Sue's News and Views

October 2025

Dear All,

Just like most had never heard that the company called ANYWHERE owned Sothebys, Coldwell Banker, Better Homes and Gardens, Century 21 and Corcoran till last week, when Compass and Anywhere Real Estate Inc. jointly announced the signing of a definitive merger agreement to combine in an all-stock transaction, too many people have only recently learned the impact of compounding inflation.

Right now inflation is hovering under 3%. That is lower than the 9% peak in June, 2022 but still 50% higher than 'target'.....and it has remained in this area since the start of 2025.

To place inflation into real-life terms, know the following:  If inflation averages 2.5% for the next decade, this is how it will impact prices:

* A dozen eggs that cost $5 today could cost about $6.40 in 10 years.

* A sofa that costs $2,500 today could cost about $3,200 in 10 years.

* A washing machine of $1,000 today could cost $1,280 in 10 years.

* A monthly rent that costs $3,000/month today could cost $3,840/month in 10 years.

However......a fixed monthly mortgage payment of $2,500/month (on $417,000 borrowed at 6% fixed for 30-years) today will cost......$2,500/month in 10 years. The same! That's a certainty! And....

* By year 10, that mortgage payment's portion that is paying down principal will have grown from roughly $415 to $797 per month. 

* By the end of year 10 you'll have paid $67,000 toward equity. 

* And if home values increase by 2.5% annually too, you will have built a total of $213,000 in equity. (The initial home price was a little over $521,000 with 20% down.)

Maybe the story should be: Buy vs. Rent vs. Inflation.....?

Happy House Hunting or Selling! and Happy Halloween!

Warmly,

sue

Real Estate in the News

Compass Announces Combination with Anywhere Real Estate in All-Stock Transaction:

NEW YORK and MADISON, N.J., Sept. 22, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Compass, Inc. (NYSE: COMP) ("Compass") and Anywhere Real Estate Inc. (NYSE: HOUS) ("Anywhere") jointly announce the signing of a definitive merger agreement to combine in an all-stock transaction.

The combined company is expected to have an enterprise value of approximately $10 billion, including the assumption of debt.

*

This merger pairs Compass' years of investment in technology, innovative marketing offerings, and real estate professionals with Anywhere's leading brands, broader and complementary businesses, and global reach. The combination of these companies will create a premier real estate platform, enabling agents and franchisees to best serve home sellers and home buyers.

*

The transaction has been unanimously approved by the Boards of Directors of both Compass and Anywhere. It is expected to close in the second half of 2026, subject to approval by both Compass and Anywhere shareholders, and satisfaction of customary closing conditions, including receipt of regulatory approvals.

Upon closing of the transaction, Compass CEO & Founder

Robert Reffkin will lead the combined company.

NYC Weekly Luxury Reports

click into the image to open the respective report

From Frenzy to Breathing Room: Buyers Finally Have Time Again

If you tried to buy a home a few years ago, you probably still remember the frenzy...

Courtesy of Keeping Current Matters

NYC October Events

OCTOBER 3, 6-7pm

An Evening With Dapper Dan: Style, Legacy and what comes next

Join fashion pioneer Dapper Dan and guest curator Monica L. Miller for a conversation on the designer’s enduring impact on fashion and culture. Hear from Dapper Dan—whose rare ensemble from 1987 features in Superfine— about his legacy, his personal reflections on dandyism and style, and the ideas that continue to inspire his work today

Click HERE to learn more.

The MET Fifth Ave., Grace Rainey Rogers Auditorium

THROUGH OCTOBER 13

The 63rd New York Film Festival

Film at Lincoln Center, a nonprofit organization founded in 1969 that celebrates cinema as an essential art form and fosters a vibrant home for film culture to thrive, presents premier film festivals, retrospectives, new releases, and restorations year-round in state-of-the-art theaters at New York’s Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts.

For schedules, line-up, tickets and to learn more, click HERE.

OCTOBER 10 AND 11

Progressive Chamber Music Festival 2025

Sirius Qartet and Greenwich House Music School presents two nights of eclectic music from some o NYCs most creative artists. From contemporary classical to modern jazz and all things in between - featuring Sirius Quartet, B3+,Zarabanda Quartet, Tim Berne + David Torn, Theo Bleckmann "12 easy songs".

click HERE to learn more and for tickets

THOUGH OCTOBER 11

The Porch On Windy Hill

A new play with old music

Conceived and Directed by Sherry Stregack Lutken, starring Tora Nogami Alexander, David M. Lutken and Morgan Morse.

Urban Stages, 259 W 30th St.

Click HERE to learn more

OCTOBER 17, 7:30PM

Siudy Garrido

BAILAORA

BAILAORA is Siudy Garrido’s groundbreaking flamenco and dance production, making its highly anticipated debut at Lincoln Center. Nominated for a Latin Grammy®, this powerful work is more than a performance—it is an exciting, deeply personal narrative of perseverance and triumph, brought to life through rhythm, music, and movement.

Wu Tsai Theatre, David Geffen Hall. To learn more and for tickets Click HERE to learn more

October 15-19, 2025

NYC Wine & Food Festival

The Food Network New York City Wine & Food Festival presented by Invesco QQQ (NYCWFF) is NYC’s premier culinary event, now in its 18th year. Over five days, it brings together world-class chefs, tastings, dinners, and master classes in a new waterfront Seaport campus celebrating food, drink, and culture.

Click HERE to learn more!

September 25 - October 31, 2025

Harvest Glow -

The Bronx Zoo

Experience Harvest Glow at the Bronx Zoo this fall—a reimagined, family-friendly nighttime Halloween event featuring an animal-themed illuminated Jack O’Lantern Trail, nighttime Dinosaur Safari, live pumpkin carving, and Wildlife Theater.

Click HERE to learn more!

October 31, 2025

Village Halloween Parade

The Village Halloween Parade with this year's theme IMAGINE All The People, brings New York City to life through creativity and participation, turning public spaces into vibrant arenas of art, play, and community. Its sensory spectacle leaves a lasting impact, fostering connection, continuity, and the city’s imaginative spirit.

Click HERE to learn more!

Lifestyle Tips and Tricks

5 Exterior Paint Color Trends Boosting Curb Appeal in 2025

From soft and welcoming to bold and statement-making, these are the paint color trends transforming home exteriors this year.

Courtesy of Better Homes and Gardens

Why Selling Without an Agent Can Cost You More Than You Think

Cutting out the agent might seem like a smart way to save when you sell your house But here's the hard truth...

Courtesy of Keeping Current Matters

Stylish Bathroom Ideas You'll Love

Remodeling your bathroom? Explore dozens of stylish, inspirational bathroom design ideas

Courtesy of HGTV

How to Test-Drive a Neighborhood Before You Move There

Checking social mdia, visiting restaurants talking to residents and walking around will help paint a full picture

Courtesy of U.S. News

Featured Listings of The R-Team

Upper West Side

244 Riverside Drive,

Unit 6K

1 BD 1 BA $500,000

Upper West Side

293 Riverside Drive,

Unit 4B

0 BD 1 BA 305 SF $344,000

Hamilton Heights

94 Hamilton Place,

Unit 5E

1 BD 1 BA Rental $2,760

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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