December 2022

Holiday Season in NYC
Arguably the best, and most crowded time to be in New York City is the holiday season. There is an overload of activities to check off in the big apple. Here are just a few NYC finds...

  1. We'd be remiss if we didn't mention the Rockefeller Christmas Tree. This year's tree measures in at 82 feet and weighs in at 14 tons. The Norway Spruce came from Queensbury, New York, and was transported to the city via flatbed truck. The trees change annually but they always provide the same sense of awe.

  2. The Winter Village in Bryant Park is not only the largest Christmas market in the city but also by far the nicest on account of its adjacent ice rink and places to shop and eat. This along with its amazing location among all the skyscrapers makes for the perfect Christmas experience.

  3. Share the joy of the holidays with your loved ones this year at the Christmas Spectacular Starring the Radio City Rockettes. Experience Radio City Music Hall as it transforms into an immersive, magical wonderland and discover what’s new in this iconic New York City tradition. Make time for joy this holiday and create lasting memories with the legendary Rockettes.

  4. Ice skating in NYC is one of the city’s most beloved seasonal traditions. While some skating rinks are open year-round, ice skating in the winter — especially around the holidays — is a special treat. The iconic rink at Rockefeller Center and the Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park are bursting with holiday cheer (and fab food and drinks), while low-key rinks at NYC parks offer a more chill experience. Don't worry, you don't have to be an expert to strap on the skates!

Give the Gift of Diamonds

Diamonds are everyone’s best friend, right? Recently there has been a shift in the way people view and value diamonds. They are ethically controversial because of how they are mined and very expensive.

Lab Grown Diamonds have picked up a lot of popularity with Gen Z. They are a third of the price and even jewelers can not tell the difference. It is said that the only difference is the GIA certificate to prove that a diamond is “real” and not lab grown. 

     A lot of families will never buy lab grown because they will not appreciate in value however, how often are people selling back their diamonds? Usually they are passed down and become more sentimental family heirlooms than assets on your financial statement. Lab grown are great alternatives for those fashion pieces - solitaire earrings, that 2 stone ring, or that tennis choker you want to be able to travel with.

If you are interested in learning more or purchasing, I can connect you with a wholesaler here in NYC.

Market Update

To no one's dismay, New York City was ranked #1 on the most expensive cities to live in this year. In order to create the list, the EIU compares more than 400 individual prices across more than 200 products and services in 172 cities. 

According to this year's Worldwide Cost of Living Index, released by the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU), the average cost of living is up 8.1% in 2022, owing to the Russian war in Ukraine and the lingering effects of the  pandemic. 

Unsurprisingly, New York City took the cake this year, alongside Singapore.

Deal of The Month
150 East 65th Street

Excited for our clients who are now proud tenants of this beautiful 4 story townhouse.

Built in 1899, this beautiful home lives between Third and Lexington and includes almost 3,600 interior square feet, an elevator, four private outdoor spaces with a full backyard with jacuzzi, terrace, balcony and roof deck, king sized bedroom with sky-light, a library, fireplaces and a full basement perfect for a live-in nanny.


The top floor has a king sized bedroom with skylight and balcony, a full bath, a fourth bedroom and a spiral staircase to the roof deck.

Wishing everyone Happy Holidays and a wonderful New Year from the Ronita Kalra Team. We are so grateful for your support, your business and all the referrals. Cheers to a healthy and prosperous 2023!

November 2022

Market Report

November marks the beginning of the holidays and typically the slow down in NYC real estate market.

Supply, generally declines as new sellers, understandably so, wait for the new year to list their homes for sale. Many people in NYC travel for the holidays or have company staying with them so many buyers are also less likely to begin searching now.

The already active buyers in New York however, can score some good deals in the last month of the year as most sellers would be happy to end the year with the gift of a signed contract.

2022 Elections

The Democrats have won in Arizona and Nevada, maintaining control of the Senate. While republicans have seized control of the House.

In NYC, Ms. Hochul, who became governor last year after the resignation of Andrew M. Cuomo, became the first woman to be elected governor of New York, ending a nearly 250-year-long streak of men in the governor’s mansion.

A notable win in New York, voters overwhelmingly approved the largest environmental bond issue in New York’s history, authorizing Albany to borrow up to $4.2 billion to clean up the environment, reshape infrastructure for climate change and reduce fossil-fuel emissions.

