It’s appropriate that the year ends with a few thanks, with some perspective on where we, as the NYC housing market, sit.

We never take enough time to be thankful, and yet there’s so much to be grateful for!
Here are my top 10 things I’m thankful for as your residential real estate agent and fellow New Yorker:
I’m Thrilled The Presidential Election is over
Where do I start?

First, the negativity of this election cycle has been heavy, and a massive distraction.

The noise of the election, the awfulness of the campaigns, and the fallout from the conclusion will hopefully subside over a lot of Christmas dinner and drinks.

It’s time to move on, folks, unless you live at 5th avenue and 56th.

Then you can stay angry.

Otherwise, there is lots of good things to focus on!
I’m Ecstatic We’re not London
The London market for many years has been buoyed by oil and commodities money in general- and it would seem the volatility of those markets has finally caught up.

Certainly, increased taxes on the way in and out of property sales, along with Brexit, has pummeled that market.

Thank goodness that New York City is not entirely propped up by one buyer class, one country, or one industry.
I’m Over the moon that we have an mayoral election year coming up
Yes, this is a bit in opposition to the thing about the presidential election.

But what I like about Mayoral election years is this:

It usually means Real Estate taxes stay flat, as a kiss-up to the voters.

It usually gives us a chance to step back and long for Bloomberg.

It also means that there’s always a chance that the greatest city in the world will be be run by someone deserving of the title.
I’m glad mortgage rates remained this low for so long
Well, rates have jumped about 20% in the last 6 weeks.

Is that something to be thankful for?

Well, yes.

We’ve had low rates for so long, it seems like we can sit in the water for a lot longer at higher rates levels without getting boiled.

Really, it’s about the greater picture.

If rates can creep up for a while, without the economy taking a hit,

net out it should be a positive.

No one has thought the low rate environment was a sustainable option, and it’s time we just get on with it.

People on fixed income have been taking it on the chin for too long, pensions, boring investors, etc.

The hope is that rates can go up, we’ll see rising waters lifting all boats.

And my metaphor explosion is done.

hop on in

I had a such a wonderful year running around the island, watching so much development happening from 58th and Riverside, down to Hudson Yards, further down to the Seaport, and then up and around even to the East 30’s.

Add to that the continued park opening all along for runners and anyone who wants to take a nice walk- both in Brooklyn and Manhattan.

It’s such a lovely time to be outside in New York.

Thank you, Mayor Bloomberg.

You set so much great stuff in motion that echoes to today.
I’m Thrilled so much new design has reached new york, finally
Another exciting thing to celebrate is the culmination of iconic architecture that is getting completed.

Yes, people hate 432 Park (I don’t), and people hate the supertall buildings (I don’t), but the interesting designs that force you to look up and absorb at least stir you.

The Via57 building, which I toured inside and out last week, is stunning, visually incredible, and interactive from all angles.

New Jersey’s view of it is probably more amazing than driving by on the West Side Highway.

Bjark Ingalls did Durst, the developer, a real service to urge him to build a building that doesn’t look like a building.

And no, it’s not a condo.

It’s really neat rental building, worth checking out.
I’m Thankful for the 2nd avenue subway
What else can you say?

It’s like the Cubs winning the World Series.

It’s like the Saints winning the Super Bowl. It’s like the Cleveland Browns winning a game.

It’s here!

In less than two weeks, we’ll all give it a big shrug, but right now, the 2nd avenue subway is about to open after 70 years of planning!

Come and play with your own favorite subway design here.
In the meantime, I’m so happy that this day has nearly arrived.
I’m also Insanely Grateful for the 7 Train and the highline-

While we’re on the subject- the echoes of the 7 Train and Highline opening will continue for years.

And it’s a lovely, generation defining time to be in New York.

Something worth celebrating and for which to be totally grateful.

New York is not Paris, or Hong Kong.

It’s alive, ever-growing, and ever-changing.
How awesome is it that New York has grown into the city for families and empty nesters?
New York usually kicked out most people when they started families, never to return.

These days, Manhattanites may move to Brooklyn, they may live in smaller spaces, but they’ve embraced city-dwelling- and the city has reciprocated.

The same goes for those moving back into the city.

We’ll see more and more off-location development going to old-age facilities.

I’m just so thrilled to see the collision of young people, older people, taking advantage of the convenience of having conveniences one can’t find in the suburbs.

I’m thankful this is a trend.
I’m Thankful for You.

Thanks again for your support and love over the years, and during this year.

It has been terrific year to work with you, to celebrate your triumphs, to help you move forward in your life, to help you invest in New York City, in one way or another.

Here’s to an amazing 2017 and many years of a safe and happy New York City.