Author Archives: Gregory Straus
How’s the Market? It Depends on Who You Ask.
How's the Market? It Depends on Who You Ask. We're already halfway through 2026. Hard to believe, right? Over the Fourth of July weekend, I was asked the same question more times than I could count. "How's the market?" It's a fair question, but it's also one of the hardest to answer with a single sentence. The truth is, it depends on what you're looking at and, more importantly, what you're trying to accomplish. Home Prices Continue to Reach New Highs One of the biggest headlines right now is that the average home price in Erie County has climbed to $315,000, the highest it's been in the past three years. For homeowners, that's encouraging news. Home values have remained strong, and many sellers are sitting on more equity than they realize. For buyers, affordability has become a little more challenging, but that doesn't mean the market has come to a standstill. People are still buying. People are still selling. The activity hasn't disappeared; it's simply evolving. More Listings Are Hitting the Market One thing we've noticed over the past several months is that more sellers are entering the market. Inventory is growing, giving buyers more options than they've had in quite some time. That's true in the single-family market, but it's especially noticeable in the multifamily space. And that's where we've seen some of the biggest changes. The Multifamily Market Is Shifting Owning investment property in Buffalo isn't the same as it was five years ago. Higher property taxes, increased rental inspections, and changing regulations have caused many investors to rethink how they manage their properties. Some owners are adapting. Others are deciding they've had enough. We've seen that firsthand through our property management business. More and more investors are reaching out because they want someone else to handle the day to day responsibilities. Managing rental properties has become more involved, and having the right team behind you can make all the difference. Investors Need a New Game Plan If you're investing today, you can't rely on the same strategies that worked several years ago. The market has changed. That doesn't mean the opportunities are gone. In fact, there are still great opportunities for investors, second home buyers, and homeowners looking to make their next move. It simply means you need to approach those opportunities with a different mindset. Success today comes from understanding the numbers, staying informed about local regulations, and surrounding yourself with professionals who know the market. So... How's the Market? My answer is usually another question. What are you trying to do? Are you buying your first home? Looking to sell? Searching for an investment property? Thinking about purchasing a second home? The right move depends on your goals. There are still great deals out there. There are opportunities for buyers, sellers, and investors alike. But this is a market where having a solid strategy matters more than ever. The people making the best decisions right now aren't guessing. They're planning. If you're wondering what today's market means for you, let's have a conversation. Every situation is different, and together we can build a plan that fits your goals, whether you're buying, selling, investing, or simply exploring your options. Read More
1031 Exchange vs Taking the Cash in Buffalo, NY: What Happens to Your Taxes and Your Wealth?
If you own investment property in Buffalo, NY, there is a decision that comes up more often than you might expect: “Should I sell and take the cash, or roll it into another property using a 1031 exchange?” On the surface, it feels simple. Cash in your pocket today sounds appealing. But once you understand... Read More
Turnkey vs. Value-Add Properties in Buffalo: Which Strategy Actually Builds More Wealth?
Most investors think this is a simple choice. It’s not. I see it all the time in the Buffalo, NY real estate market… people pick one strategy, stick to it, and leave money on the table without even realizing it. If you’re deciding between turnkey investment properties in Buffalo, NY and value-add real estate deals,... Read More
What Actually Makes a Realtor Successful
I was having a conversation recently about what separates successful real estate agents from everyone else. It is a topic I have a strong perspective on, not from theory, but from experience. Over the years, I have trained, managed, mentored, and worked alongside more than 250 agents. I have seen people come in with no... Read More
Selling Your Property in Buffalo – One Thing No One Really Explains
There’s a moment that comes up in almost every conversation I have with property owners here in Buffalo. We’ll talk through timing, what the market looks like, maybe even how theirs compares to others around them in the areas such as North Buffalo, Elmwood Village, Tonawanda or West Seneca. And then, almost without fail, they’ll... Read More
716 Realty Group Commercial Real Estate
2025 Year in Review and Looking Ahead to 2026 Buffalo New York As we close the door on 2025, I find myself incredibly proud, grateful, and energized by what our team at 716 Realty Group accomplished this past year. Commercial real estate is not a side business for us. It is a core discipline that... Read More
Snowy Buffalo, Serious Market Signals
Western New York Real Estate Market Update | December 2025 Hello Western New York, and welcome to Snowy Buffalo! Snow has arrived and Santa is coming….If you’re from here, you know this is just part of the deal and we love the snow. If you’re thinking about moving back home, welcome. You picked a very... Read More
Buffalo and Western New York Real Estate
Buffalo and Western New York Real Estate Navigating Growth, Opportunity & Local Trends Introduction The real estate market in Buffalo and Western New York is undergoing a meaningful transformation. Against the backdrop of shifting economic dynamics, changing buyer expectations, and technological advancements, this region’s housing landscape is more dynamic than ever. As home equity rises... Read More
How Real Estate Investors Use 1031 Exchanges and DSTs to Buy Time, Cut Taxes, and Simplify Life
If your finances were a house, would the rooms connect, or are you stuck remodeling in the dark? At a recent investor meetup, one big idea came through: every financial decision, including protection, assets, liabilities, and cash flow, should fit together like rooms in a well-designed home. When you look at your full financial layout,... Read More
Is the Real Estate Market Cooling or Gearing Up for a Hot Winter?
If you’ve been wondering what’s really happening in the real estate market right now, you’re not alone. Between shifting interest rates, changing inventory, and seasonal slowdowns, it can feel hard to read the signs. But looking closely at the data, the story is far from gloomy. It’s one of balance, opportunity, and a possible surge... Read More