Jason Matthews - Queens NYC Realtor

09/17/2026

Queens NY down payment assistance programs can help turn your homeownership goals into reality across every neighborhood in our borough.

Whether you’re shopping for pre-war co-ops, traditional brick row houses, suburban single-family homes, or modern condos in Long Island City, first-time homebuyer grants and assistance programs can provide vital financial support toward your down payment and closing costs.

Understanding income eligibility, property criteria, and application steps is key to securing these funds before you start submitting offers.

Comment GRANTS below (or send me a DM anytime) and I’ll send you a complete breakdown of current down payment assistance options and eligibility guidelines for Queens buyers!

Jason Matthews | Licensed Real Estate Salesperson | Real Broker NY, LLC



[Residential Queens neighborhoods across seasons transitioning from suburban streets to LIC.]

09/17/2026

While insurance carriers in storm‑heavy areas (Midwest, South, Plains) were the first to adopt higher or percentage-based wind and hail deductibles, multiple sources show the trend started regionally and is now entrenched across the U.S. continuing to expand as severe weather spreads to new areas.This option lowers premiums but the insured will be out of pocket more if a loss occurs.

Learn more at https://BetterHomeowners.com/JasonMatthews/2026/09/17/Increasing-Deductibles-Can-Lower-Insurance

Helping homeowners with tips, tools, and guidance from move-in to move-up.
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09/17/2026

Forest Hills Queens NY homes for sale offer the best of both worlds along historic Austin Street.

Starting on the quiet, brick apartment-lined residential blocks near 73rd Road and ending right in the middle of the shopping and food hustle, living here gives you effortless neighborhood charm paired with express E/F/M/R subway and LIRR access.

What’s your favorite block to walk down?

Comment FOREST below and I’ll DM you a direct link to all active listings in Forest Hills!

Jason Matthews | Licensed Real Estate Salesperson | Real Broker NY, LLC



[Video montage of Austin Street Forest Hills Queens transitioning from quiet co-ops to retail.]

09/16/2026

Not all second homes are treated the same. Whether a property is used primarily for personal enjoyment, short-term vacation use, or as a rental investment can affect financing options, tax treatment, and deductible expenses. Understanding those differences before buying can help homeowners make smarter long-term decisions. If you'd like to explore your options, I'd be happy to help.

Helping homeowners with tips, tools, and guidance from move-in to move-up.
[email protected]

The way a second property is used, personal enjoyment, limited vacation use, or rental income, can significantly affect financing, taxes, and long-term investment benefits.

09/16/2026

BREAKING NEWS: The Federal Reserve has officially raised interest rates, marking a major policy shift that is capturing attention across the real estate landscape (Source: Yahoo Finance).

While the Fed funds rate does not directly set mortgage interest rates, it plays a key role in influencing overall borrowing costs, lender pricing, and buyer sentiment across Queens co-ops, condos, and single-family homes.

What this means for you:

For Buyers: Shifting interest rate environments directly impact monthly purchasing power. Exploring different financing strategies—such as rate lock options, points, or seller concessions—can help keep your monthly payment comfortable.

For Sellers: When borrowing costs shift, buyer demand recalibrates. Pricing your home strategically based on current hyper-local neighborhood data is essential to attract serious, well-qualified buyers.

Understanding how macroeconomic headlines apply to your local street or building can feel confusing. If you have questions about how these rate changes affect your buying budget, home equity, or moving plans in Queens, feel free to send me a direct message anytime. I’m always here as a resource to guide you.

Jason Matthews | Licensed Real Estate Salesperson | Real Broker NY, LLC



[Animated graphics of INTEREST and RATES transitioning to Computer screen displaying financial number.]

09/16/2026

The best time to buy a home this year is here.

Realtor.com says September 27–October 3 is expected to bring the best combination of buyer-friendly conditions in 2026.

We’re talking about more homes to choose from, better pricing, less competition, and more time to decide. And maybe that’s enough to offset some of the pressure today’s higher rates are putting on your budget.

Want to find out? Let’s have a quick conversation about what’s expected in our market and what’s available in your price point. Just DM me to get started.

And just so you know, the window doesn’t close after that one week. It’s open all October long.

09/16/2026

Queens NY co-op and condo mortgage rules are seeing significant updates that buyers and sellers should keep on their radar across neighborhoods like Rego Park and Long Island City.

Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac have tightened conventional lending guidelines across co-op and condo developments:

1️⃣ Mandatory Full Building Reviews: Bypassing full condo or co-op reviews simply by putting 20% down has been phased out. Lenders now strictly require full building reviews—examining structural integrity, deferred maintenance, and capital projects before approving loans.

2️⃣ Reserve Budget Increases: Conventional guidelines starting January 4th, 2027 will require buildings to allocate 15% of their annual operating budget toward capital reserves (up from 10%). Buildings falling under this threshold may face challenges with conventional buyer financing.

What this means for you:

For Buyers: Verifying building financial eligibility early in your search prevents unexpected delays during mortgage underwriting.

For Sellers: Understanding your building’s reserve health and review status helps position your property accurately in today’s market.

Navigating co-op and condo guidelines can feel complex, but you don’t have to figure it out alone. If you’re curious about how these changes might impact your building, your purchase, or your long-term plans in Queens, feel free to send me a direct message or reach out anytime. I’m always here as a resource to guide you through the process.

Jason Matthews | Licensed Real Estate Salesperson | Real Broker NY, LLC



[Balcony view of Rego Park co-ops transitioning to Long Island City and Hunters Point high-rises.]

09/15/2026

Jamaica Queens NY homes for sale put you at the heart of NYC’s ultimate transit hub.

When you step off the E train at Parsons/Archer, you’re minutes away from co-ops, single-family homes, and high-potential investment properties. With express subway service (E/J/Z), the LIRR, and the JFK AirTrain all at your doorstep, commuting into Manhattan or traveling anywhere in the world couldn’t be easier.

Comment JAMAICA below and I’ll DM you direct access to all active property listings in the neighborhood!

Jason Matthews | Licensed Real Estate Salesperson | Real Broker NY, LLC



[NYC E train pulling into Jamaica Center Parsons Archer subway station in Queens NY.]

09/15/2026

Many homeowners are surprised to learn that market value and assessed value are not the same thing. Market value is what a buyer may be willing to pay based on current demand, recent sales, condition, location, and competition. Assessed value is used by the local taxing authority to help calculate property taxes and may follow different rules, timelines, exemptions, or limits. That is why your tax assessment may be higher or lower than what your home could actually sell for. If you are wondering what your home may be worth in today's market, contact me. I can help you look at the real estate side of the numbers.

Learn more at https://BetterHomeowners.com/JasonMatthews/2026/09/15/Market-Value-vs-Assessed-Value-What-s-the-Difference

09/15/2026

Queens NY home value estimates are shifting quickly across our local real estate market.

Whether you are planning to sell soon or simply curious about how much equity you’ve built up, knowing your property’s current market position is essential. Calculate your estimated property value instantly using our online evaluation tool at https://jasonmatthews.realtor/queens-home-valuation.

Comment VALUE below and I’ll DM you the direct link to check your home’s estimated valuation instantly!

Jason Matthews | Licensed Real Estate Salesperson | Real Broker NY, LLC



[Exterior visual of a residential Queens street with classic neighborhood homes.]