The Strategic Buyer’s Advantage in Manhattan’s Evolving Market

By Lisa K. Lippman, Licensed Associate Real Estate Broker, Brown Harris Stevens

Efficiency remains the defining characteristic of today’s luxury real estate market. Well-priced properties are continuing to garner attention, and opportunities exist for buyers who approach the process with equal parts strategy and confidence.

What’s particularly notable is the recent rise of direct buyers, especially among those in their thirties and forties. This trend became apparent at one of my $7 million co-op listings, where three out of four scheduled showings were with direct buyers. However, while many are eager to navigate the process on their own, experience continues to show that agent representation truly matters. Sellers are drawn to the strongest, most prepared buyers, and those with an experienced broker on their side are historically better positioned to succeed.

A seasoned agent does far more than arrange showings or submit offers. They have the ability to anticipate potential issues before they arise, understand how to best present a buyer, and know how to approach negotiations with precision. These insights often make the difference between winning and losing in a competitive situation.

And while property data has never been more accessible, it’s the interpretation of it that counts. As I often remind clients, numbers only tell part of the story. Understanding the nuances of the unit floor plans and building, along with which requests are reasonable during negotiations can dramatically influence value—and peace of mind by knowing that informed decisions are being made.

For buyers, this is an exciting time in a market that rewards preparation, clarity, and expert guidance. With the right strategy and a trusted advisor by your side, you can find the right property, and sometimes where you least expect.

Lisa K. Lippman has been the #1 agent at Brown Harris Stevens for the past nine consecutive years and was recently named the #3 Top New York City Resale Broker by The Real Deal, a Golden I Club finalist, and is consistently honored among the Hollywood Reporter’s New York City Power List. With over 28 years of leading industry experience, Lisa’s depth of expertise, marketing savvy, and personal attention to every detail is sought out by buyers and sellers of high-end cooperatives, condominiums, and townhomes throughout Manhattan.

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The Prewar Dream, Reimagined: A Smarter Way to Finance Fixer-Uppers

By Lisa K. Lippman, Licensed Associate Real Estate Broker, Brown Harris Stevens

There is something undeniably special about a prewar apartment. From the gracious proportions and high ceilings to the intricate architectural details, these homes have a soul that is often unmatched. For many buyers, prewar apartments offer a unique opportunity to combine historic charm with modern luxury to create a space that is entirely their own.

But that opportunity comes at a price.

Beyond the logistics, the upfront cash required can be staggering. Buyers who are capable of comfortably covering the total cost of the home are often forced to walk away—not because they can’t afford it long-term, but because they simply can’t float two homes and a full gut renovation paid entirely in cash. Watching a buyer fall in love with a property, only to realize the short-term math doesn’t work, is a heartbreaking aspect of my job.

That’s why I believe we need a new approach that reflects the way people buy homes today.

I am advocating for a financing shift that could be a game-changer by encouraging boards to consider allowing buyers to borrow based on a home’s future renovated value, not just its current purchase price.

Here’s how it would work. Let’s say a buyer purchases a classic seven for $3.5 million which is in need of a full gut renovation, and that same home, once renovated, would be worth $6 million. Traditionally, banks—and by extension, co-op boards—will finance a percentage of the $3.5 million purchase price. But under my proposed model, financing could be based on the $6 million future value.

The implications are enormous. I estimate that unrenovated co-ops priced between $2 million and $10 million could sell for 8% to 15% more under this model. That’s not just good news for buyers—it’s a win for sellers and shareholders, too, particularly in buildings where dated apartments often sit on the market at deep discounts.

This approach would also help co-ops remain competitive with new developments. Buyers comparing a brand-new condo—where the price includes the finished product—with a charming, but outdated, prewar co-op tend to default to the simpler option. But if we can ease the financing burden and bridge the cash gap, we make room for more people to say yes.

Prewar buildings offer some of the most beautiful and enduring real estate opportunities throughout the city. Now it’s time for our financing models to catch up. With just a bit of imagination—and a willingness to rethink the status quo—we can unlock the full potential of these iconic apartments for the buyers who dream of calling them home.

Lisa K. Lippman has been the #1 agent at Brown Harris Stevens for the past nine consecutive years and was recently named the #3 Top New York City Resale Broker by The Real Deal, a Golden I Club finalist, and is consistently honored among the Hollywood Reporter’s New York City Power List. With 28 years of leading industry experience, Lisa’s depth of expertise, marketing savvy, and personal attention to every detail is sought out by buyers and sellers of high-end cooperatives, condominiums, and townhomes throughout Manhattan.

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Discover NYC's Chic Condos with Upscale Entertaining Spaces

With spring in full swing and warmer weather enticing New Yorkers to gather and socialize, now is the perfect time to explore some of NYC's top developments featuring luxurious entertaining spaces. From chic bars to stylish lounges and elegant dining areas, these condominiums offer residents the perfect settings for hosting memorable gatherings, all within the comfort of their own buildings. High-design condos like Monogram NY, Sutton Tower, and Front & York showcase the importance of providing upscale entertainment options, embracing the concept of layered entertaining where residents can seamlessly move from cocktails to cozy lounges and sophisticated dining areas.

