What is this NYC market doing?

Newsletter after newsletter is calling the Manhattan real estate market "schizophrenic," with no real rhyme or reason behind its listing prices, offer amounts, sponsor incentives or closing figures. Where is this market going??

Many think it's the difficulty in pricing apartments that make it so hard to decipher the current market conditions or predict where they're headed. Do you price a property based on recent listings that sold in one or two days? Or do you price based on those that have been on the market for six months with 10 price reductions before they went to contract?

Appraisal firm Miller Samuel has been quoted several times recently stating that the overall Manhattan real estate market is approaching 2011 prices and that it is "inconsistent" and "uncertain." But let's stay positive here — where there is inconsistency and uncertainty, there is also OPPORTUNITY!

One thing is sure: Pricing a property on the aggressive side WILL put you in a position to have a busy and robust showings schedules, which in turn, gives your listing a better opportunity to get offers and go into contract. Aggressive pricing may even start a bidding war for your property!

But wait, then there’s Brooklyn, where you’ll regularly find price wars and fierce competition.

Then there’s Long Island City, where Amazon's abandonment has had minimal impact. In fact, the neighborhood is poised to reach Queens’ first million-dollar median prices.

In the Upper East Side two-bedroom/two-bath sector – get ready for a long, long haul.

Hell's Kitchen? It’s like nobody wants to live there anymore.

The Upper West Side is still hot.

South of 23rd St. (excluding the Financial District and Battery Park) is lukewarm in some areas, hot in others and a mishmash with no real logic. It’s truly a haphazard atmosphere where buyers throw multiple bids on one apartment while its neighbor just upstairs sits for six months!

In keeping with a positive mindset, buyers are receiving historically low-interest rates, great deals and are still controlling the market. If you’re thinking about buying, today is your day!

NYC Holiday Markets

From Bryant Park and Grand Central, to Union Square and beyond, NYC during the holiday season is a shopper and eater’s paradise. If you like unique items and fantastic food, you don't want to miss all of the holiday markets around the city! Read TimeOut's top ten holiday markets here.

NYC Holiday Entertainment

The most wonderful time of year in NYC has returned! Don't miss the iconic Rockefeller Center Tree, tickets to see the Radio City Christmas Spectacular and the Nutcracker, festive window displays, and more. Celebrate the season and plan your month by reading this list of local favorites!

Holiday Train Show

The garden lights up with its collection of trains that chug along a nearly half-mile track by 150 miniature NYC landmarks like the Empire State Building and Radio City Music Hall, all made of natural materials such as leaves, twigs, bark and berries. More information here.