A New Chapter for New York: Growth Through Collaboration

By Louise Phillips Forbes, Brown Harris Stevens

Louise Phillips Forbes

New York City’s recent mayoral election garnered national attention, marking a pivotal moment for the city’s future. As someone who has spent more than three decades helping New Yorkers claim their piece of the rock, I believe this moment represents an opportunity for growth — not division.

A Digital City

By 2029, more than 8,000 pages of land maps will be digitized, offering a unified system for decision makers. This digital transformation will provide a bird’s-eye view of the city, enabling smarter, long-term planning that benefits all five boroughs. It will help prioritize infrastructure improvements, foster cohesive urban planning, and ultimately strengthen the fabric of our neighborhoods and communities.

A Defining Moment for Housing

With the passing of several major amendments to the city housing charter, there is a real opportunity to turn policy into progress. The process stands to move faster overall, and especially in the twelve community board districts that have historically approved the least amount of affordable housing development. And for previously rejected projects, an Affordable Housing Appeals Board, comprised of the Mayor, Borough President and City Council Speaker, will be formed to provide a second look.  

Opportunity Through Collaboration

Mayor-elect Mamdani will have a platform to strengthen partnerships between city leadership and developers. History shows this model works — the Bloomberg administration rezoned a significant portion of the city’s landmass and leveraged tax incentives to create powerful collaborations that delivered affordable housing. When incentives align with sound business strategy, the private sector mobilizes to build solutions that last.

A Chance to Lead Nationally

With these measures already being viewed as a potential template for other cities, New York is once again positioned to lead by example by showing how we can invest, innovate, and serve responsibly.

I’ve seen the city’s resilience and creativity time and again. This moment is no different. Together, we have an opportunity to channel that spirit into creating an inclusive future for all who call our special rock home.

With 34 years of experience and nearly $6 billion in career sales, Louise Phillips Forbes is a top producing agent at Brown Harris Stevens and one of the most trusted voices in New York real estate, representing buyers, sellers, and developers across the city.

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Lean Into October: Now Is the Time To Act

By Louise Phillips Forbes, Brown Harris Stevens

With 35 years of experience in residential real estate and exceeding $6 billion in career sales, I’ve learned that timing the New York City market is never about waiting—it’s about acting strategically. My team had a strong third quarter, and as interest rates begin to pull back, I believe we need to challenge the idea of “pausing” until after the mayoral elections.

I remain forever bullish on New York. It continues to be one of the most resilient and dynamic markets in the world. Every cycle and every challenge ultimately reaffirms the strength and diversity of the city and the enduring desire to own a piece of the rock.

Louise Phillips Forbes

For educated buyers and sellers alike, my advice is simple: if you’re looking to buy and sell in the same market, lean into October. To navigate effectively, stay true to the fundamentals: Preparation, Presentation, and Pricing.

For buyers, success in this market requires both planning and precision. Financing should be secured at the onset of your search so you can act decisively when the right property appears. Include a personalized letter with your offer—often, it’s the emotional connection that helps you stand out. Be fully board-ready; thorough preparation demonstrates strength and inspires confidence from sellers. And whenever possible, work with an attorney who knows the building to streamline due diligence and keep your transaction moving efficiently.

For sellers, remember that today’s buyers have access to an endless amount of information and are not inclined to overpay. Introducing a home at an unrealistic price costs valuable time, and the ticking days on market can harm the perception of an otherwise perfect property. Price accurately, present beautifully, and be responsive when offers come in—the first offer is often the best offer.

October is a month of opportunity for those ready to move.

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No Signs of a Summer Slowdown: Why Sellers Should Act Now

 By Louise Phillips Forbes

With 34 years of experience in residential real estate and nearly $6 billion in career sales, I can confidently say: the so-called “summer slump” is nowhere in sight. Buyer demand remains strong, inventory is moving, and motivated sellers are successfully closing deals. The momentum of the spring market has rolled right into summer—and that means opportunity! 

Serious buyers are still actively searching, but soon their attention will shift to summer getaways, sleepaway camps, and second homes. For sellers, my message is clear: If you’re considering listing, don’t wait. Focus on the fundamentals: Preparation, Presentation, and Pricing.

Preparation
With renovation costs continuing to climb, how you present your home can be even more important than how you price it. A well-prepared property portfolio creates emotional impact, cultivates trust, and minimizes buyer objections before they arise.

Presentation
When it comes to presentation, less is more. How we live in a home is very different from how we market it. Sellers should edit down personal items, reduce visual clutter, and rearrange furniture to highlight space, light, and versatility. Buyers need to envision themselves—and their future—the moment they step through the door.

Pricing
The market is no longer looking back. Buyers are evaluating value based on today’s active listings, not sales from months ago. Pricing must reflect what’s happening now. And if interest is slow? As I always advise my clients: “If you haven’t gotten any offers, it’s time to sharpen your pencil and meet the market.”

Representing both sellers and buyers at Brown Harris Stevens, I’ve already closed or put under contract nearly $50 million in prime New York City real estate this year. The opportunities are here, but they won’t last forever.

The summer market is real. The time to act is now.

Xoxo,
Weze

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