Lauren Kende - Associate Real Estate Broker

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Lauren Kende - Associate Real Estate Broker

When not working, Lauren can often be found playing tennis. Lauren took up tennis in 2006 and it quickly became a favorite activity.

As a former practicing attorney and public relations professional, Lauren has a proven history of helping people navigate through complex and challenging situations, and she brings that experience to bear when helping her real estate clients. Passionate about customer service, she firmly believes that attention to detail, the ability to listen, strong negotiation skills, and a willingness to alway

s go above and beyond are keys to her continued success. Lauren has purchased and sold several properties herself and thoroughly understands the complicated process of selling, buying, and renovating an apartment in New York City. Having served on her Upper West Side cooperative’s board of directors – she has lived on 91st Street since 2002 – she possesses significant insight into the behind-the-scenes nuances that home ownership in the Big Apple involves. Whether working with sellers or buyers, she offers reasoned and insightful perspectives to guide them through the often emotional, stressful, and difficult decisions that a real estate transaction requires. She has been a long-time supporter of the Riverside Clay Tennis Association, the non-profit organization charged with maintaining and operating the only public red clay tennis courts in NYC. She is proud to be a gate volunteer and the sponsor of the ladders/tournaments, as well as of her prior involvement as a board member and sponsor of the summer concert series. She also continues to donate a portion of any commissions she earns from RCTA-sourced business back to this community organization via her Give-Back donation program. Lauren also helped run the U.S. Tennis Association's local Manhattan leagues as a volunteer coordinator for many years and remains active in the USTA as a team captain and player. She has recently added pickleball to her list of favored sports, is an avid snowboarder, and enjoys traveling, going to the theater, and spending time with friends and family.

06/17/2026

📊 Manhattan Market Update | May 2026

The May data for the Manhattan market continued to show spring momentum, with rising sale prices, more contracts being signed, and homes selling faster in May than they did in the previous month.

Here are a few highlights:

✨ Average Sold Price: $2.5M
⬆️ Up 11.4% from April

✨ Median Sold Price: $1.375M
⬆️ Up 5.8% from April

✨ Contracts Signed: 1,141
⬆️ Up 4.1% from April

✨ Active Listings: 6,926
⬆️ Up 4.4% from April. More inventory giving buyers additional options

✨ Average Days on Market: 119
⬇️ Down 9.2% from April

Looking at individual property types:

🏡 Condominiums vs. Cooperatives
Average Sold Price: $3.22M vs. $1.54M
Average PPSF: $1,816 vs. $1,166
Average Days on Market: 123 vs. 115

What stands out to me is that while inventory levels continued to grow, buyer activity kept pace. For sellers, that’s encouraging news. For buyers, increased inventory means more opportunities and choices.

June data is likely to look similar, as it reflects activity from previousl months during the spring season. But as we are heading into summer, the question remains: typical summer slowdown or continuation of delayed spring market?

As always, Manhattan is not one market—it’s a collection of many micro-markets, buildings, and neighborhoods. So understanding what’s happening in your specific area is far more important than following the headlines.

Curious what these numbers mean for your apartment or your next move? I’d be happy to help. Reach out!

06/16/2026

Want Your Home to Sell Fast? Here’s What Actually Matters.

One of the biggest misconceptions I’m hearing right now is that homes are taking a long time to sell or simply aren’t selling at all.

The reality? The right homes are still moving quickly.

While there isn’t much of a frenzy in the market, well-priced, well-presented homes are continuing to attract buyers and go under contract faster than many sellers expect.

So what’s the difference between a home that sits and a home that sells?

✨ Strategic pricing
✨ Strong presentation
✨ Professional marketing
✨ Move-in-ready appeal
✨ Understanding what today’s buyers actually want

Today’s buyers are very selective. They’re comparing homes, studying photos, evaluating value, and looking carefully at condition before making an offer.

That means pricing a home based on yesterday’s market—or assuming buyers will overlook needed updates—can lead to longer days on market.

The sellers seeing the best results are the ones who approach the market with a clear strategy from day one.

As I often tell my clients: it’s not about chasing the highest possible list price. It’s about positioning your home so buyers see the value immediately.

Because in every market, the homes that stand out are the homes that sell.

Thinking about making a move this year? Reach out to discuss what today’s buyers are looking for and how to position your home for success.

06/13/2026

🌿 Looking for an easy summer escape with a difference? Governors Island.

Just a short ferry ride from Lower Manhattan, it feels like stepping into a completely different version of the city—one with open green spaces, waterfront paths, and public art.

