Real Estate Reporter

About the role

Real Estate Reporter

Curbed, a New York Magazine initiative, is seeking an experienced real estate reporter to lead coverage of the city's property landscape. This role focuses on people, transactions, and developments that define urban change. The position requires a journalist who can translate complex market activity into clear, impactful reporting for a broad audience.

The successful candidate will operate at the intersection of data and narrative. They must combine street-level observation with analytical rigor. Reporting will span breaking news, long-form features, and data-driven investigations. The work will appear across Curbed and related Vox Media properties, influencing the public understanding of New York's built environment.

What You'll Do

You will track breaking developments and tips to ensure coverage remains timely and precise. This includes monitoring announcements, policy shifts, and unexpected market movements. Sourcing is a core function; you will cultivate industry contacts to secure exclusive information and perspective. You will build a network that extends across brokers, developers, lawyers, and community stakeholders.

Mapping and analyzing deals is a central responsibility. You will review property listings, development proposals, and sales records to identify larger patterns. Public records, real estate databases, and government filings will be primary sources. You will interrogate datasets to test hypotheses and reveal under-reported trends. This analysis supports both daily alerts and in-depth projects.

You will generate story ideas that connect local events to broader forces. This includes identifying the real estate angle in citywide or national news. Writing will vary in length and pace, from quick alerts to measured weekly features. Clarity and depth will be balanced for a general readership. Collaboration with editors, photo, and design teams is essential for final execution.

You will guide projects through legal review and internal checks. Editorial oversight will be part of the workflow. Final stories must meet strict deadlines without sacrificing accuracy. You will manage multiple assignments in a fast-moving environment. Consistent communication with colleagues will ensure alignment and efficiency.

What We're Looking For

Applicants should have at least two years of reporting experience. Coverage must include real estate, housing, business, or related fields. A portfolio of original, published work is required. This work should demonstrate rigor, curiosity, and strong narrative skill. You must show that your reporting has had a tangible impact.

Proficiency with public records and data tools is mandatory. You should be comfortable navigating databases, property records, and spreadsheets. Understanding how to translate this information into a story is as important as the technical skill. You must know where to find key documents and how to verify their authenticity.

Deep knowledge of New York City is non-negotiable. You should understand neighborhood differences and housing patterns. Familiarity with building types and zoning basics is expected. You must grasp how physical characteristics shape market dynamics. This knowledge should inform your reporting and sourcing decisions.

You must maintain a wide network within the real estate industry. This includes contacts in brokerage, development, and finance. You should know how to cultivate new sources and sustain existing ones. Professional curiosity and discretion are vital traits. You will often manage sensitive information and confidential sources.

An interest in narrative is essential. You should care about how deals unfold, including conflicts and community concerns. Reporting should acknowledge power, controversy, and everyday impact. You must explain findings to readers without condescension. The goal is to inform, not to advocate.

Key Details

This is a full-time, regular position based in New York, NY. The schedule is standard, with expectations for weekday coverage. The role requires flexibility for evening and weekend developments when news demands it.

The compensation range is $80,000 to $95,000 USD. Final pay will reflect experience and qualifications. Candidates will be evaluated on writing samples, reporting methodology, and source development. Demonstrated ability to meet deadlines is a key factor in selection.

Vox Media is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration regardless of personal identity. The company values diversity and inclusion as central to its editorial mission.

What you'll do

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