We're Bill Herbst and Ralph Gilmartin with Compass Real Estate. Below 23rd Street is our very personal take on what’s going on in downtown Manhattan.
We're Bill Herbst and Ralph Gilmartin, Licensed Associate Brokers with Compass Real Estate. Below 23rd Street is our very personal take on (mostly) downtown Manhattan - cool stuff to do, and real estate information you'll be interested in.
07/23/2026
Since first impressions count, what do you do when a building's lobby is a construction site? I focused on the bigger picture: renderings of the finished lobby, the renovation timeline, and the fact that there are no assessments. Instead of seeing a disruption, the buyer saw the opportunity to move into a building with a beautiful new lobby.
Real estate isn't about avoiding obstacles. It's about knowing how to navigate them.
06/24/2026
This morning I closed on apartment 2U at 2 5th Avenue. Despite being a great studio, it faced several challenges: a lackluster view, ambitious initial pricing, and three deals that fell through for buyer-related reasons.
As the property sat on the market, even minor issues like a small patch of missing parquet floor became obstacles. Through persistence, strategic marketing, and the trust of my clients, we found the perfect buyer who successfully passed the board.
This sale highlights the core of my work: solving problems, managing details, dialing down the drama, and staying focused on achieving my clients' goals. If you or someone you know is considering selling or buying a home in Manhattan or Brooklyn, let’s talk.
I was the second agent on this one. I was recommended to the unhappy sellers by a wonderful couple I’d recently worked with.
Previously, there were barely any showings, not much marketing, and almost no communication. The presentation of the apartment failed to highlight its many great features. I changed all that.
Now the sellers and their growing family have moved into their new house in the suburbs. How can I help you or someone you know?
04/08/2026
It's out! Compass' Q1 2026 Manhattan Market Report. Despite everything, the market remained resilient. Sales dropped 3.2% year over year, and signed contracts fell 6.7%, which wasn't unexpected. A few key takeaways:
- Inventory was tight, down 5.4%, with new listings dropping 17.5%. That benefited sellers.
- Buyers were active but cautious, focusing on well-priced properties, while overpriced ones lingered.
- Luxury real estate thrived. Contracts between $10M-$20M jumped 47%, and ultra-luxury condo sales rose 30%.
- Spring promises opportunities for both sellers and buyers. More listings are coming on, which is getting more buyers out.
DM me for more info or the full report.
I'm excited for this one. Perched high above Greenwich Village's Gold Coast, this sun-drenched one-bedroom offers jaw-dropping westward views that stretch across Greenwich Village, the West Village, the Hudson River, and beyond.
FIRST OPEN HOUSE. This stylish, fully and recently renovated one bed, one bath home is move-in ready. Located in the Victoria House, a 280 unit full service, pet-friendly co-op in Kip's Bay. 200 E. 27th St., 2P. $675K. Sun. 10/26, 1-2 PM.
10/03/2025
FIRST OPEN HOUSE. Beautiful, right? Join me at this chic Gramercy triplex this Sunday, Oct. 5 from 1-2 PM. 133 E. 15th St., Apt. 1B. $835K. Please DM me for more information, or to arrange a private showing.
Isn't this fabulous? A thoughtfully renovated Gramercy pre-war triplex home with style to spare, and features you don't normally find at this price. 133 E. 15th St., Apt. 1B. $835K. DM me for a private showing or to find out more.
You've had a major life change and you need to move, but that change seems to make moving impossible. It's not. I have a solution - Compass' 3-Phased Marketing program. DM me for more info.