Summer offers something New Yorkers rarely experience during the rest of the year: enough distance from daily life to reconsider how—and where—we want to live.
Whether you're traveling, hosting family, enjoying a quieter city, or simply taking a break from your normal routine, summer often gives us the space to think about bigger questions. Is my current home still working for me? Should I buy, sell, renovate, or make a move in the next few years?
As we head into the July 4th holiday week, I thought I'd share ten of the most popular and thought-provoking articles I've published so far this year. These are the pieces readers returned to again and again—and perhaps one of them will spark a new idea for your own housing journey.
If You're Thinking About Buying
1. Condo vs. Co-op in NYC: What Actually Matters?
One of the most common questions buyers ask—and one of the most important decisions you'll make in New York City.
2. How Long Does It Really Take to Buy in NYC?
The NYC buying timeline is very different from the rest of the country. Understanding the process upfront can save you time, stress, and costly mistakes.
3. How Much Do I Really Need for a Down Payment on a Manhattan Condo or Co-op?
The answer is often more complicated than buyers expect.
If You're Rethinking Where You Live
4. Why New York City Real Estate Is a Block-by-Block City
Why local knowledge matters—and why broad neighborhood averages rarely tell the full story.
5. Why the Upper East Side Is NYC's Most Exciting Neighborhood Again
A closer look at why buyers are rediscovering one of Manhattan's most established neighborhoods.
6. Riverside Drive in Hamilton Heights: A Closer Look at Value, Views, and Demand
What makes this stretch of Manhattan increasingly attractive to buyers seeking space, architecture, and long-term value.
Big Ideas About Housing, Wealth & Ownership
7. No Permission Required: How Women Quietly Transformed the Housing Market
A look at how women have reshaped homeownership, wealth creation, and the housing market itself.
8. The 3 Net Worth Milestones That Make a NYC Apartment a Powerful Investment
Understanding when real estate can become a meaningful wealth-building tool.
9. Visibility Isn't Value: Who Really Protects Buyers and Sellers in NYC Real Estate
In an era of portals and algorithms, who is truly representing your interests?
If You're Preparing to Sell
10. Best ROI Home Improvements for Your Home
Not every renovation adds value. Here are the improvements most likely to pay off when it's time to sell.
I hope you enjoy the holiday week, wherever it takes you.
And if summer has you thinking differently about your housing plans—or if you'd simply like to discuss your options—I'd be happy to help.
Happy Fourth of July and enjoy the slower pace.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most important things to know before buying property in NYC?
New York City's buying process is different from most markets. Buyers should understand financing requirements, condo versus co-op rules, due diligence, closing costs, and the typical timeline before beginning their search.
Is summer a good time to buy or sell real estate in Manhattan?
Summer can be an excellent time to plan a purchase or sale. While activity often slows around holiday periods, serious buyers and sellers remain active, and reduced competition can create strategic opportunities.
What's the difference between a condo and a co-op in NYC?
Condos offer greater flexibility and ownership rights, while co-ops often provide lower purchase prices but have stricter financial requirements and board approval processes.
How long does it take to buy an apartment in Manhattan?
Most Manhattan transactions take approximately 60 to 90 days from signed contract to closing, although co-op purchases can take longer depending on board review and financing.
How do I choose the right NYC neighborhood?
The right neighborhood depends on your lifestyle, commute, budget, long-term goals, and preferred housing type. In New York, even adjacent blocks can offer dramatically different living experiences.
Julia Boland is a Manhattan residential real estate specialist at Corcoran with over 25 years advising buyers and sellers on NYC co-ops, condos, and townhouses. She is the author of Buying Smart in NYC: An Insider's Guide to Condo & Co-op Buying (2026). Whether you're just starting your search or ready to make a move, Julia and The Boland Team are here to help. Reach out at thebolandteamnyc.com or call (848) 200-1452.
