Dear All!

The secret of happiness is freedom, the secret of freedom is courage.

Carrie Jones

Independence - a word deeply cherished and heavy with meaning. We all are striving to be independent, make our own life decisions, choose our responsibilities and be true to them. Being free from being controlled or manipulated, or forced to be or do something we'd rather not be or do. Independence in the sense of taking ourselves and our needs seriously and tend to ourselves, tenderly, and with compassion, as we are caring for others. We strive to be independent from validation from others, our success, status or money, we want to feel worthy as human beings and live according to our values with authenticity, inspiration and joy.

Independence is not something that is a given or happens automatically or is simply declared. Independence is a quality to be fought for, and earned, and it must be renewed every day. And Independence doesn't mean we don't care about others, just ourselves. It means, I'm here, free to connect with you.

We are on a journey, together.

There would be nothing to frighten you if you refused to be afraid.

Mahatma Gandhi

Happy Independence Day

Happy 4th of July!

Warmly,

sue

Real Estate in the News

The FARE ACT is now in effect

What Renters and Future Renters need to know

The Fairness in Apartment Rental Expenses, FARE ACT, is a NEW LAW that took effect on June 11, 2025. It aims to shift the burden of broker fees in NYC from tenants to landlords or property managers.

In the past, tenants paid commission fees to both the listing (or landlord’s) agent, additionally to paying their own agent representing their interests (if they choose to work with one). This put a substantial financial strain on a tenant who had to come up with the first month’s rent, the security deposit, application fees and agent fees on the day the lease starts.

Going forward, the landlord or property management has to compensate their listing agent, and the tenant only compensates the agent who represents them. The landlord can also offer to pay the tenant’s agent’s compensation. New disclosure forms will be a consequence, as all fees that tenants must pay must be disclosed in listings and rental agreements.

If you’re a tenant and you are working with an agent who finds you a place, guides you through the process and advocates for your interests, you will be asked to enter an non-exclusive or an exclusive representation agreement with that agent defining the terms and conditions of the collaboration, and sign a number of disclosure and fee forms. This is for your protection!

The FARE act is designed to lead to more transparency and will lift part of the burden tenants are facing in a high rent - low inventory environment.

Landlords, who now have to compensate their representation, might try to reclaim the additional costs by raising rents. In fact, one media outlet reported an increase of 15% of the average rent in the two week since the FARE ACT has been in effect.

On June 30, the NYC Rent Guidelines Board voted to approve increases for rent stabilized apartments:

• For a one-year lease commencing on or after October 1, 2025 and on or before September 30, 2026: 3%

• For a two-year lease commencing on or after October 1, 2025 and on or before September 30, 2026: 4.5%

  
  

If you have any questions or need guidance regarding this new law - don't hesitate to call me!

The Federal Reserve kept its key borrowing rate targeted in a range between 4.25%-4.5%, where it has been since December, expecting inflation to remain elevated and sees lower economic growth ahead. The Federal Open Market Committee expects to make two rate reductions later this year, according to the closely watched “dot plot.” In Switzerland rates dipped to .....zero!  A strong Swiss Franc has helped drive inflation all the way down. A fixed rate mortgage (5-15 years) costs between 1-2.5% with 20% down! The median sale price for a home in Switzerland is around $1.68 million, just less than Singapore and Monaco (double!). (CNBC)

The 2025 Livability Index, ranking the world’s most livable cities, scores 173 cities on 30 indicators divided into 5 categories, with each one being given a weighted percentage:

Stability (25%)

Healthcare (20%)

Culture and environment (25%)

Education (10%)

Infrastructure (20%)....

the TOP 10 were:

Copenhagen, Denmark, Vienna Austria and Zurich Switzerland

(photo above) - tie, Melbourne, Australia, Geneva Switzerland, Sydney, Australia, Osaka, Japan and Auckland, New Zealand (tie), Adelaide, Australia and Vancouver, Canada. (The Economist)

What Buyers Need To Know About Homeowners Association Fees

When buying a home, you’re probably thinking about mortgage rates, home prices, your down payment, and maybe even your closing costs. But you may not be thinking about homeowners association (HOA) fees. While you won’t necessarily have these, you should know it’s a possibility, depending on where you decide to live.

