The Marcelle Minute 11.6.25
The Marcelle Minute
A short, weekly update created forfirst-time homebuyers and current homeowners. It’s designed to give you themost important housing market news in just a few minutes—without the confusing jargon or overwhelming charts.
Current market trendsin NYC and the tri-state area (rates, rents, sales).
Actionable tipsfor buying, owning, or refinancing a home.
Practical homeowner know-how—from budgeting to maintenance hacks.
A quick“Word of the Week”so you learn real estate terms step by step.
Word of the Day: Fixed Rate
A fixed-rate mortgage is a loan where your interest rate stays the same for the entire term — usually 15 or 30 years. No surprises. No fluctuations. Just consistency. This is why so many homeowners value real estate: stability you canbudgetaround.
Market Breakdown
The NYC buying landscape is shifting in ways that don’t show up in headlines. Inventory for condos and co-ops has increased slightly across Brooklyn and Manhattan — not dramatically, but enough to give buyers more breathing room than they had last summer. For example, parts of Downtown Brooklyn and Long Island City are seeing more listings remain on market beyond the first 30 days, which is creating space for negotiation on both price and seller concessions. Meanwhile, interest rates are stabilizing rather than swinging wildly week to week. This consistency alone is helping buyers plan and move with more confidence.
On the single-family side — particularly in Queens and Southern Brooklyn — competition hasn’t disappeared, but it has become more strategic. Instead of 20-offer bidding wars, buyers are seeing 4–7 competitive offers and a higher chance of negotiation on repairs and closing timelines. Sellers who were firm earlier in the year are now more open to credits that reduce your upfront out-of-pocket costs. This is a moment wherepreparation quietly beats aggression. The market isn’t “easy,” but it’sworkable, especially if you know your numbers and your comfort zone.
Navigating the Government Shutdown & SNAP Impact:
If a shutdown affects SNAP funding, some families may see delays or reduced benefits. That can feel destabilizing — but there are practical ways to soften the impact while protecting dignity and stability at home.
If you need food support while benefits fluctuate:
Many NYC food pantries now allowwalk-ins without paperwork— especially community-driven sites run by local churches, mutual aid networks, and firehouse donation drives.
NYC 211can tell you which food banks have fresh produce and protein that day.
If you’re feeding kids, remember: NYC public schools offerfree breakfast and lunch— no status needed, no questions asked.
There is help. You won’t be navigating this alone.
Preparing Your Home for Colder Weather:
As temperatures drop, a few small steps can save you real money:
Check the seals around windows and doors — heat loss here is the biggest hidden cost.
Replace or clean air filters — your heating system works less when it can breathe.
If your home has radiators,bleed thembefore winter to improve heat flow and reduce cold spots.
These are five-minute maintenance tasks that translate to softer utility bills and more comfort inside your home.
At the End of the Day...
If you’re thinking about buying this year — or you know someone who is — I’m here to walk the process with you.
No pressure, no rush. Just clarity.
Stay tuned for the next issue!
