This is a brief video blog on what I am seeing right now in the NYC residential real estate market.

These are crazy times, but for savvy renters there are bargains to be had if you know what to ask for. I'll tell you a bit about what landlords in NYC are offering as incentives to get renters into their NYC rental apartments.

Click "PLAY VIDEO" to watch.

In the past, when the sales market was slow (which it is), rentals experienced an uptick in activity. This is distinctly not the case now. Without exception, landlords are lowering rents or providing incentives to get their apartments filled. If your lease is coming up for renewal, you should look around. And if your still on the fence about buying, know that your dollar is going to go way farther now than it did a year ago.

The short term furnished rental market is booming right now, offering an extensive selection of apartments at amazing rates. When you look at the cost of a room in New York City ($450 - $855 a night for a king single) you can really appreciate the cost savings and your people can appreciate the added space (1300 sq ft vs. 250 sq ft). I've also found that hotels can get a bit annoying on longer stays. So whether someone is here for 2 weeks shooting a TV spot or bringing the whole family for a year while they work on a project, there are fantastic furnished lofts, hi rise luxury and brownstones available with landlords eager to rent.

Finding an apartment in New York City should not strip you of your faith in mankind.  I know the deal.  The bait and switch, the "oh that sold yesterday...." and the ever popular "dramatic duplex with garden!" that turns out to be a bombed out shell with overflowing garbage cans outside the window instead of trees.  New York is tough and we all (me included) hear the stories of the 2 bedroom on Park Avenue a friend of a friend got for a song and you are looking at lightless gulags that will swallow up your family’s savings.  How do you live in this town?  You work with an honest agent (could be me) who won't waste your precious time (or mine) who is as excited about a great apartment as you are and who can't lie to you. I have absolutely no poker face - ask my wife.  Having bought and sold and rented in New York myself for years, I know how frustrating it can be. I will work my hardest for you and my goal is the same as yours:  Find you a home in this incredibly exciting city that you can really be happy in.