As a real estate reporter, I am drawn to stories that explore the relationship between our homes and outside forces like the economy, climate change, remote work, interior design, social media and popular culture. Housing is the largest expense for most Americans and, if they own their home, likely their biggest investment. Where we choose to live shapes the arc of our lives; my job is to shine a light on the social, environmental and economic factors that affect that choice.
Whether it’s a story about Wall Street buying up most of the homes in a neighborhood or about couples sleeping in separate bedrooms, my work offers our readers insights, and sometimes delights, into larger forces at play.
I started my journalism career in 2001 at The New York Observer, where I wrote about celebrities, books and Manhattan neighborhoods. In the aftermath of 9/11, I covered the rebuilding of the World Trade Center for Downtown Express, a community newspaper, reporting on victims’ families, the lingering health effects of toxic dust and the effort to develop new construction and attract new residents.
In 2006, I began a freelance career, based in Mexico City, and later in New York, writing for The Times and other publications, including Time magazine, Architectural Digest and Martha Stewart Living. In 2013, I became a weekly columnist for The Times, and joined the staff in 2022. My freelance work focused on design, architecture, climate, health, culture and real estate. I co-wrote the book “The New York Times Right at Home: How to Buy, Decorate, Organize and Maintain Your Space,” published by Black Dog & Leventhal, in 2020.
I was born in the Bronx but raised in Berkeley and Davis, Calif., and graduated from the University of California, Santa Cruz. I now live in New Jersey with my family, in a house with a yellow door.
As a Times journalist, I am committed to upholding the standards of integrity outlined in our Ethical Journalism Handbook. I am obligated to my readers, myself and The Times to be fair, accurate and unwavering in my reporting. None of my stories would be possible if my sources — frequently ordinary people under enormous personal or financial stress — did not trust me with intimate details about their lives and finances. I have a duty and obligation to understand their perspective, and verify what I learn. To that end, my work is deeply reported and fact-checked, drawing on data and research, as well as insights from economists, analysts, academics and policymakers.
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How the former president staged his comeback and how he might change the direction of the country.
By Michael Barbaro, Nate Cohn, Peter Baker, Asthaa Chaturvedi, Shannon M. Lin, Mary Wilson, Luke Vander Ploeg, Stella Tan, Nina Feldman, Clare Toeniskoetter, Will Reid, Mooj Zadie, Devon Taylor, Brendan Klinkenberg, Sophia Lanman, Marion Lozano, Rowan Niemisto and Alyssa Moxley
A detailed look at how — and why — voters who move are widening the gap between blue neighborhoods and red ones.
By Ronda Kaysen and Ethan Singer
We explore why consumers tend to get skittish about major purchases ahead of a general election.
By Ronda Kaysen
Election anxiety is causing many consumers to avoid big-ticket purchases like houses, weddings and cars. “Every four years this happens,” one former car dealer said.
By Ronda Kaysen and Jordyn Holman
We spoke with Americans who are packing up and moving out.
By Ronda Kaysen
A recent study shows Americans are spending notably more time at home, a trend that started long before the pandemic.
By Ronda Kaysen and Alicia Parlapiano
What the research says about celebrity endorsements — and what might make this one different.
By Ethan Singer and Ronda Kaysen
Thousands of readers shared frustrations, fears and disappointments with American politics, and how they are able to live and work in another country.
By Ronda Kaysen
The path to a life in a new country is often paved with complicated visa and residency requirements.
By Ronda Kaysen
In some fast-growing Sun Belt cites, “the overnight lows kind of sneak up on you.”
By Ronda Kaysen and Aatish Bhatia