One of the best ways to explore is by bike. Cruise through the historic district, discover hidden corners of the island, and take in incredible views of Lower Manhattan, Brooklyn, and the Statue of Liberty along the way. 🚲

If you’re looking for something more relaxing, bring a book, find a spot on the lawn, and enjoy a slower pace than most New Yorkers are used to. You can also wander through seasonal art installations, cultural events, and local markets that pop up throughout the warmer months.

For a truly unique experience, visit the waterfront spa and soak in skyline views while unwinding from the city’s nonstop energy. And if one day on the island isn’t enough, you can even spend the night in luxury glamping tents overlooking Manhattan. ✨

Governors Island offers something New Yorkers rarely get enough of—space—to walk, bike, relax, and explore.

Have you been to Governors Island yet? Time to go! 🌇

06/11/2026

In the News! Thrilled to be quoted in the New York Times!

The Junkluggers of NYC
The New York Times

The article highlights the work of Junkluggers, a company that helps New Yorkers navigate major life transitions.

The story goes far beyond “junk” removal. It sheds light on the emotional side of preparing a home for sale – the downsizing, relocating, and sorting through a loved one’s belongings. These memory-filled moments often slow down or complicate the practical decisions that need to be made.

As a real estate agent, I see firsthand how overwhelming this process can be. In the article, I shared that many clients feel guilty about parting with perfectly good furniture and household items. Knowing that many of these items will be donated or repurposed often brings comfort during an already stressful transition.

What stood out most in the story is the compassion and patience shown by the Junkluggers team. Their work is not just about clearing spaces—it’s about helping people move forward while honoring the stories behind the belongings they leave behind.

The link to the article is available in my bio.

Grateful to The New York Times for highlighting this important work and for including my perspective in the conversation.

06/05/2026

🌻 Fresh Flowers, Fresh Produce, and a Midweek Escape 🌻

One of my favorite things about summer in NYC? Farmers market season is back at the New York Botanical Garden! 🍅🌿🌼

Every Wednesday from June through October, the NYBG Farmers Market transforms the Garden into a vibrant gathering spot filled with local farmers, fresh produce, artisanal treats, flowers, live music, and all the best summer vibes.

You’ll find:
🥕 Fresh fruits and vegetables straight from Hudson Valley farms
🍞 Freshly baked goods and specialty food vendors
🌻 Beautiful seasonal flowers and plants
🎶 Live folk music at noon
🛍 Rotating local vendors every week
🌱 Community events and educational programs

One of the best perks? NYC residents get free access to both the market and Garden grounds every Wednesday with proof of residency. So you can stock up on fresh produce and spend time wandering through one of the most beautiful places in the city.

And if you’re planning to explore the Garden after shopping, they even offer a complimentary «veggie valet» to keep your produce cool while you enjoy your visit. How great is that?

Whether you’re shopping for the week, looking for a unique outing, or simply craving a little nature break in the middle of the hustle and bustle, this is definitely a NYC experience that never disappoints. 🌸

📍 New York Botanical Garden
🗓 Wednesdays, June–October
⏰ 10 AM – 2 PM

05/28/2026

What’s the Story with Lot Line Windows in NYC?

Q: What is a lot line window?
A: It is a window located directly on or facing the border of a building’s property line — usually on the side. Such windows risk being blocked or bricked over because a neighboring building may be able to build against them.

Q: Why should a buyer care about them?
A: The natural light, air views, and room count from a lot line window can be lost in the future.

Q: Is this a realistic risk for every lot line window in NYC?
A: No. The location of many lot line windows are such that no construction would take place there as a practical matter. Also, construction is impacted by numerous building and zoning codes, as well as the availability of air rights, which ultimately dictate the location and size of a building.

Q: What are air rights?
A: Air rights are essentially the legal ability to build higher. Some NYC buildings actually purchase the air rights of neighboring lots specifically to protect their light, views and lot line windows long-term.

Q: Do lot line windows affect apartment value?
A: They absolutely can, as light, air and views are important aspects of a property’s value. In addition, a bedroom must have a window to be legal in NYC. The loss of a window that reduces the bedroom count, as well as light or views, would definitely have an adverse affect how much a property is worth.

Q: What can a buyer do to minimize these risks?
A: Checking to see if there are nearby empty lots or parking lots, shorter neighboring buildings, or active development on the block can offer insight about the likelihood of lot line window loss, as is determining whether neighboring air rights still remain available or have already been purchased and/or used.

