What's Really Happening in NYC Real Estate Right Now

Low inventory. Less competition.

A short window many buyers are missing.

Dear Friends,

The New York City real estate market in 2026 isn’t behaving the way many expected.

And for buyers and sellers trying to make sense of it, what’s actually happening on the ground looks very different from the headlines.

Here’s what I’m seeing firsthand.

FOR SELLERS

Well-priced homes are still moving — often quickly. Inventory remains constrained, quietly favoring sellers. In Manhattan, supply is still roughly 15–20% below pre-2019 levels, supporting pricing when homes are positioned correctly. But buyers are more selective than they’ve been in years — presentation now matters more than ever. The difference between sitting and selling is almost always pricing and positioning from day one.

FOR BUYERS

Competition has eased compared to last year, and with it, something we haven’t seen in a while: negotiating room. At the same time, if rates move down, demand will return quickly — and with it, competition. The current window to act with leverage may not last. The buyers who succeed today are simply better prepared — financially and strategically.

Here’s what this actually looks like:

Waiting feels safe — but in this market, it often costs more than acting.

Beyond the headlines, these are the exact conversations I’m having with clients

right now:

→ Price It Right From Day One - Why pricing strategy makes or breaks your sale

→ The Real Cost of Waiting - What buyers on the sidelines need to know

→ Pre-Qualified Isn’t Enough - Why pre-approval is your most powerful tool

→ How to Win a Bidding War - Strategy over emotion, every time

→ Stage Your Home to Sell - Present your home to sell at first sight

→ Rent vs. Buy - The real math behind your biggest decision

→ Co-op vs. Condo - What's the difference and why it matters

→ Know Your Home’s True Value - Are you thinking of selling

→ Positioning Yourself vs. Timing the Market

I’ve created a full series of short, clear visual insights on each of these topics.

You can view them on my Compass profile: compass.com/agents/tyler-schaeffer

And across LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, X, and TikTok, where I break each one down simply and practically.

What is your single most important real estate question right now?

Reply and I will respond personally — clearly and directly. No pressure, no agenda.

If you’re considering selling, I’m happy to provide a clear, data-driven assessment of your home’s current value and the strategy to position it for the best outcome.

Ready to achieve your real estate goals?

Let’s Talk.

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