Yes, You Can Get an Apartment for

Way Less Than the Seller Paid for It

It’s a brand-new year. In addition to extending heartfelt wishes for happiness and health – and for a world graced with as much as possible – I’m eager to share enticing real estate news with value-seeking buyers: Exceptional apartment deals are definitely out there as we welcome 2026. In fact, a number of sellers are ready to close on listings for hundreds of thousands of dollars less than they paid for their apartments. Really.

Many Sellers are ready to move on.

Many of the best deals are for larger luxury condos – many of which were purchased when market prices were at their loftiest in 2017. Sellers have enjoyed their homes for several years, many have rented out their residences for extended stretches, and a lot have decided it’s time for a smaller home or a brand new neighborhood. These would-be sellers are tired of waiting for a market turnaround. They’re ready to sell and move on and sometimes this means it's taking a loss.

I know where to find these deals. While I don’t have a portrait of Sherlock Holmes perched on my desk, it sure helps to possess the tenacity and talent of a seasoned detective. Finding these unique value offerings requires serious “digging” – hours of research, artful networking and most important, proven negotiating know-how.

You’ve got to be ready to act. Sellers want buyers with a real commitment to making a deal. It’s vital to have all of your financing in order and your ducks in a row. Hire a seasoned real estate attorney. Understand all closing costs. Exhibit confidence and good-will throughout the transaction process.

Here’s to you! We enter a new year with all kinds of hopes, goals…and dreams. Some of the brightest dreams come to fruition in a beautiful home. When it reflects your lifestyle values - and comes your way at an exceptional value - what could be better!

NYC’s luxury real estate market saw nearly $12B in sales in 2025 — and 4 of the priciest deals happened on the same street

Economic turbulence shook the US real estate market this year, but New York City’s luxury market enjoyed sunny skies. Sales of Manhattan homes priced at $4 million and above totaled nearly $12 billion in 2025, according to Olshan Realty’s year-end luxury market report. The incredible figure marks the second biggest year in luxury sales since the firm’s reports began in 2006.

660 Lexington

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215 East 19th Street, 2C

Luxury 3 BR Condo at Gramercy Square Tower with High Ceilings

Status - Closed

133 West 22nd Street, 6A

Luxury Condo with Soaring Ceilings and an Outdoor Pool

Status - Closed

305 East 85th Street, 5B

Full-Service Boutique 2 BR Condo

Status - Closed

130 West 30th Street, 3B

Elegant Pre-War Loft at the Cass Gilbert Condominium

Status - Closed

305 East 51st Street, 89B

Sun-Filled 4 BR Corner Duplex with a Rare 1,710 SF Terrace

Status - In Contract

270 West 11th Street, 3D

2 BR Perfection in the Heart of West Village

Status - In Contract

*The rates below are based on a $3,000,000 Condominium Purchase with a 20% down payment

10-year arm interest only or interest and principle: 5.625%

30-year fixed rate: 6% 

Data provided by Aaron Ritter of Citizens Bank

Q3 2025

Manhattan Recorded Sales:

Lic. Assoc. R.E. Broker

M: 646.320.7745

j.rubinstein@compass.com

Justin Rubinstein is a 21-year veteran of the real estate marketplace, who quickly gained attention from industry veterans and clients alike as a motivated and knowledgeable professional whose focus is on providing the best customer service possible while negotiating and protecting his clients with dogged tenacity. This tenacity and hard work ethic has proven fruitful as he has successfully negotiated over $1B in real estate transactions to date. Justin has enjoyed representing buyers and sellers of trophy properties such as the Time Warner Center, 56 Leonard, The Apthorp, One Madison, landmarked West Village townhouses, and new development penthouses. In each instance, his clients come away from the experience with a strong appreciation for his dedication and expertise - for more on this, please see his testimonials page.

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