Thanksgiving Macy's Day Parade

The crown jewel of Thanksgiving in NYC has always been the Macy's Day Parade. The parade has been a staple in the big apple since 1924, being suspended only once during World War II. For three hours on Thanksgiving day in NYC, 12 foot floats take over the city streets. Starting at West 77th Street & Central Park West the festivities come to a climax at Macy’s in Herald Square (the largest department store in the US).

NYC Marathon

The New York City Marathon is an annual race that courses through the five boroughs of New York City. It remains the largest marathon in the world and along with Boston and Chicago is one of the World Marathon Majors.

This year runners experienced a near record temperature high of 73 degrees by 2PM. The spiked climate alongside the humidity proved to be a huge hurdle for runners.

Congratulations to this year's winners- Evans Chebet finishing in 2:08:41 and debut victor Sharon Lokedi finishing in 2:23:23.

October 2022

Real Estate With Ronnie

Click the video below to see the latest #REWR video on what it takes to qualify for a co op in NYC.

Halloween in NYC

There are tons of activities in and around NYC for adults and kids to enjoy this season. Here are some of our favorite New York City Halloween activities.

  • Great Jack O Lantern Blaze (on Long Island or in New Jersey)

  • Pumpkin Point on Governors Island

  • Luna Park's Halloween Harvest at Coney Island in Brooklyn

  • Boo at the Zoo at the Bronx Zoo

  • Upper East Side trick or treating on 78th and 82nd street

Market Report
Q3 update

The latest quarterly Manhattan residential data shows resilience as the market normalizes after a hyperactive 2021. High-interest rates and record inflation deter those at more attainable price points, but buyers are willing to pay in all price categories when priced right. While overall apartment sales were down 9.3 percent year-over-year, sales over $20 million increased 21.1 percent compared to last year, indicating that most buyers are taking a wait-and-see approach. In contrast, ultra-luxury buyers who often purchase with little or no financing are willing to buy quality homes for their historical appreciation.

As mortgage rates rose, condo sales in NYC declined the most. The average sales price for all apartments was $1.9 million, up 5.2 percent from 2021 but down 8.7 quarter-over-quarter. The average condo sold for $2.75 million, and the average co-op price traded for$1.3 million. Overall, condo sales declined 15.7 percent compared to last year, and co-op trades jumped 21.9 percent compared to last quarter, strong indicators that most buyers are looking for more affordable apartments.

Contract activity shrank sharply, foreshadowing an evolving market. Contracts signed dwindled 37.3 percent year-over-year and 38 percent compared to Q3. Whats more the average price of contracts also trickled downward by 10.5 percent. The most significant shift was downtown, where contracts dropped 42.8 percent year-over-year. Nevertheless, it is essential to remember contracts signed do not include off-market deals, which have escalated in recent years. While comprehensive Q3 data represent a market correction, some things remain unchanged. First, New York real estate has historically appreciated, and people will always need a place to live. While the bidding wars and soaring prices of 2021 may be over, it would be a mistake to sour on Manhattan real estate in the long run. (Compass Q3 report)

The Manhattan luxury real estate market, defined as all properties priced $5M and above, saw 21 contracts signed this week, made up of 14 condos, 4 co-ops, and 3 houses. The previous week saw 13 deals.

Property of the Month
320 West 19th Street #6F
FOR SALE

Welcome to 320 West 19th Street Residence 6F. This one bedroom one bathroom gem in the heart of Chelsea lives on the top floor of the building and bathes in sunlight from its Southern facing windows and skylight.

Upon entering, the kitchen is to your right. Through the kitchen is your bathroom. The vast living space is anchored by a wall of windows which allows tons of natural light. Further on is the expansive bedroom which comfortably fits a queen size bed.

320 West 19th Street is a well-maintained, pet-friendly, elevator Co-op with a live-in super. Other features include: updated on-site laundry facilities, bike room, and available basement storage. Sublets are allowed after two years of ownership. The building is just steps from the Highline, Hudson Yards, Hudson River Park, Chelsea Piers, Meatpacking District, and some of the best dining, arts and entertainment in the world. Conveniently located near public transportation, including major subway lines (A, C, E, 1, 2, L).