Most Googled Questions About Real Estate

Valois-Lopes & Robert January 22, 2026


By Eileen Robert and Paolo Valois-Lopes

We hear the same questions come up again and again from buyers and sellers who are trying to understand today’s real estate market. When clients reach out to us about luxury property in New York, the conversation usually starts with something they already searched online. The most googled questions about real estate reveal what really matters to people making high-stakes decisions in Manhattan and Brooklyn. We want to answer those questions clearly, honestly, and with local insight you can actually use.

If you’re researching before making a move, these are the most googled questions about real estate that we address with our clients every day.

Key Takeaways

  • What buyers and sellers ask most often before entering the market
  • How luxury real estate questions differ in New York, NY
  • What actually impacts pricing, timing, and value
  • How we help clients turn online research into smart decisions

Is Now a Good Time to Buy Real Estate?

This is one of the most googled questions about real estate, and the answer is never one-size-fits-all. In New York, timing depends heavily on neighborhood, building type, and personal goals.

Why Timing Is So Market-Specific

  • Luxury inventory in areas like Tribeca and the Upper East Side moves differently than entry-level property
  • Interest rate changes affect purchasing power, not long-term value
  • Lifestyle timing often matters more than market headlines

What We Look At Before Advising Buyers

These factors shape our guidance

  • Current supply in specific buildings and blocks
  • Price adjustments in comparable high-end homes
  • Your timeline and long-term ownership plans
In prime New York locations, well-priced luxury homes tend to hold value regardless of short-term cycles.

How Much Is My Home Worth?

This is consistently one of the most googled questions about real estate for sellers, especially in high-value markets like Manhattan and Brooklyn Heights.

Why Online Estimates Fall Short

  • Automated valuations don’t account for renovations or layout quality
  • Building reputation and amenities are often ignored
  • Recent luxury sales can vary widely within the same address

How We Determine Accurate Value

Our pricing process includes

  • Recent closed sales in your building or nearby properties
  • Buyer demand for features like private outdoor space or views
  • Seasonal trends affecting luxury listings
Accurate pricing is critical in neighborhoods like DUMBO or Central Park South, where buyers are highly informed and selective.

Should I Buy or Rent in New York, NY?

This is one of the most googled questions about real estate among professionals relocating or upgrading within the city.

Why This Decision Is More Than Math

  • Ownership offers stability in prime neighborhoods
  • Renting provides flexibility in rapidly changing lifestyles
  • Tax considerations vary by property type

When Buying Makes Sense

Ownership often works best when

  • You plan to stay several years or longer
  • You’re targeting established luxury buildings
  • You want control over customization and use

When Renting Can Be Strategic

Renting may be smarter if

  • You’re testing a new neighborhood like Park Slope or Tribeca
  • Inventory is tight in your target segment
  • Your timing is short-term
We help clients compare both paths based on real numbers and realistic expectations.

What Makes a Property “Luxury” in New York?

This question shows up frequently among the most googled questions about real estate, especially from buyers moving from other markets.

Luxury Is Defined by More Than Price

  • Location near parks, waterfronts, or cultural centers
  • Quality of construction and architectural detail
  • Level of service and privacy

Features Luxury Buyers Expect

These details influence decisions

  • Full-service buildings with concierge and doorman
  • High ceilings, natural light, and thoughtful layouts
  • Private outdoor space or premium views
In New York, two homes at the same price point can offer very different luxury experiences depending on these factors.

How Long Does It Take to Buy or Sell a Home?

This is one of the most googled questions about real estate because timing impacts everything from financing to relocation plans.

Buying Timelines in the Luxury Market

A typical purchase includes

  • Property search and private showings
  • Offer negotiation and contract review
  • Board approvals or building processes
In co-op-heavy areas like the Upper East Side, approvals can add time, while condos in Downtown Manhattan often move faster.

Selling Timelines to Expect

Timing depends on

  • Price positioning from day one
  • Property condition and presentation
  • Market demand in your specific segment
Luxury homes that are priced correctly and prepared well tend to attract serious buyers quickly.

Do I Need a Real Estate Agent?

This remains one of the most googled questions about real estate, particularly among experienced buyers.

Why Representation Still Matters

  • Access to off-market and quietly marketed listings
  • Insight into building histories and pricing patterns
  • Skilled negotiation in high-value transactions

How We Add Value

Our role includes

  • Interpreting market data at a granular level
  • Managing complex transaction details
  • Protecting your interests from start to finish
In New York’s luxury market, experience and relationships make a measurable difference.

FAQs About the Most Googled Questions About Real Estate

Why do online answers about real estate feel confusing?

Most online content lacks local context. Real estate outcomes depend heavily on neighborhood, building type, and timing.

Are luxury buyers asking different questions than other buyers?

Yes, luxury buyers focus more on long-term value, privacy, and building quality than on general market averages.

How do I know which online advice applies to New York, NY?

Many national articles don’t reflect New York’s unique market structure. Local expertise is essential for accurate guidance.

Contact Us Today

We know that searching the most googled questions about real estate is often the first step toward a major decision. Our role is to help you move beyond general answers and apply real insight to your specific goals in New York.

Reach out to us at Eileen Robert and Paolo Valois-Lopes to talk through your questions, your timeline, and your options. We’re here to help you make sure every move you consider is informed, strategic, and aligned with how you want to live in New York.



Eileen Robert one of the Top Brokers in the United States.

About the Author

Lead Real Estate Agent

Eileen Robert is a top-producing real estate expert with over 31 years of experience in luxury properties and townhouses. Recognized by The Wall Street Journal as a Top 250 Broker in the U.S., she was also the exclusive broker for Katharine Hepburn’s Turtle Bay Garden townhouse. A native New Yorker, Eileen combines market expertise with a personable approach, ensuring outstanding results for her clients.

Work With Us

They have the same passion for real estate and it shows in their results. Buyers and sellers alike value their discretion and willingness to go the extra mile. You will too because results count and nobody sells property like them.