IMPORTANT UPCOMING DATES

By Robin Shapiro

Summer Effects

Mother’s Day is Sunday, May 14. Father’s Day is Sunday, June 18. These dates tend to be family days and real estate usually slows up.

Real estate slows up on Memorial Day as well. This national holiday falls on Monday, May 29 this year. It always takes place on the last Monday in May and serves as a remembrance for American soldiers who’ve died in military service. There’s a national moment of silence scheduled for 3 p.m. Memorial Day was established after the Civil War and originally called Decoration Day. It marks the unofficial start of the summer vacation season. NYC will open our beaches on Saturday, May 27 for the holiday weekend – lifeguards begin working that day. There are usually several Memorial Day parades in NYC – watch for detailed announcements if you want to participate in them and for travel advisories if you plan on driving around.

The summer season has mixed effects on the Rockaway real estate market. On the one hand, we are a beachfront community and the draw of the summer activities does bring people here for: beaches, swimming, cycling, running, surfing, organized teams for kids and adults (although the pandemic may crimp some of these this year; thankfully the “end” is in sight). On the other hand, some sellers are reluctant to sell during the summer because they enjoy the aforementioned activities and don’t want to give them up so fast!

It can be harder to sell real estate during the summer due to vacations by buyers and sellers alike. Summer activities can also occupy people instead of allowing them to focus on the home sale process.

The spring season has been generally good for our real estate market. There has been action across the board in all price categories with an emphasis on the range below $1 million (approx). Prices have firmed up within the framework of recent comparable sales and in some cases are creeping higher. Inventory levels remain very low.

Call me, Love, Robin. 718-490-9463

Fleet week in NYC begins on Wednesday, May 24 and runs through Tuesday, May 30. There are many activities scheduled at the Intrepid Museum and elsewhere around those days. The Jewish holiday of Shavuot begins on Thursday night, May 25 and ends on Saturday night, May 27. No work is permitted for the observant. Call me. Love, Robin