Monogram NY: Elegance in the Heart of Midtown

Photo Credit: Recent Spaces

Designed by Ismael Leyva Architects with interiors by the acclaimed studio Neri&Hu, Monogram NY is a stunning new development situated in the heart of Midtown Manhattan. This elegant condominium effortlessly blends serenity with the vibrant flair of New York City. Residents at Monogram NY can indulge in the top-floor amenity package known as the "Sphere Club." This sophisticated bar and lounge is attended by dedicated staff and offers sweeping panoramic views of the iconic New York City skyline, creating an atmosphere reminiscent of a private club. The Sphere Club also includes a reading room lounge with a fireplace, an intimate bar, and a private dining room with a catering kitchen, all enveloped by expansive city skyline vistas. These luxurious spaces provide residents with the perfect settings to host events and gatherings, ensuring a tailored experience for every occasion.

Sutton Tower: Grand Entertaining on the East Side

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Sutton Tower

Standing as the tallest residential tower along Manhattan's East Side waterfront, Sutton Tower is a defining New York address that boasts unrivaled views and dynamic design by the celebrated designer Thomas Juul-Hansen. The condo building's thoughtful amenity collection, known as The Sutton Club, embodies the Upper East Side’s tradition of grand entertaining. The large private dining room, adorned with warm, elegant finishes and an adjacent chef’s demonstration kitchen, is ideal for hosting and toasting with loved ones on special occasions. Residents also enjoy a secondary dining lounge, providing a more casual, intimate space for gatherings. The entertainment opportunities continue in the building’s skylit club lounge and adjacent terrace, as well as the plush screening room equipped with custom sofas, a wet bar, and a cinema-level audio-visual system. These amenities ensure that Sutton Tower residents have an array of options for hosting any type of event in style.

Front & York: A Luxurious Urban Experience in DUMBO

Photo Credit Colin Miller

Front & York, designed by celebrated architect Morris Adjmi, offers an amenity-driven luxury urban experience in DUMBO with one of NYC's largest and most comprehensive amenity collections, spanning 150,000 square feet. Perfect for residents looking to host intimate gatherings or holiday get-togethers, Front & York features a luxurious wine room connected to a chef's kitchen, creating an ideal suite for custom dining experiences. The development also boasts a dedicated party room with a beautiful dinner table for more formal sit-down dining experiences, as well as a billiards lounge complete with a pool table and bar, making it the perfect customizable suite for any occasion. These thoughtfully designed spaces ensure that residents can entertain in style, whether it’s a casual get-together or a grand celebration.

A Seamless Entertaining Experience

Monogram NY, Sutton Tower, and Front & York exemplify the trend of incorporating upscale, versatile entertaining spaces into residential developments. These condominiums not only provide luxurious living spaces but also create an environment where residents can host memorable events without leaving the comfort of their homes. From intimate lounges to grand dining rooms and everything in between, these developments offer the ultimate entertaining experience, reflecting the sophistication and elegance of New York City living.

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Best Place to Unwind? Reading Rooms in NYC Luxury Buildings

Winter is the perfect time to get some reading in. But are you looking for the perfect spot outside of your home for some quiet reading or to host a book club? We rounded up some of the best luxury buildings offering amenities geared toward book lovers with designated reading rooms and curated libraries. 

The Towers of the Waldorf Astoria New York

The Waldorf Astoria is amidst an unprecedented restoration by renowned architects Skidmore, Owings & Merrill to reopen as a 375-key hotel and 375 condominium residences to be known as The Towers of the Waldorf Astoria. With sophisticated residential interiors and amenities by internationally renowned designer Jean-Louis Deniot, residents will have access to over 50,000 square feet of private residential amenities and all of the services of the Waldorf Astoria New York hotel. 

The Waldorf Astoria New York partnered with The White House Historical Association for the first-ever Presidential Library curation, establishing an elegant and light-filled library with couches for residents to enjoy the novel collection. In addition, the Library will contain books on all of the hotel’s globally-renowned guests that had previously stayed at the hotel. 

Coterie Hudson Yards

Coterie Hudson Yards, developed by Related Companies in partnership with industry care leader Atria Senior Living, provides exceptional care, hospitality offerings, and high-end design for cosmopolitan seniors. 

Among these amenities is a thoughtfully curated library for residents with over 800 hand-selected titles in partnership with renowned local independent bookstore McNally Jackson. Additionally, residents have access to frequent book readings from authors and book clubs where they can discuss their favorite books. 

378 West End Avenue

378 West End Avenue is a new condominium on Manhattan’s Upper West Side designed by COOKFOX Architects, which includes the restoration of an existing, original 1915 Palazzo-style building overlooking the historic Collegiate Church combined with a newly constructed 18-story tower. 

378 West End Avenue features over 11,000 square feet of amenities. A cozy Reading Room filled with stacks of books to choose from is connected to the Garden Terrace, creating a seamless indoor-outdoor sanctuary. 

The Beacon at Garvies Point

Just a short commute from New York City is The Beacon at Garvies Point, the first waterfront condominiums located within the Garvies Point community in the heart of Glen Cove, Long Island. The Beacon’s hotel-inspired services and vast array of amenities compliment the natural beauty of Garvies Point, offering a 24-hour concierge, seasonal outdoor heated swimming pool, and a residents’ lounge. One of the most popular amenities is a library with a fireplace, which some residents love to utilize for group activities like their resident book club. 

Photo Credit: Evan Joseph

Flatiron House

Flatiron House comprises two distinct buildings connected by a shared garden with 44 residences. With architecture and interiors by COOKFOX Architects, a leader in biophilic design, the development utilizes several guiding principles that promote health, well-being, and indoor-outdoor living.

At Flatiron House, The Lounge is directly adjacent to the beautiful outdoor garden, providing residents with a quiet space to sit with a book either inside or out. 

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