Why broker fees are high, rents and prices plunge, & more

By Jennifer White Karp | February 19, 2021 - 9:35AM

Let's discuss: Why are broker fees still high when these days buyers do much of their searching online? (The New York Times)

Rents and prices in NYC both dropped at their fastest annual pace on record in January, according to StreetEasy (press release)

What luxury slump? "2020 was the greatest opportunistic market I’ve ever seen," says broker Ryan Serhant, star of Bravo's "Million Dollar Listing" (Curbed)

NYC real estate sales totaled $6 billion in January, a 38 percent increase over January 2020, generating $190.5 million in transfer tax revenue, a 31 percent increase, as per the Real Estate Board of New York (press release)

What first-time homeowners need to know about preventing frozen pipes and ice-clogged gutters (The New York Times)

Want to try out a bold wallpaper or unusual shade of paint? Taking a risk when decorating a half bath is one way that won’t break your budget (Elle Decor)

Jennifer White Karp

Managing Editor

Jennifer steers Brick Underground’s editorial coverage of New York City residential real estate and writes articles on market trends and strategies for buyers, sellers, and renters. Jennifer’s 15-year career in New York City real estate journalism includes stints as a writer and editor at The Real Deal and its spinoff publication, Luxury Listings NYC.

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