October in New York: The Long Game

OCTOBER IN NEW YORK: THE LONG GAME

October News, Events & Happenings

The final quarter of 2025 has arrived and we’ve not only weathered tariff chaos, sticky inflation, elevated rates (that are finally easing), and the usual swirl of political theater that comes with a New York mayoral election; we’ve thrived.

Sales volume remains stable across much of the city, and sellers are becoming morerealistic. In several corners of Manhattan and Brooklyn, pricing has reached record- breaking levels. This is a reflection of a deepening ultra-wealthy buyer pool and tight inventory. (The DOW’s record highs tell the same story: quiet confidence is returning to the market.)

The next few months will undoubtedly center around the mayoral election, which always brings a renewed focus on the city’s future. Whoever wins will inherit the same New York City realities: a massive budget, complex infrastructure, committed unions, and millions of passionate, engaged citizens. Campaign promises are one thing; governing New York City requires pragmatism, persistence, and partnership. This is a tough city, built by tough people and it’s strong enough to handle whatever comes next.

THE NEIGHBORHOOD PULSE: Momentum is quietly shifting on the ground. Uptown, open-house attendance has picked up over the last two weekends as buyers recalibrate expectations. Downtown, the $2M–$3M range has tightened, and well-presented listings are moving faster. Brooklyn’s brownstone belt remains steady; price-sensitive, but resilient with family buyers prioritizing space and

stability over speculation.

Across the board, we’re seeing renewed curiosity from sidelined buyers. Many are realizing that waiting for a “perfect” rate might cost them a perfect-property.

THE BUYER’S LONG GAME: For those currently on the field or thinking of stepping in, this is what a cycle looks like: High rates and low inventory suppress sentiment, which leads to less activity, less competition, and more negotiable pricing. Then the cycle turns: rates drop, inventory expands, confidence returns, competition intensifies, and prices rise.

Right now, we’re sitting in that rare in-between moment; a blend of lower inventory, lower competition, and more flexible pricing. It’s not glamorous. It’s the grind phase of a real estate cycle. The one that rewards buyers with vision and patience.

Finding the right home now might mean hunting through the rough, but the advantage is locking in today’s price. The purchase price never changes. The mortgage rate can. Refinancing is a fine option down the road.

LOOKING AHEAD: At the Germany Sears Team, we’ve seen this movie before and the ending favors the prepared. Strategic buyers who stay focused while others hesitate often find themselves holding the strongest positions once the cycle turns.

If you’re considering buying or selling this quarter or in Q1 2026, now is the time to start planning. It’s never too early to position yourself for success. I’d love to swing by for a quick chat, review your goals, or simply grab a cup of coffee to discuss the market and your next move.

Fall in New York rewards those who look forward, not back. Let’s look forward together.

All My Best--Gerald

Germany + Sears Team | Compass

NYC Cultural Inspiration

Highlights from Living in the City

9 night sky events to see in October, from a harvest supermoon to ultra-high-speed shooting stars

October 2, 5, 10, 15, 19, 21 & 29, 2025

October’s sky is packed with epic astronomical events. The dwarf planet Ceres reaches peak brightness, the Orionid and Draconid meteor showers light up the night, and Mercury makes one of its best evening appearances of the year. Add in a supermoon and galaxies visible overhead, and it’s a strong month for stargazing.

Here are nine dazzling celestial highlights not to miss.

Courtesy by National Geographic

‘Disney Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas’ Light Trail Opens At New York Botanical Garden

October 8, 2025

A wonderland of moonlit magic awaits as 'Disney Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas Light Trail' comes back to New York Botanical Garden bigger and better than ever!

Read More...

New York art exhibitions to see in October

Until end of October 2025

Read our pick of the best New York art exhibitions to see in October, from Celeste Rapone at Marianne Boesky to Nathaniel Mary Quinn at Gagosian.

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Read More...

Central Park’s Fall Foliage Map Is Live—Here’s Where To Find The Most Gorgeous Spots

For an autumnal scene straight out of a rom-com, Central Park's fall foliage map will guide you to the red and orange sugar maples, hickories, and beyond.

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Special Halloween Program

October 31, 2025

Celebrate Halloween with grace and artistry in a stunning evening of ballet featuring Rodeo, Rhapsody, Le Grand Pas de Deux, and Theme and Variations. A perfect blend of humor, romance, and elegance set to timeless music — where classic ballet meets the spirit of the season.

Read More...

Real Estate News

What Do We Buy Into When We Buy a Home?

Manhattan’s luxury housing market is booming and bucking national trends — but for how long?

While luxury housing markets from Dallas to Miami are struggling to keep pace, Manhattan’s high-end sector is one of the few bright spots.

Sales of the borough’s priciest homes surged in the third quarter, even as nationwide numbers slid to their weakest summer in more than a decade.

Yet a slowdown in the month of September — and the looming uncertainty of New York’s mayoral race — suggests the city’s luxury surge may not be on unshakable ground.

Fall 2025 In NYC Real Estate: Hope For The Best, Plan For The Meh

Manhattan and Brooklyn real estate have two main seasons: spring and fall. The latter is setting up to be far more volatile than usual, with real potential for a sudden shift in market momentum.

Luxury co-ops relax decades-old rules to attract buyers in competitive market

Co-op buildings, especially at the more expensive end of the real estate market, are trying to shake off their stodgy image.

One High Line’s Public Park Opens at 500 West 18th Street in Chelsea, Manhattan

Construction is complete on the new landscaped public plaza at One High Line, a two-tower residential development at 500 West 18th Street in Chelsea, Manhattan.

The 25 Most Important Homes of the Past 25 Years

This story is part of Dwell’s yearlong 25th-anniversary celebration of the people, places, and ideas we’ve championed over the years.

We asked our editors—and some friends of the magazine—to name the houses that defined home design over the past 25 years. We narrowed it down to this list—which includes everyone from Zaha Hadid to Kim Kardashian.

Current Listings

Chelsea

165 West 20th Street, Unit 3E

1 BD 1 BA 850 SF $1,195,000

Upper East Side

525 East 86th Street, Unit 2G

2 BD 2 BA 1000 SF $895,000

"Gerald and team delivered white glove service from beginning to end. From an insightful listing of my apartment, a thoughtful strategy on pricing, and worked with me every step of the way to ensure a quick and organized sale. Very pleased with my experience and would highly recommend Gerald and team to any buyer or seller!"

— Robert R.

Let’s talk about how today’s market can shape your goals this fall.

Whether you’re ready to list or looking for your next NYC home, let’s talk about how this season’s market can work for you.

Wishing you a cozy and inspiring October in NYC — full of fresh starts and autumn charm.

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and Blog Articles

www.germanysearsteam.com

Gerald Germany

License Associate

Real Estate Broker

The Germany Sears Team

M: 917.548.9887

[email protected]