Sellers June 30, 2025
When it comes to real estate, especially in dynamic markets like Brooklyn, timing isn’t just everything—it’s equity. As a licensed real estate broker and founder of Pen Realty, I’ve guided sellers from Park Slope to Bay Ridge through some of the most important financial decisions of their lives.
And if you’re wondering when to sell, you’re not alone.
Let’s break it down.
According to recent reports from The Wall Street Journal and The Real Deal, Brooklyn homeowners are facing a landscape of rising transaction costs, increased mortgage rates, and changing buyer behavior. These variables make it more important than ever to strategically time your sale.
Here’s where the “5-Year Rule” comes in—a concept backed by the New York Times Real Estate section.
Selling your home before the five-year mark can trigger serious setbacks, especially if you’ve purchased recently. Not only might your property have limited appreciation, but you're also vulnerable to:
Capital gains taxes on short-term sales
Closing costs and fees that eat into your equity
Market swings that don’t favor rushed sales
But if you’ve owned and occupied your home for five years or more, you could qualify for up to $500,000 in tax-free profit if filing jointly (or $250,000 if filing solo) on a primary residence.
That’s equity you’ve earned—don’t give it up too soon.
Life happens. Whether it’s a job relocation, family needs, or personal transitions, there are times when waiting isn’t an option. That’s where strategy becomes key.
At Pen Realty, we help sellers:
Run the numbers on potential capital gains
Stage the property to maximize appeal and minimize time on market
Leverage professional pricing tools and real-time comps
Negotiate timelines and terms that protect your financial goals
It’s not just about selling fast—it’s about selling smart.
With our exclusive Seller’s Guide, you’ll discover the full roadmap to selling in today’s Brooklyn market: from strategic pricing to staging, showings, negotiations, and closing. Backed by years of experience and insider knowledge, we make complex transactions feel simple.
If you're even thinking about selling in neighborhoods like Crown Heights, Bay Ridge, Park Slope, or Dyker Heights, let’s schedule a call to review your home’s value, market trends, and personal timeline.
No pressure—just real talk, real strategy, and real support.
Real estate isn’t just about homes—it’s about people. My late father’s battle with dementia changed my life. That’s why I support CaringKind NYC, an organization dedicated to Alzheimer’s care and research.
🙏 Join me in donating today: penrealty.net/donate-to-caring-kind-ny
Reach out today at Pen Realty, or follow me for weekly Brooklyn real estate insights:
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By Peter Mancini, Licensed Real Estate Broker Pen Realty
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By Peter Mancini, Pen Realty | REBNY & BNYMLS Member
Core Values
Pen Realty greets clients with a devotion to seamless home sales and a professional promise to buy or list with expert confidence.