The mass exodus from New York City - for those who can afford it - is igniting the dormant Westchester real estate market, at least for the short term.

Instead of buying, real estate broker Melissa Marcogliese says new clients are seeking shorter-term rentals, with amenities like big yards, pools and tennis courts.

They are splurging for the luxuries.

"Houses are going for top dollar," says Marcogliese. "Houses in a really good market that would rent for $5,000 or $6,000 in a good rental market now are going for $15,000 or $20,000."

A home on Oscaleta Drive in South Salem, for example, is on the market for $825,000. The owner decided to rent it for the short term and is making more than double the going rate.

LIVE BLOG: Coronavirus updates from the tri-state area and beyond
TRACKER: New York, New Jersey, Connecticut coronavirus cases and deaths