Key Takeaways
- Preparation is leverage: know the comparable sales before you negotiate.
- Terms such as closing date and contingencies can be worth as much as price.
- Know your walk-away number before you start.
Mendy's Original Take
From the Mendy Realty archive, first published by Mendy Lipsker.
Making the deal is all in the negotiation. The job of an agent or broker is basically to be the matchmaker, bringing people together. When people start to feel confident or comfortable with each other, they may be more willing to make concessions on their original proposal in order to work out a deal.
A lot of agents and brokers try to protect their client’s and their own interests by not having the buyer and seller meet. However, at times, the best thing is to bring the buyer and seller together and let them face each other. The broker can then facilitate a negotiation, whether it's a small deal or a big deal. I have found many times that, if the buyer and seller are reasonable and rational, they'll find a way to make a deal when they meet each other.
2026 NYC Investment Snapshot
Investor demand stayed strong in 2026. New York City investment sales reached $23.69 billion through Q3, with multifamily and development sites leading the market.
NYC sales by asset class, Q1 to Q3 2026
Figures through Q3 2026 include projected closings.
How To Negotiate A Better Deal
Study comparable sales
Use recent sales to support your price.
Understand the other side
Learn what the seller or buyer needs most, such as speed or certainty.
Set your limit
Decide in advance when you will walk away.
Common Questions
Do sellers have the advantage in Brooklyn in 2026?
In many neighborhoods, yes. Supply is tight and prices are rising, so well-priced homes draw strong interest.
What can I negotiate besides price?
Closing date, contingencies, repairs, and included items.
Related Reading
Talk To A Brooklyn Broker
Buying, selling, or investing in New York real estate? Start with a direct conversation.
718.751.0738Market figures compiled from public records and published market data. Information is believed reliable but not guaranteed and should be independently verified.