In NYC real estate, details matter — and this is one buyers should never overlook. 🤍

&A

05/20/2026

Client Love 🤍

Messages like this are the reason I love what I do.

Thank you so much, Pamela, for your kind words and trust throughout the entire process. Selling an apartment in NYC is never just a transaction — there are always emotions, family decisions, logistics, and life changes tied into it.

I’m so grateful I was able to help make this chapter a little easier for you, Juan, and your family.

Knowing how significant and meaningful it was for Juan’s uncle to receive the sale proceeds was truly touching. Stories like this are what make real estate so much more than just buying and selling property.

Wishing your beautiful family all the best in this next chapter, and sending love to your mom as well 🤍

Thank you again for trusting me every step of the way.

05/18/2026

The April numbers are in — and Manhattan’s spring market is showing the activity that looked to be taking shape last quarter.

One of the clearest signs that buyers are actively engaging in the market is the number of contracts being signed. Despite ongoing economic uncertainty, contracts signed jumped nearly 20% month-over-month, showing people are entering the market and moving forward with decisions as we head deeper into spring.

At the same time, pricing remained relatively stable overall.
The median sold price held at $1.3M, up slightly from March, showing consistency across the broader market. Meanwhile, the average sold price dipped just 1%, landing at $2.25M — a modest shift that suggests buyers are spending, but with selectivity.

Not unexpectedly given historical trends, inventory increased this month.
Active listings rose almost 12% versus March, bringing more options to the market after a relatively tight winter season. Increased inventory combined with rising buyer activity is creating a more balanced environment, with opportunities on both sides of the table.

Between condominius and cooperatives, there were some month-over-month differences.
Average and median condo prices rose 5.3% and 10%. At the same time, price per square foot softened slightly and average time on market increased to 135 days, suggesting buyers are negotiating more even as pricing trended upward.

Coops showed less pricing strength, with the median increasing only slightly and the average declining. One notable shift: the average discount narrowed from 7% to 6%, a sign that sellers may be gaining slightly more leverage in co-op negotiations OR that they may be pricing apartments more realistically from the get-go, and thereby limiting the amount of downward negotiation needed. 🤍

05/11/2026

More movement behind the scenes 🏙

Very happy to share some recent market momentum for my sellers:

✔️ In Contract
📍357 East 57th Street, Apt. 2D
A spacious corner 2-bedroom (flex 3) home with incredible light, generous proportions, and a flexible layout that truly checked all the boxes. From the oversized living space to the move-in ready condition, it’s easy to see why this one found its buyer.

✔️ Accepted Offer
📍357 East 57th Street, Apt. 5D
Another bright Sutton Place corner home with four exposures, a dramatic 30-foot living room, and a layout that offers endless possibilities for modern living.

✔️ Accepted Offer
📍74 West 68th Street, Apt. 5A
Classic Upper West Side pre-war charm just moments from Central Park. Boutique living, beautiful natural light, and timeless details made this one special.

Every apartment tells a different story — and it’s always exciting to get the right buyer to see what the sellers saw when they first bought their home. More to come soon ✨

05/05/2026

Rent or Buy? The Real Tradeoff No One Talks About Enough 🏙

Lately, I’ve been hearing the same question over and over again in New York City:
“Is it even worth buying right now?”

Honestly — it’s a fair question, given prices, mortgage rates, and carrying costs.

Renting can feel easier. Less commitment, lower upfront costs, more flexibility. Depending on your situation, these advantages can be exactly right for where you are in life.

But here’s the part that doesn’t get talked about enough: What each path does for your future.

When you rent, you’re paying for a place to live — and that’s it. No equity, no long-term return, no asset growing in the background that you can leverage for future investment or borrowing.

When you own, every payment starts to build something that’s YOURS — not your landlord’s.
Not overnight. Not instantly. But consistently. That’s the real difference.

Over time, owning a home is one of the most consistent ways people build wealth, and significantly moreso than renters. According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), the average homeowner’s net worth is 43X greater than that of a renter.

This doesn’t mean that eveyone should buy: Timing, finances, lifestyle — it all matters. You should only buy once you’re ready and the numbers work for you.

But if you’ve been sitting on the sidelines, wondering if it makes sense or is even possible, it’s certainly worth talking through your goals, timeline and budget. Even if today isn’t the right time, having a plan means being ready to move forward if and when it does make sense.

Address

2150 Broadway, 2nd Floor
New York, NY
10023

Website

https://www.compass.com/agents/lauren-kende/

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