Courtesy of Keeping Current Matters

NYC Weekly Luxury Reports 6/29/2025

Click into the image to open and read the report:

NYC July Events

JULY 4TH, 2025

Macy's 4th of July Fireworks

Celebrate Independence Day with the nation’s largest fireworks display! The iconic Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks return to light up the NYC skyline with a dazzling show launched from barges along the East River. Enjoy synchronized pyrotechnics, a patriotic soundtrack, and prime views from Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Queens waterfronts.

Click HERE for more information!

JULY 6

Natural Hair Fest

On Sunday, July 6, in celebration of natural hair and natural beauty, the AFROINTL proudly presents the Natural Hair Fest New York at the Sheraton Broooklyn Hotel located 228 Duffield Street on the Lower Level in the MetroTech Ballroom in Downtown, Brooklyn,

between the hours of 10am and 6pm (Daytime Event)

and 6pm-12am (Evening Event)

JULY 6, 6 and 7:30PM

Jim Ridl Quartet

Jim Ridl, a New York City-based jazz pianist, composer and teacher, performs and records worldwide with a variety of jazz artists; and is best enjoyed LIVE, while you will also love his recordings.

w/ Tim Armacost, Joe Fitzgerald and Tim Horner.

The Django, Roxy Hotel

2 Ave. of the Americas

Reservations HERE

CLOSES JULY 13

BOOP!

Starring the immensly talented new Broadway star Jasmine Amy Rogers, BOOP! is a exuberant, charming and lovely Broadway show full of colors, wit, fun and a sprinkle of depth here and there, by Bob Martin, David Foster and Susan Birkenhead, directed and choreographed by the accomplished Jerry Mitchell. A splendid example of how Broadway craft, well executed, can dazzle and entertain and make you sing from joy! Don't miss it! Tickets HERE

JULY 13TH, 2025

FIAF Bastille Day Celebration

Celebrate French culture at NYC’s largest Bastille Day fête! Hosted by L’Alliance New York, this lively street fair features live music, can-can dancers, champagne tastings, French eats, artisan booths, and family-friendly fun across four festive blocks. Join thousands of revelers for a day of joie de vivre on the Upper East Side!

Click HERE for more information!

JULY 11TH - 27th, 2025

24th New York Asian Film Festival

The 24th New York Asian Film Festival runs July 11–27, 2025, across four NYC venues, showcasing over 100 bold, genre-defying films from across Asia. With more than 75 premieres and 17 directorial debuts, this year’s theme, “Cinema as Disruption,” highlights films that challenge and reimagine storytelling.

Click HERE for more information!

JULY 24-AUGUST 27

The Lady From The Sea

Hudson Classical Theater Company wraps up its season with Ibsen's drama about a lighthouse keeper's daughter torn between her landlocked marriage and the sailor she once loved. The Hudson River provides the perfect backdrop for this classic!

The Soldiers' and Sailors' Monument, 89th Street and Riverside Drive

FREE Admission

Lifestyle Tips and Tricks

25 Plants for Instant Curb Appeal

in Front of Your House

The best plants for the front of your house, including flower bed ideas and shrubs.

Courtesy of HGTV

New Homes Are Getting Smaller—Here’s How to Optimize a Tight Space

Choosing the right colors and design elements can make cramped homes feel more open.

Courtesy of Better Homes & Gardens

What to Know Before Buying a Home On the Water

Water views are spectacular, but they can be costly and risky.

Courtesy of Real Estate US News

17 Flowers You Can Grow Almost Anywhere for an Easy, Thriving Garden

These flowers practically grow themselves.

Courtesy of Martha Stewart

Featured Listings of the R-Team

Hudson Heights

250 Cabrini Boulevard, Unit 5C

2 BD 1 BA $560,000

Washington Heights

790 Riverside Drive,

Unit 5F

1 BD 1 BA $525,000

Hudson Heights

100 Overlook Terrace, Unit 85

1 BD 1 BA $365,000

Washington Heights

720 West 173rd Street, Unit 59

1 BD 1 BA $300,000

East Durham, NY 12423

96 Enchanted Valley Rd.

2 BD 1 BA 916 SF $325,000

Thanks for reading and subscribing!

Ready to achieve your next real estate goal?

Sue Mathys

Licensed as

Susanne Mathys-Huerzeler

Lic. R.E. Salesperson

The R-Team

M: 917.667.9407

sue.mathys@compass.com