The Pinpointe Post

December 2025 Edition

Welcome Message from Josh & Rachel

Hello from the Pinpointe team!

As we close out the year, we wanted to take a moment to say thank you. We launched this newsletter back in April with one simple goal: give NYC renters and first‑time buyers clear, honest insight without the industry BS - and we’ve loved building it with you. If you’ve been reading along, we’d genuinely love to know: are you enjoying it, and is there anything you want us to add (or cut) in 2026?

It’s also been a big year for Pinpointe. Alongside continuing to help clients rent, buy, and sell across the city, we launched NYCbound, our relocation program built for people and companies moving to the city. We also welcomed two new agents in the past month, bringing our team to six. We’re grateful to grow alongside the clients and partners who trust us. We’re looking forward to continuing to show up when you need us, and to what’s ahead for all of us in the year to come.

And as a reminder, we offer a $100 gift card for any referral that results in a signed lease or buy/sell deal or for an intro to your HR team or any startup that could use our relocation program.

We wish you a happy and healthy holiday season and New Year!.

Rachel & Josh

Cofounders, Pinpointe Group

Recent Highlights

📝 From our blog

🎙️ Podcast Feature

Founders don’t relocate to NYC by accident; they do it because the upside is real. In this episode, we talk through why companies choose NYC, what founders underestimate about the move, and how housing and relocation decisions can either slow momentum or set teams up to win. If you’re building a company here (or thinking about it), this one’s worth your time.

📱 Social Media Hit

“Closings shouldn’t feel like a funeral - they’re a celebration.” What do you think should actually happen on closing day? We think cake and champagne for a start!

Instagram Post

🌟 Agent Spotlight

We’re excited to welcome Joe Rosati to the Pinpointe team. Originally from Upstate NY and now based in Queens, Joe brings a people‑first, finance‑savvy approach to real estate, backed by nearly a decade of experience in sales, lending, and business finance. He’s focused on helping clients make confident decisions without the overwhelm - especially in a market as fast‑moving as NYC. Reach out to Joe at [email protected]!

🏙️ Neighborhood Highlight: Park Slope, Brooklyn

This month, we’re spotlighting Park Slope, a Brooklyn classic that balances residential calm with real neighborhood energy. Known for its tree‑lined streets, brownstones, and proximity to Prospect Park, it’s a go‑to for renters and buyers who want space without giving up access to the rest of the city.

What we love: Park Slope feels lived‑in in the best way. It’s walkable, family‑friendly without being sleepy, and packed with local restaurants, independent shops, and easy subway access that makes commuting manageable.

Median 1-bedroom purchase price: $687,500

Median 1-bedroom rent: $3,814

Hidden gem: Hattie’s on 7th Ave — a longtime neighborhood staple that still feels authentically local.

💡 First-Time Buyer Tip

If you’re thinking about buying, the very first step is figuring out how you’re going to pay for it. You can’t start shopping seriously until you understand your real budget.

  • If you’re getting a mortgage, get pre‑approved, not just pre‑qualified.

  • Work with a lender to understand what programs you qualify for and your true approval range.

  • Factor in closing costs and, for co‑ops or condos, enough liquidity to cover 1–2 years of maintenance.

  • Use that info to estimate your monthly payment and what you’ll actually have left over.

Pro tip: This is where your search starts, not on StreetEasy. Need a lender intro? Just ask.

📊 Market Pulse: November 2025

Record rents, steady demand

💸 Rental Rundown:

  • Manhattan rents continued to set records in November, with the average rent around $5,686 and the median near $4,750, reflecting tight vacancy and sustained demand.

  • Brooklyn rents also stayed elevated, posting a median rent of $4,000, as demand held firm across core neighborhoods.

  • Queens continues to offer comparatively better value, with median rents around $3,510, even as year‑over‑year growth persists.

🧾 Sales Snapshot:

  • Manhattan saw a major boost in activity — signed contracts for co‑ops and condos are up 45%+ from last year.

  • The luxury market is on fire, with $5M–$20M contracts skyrocketing (some segments up 300%+).

  • Brooklyn is booming in the $1M–$2M range, with co‑op contracts up 61.8% and strong growth in single‑family homes.

  • Inventory is rising, giving buyers more options across all property types.

🔑 What It Means for You:
Renters should expect rents to stay high with limited vacancy and continued competitive demand — it’s still a landlord’s market. For buyers, more new signed contracts and rising listings suggest choice is expanding, but the higher-end market is particularly active. Act decisively when you find a place that fits your budget and needs.

📰 News You Can Use

Office Conversions Could Add 12,000 New Apartments

NYC plans to add roughly 12,000 apartments through office‑to‑residential conversions, which could help ease supply constraints over time. These projects won’t solve affordability overnight, but they may gradually add much‑needed inventory. Read more here.

Broker Fee Changes Are Showing Up in Rents

Changes in New York’s broker‑fee landscape may be influencing how landlords price new rentals across the city. Some costs appear to be shifting into higher asking rents, especially in competitive neighborhoods. Read more here.

Manhattan Rents Hit Record Highs Again

Manhattan rents reportedly hit record highs again as demand remains strong despite seasonal slowdowns. Limited vacancy and continued competition are keeping upward pressure on prices. Read more here.

🤝 Connect With Us

Have questions about buying or renting in NYC? We're here to help!

And don’t forget: you’ll get a $100 gift card for any referral that turns into a closed deal, or for connecting us with your HR team or a startup that needs relocation support.

What topics would you like to see in our next newsletter? Reply to this email with your suggestions!

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