Author: Margo De Santis

Having spent over 25 years as a broker here in Westchester County, I’ve seen how timing can make a real difference when buying a home. Looking ahead to 2026, the week from September 27 to October 3 stands out for buyers across the country. During this period, inventory is expected to be up 31.9% compared to the start of the year and 13.3% higher than the average week, which means more options and a better chance to find the right fit. Listing prices are projected to be about 3.5% below their seasonal high—potential savings of roughly $14,000 on a median-priced home around $416,000. There’s also likely to be 30.1% less competition than at the annual peak, and homes are expected to spend about 64 days on the market, giving buyers more breathing room. As someone who’s passionate about helping people make one of their greatest investments, I always keep an eye on these trends. If you’re planning ahead, early fall could offer more choices, while moving later in the season may mean even better price flexibility.

After more than 25 years living and working in Westchester County, I've seen the ebbs and flows of the real estate market up close. Lately, there’s a noticeable shift nationwide: in Mid-Q3, home prices per square foot dropped year-over-year in 36 of the 50 largest US metro areas. Overall, we saw about a 2% dip compared to last year—marking the tenth consecutive month of this trend. Sellers are adjusting their expectations, with some making sharper price cuts to meet buyers in the middle. High mortgage rates are certainly challenging affordability, especially in the areas that saw big surges during the pandemic. Interestingly, many of those markets are now giving back some of their recent gains, a trend supported by inventory levels that are higher than before the pandemic. Navigating these changes takes experience and perspective—something I’ve built over decades in this business and this community.

Luxury home sales across the US show just how much the market can vary from one metro area to the next. Recent data from a listings platform highlights a remarkable range, with top sales spanning from $3.7M all the way up to $130M. That $130M transaction stands out at the national peak, while other headline deals came in at $47M, $40.2M, $40M, $21.2M, $19M, $18M, and $17.5M. In four major markets, even the fifth-highest sale surpassed $10M—a clear sign of the depth and resilience of the luxury segment in those areas. One market in particular showed a notably tight band among its top five sales, with prices running between $24M and $40M. It’s important to note these numbers come from public listing systems, so some private or off-market deals might be even higher. As someone who’s spent over 25 years immersed in Westchester real estate, I find these patterns fascinating—they remind me just how unique every community’s luxury landscape can be, and how each sale tells its own investment story.

Having spent over 25 years living and working as an owner broker here in Westchester County, I’ve seen firsthand how cash sales can act as a fast and telling signal in our real estate market. Nationally, cash transactions have represented about 25% of existing-home sales in recent years. For those of us following the pulse of the market, these deals give us an early sense of shifts—often before mortgages or new construction trends catch up. When cash buyers become more aggressive as prices rise, it usually signals increased competition among purchasers. On the flip side, if we see more cash deals while overall sales slow, that can point to financing hurdles sidelining buyers who need loans.

If the share of cash purchases drops but prices remain steady, that may be a sign that credit has become more accessible, making it easier for everyday buyers to get back into the market and bringing a healthier balance. Many small cash investors focus on properties with special circumstances—think probate, tax issues, homes needing updates, or those connected to relocation. Even when traditional financed sales slow down, affordability challenges keep older homes in the spotlight for these buyers.

Investing in single-family homes across the US isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach; local taxes, title insurance, renovation costs, and hands-on management matter a lot, which means disciplined local knowledge is key. Scaling up is tough, and that’s why we’re more likely to see margin consolidation than sweeping buyouts. For international investors, teaming up with established local partners often works out better than trying to go it alone. It’s a reminder that real estate, at its heart, is always local—and experience on the ground makes all the difference.

After more than 25 years living and working as a broker here in Westchester County, I always enjoy seeing which properties top the charts each month. For August 2026, New Rochelle showcases some truly remarkable homes, with the highest listing coming in at $3,800,000. Here’s a look at the most expensive properties currently on the market:

1. MFRKEY1044013 — $3,800,000
2. MFRKEY1024470 — $2,450,000
3. MFRKEY1041927 — $2,395,000
4. MFRKEY969297 — $2,299,000
5. MFRKEY1014780 — $1,900,000
6. MFRKEY1001374 — $1,699,000
7. MFRKEY1045842 — $1,599,999
8. MFRKEY1005291 — $1,595,000
9. MFRKEY1035789 — $1,495,000
10. MFRKEY1006681 — $1,475,000
11. MFRKEY1044738 — $1,475,000
12. MFRKEY964716 — $1,455,000
13. MFRKEY1021771 — $1,450,000
14. MFRKEY1042214 — $1,399,000
15. MFRKEY997891 — $1,399,000

It’s always exciting to witness the range of investment opportunities in our area. Whether you’re just curious or considering a move, these listings are a testament to New Rochelle’s dynamic real estate market.

Prospective buyers were urged to look beyond a staged home's visual appeal during open houses and focus on details that support more informed decisions.
An agent said buyers should closely evaluate the home's overall condition, not just presentation, when comparing properties and deciding whether a showing reflects lasting value.
Neighborhood review matters too, with guidance encouraging buyers to assess the surrounding area rather than judging a property only by what is inside.
Separate neighborhood tips highlighted signs of promising markets, including new development and local business expansion, as buyers search for areas showing momentum.
These themes showed an ongoing advisory role in the home buying process, centered on helping shoppers make more informed choices as they evaluate homes.