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When Should I Sell My Manhattan Apartment?
Updated May 2026 by Corey Cohen, The Roebling Team The right time to sell your Manhattan apartment depends on three things, in this order: Your life timeline. If you need to sell within 6 months because of a job, divorce, downsize, or estate situation, the market timing question is moot. You sell when you need to. Manhattan's actual seasonality. Manhattan has two real selling windows (mid-January through May, and after Labor Day through November). Summer and December are dead
Corey Cohen
19 hours ago4 min read
How to Read a Co-op Board's Financials Before You Buy
TL;DR Before you sign a contract on any Manhattan co-op, you (or your attorney) should read three documents: the audited financial statements for the last two years, the building's current operating budget, and the last 12 months of board meeting minutes. From these, five numbers tell you almost everything you need to know: per-unit reserves, operating margin, underlying mortgage status, maintenance trend, and assessment history. Most buyers don't bother. The ones who do save
Corey Cohen
4 days ago8 min read
How Much Income Do You Need to Buy in Manhattan?
Rough rule for a Manhattan co-op: your gross household income needs to be roughly 3 to 4x the all-in annual housing cost (mortgage P&I + maintenance) to clear most boards. For a typical $1.5M co-op with 25% down at current rates, that's roughly $300K to $375K of household income. Condos use the lender's debt-to-income standard, which is more permissive — closer to 2.5 to 3x housing cost — so the same apartment might be financeable at $225K to $275K of income. Boards also want
Corey Cohen
4 days ago2 min read


Where Manhattan Deals Actually Break
Q1 2026 Manhattan contracts are down but prices held. Deals aren't breaking on price — they're breaking on buildings, boards, banks, and momentum.
Corey Cohen
Apr 234 min read


The Renovation Trap: When “Good Bones” Become Bad Math
In today’s Upper West Side and Upper East Side prewar market, the definition of a “turnkey” renovation has quietly shifted. Post-2022, buyer tolerance for renovation disruption has collapsed while board approval timelines have elongated, creating a stark divergence between assets that are ready to live in and assets that are merely ready to work on.
Corey Cohen
Dec 24, 20255 min read


Jamie Dimon and Zohran Mamdani: Two Visions Competing for New York's Future
Two competing visions are shaping New York’s future. On one side, the business community - anchored by JPMorgan Chase, major law firms, global tech firms, and a surge of AI startups - is doubling down on Manhattan. On the other, Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani proposes an aggressive affordability agenda: rent freezes, fare-free buses, and higher corporate and high-earner taxes. The tension between these forces will determine how the city grows, who it attracts, and how its real es
Corey Cohen
Nov 30, 20254 min read


Manhattan's Great Repricing
Across Manhattan’s most coveted corridors—from Central Park West to Billionaires’ Row—a quiet recalibration is underway. Between July 2024 and July 2025, nearly one in three condominium resales traded below their previous purchase price, marking a decade-long repricing of luxury. Eight notable addresses reveal how today’s market is rewriting assumptions about appreciation.
Corey Cohen
Oct 27, 20252 min read


The Flatiron Building Goes Residential
Manhattan’s luxury residential market continued its upward momentum in Q3 2025, driven by cash buyers and a select group of high-profile developments. Projects like the Flatiron Building conversion, 800 Fifth Avenue, and 80 Clarkson Street are redefining design and exclusivity, even as new construction slows across the city.
Corey Cohen
Oct 6, 20252 min read


The Price of a View: How Much Does It Matter in NYC Real Estate?
In NYC real estate, a view isn’t just scenery — it’s a key driver of value. From Central Park’s enduring premiums to the unpredictability of river vistas, buyers need to understand what truly lasts. This article explores how views shape pricing, lifestyle, and long-term investment potential.
Corey Cohen
Sep 29, 20252 min read


NYC Co-op or Suburban House? The 2030 Decision Framework
Deciding between a co-op or suburban house in 2030? Discover the pros and cons of NYC co-op living versus suburban homes. Explore now!
Corey Cohen
Aug 28, 20252 min read


The Hidden Costs of Luxury Apartments in 2025
Luxury co-ops and condos in NYC are facing rising costs and stricter regulations in 2025. Local Law 97 fines are now in effect, operating expenses are climbing, and banks are tightening lending standards. Buyers and sellers alike need to navigate compliance requirements, reserve levels, and transparency to protect value in today’s market.
Corey Cohen
Aug 11, 20252 min read


Moving Just Got Cheaper in NYC - What's the Catch?
The FARE Act just rewrote NYC’s rental playbook.
Tenants no longer pay broker fees when the landlord hires the broker — a major shift that slashes upfront costs. But with rising rents and shifting strategies behind the scenes, the real impact is just starting to unfold. Here's what renters, landlords, and brokers need to know.
Corey Cohen
Jun 16, 20253 min read


The Cracks in a $90M Penthouse
"Luxury doesn’t always mean perfection—even in NYC’s most elite condos. From 432 Park Avenue’s hidden facade cracks to the Seaport’s leaning tower, high-end condo building flaws in New York are costing buyers millions. Learn how construction defects, plumbing failures, and developer oversights plague prestigious towers—and the critical due diligence steps to protect your investment.
Corey Cohen
May 12, 20252 min read


Positioned. Marketed. Sold.
Discover the secrets of a successful sale in real estate. Learn how strategic marketing and expert negotiation led to a standout sale.
Corey Cohen
Feb 25, 20252 min read


The Roebling Report: 2025 Real Estate Taxes and Policies
Navigate 2025’s real estate shifts: higher rates, SALT cap buzz, soaring costs, and new rules.
Corey Cohen
Jan 17, 20252 min read


City of Yes
Discover how the City of Yes is transforming urban living. Learn about the City of Yes initiatives and their impact on communities.
Corey Cohen
Dec 12, 20242 min read


Will uncapped SALT deductions return in 2025?
Trump’s proposed SALT cap repeal could boost luxury real estate markets, benefiting affluent buyers with increased purchasing power.
Corey Cohen
Nov 22, 20242 min read


Understanding Closing Costs When Purchasing a New York City Apartment: Condominiums vs. Cooperatives
Understanding Closing Costs When Purchasing a New York City Apartment: Condominiums vs. Cooperatives
Corey Cohen
Jul 23, 20243 min read


Challenges Facing Cooperatives and Condominiums in Manhattan Amid Maintenance Fee Increases in 2024
Challenges Facing Cooperatives and Condominiums in Manhattan Amid Maintenance Fee Increases in 2024
Corey Cohen
Jul 23, 20242 min read
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