Two months ago, Manhattan brokers were making the same argument, and saying that the lull after Sept. 11 offered buying opportunities at lower prices.

He was also one of the first major Manhattan brokers to champion the concept of cooperative apartments for all economic levels.

But what a show they might have made with Manhattan brokers.

Yesterday, the very day the quarter ended, major Manhattan brokers sent out competing claims for new highs in average sales.

Mr. Goldsmith, the Manhattan broker, said, however, that in the end, money talks.

Manhattan brokers themselves took decades to start sharing listings on a marketwide basis.

After all, Manhattan brokers still have mixed emotions about multiple listing.

In addition, the market has improved over the last two months, Manhattan brokers say.

Other Manhattan brokers have made similar moves, but seldom with such a drastic price reduction.

Terry McLean, a Manhattan broker, also offered to help the family pay for the funeral.