Despite anemic home prices around the country and a sour market in the fourth quarter of 2011 in New York City, city brokers have high hopes for 2012, according to a recent report by the Real Estate Board of New York.
According to REBNY, 60 percent of the residential broker members it surveyed expect some improvement in the first quarter of 2012, an increase of 23 percent over the third quarter of 2011.
Much of the optimism seems to be driven by bright spots at the higher end of the market — brokers reported a 7 percent increase in sales at the $3 million and above level compared to the fourth quarter of 2010, and a 6 percent increase in closings on rentals worth over $4,000.
The survey also revealed the amenities that brokers find to be in high demand. The most sought after perks were doormen, in-unit laundry, private storage space and onsite fitness centers, according to the survey.
Almost 75 percent of brokers also reported that buyers were looking for primary residences, the survey said.
Geographically, brokers reported that the East Side accounted for 27 percent of closed sales, Downtown for 22 percent, the West Side for 19 percent and Brooklyn for 16 percent.
REBNY is New York City’s largest real estate trade association, and has more than 12,000 members.