Housing markets the world over have suffered in recent years, but New York City remains a popular choice

From uptown’s bustling avenues to downtown’s quiet cobblestone streets, New York City is a metropolitan paradise waiting to be enjoyed. Charmingly quaint on one block, boisterous and buzzing on another, owning a piece of this island provides a level of caché unmatched by any other city in America. A cultural cornerstone of the world, New York City’s real estate market has remained strong in otherwise unsteady times and the city continues to offer unsurpassed food, culture, art, fashion and entertainment scenes. What are you waiting for?

Market overview
There were more sales in the first quarter of 2011 than any other first quarter since the credit crunch of 2008, and properties are selling faster than the average pace of the past decade.

2010’s fourth quarter listing inventory increased 5.6 percent from the prior quarter and consequently 2011 began with ample inventory. Armed with an increased sense of confidence in the financial market, buyers who had been sitting on the sidelines came out to play. This resulted in February’s high number of signed contracts. The average contract-signed price during the first two months of 2011 at Prudential Douglas Elliman was just over $1,680,000, 11 percent of which were at or above the asking price. Compared to the same time last year, while the number of sales has increased, the median sales price has decreased by almost 10 percent. March showed continued sales growth closing out the first quarter with the lowest inventory of the season since 2007.

As the volume of the city’s transactions continues to grow, the spring 2011 season is anticipated to be the most successful since the decline of the market in late 2008. Now is the time to invest in New York City – one of the most profitable real estate markets in the world.

Record of success
Founded by Raphael De Niro in 2004, The De Niro Group represents clients in all of their residential real estate needs, handling an average of $150m plus in sales annually.

In addition to their successful resale business, this team of highly skilled agents and brokers has become a leading force in new development sales. The De Niro Group has overseen the marketing and sales for the Pearline Soap Factory and 76 Madison, both sold out, TriBeCa Fairchild, currently over 95 percent sold, and more. With a proven track record of success, The De Niro Group was recently named the number one sales team in the Prudential Network, nationwide – a network of over 50,000 real estate brokers.

When forming The De Niro Group, Raphael considered the future role of real estate brokers.  He turned to technology and digital media to brand and market the group’s exclusive listings, as well as to provide as much data as possible during each and every transaction. His commitment to openness, honesty and integrity is mirrored in each member of his tightly knit team. Each member has been hand-picked for having not only strong real estate skills, but also a keen ethical sense. Since 2004, The De Niro Group has remained a dedicated tour de force, ready to assist in all real estate needs.

Contact Raphael De Niro, Managing Director, The De Niro Group, #1 Sales Team Nationwide–Prudential Network; Tel: +1 (212) 460 – 0655; Email: TheDeNiroGroup@elliman.com; Web: www.elliman.com/rad