buying

nah, borkers don't want to show apts during holiday season. good luck.

In November-December 2009, when the recession was hitting harder in some ways than it is this year, there were plenty of buyers around. So yes I think the time off helps buyers, not just because they have more time to look, but also because they have more time to think.

Most building lobbies and sometimes exteriors look their best in December, the staff tends to be in a good mood, the city itself looks festive, and all of that helps sellers.

In January you get buyers who really must buy, and your sellers who really must sell, and in a buyers' market as we have this will tend to push prices down.

Also, as a seller, in my opinion, you will benefit if you sell as soon as possible because in most areas, the overall trend in prices is down. I emphasize that is my opinion. The longer you wait in 2011, the less money you are going to get for your place--again, as a general opinion, as there are certainly pockets and buildings that are exceptions.

So it's best to come out of the gate at the right price and with your place showing at its best.

Karla Harby NYRS
Rutenberg Realty
kharby@crrnyc.com

As a buyer, I do not subscribe to the theory that the only time to list an apartment is either late September/October or April/May although those seem to be the most popular choices for sellers. Each buyer has his/her own circumstances - some buyers can search throughout the year and others are not available at specific times of the year due to work obligations or school schedules.

Karla Harby, is your point of view applying to certain price points?

i would say its best to list, mid Jan, and be on for what usually is our active season Feb-May

ud, the op is asking for best time to buy, although obviously karla has expanded the topic. i've always bought in the winter (except upstate). listed to sell right after labor day, and both times got a rent-back period of a month after closing. first buy asked landlord to let us go month to month after lease ended as we were looking to buy, no problem.

inventory always sucks (in relative terms) in manhattan. in the winter sometimes you can get great deals.