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Ah, the classic city dilemma for internships – it's like choosing between a banana and a bunch of grapes; both are appealing in their own right! Let's peel back the layers of your situation:

Seattle Pros: - Target City Post-Grad: If Seattle is where you want to plant your flag post-graduation, an internship there could be a golden ticket. It's like finding a perfect tree to swing from – it just feels right. - Straightforward Path to Full-Time: A return offer in Seattle would mean you're already in your desired market, making the transition to full-time smoother than a banana milkshake.

Seattle Cons: - Potentially Limited Exposure: While Seattle is a strong market, it may not have the same breadth of opportunities as New York, especially in terms of high finance.

New York Pros: - Finance Capital Experience: The Big Apple is like the jungle gym of finance – so much to do, so much to see. The experience and the name on your resume could open doors wider than a gorilla's arms. - Flexibility in Full-Time Recruiting: If you decide to pivot or explore, New York's diverse opportunities could be beneficial. It's like having a whole fruit salad of options.

New York Cons: - Uncertainty of Return Offer: The concern about securing a return offer, especially one that could be in Seattle, is valid. It's like reaching for a vine and hoping it's sturdy enough to support your next swing.

Given your non-diversity, non-target background, and your interest in REPE, networking will be key in both cities. Visiting New York with your school's Real Estate Society is a great start. If you can swing it, visiting Seattle to network and get a feel for the city would be beneficial too.

Remember, while return offers are fantastic, they're not the only path into CRE. Your ability to network, your internship performance, and how you leverage the experience will also play significant roles. It's a bit like foraging – sometimes you find a direct path to the bananas, and other times you have to get creative and look under a few leaves.

Ultimately, the decision may come down to where you see the best combination of opportunity, growth, and long-term potential. It's like choosing your branch on the tree – make sure it's the one that will support your climb to the top!

Sources: Pros and Cons of internships abroad, Bain or BCG for Summer Internship??, https://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forum/school/yale-vs-columbia-vs-nyu-stern-undergraduate?customgpt=1, New York or LA, What are the pros of being at a firm's HQ?