Market Momentum Defies Seasonal Patterns in Queens and Long Island

Written by:

Steve Marcinuk

Date:

26 Mar 2026

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Real estate markets in Queens and Long Island are moving at a pace that ignores traditional seasonal slowdowns, with deals closing steadily even during periods that were once considered quiet. Giuseppe Gregorio, associate broker at NY Space Finders Inc., says the current momentum is unlike anything he has seen in his career. Advances in technology and changing buyer attitudes have enabled transactions to continue regardless of holidays or weather, upending the market’s usual rhythms.

“The market proved that holidays don’t mean anything. Bad weather does not mean anything. It’s unstoppable,” Gregorio says. He attributes much of this resilience to digital tools that keep deals moving even when offices are closed or travel is difficult.

From Wall Street to Real Estate

His background in finance shapes Gregorio’s perspective. After starting his career on Wall Street and working in mortgage origination during the early 2000s, he shifted to real estate at age 30, joining a friend’s brokerage. This experience has given him a deep understanding of complex financing and investor needs.

He explains that his experience with mortgages and capital markets helps him close deals that require creative solutions. Long-term relationships built during his finance years also allow him to navigate exceptions and overcome obstacles in the closing process. “When you know that stuff, and you’re talking to a savvy guy that owns a million square feet of real estate, you’re speaking the same language, and they just feel more confident,” he says.

Diverse Portfolio Strategy

NY Space Finders has built a business model around serving a wide range of clients and property types. The firm handles everything from luxury homes worth several million dollars to affordable condos, student rentals, commercial retail, and industrial properties. This broad approach helps the company stay active across market cycles and respond to shifting demand.

Gregorio emphasizes that every listing receives the same level of attention, regardless of price. Professional photography, detailed floor plans, and broad marketing are standard for all properties. “If it’s a $200,000 condo, I’m going to treat it like it’s a million-dollar house,” he says. This consistency, he argues, builds trust with clients and helps the firm’s reputation across diverse segments.

Interest Rate Optimism Driving Activity

Expectations of lower interest rates are clearly impacting both residential and commercial markets. Over the past six to twelve months, Gregorio has seen increased activity as buyers and sellers position themselves for what they believe could be another surge in demand if borrowing costs drop.

“Everyone’s just predicting these lower interest rates. With that happening, I think it’s going to really create another boom,” he says.

On the residential side, this optimism is already affecting rental markets. Renters who anticipate lower rates are delaying new leases or considering a move into homeownership. As a result, rental prices in some areas have dropped 5% to 10%, or at least stopped rising. Gregorio notes that this leveling off is a direct response to shifting expectations about affordability in the purchase market.

Fresh Capital and Creative Financing

The commercial sector is also seeing new dynamics. Younger buyers are entering the market willing to pay higher prices, challenging the dominance of established investors who have traditionally controlled local commercial deals. Gregorio describes situations in which a younger, less established buyer can outbid longtime market players by leveraging different financing tools.

A key part of this trend is the use of SBA loans, which allow business owners to purchase buildings for their own companies while simultaneously building equity. “They realize, ‘I could take advantage and buy a building, put my business in it, and now have the asset,’” he explains. This approach is attracting a new class of owner-operators who see real estate as a path to wealth and business stability.

Seller financing is also becoming more common. Property owners facing a slower sales environment are increasingly willing to hold a note to complete a deal, rather than accept a lower cash offer. Gregorio cites the example of a former gas station site where the seller agreed to provide financing to avoid a steep discount. This flexibility is helping keep transaction volume steady, despite broader economic uncertainty.

Regulatory Challenges and Geographic Shifts

Not all trends are positive for local landlords. Changes in housing and eviction laws across New York City and the boroughs are leading some investors to redirect capital out of state, particularly to Florida, where regulations are more favorable. However, Gregorio points out that these exits create openings for new investors willing to accept higher costs and more complex rules.

“There are other people that are not scared of the laws, and they’re not scared of the higher utility costs or higher taxes,” he says. While some investors leave, others step in, betting that rental demand will support higher costs over time. Ultimately, Gregorio believes that tenants will bear much of the burden as expenses rise.

Common Deal Obstacles

Despite strong deal flow, transactions sometimes stall due to building department issues or title complications. NY Space Finders has developed close relationships with architects and zoning attorneys to help resolve these problems, but the extra costs often lead to disputes over who should pay. “We’re stuck in the middle brokering, reselling the deal after it’s already been agreed,” Gregorio says. Success often depends on buyers and sellers sharing unexpected costs to keep the transaction on track.

Suffolk County Expansion

Looking ahead, Gregorio sees a major opportunity in Suffolk County, where NY Space Finders plans to open a new office in 2026. He says the area offers better returns and more value for buyers compared to other parts of Long Island. The expansion strategy is focused on creating a network of offices that can collaborate efficiently and provide full geographic coverage for clients moving within the region.

Technology Integration

Gregorio, like many in the industry, has adopted artificial intelligence tools to streamline his workflow. He uses AI for tasks such as drafting documents and managing communications, describing it as “like having an extra admin in the office.” However, he insists that technology is only a supplement to the fundamentals of real estate: “I also am a believer in always going back to basics. I think sincerity still goes a long way.” He believes authentic relationships and quality service remain essential for long-term success.

Market Outlook

Despite ongoing economic uncertainties, Gregorio remains confident in the market’s upward trajectory. He believes that if interest rates decline while inventory stays low, the region could see a return to the bidding wars and rapid price appreciation that defined the pandemic boom. Even homeowners who have hesitated to sell because of low mortgage rates may be persuaded by significant equity gains.

“If you bought for $550,000 and can now get a million and a half, at some point the interest rate doesn’t matter,” Gregorio says, suggesting that substantial appreciation will eventually bring more sellers into the market.

For investors and real estate professionals in the New York metro area, the current environment is defined by continued demand, innovative financing, and a willingness among buyers and sellers to adapt. Lower interest rates, creative deal structures, and sustained appetite for all property types are keeping momentum strong, even as some traditional players exit and regulations evolve.

As 2024 progresses, the region’s market is set to remain active and competitive, with technology and flexibility shaping the next phase of growth, for those able to navigate new challenges and seize emerging opportunities, Queens and Long Island continue to offer strong prospects in an otherwise uncertain national landscape.