𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐓𝐨𝐩 𝟐 𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬 𝐍𝐞𝐰 𝐘𝐨𝐫𝐤 𝐀𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐎𝐰𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐍𝐞𝐞𝐝 𝐓𝐨 𝐊𝐧𝐨𝐰 𝐁𝐞𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐒𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠

If you’re planning to sell your New York apartment, here’s something you should know: the sellers who succeed in today’s market aren’t the ones waiting things out — they’re the ones who adapt from day one.

Many apartment owners this year didn’t get the results they hoped for. But it’s not because something is “wrong” with the market. In most cases, something was off with their expectations.

Realtor.com reports that 57% more listings have been taken off the market compared to last year. That means these apartments were listed… but never sold. And the honest truth? Most of those failed sales came down to just two things: price and timing.

And if those sellers had understood these two factors from the beginning, their outcomes could’ve been very different.

Here’s what New York sellers should take away.

1. Price It Right from Day One

Let’s start with the biggest sticking point: pricing. Today, 8 in 10 sellers expect to get their asking price or more — but the data doesn’t line up with that level of confidence.

According to Redfin, only 1 in 4 (25.3%) sellers are getting above their asking price, but in New York less than 1 in 10.

Why the disconnect?

A few years ago, you could list almost any apartment at almost any price and still attract multiple offers. Even pricing aggressively wasn’t a risk — buyers were competing so fiercely that you’d likely sell over asking anyway.

But today’s New York buyers?
They’re discerning. They have options. And if the price feels even slightly inflated, they’ll scroll right past your listing without hesitation.

This is what happened to many sellers who ultimately pulled their apartments off the market — not because the place wasn’t great, but because the price wasn’t strategic.

Here’s the part most people miss:
According to HousingWire, the average price cut right now is only 4%.

Just 4%.

Many sellers listed too high, refused to adjust by that small percentage, and then gave up altogether. But if they had priced 4% lower to begin with, their apartment may have already sold — and likely with stronger momentum.

Before you list, make sure you’re working with an agent who truly understands the New York landscape. The right pricing strategy isn’t about going low — it’s about going smart.

2. Don’t Rush the Process

The second big mistake?
Expecting your apartment to sell in a weekend.

Many sellers are still comparing today’s timeline to the ultra-fast pace of 2020 and 2021, when apartments could go under contract within hours. But the market has normalized — and that’s a good thing.

Across many parts of New York, it now takes closer to 60-90 days to go from listed to sold. That’s not “slow.” That’s standard for a healthy, balanced market.

Think of it like driving 65 mph on the highway and then slowing to 25 mph on a city street. It feels slower only because you were moving at an unrealistic speed before.

Buyers today are thoughtful. They’re considering their options carefully. They’re comparing buildings, neighborhoods, amenities, monthly charges, and long-term value.

That’s a good thing — and it means your apartment needs standout presentation and strategic positioning.

If you want your sale to move efficiently, talk to your agent about:

• Professional staging

• High-impact photography and video

• Strategic pricing that creates early momentum

• Smart timing and targeted marketing

A well-prepared apartment can still sell quickly — but not instantly. And that’s perfectly normal.

Bottom Line

If you’re thinking about selling your New York apartment, don’t let this year’s withdrawn listings discourage you. Let them teach you.

The sellers who didn’t succeed weren’t unlucky — they just started with the wrong strategy.

You can still win in today’s market if you:
- Price correctly
- Stay patient
- Partner with a local expert who knows how to position your apartment from day one

Because in New York real estate, Who You Work With Matters!

If you’re thinking about selling — or you want expert guidance before you list — contact me, Julian Hutter of Compass, your New York Real Estate Advisor. I’m here to help you price strategically, prepare effectively, and sell confidently.