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As you no doubt expected to hear, the city's real estate market didn't fare very well during the first quarter of 2009. According to reports prepared by all the major brokerage firms, the total number of sales dropped by half compared to the same period last year. The situation was particularly grim at new developments: Sales declined by 67 percent from the first quarter of 2008. But if you're one of the few people who can afford to be buying, consider this a good day: The mere mention of these depressing stats will probably allow you to demand another 10 percent discount today. [Real Deal]