Is this market fickle or what?

This unit, 36 A in 201 West 70th St, http://www.streeteasy.com/nyc/sale/347786-coop-201-west-70th-street-lincoln-square-new-york sold for $600,000 on 9/8/09 having been listed exactly one year earlier at $788,000. The apartment recently underwent renovations to kitchen and bath, new appliances, countertops, windows, etc. Unit 34 A, ... [more]

This unit, 36 A in 201 West 70th St, http://www.streeteasy.com/nyc/sale/347786-coop-201-west-70th-street-lincoln-square-new-york sold for $600,000 on 9/8/09 having been listed exactly one year earlier at $788,000. The apartment recently underwent renovations to kitchen and bath, new appliances, countertops, windows, etc. Unit 34 A, http://www.streeteasy.com/nyc/sale/448242-coop-201-west-70th-street-lincoln-square-new-york is in contract at the initial asking price (according to the broker)of $645,000 after being on the market for 3 weeks. Same apartment as the unit 2 flights up but in desperate need of a gut renovation. What is up with that? [less]