Estate News

2026 Housing Market Outlook

Our Housing Market Outlook is here to help you navigate a market that isn’t always easy to interpret. By examining the latest data, economic conditions, and emerging trends, we share our predictions for the year ahead to help you make more confident housing decisions.

Download the Full Report

“The market is shifting toward a new era where incomes rise faster than home prices and the deep freeze of the last few years begins to thaw. After years of delay, anyone looking to make a move should finally see greater opportunities to take the leap.”

— Mike Simonsen, Compass Chief Economist

Day 1: February 13, 1989

Besides the landline, fax machines were the main means with which to communicate. Email came on the scene in the mid-90s as Internet Mail, later renamed Outlook. Mobile devices were not yet in wide use. My first cell phone in 1990/1991, was a Motorola Microtac, I believe the first flip phone. A majority of the properties were offered on an open-listing basis, with limited details printed on index cards.

Bill is Approved Ending Co-op Application Purgatory

The NYC Council approved a groundbreaking bill to end endless waiting periods on co-op applications. Co-op Boards will now have 15 days to confirm receipt of an application and 45 days to make a decision. This means much more certainty, less stress, and fewer stalled deals.

Read Habitat.

Tishman Speyer Closes in on Chrysler Building Deal

Tishman Speyer is in advanced talks to acquire the city’s iconic Chrysler Building for a second time. The deal still hinges on how much rent Tishman Speyer would pay to Cooper Union, the nonprofit owner of the ground underneath the jewel of the New York skyline. Crain's.

Did You Know?

The lower floors of very tall buildings can creak and make noise in high winds, though the most significant movement and noise often occur on higher floors. The noise is caused by structural movement, known as vortex shedding, where wind causes the building to sway and components like steel framing or internal, rigid materials rub together or flex.

Local News & Happenings

2025 NY Black Trailblazers

Game-changers in politics, policy and other professions in NY.

City & State is introducing the inaugural Black Trailblazers list, recognizing scores of outstanding individuals in such fields as business, real estate, labor, social services and advocacy. It features some familiar faces as well as some new names that have never appeared on other City & State lists. Check out the first Black Trailblazers list @ City & State New York.

Manhattan Municipal Building to Open Rooftop for Free Tours

Mayor Zohran Mamdani announced that the David N. Dinkins Municipal Building, the grand Beaux-Arts government building at 1 Centre Street, will offer free guided tours of its 36th-floor cupola starting in June. The mayor also announced a $6 million renovation of the building to prepare for its new public observation deck. Learn more at 6sqft.

Gaming Commission Approves All 3 NYC Casino Bids

The NYS Gaming Commission has officially approved the 3 full-scale licenses for the downstate region. While Manhattan bids were stalled, the "spillover" effect on residential desirability in neighboring pockets will be significant:

• Metropolitan Park (Queens): The $8B Hard Rock transformation of the Citi Field lots into a year-round entertainment district is now a reality. 

• Resorts World (Queens): Their $5B expansion is fast-tracked to launch full operations by early 2026. 

• Bally’s (Bronx): Transforming the former Trump Links into a massive hospitality hub. 

Exhibition Featuring Amazing MetroCard-Inspired Artwork

...is coming to Grand Central Transit Museum next month. The MTA may no longer be selling MetroCards, but the iconic plastic rectangles will be on full display at an exhibit coming to the New York Transit Museum next month.

The free exhibition, “Inspired by MetroCard,” will dive into how the MetroCard became both an inspiration and a canvas for artists, designers, and cultural institutions over its 32-year lifespan, according to the museum. Read amNY.

Trucks of Art

The Department of Sanitation, along with the Sanitation Foundation, is seeking artists to transform our 46,000-pound collection vehicles into roving works of art in Trucks of Art! Follow NYC Department of Sanitation for details about the unveiling event this spring.

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Aging

How Well is Your Body Aging?

As you age, your neuromuscular system’s function normally declines, but how quickly it declines can make the difference between traveling, playing pickleball or simply living independently into your later years and needing lots of support. Try these simple tests to find out how well your body is aging.

How to Make Your Final Decade of Life

as Enjoyable as Possible

When longevity physicians appeared on 60 Minutes, they focused on a measurable, performance-based view of aging that looks at how well the body functions rather than how old someone is. The core message emphasizes that the final decade of life is shaped long before it arrives. NAD.com article.

The New Old Age

For many of America’s aging workers, retirement is a distant dream and the 3-stage life is over. The quickest way to restructure it is to stretch out education. Learning, the new thinking goes, should take place continuously throughout life, not just during childhood and young adulthood. Doing so requires more than welcoming an 80 or 90 YO to audit a college course. To truly redesign education, seniors must become an integral part of a university’s social and academic ecosystem. TIME.

Science and Nature

'Frozen' Iguanas Fall From Trees in South Florida

Iguanas are cold-blooded reptiles adapted to tropical climates, which South Florida usually provides.

But once temperatures drop into the 30s & 40s, the iguanas are stunned and freeze up. When temperatures warm, the iguanas begin to thaw. But until they do, they are vulnerable and can become prey for other animals. USA TODAY.

Featured Listings

upper east side

East 70's (Coming Soon)

2 BD 2 BA $1,250,000

Jeffrey Bua

RMJ Home Team at Compass

Lic. Assoc. R.E. Broker

M: 917.991.1792

jeff.bua@compass.com