Rents Hit Record Highs 📈

March 26, 2025

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What Up, Family? 

Welcome to The Edit with Aaron Seawood, a lifestyle letter serving a weekly dose of real estate, culture, and wisdom—all in three minutes or less. Let’s dive in. 

 

Real Estate Remix 

Last month, rents hit record highs in Manhattan as they rose 6.4% (for the fifth time in a row) to $4,500. February—typically a slower month for rentals—saw an increase in bidding wars resulting from renters and would-be buyers (who are waiting for mortgage rates to drop) competing for limited inventory. Brooklyn is experiencing a similar trend, with average rent per SF and bidding wars hitting new highs. Typically, we see the rent peak in the spring and summer months, so seeing this activity level in February is telling. I know the market may feel discouraging, but there are always opportunities and ways forward. Reply to this email with your questions or frustrations, and I’ll help you strategize a plan. 

 

NYC Insider: What’s Happening This Week 

I hit pause on any events this week because I’ve been traveling a ton recently—college visits with my daughter, Sasha, helping my parents relocate to Atlanta, and now in Vero Beach, Florida, with Ryder for his baseball spring training. It’s been a lot! I loved spending so much time with Sasha and seeing firsthand how she’s grading the different universities (it felt like I was out with a buyer, lol). For all my parents out there with kids heading to college in the next year or two, this time is exciting and bittersweet. I’m sending my support and a reminder that underneath the stress is a beautiful moment unfolding—take a moment to enjoy it.

 

Weekly Gem 💎

Spring Clean Your People

The time has come to look around you and ask this simple question: Are the people around you making you better? Or are you letting them hang around like dust bunnies? It’s increasingly becoming more important to spring clean your people and ensure those closest to you have your best interests at heart. Are they the ones who say your name in rooms you’re not in? Can you call them when you’re getting your ass kicked or to soundboard? Do they hold you accountable? Be selective about who you keep company with as it will directly impact your confidence, mindset, finances, and forward motion. Those closest to you will affect your energy the most and, ultimately, your outcomes! 

 

The Best Homes on the Market This Week  

Here are three of my favorite fly listings in NYC across all price points.  Because Team Carte Blanche is all about the people, not the price.  

 

	41 Central Park West, 11A   $16,900,000   6 Bed / 4.5 Bath   UWS  Situated in Harperley Hall, one of Central Park’s most prestigious pre-war co-ops, this home offers unmatched views from its 73-foot-long private terrace! Every detail across all 15 rooms has been curated—from a custom-made stained glass window in the library to hand-painted Japanese wallpaper.  Listed by my guy, Kyle Blackmon
	72 Perry St, Garden  $3,200,000    2 Bed / 1 Bath    West Village This enchanting home fills the entire ground floor of a brownstone co-op and comes with its own private garden oasis. Inside, exceptional details abound, like the wood-burning fireplace, Calcutta marble countertops, soaking tub, and custom wallpaper. What a gem!  Listed by Mary Ellen Cashman
	137 Barrow St, 4A  $1,500,000   2 Bed / 1 Bath    West Village Welcome to the largest two-bed layout in the legendary West Village Houses. A recent renovation has left the home with new oak flooring, a chef’s kitchen with top-tier appliances, a walk-in closet, a washer/dryer, and generous storage.  Listed by the man, Ryan Edgette

 

Who wants a tour?

Before you go…

🏡: This $10M BK Heights townhouse is a strong contender for my DREAM home. The architecture and design are insane. 

💸: Amazon is having a spring sale—here are the best items to grab. 

🌚: The Moonstruck house (most recently bought by Amy Schumer) is on the market again. And it’s in my hood! 

🌆: The renderings have been revealed for Gramercy’s latest new construction, The Willow, a 19-story building at 201 E 23rd. The facade looks incredible! This one is impressive if you’ve been waiting for a new dev in this area. 

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Looking to Buy, Sell, or Rent? Let’s talk.

 

Like I ask GOD every day, who can we help next?