Ethan Harris

Albany County

Real Estate Agent
Albany, NY

Albany, NY is the capital of New York State and the economic and cultural center of the Capital Region. With a diverse housing stock ranging from Victorian brownstones in Center Square to sprawling colonials in the Pine Bush neighborhood, Albany offers buyers a remarkable range of options at prices that remain accessible compared to downstate New York. As the seat of state government, Albany's economy is uniquely stable — real estate values here have weathered recessions better than almost any comparable city in the Northeast.

$270K
Median Home Price
5 ★
Ethan's Zillow Rating
41
Total Transactions
4
Years Experience

Buying in Albany

Albany's most competitive submarkets are Pine Hills (walkable, historic), the Delaware Avenue corridor (family-friendly), and the New Scotland Avenue area (close to Albany Med). Pre-approval and decisive offers are essential. Expect to compete on well-priced homes.

Selling in Albany

Albany sellers benefit from consistent buyer demand driven by state government employment, healthcare, and higher education. Properly priced Albany homes sell within 1–3 weeks in most neighborhoods. Strategic pricing and professional marketing are the difference between one offer and five.

Albany Neighborhoods

Center SquarePine HillsArbor HillWest HillDelaware AvenueNew ScotlandBuckingham Lake

Why Albany buyers & sellers choose Ethan Harris

Ethan Harris has closed transactions across Albany's neighborhoods — from Arbor Hill investment properties to Delmar-adjacent family homes. His 4 years of active experience in the Albany market means he knows which blocks are rising, which are plateauing, and where the value plays are in 2026.

Call (518) 588-1122Book a Meeting

Frequently Asked Questions — Albany, NY

What are the best neighborhoods in Albany for first-time buyers?

Pine Hills and the Delaware Avenue corridor offer the best combination of affordability and livability for first-time buyers. Pine Hills has walkable streets, proximity to UAlbany, and homes in the $180K–$250K range. Delaware Avenue gives you access to better-rated Albany city schools and a quieter, more residential feel with prices between $220K–$320K.

How does Albany compare to the suburbs for investment properties?

Albany is the Capital Region's strongest market for multi-family investment properties. Two- and three-family homes near UAlbany, Albany Med, and the Empire State Plaza generate reliable rental income from students, healthcare workers, and state employees. Cap rates in Albany typically run 6–9%, compared to 4–6% in suburbs like Colonie or Clifton Park.

Are Center Square condos a good investment?

Center Square condos appeal to young professionals and state workers who want walkability. Prices range from $130K–$250K, and rental demand is consistent. However, HOA fees and older building maintenance can eat into returns. They work best as owner-occupied purchases or long-term holds rather than short-term flips.

What is the commute from Albany to other Capital Region cities?

Albany is the region's hub. Downtown Albany to Troy is 10 minutes via Route 787, to Schenectady 20 minutes via I-890, to Clifton Park 20 minutes via I-87, and to Saratoga Springs 35 minutes via I-87. Most state workers commute within Albany itself.

How are Albany's public schools?

The City School District of Albany is a large urban district with mixed ratings. Some magnet and specialty programs perform well, but families prioritizing top-rated schools often look at the suburban districts in Bethlehem, Guilderland, or North/South Colonie. Albany's private school options include Albany Academy, Doane Stuart, and several parochial schools.

Albany Real Estate Guides

Buyer Guide

First-Time Home Buyer Guide: Albany, NY (2026)

Market Update

Albany NY Real Estate Market Update — Spring 2026

Neighborhood Guide

Albany, NY Neighborhoods: Complete Guide for Buyers (2026)

Neighborhood Guide

Albany Center Square Neighborhood Guide: Urban Living at Its Best

Neighborhood Guide

Albany Pine Hills Neighborhood Guide: Living, Prices and More (2026)

Neighborhood Guide

Albany Delaware Avenue Real Estate Guide: Homes, Prices and Community

Investor Guide

Investment Properties in Albany, NY: Complete Guide (2026)

Market Update

Albany County NY Real Estate Market Update 2026

Buyer Guide

Condos for Sale in Albany, NY: Complete Buyer's Guide (2026)

Seller Guide

Downsizing Your Home in Albany, NY: A Complete Guide (2026)

Buyer Guide

Top 7 Home Buying Mistakes to Avoid in Albany, NY (2026)

Buyer Guide

How Much Home Can I Afford in Albany, NY? (2026 Guide)

Buyer Guide

Moving to Albany, NY: Complete Relocation Guide (2026)

Investor Guide

Multi-Family Homes in Albany, NY: Investor's Guide for 2026

Buyer Guide

Finding the Right Real Estate Agent in Albany, NY (2026)

Seller Guide

How to Sell Your Home in Albany, NY — 2026 Seller's Guide

Seller Guide

When Is the Best Time to Sell My House in Albany, NY?

What I Do in Albany

Buyer's AgentSell Your HomeRelocationInvestment Properties

Other Areas Ethan Serves

Troy, NY

Rensselaer County

Schenectady, NY

Schenectady County

Latham, NY

Albany County (Town of Colonie)

Clifton Park, NY

Saratoga County

Saratoga Springs, NY

Saratoga County

Colonie, NY

Albany County

Niskayuna, NY

Schenectady County

Guilderland, NY

Albany County

Bethlehem (Delmar), NY

Albany County

Loudonville, NY

Albany County (Town of Colonie)

Halfmoon, NY

Saratoga County

Ballston Spa, NY

Saratoga County

East Greenbush, NY

Rensselaer County

Cohoes, NY

Albany County

Rensselaer, NY

Rensselaer County

Malta, NY

Saratoga County

Watervliet, NY

Albany County

Rotterdam, NY

Schenectady County

Scotia-Glenville, NY

Schenectady County

Glens Falls, NY

Warren County

Queensbury, NY

Warren County

Mechanicville, NY

Saratoga County

Slingerlands, NY

Albany County