Christopher Robson's Blog

June 8, 2026

Is NY Banning Pocket Listings? What the Fair and Transparent Real Estate Listings Act Means for Long Island Homeowners

The landscape of how homes are bought and sold on Long Island is on the verge of a massive regulatory shift. For years, "pocket listings" or "private exclusives"—properties marketed quietly within a specific brokerage or select inner circle rather than on the public market—have been a popular tool. Recently …

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June 5, 2026

The Ghost of the Harbor: The Story Behind Northport’s “Zombie Marina” on Woodbine Avenue

If you’ve taken a stroll down Woodbine Avenue recently, past the playground and toward the heart of Northport Village harbor, you’ve likely noticed a peculiar contrast. A picturesque, bustling maritime community juxtaposed with a modern public boat dock facility completely frozen in time—empty, decaying, and earn its local title as …

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June 4, 2026

The New NYC Pied-à-Terre Tax Is Law: Surcharge Rates, Exemptions, and the Long Island Suburb Pivot

Following months of deadlocked budget negotiations in Albany, the landscape of New York luxury real estate changed permanently on May 28, 2026, when Governor Kathy Hochul signed the $268.5 billion state budget into law.

While the real estate industry successfully fought back and defeated a proposed hike to the …

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June 4, 2026

Navigating the NYC Mansion Tax: 2026 Brackets, Costs, and Strategies

The high-stakes legislative drama in Albany has finally concluded. The New York State Legislature officially passed the state budget, bringing concrete answers to the real estate community after months of intense speculation.

For buyers, sellers, and professionals navigating the seven-figure housing markets across Queens, Nassau, and Suffolk Counties, the final …

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May 25, 2026

The New Levittown Zoning Law: Are "McMansions" Officially Banned?

If you have driven through the tree-lined streets of Levittown recently, you have likely noticed a stark visual contrast. The historic, modest Cape Cod and ranch-style homes built by Levitt & Sons in the 1940s are increasingly sharing property lines with soaring, modern, multi-story residences.

This rapid architectural evolution has …

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May 20, 2026

The New York Property Tax Cap: The “2% Myth” Explained

If you live on Long Island, you have undoubtedly heard the phrase "2% property tax cap" thrown around every spring during school board elections. It sounds simple enough: a protective guardrail ensuring your local school district cannot raise property taxes by more than 2% in a given year.

However, if …

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May 19, 2026

Zoned vs. Postal Town: The Hidden Real Estate Trap in Long Island School Districts

Buying a home on Long Island is rarely a straightforward transaction. Among the region's unique geographical quirks, few variables carry as much financial weight or emotional investment as school district lines. For many families, securing a home within a specific district is the primary catalyst for their move.

However …

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May 15, 2026

May 19 Deadline: How to Lower Your Suffolk County Property Taxes in 2026

If you own a home in Suffolk County, your window of opportunity to lower your tax bill for the coming year is officially open. Unlike our neighbors in Nassau who plan over a year in advance, Suffolk homeowners operate on a fast-paced spring schedule.

With property taxes across the island …

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May 14, 2026

Huntington Real Estate Insights: April 2026 Market Report

The spring real estate market in Huntington, NY is exhibiting remarkable strength as we cross into the second quarter of 2026. Characterized by high demand and low supply, the area remains firmly locked in a Seller's Market. Sellers are continuing to maximize their returns, while buyers are navigating a …

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May 13, 2026

Woodbury Real Estate Update: April 2026 Market Dynamics

Woodbury continues to solidify its reputation as one of Nassau County’s most sought-after residential enclaves. As we move through the spring of 2026, the local market is characterized by a strong Seller's Market designation. While property values remain high, a significant month-over-month increase in inventory is providing a new …

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