In today’s real estate market, leverage is everything.
It’s the invisible currency that determines whether your property sells quickly and profitably or lingers while opportunities pass you by.
Sometimes, the smartest move a seller can make isn’t the obvious one. And sometimes, it means resisting the urge to rush, embracing strategy, and creating a moment in the market where buyers feel compelled to act.
This summer, I worked with a seller on an unconventional property full of character, with a robust history and a truly unbeatable location. But here’s the challenge: most buyers walking through the door would want to do a complete renovation before moving in.
Add in the fact that summer is generally slower in NYC real estate, and we knew we needed a plan that was more than just “put it on the market and hope for the best.”
Here’s how we approached it.
Step One: Prepping Thoroughly for Market
Instead of rushing, we slowed down and invested in preparation. We brought in professional stagers and painters to provide quotes. We cleared the property entirely, no furniture, no clutter, nothing to distract from its architecture and space.
Why?
Because presentation directly impacts perceived value. When buyers walk into a property and see a blank slate, they can project their own vision into it. Even if they know a renovation is in their future, starting from a clean, thoughtfully staged space creates an emotional connection.
Tip for sellers…
Before you list, walk through your property as if you were a buyer seeing it for the first time. What stands out in a good way? What distracts you? Correct the distractions first.
Step Two: Planning PR Like a Product Launch
We didn’t just put the listing on the MLS and call it a day. Our Decode PR team created a media pitch to secure editorial coverage and generate buzz even before buyers set foot inside.
Think of it this way: launching a property is like launching a new product. The more anticipation you create, the more likely you are to attract multiple interested parties at once, and that’s where leverage lives.
Step Three: Creating a Memorable Listing
A listing today needs to be more than a set of photos.
We invested in:
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Cinematic video to tell the property’s story visually
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Editorial photography to capture emotion and architecture
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An emotional hook in the listing description to make it memorable and shareable
The Seller’s Smartest Move
They trusted the process. Instead of chasing a quick sale, they allowed us to stage, strategize, and build anticipation. In doing so, we created a market moment a point where multiple buyers would feel urgency and competition.
Thinking of Selling This Fall?
If you’re considering selling, now is the time to plan your launch. Let’s schedule a strategy session to position your property for maximum exposure, multiple offers, and your best possible sale price.
Decode Real Estate July 2025 Market Reports
This month’s market story is about nuance. Both Manhattan and Brooklyn are seeing opportunities, but the path to a strong sale is very different in each borough.
Manhattan Market Report
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Deals are up slightly from last year, but closings are taking longer.
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Think of it as “more shoppers in the store, but they browse before buying.”
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Condos require sharper pricing and strategic incentives (like fee credits or mortgage rate buy-downs) to get offers.
Co-ops remain the steady lane with solid value and less discounting.
Brooklyn Market Report
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Fewer deals closed this month, and days on market continued to climb.
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Buyers are paying up for quality listings, especially those that are renovated and in prime locations.
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Price-per-square-foot is climbing, meaning average listings sit, while the best homes still command premium numbers.
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Condos do best when they’re efficiently priced, turnkey, and in an A+ location.
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Co-ops can achieve substantial per-foot numbers.
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Townhouses require either top-tier presentation or realistic pricing to avoid sitting for months.
Advice for Sellers
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Price to capture attention in the first three weeks.
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Instead of slashing your list price later, consider offering rate buy-downs or closing cost credits. These can make your property more attractive without reducing your perceived value.
Advice for Buyers
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Move fast on quality co-ops and Brooklyn gems — they won’t last.
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Press for concessions on Manhattan condos, where the most leverage lives right now.
What We’ve Been Up To
Decode Real Estate has been featured in major press outlets this month:
Current Listings
24 West 126th Street
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3-Family: Owner’s 3-Bedroom Duplex + Two Full-Floor 2-Bedroom Units
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$2,790,000
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Showings By Appointment
137A 22nd Street
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2-Family Townhouse: 5 Bedrooms & 5 Bathrooms
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Open House Sunday 12:30–1:30 PM
Let’s Decode Your Move
Whether you’re selling, buying, or just exploring your options, the right strategy makes all the difference. I can help you understand how these numbers apply to your property or your search so you can make the most informed decision.
Danielle Nazinitsky
Founder | Licensed Real Estate Salesperson
(330) 936-7928 | [email protected]
