Some good NYC news for a change:
Wall Street bonuses are up over last year and unemployment is trending down. This always helps Manhattan real estate. When Wall Street is buying it has a trickle down effect. Unfornueatly, most of the payout this year was in restricted stock. But here is hoping once that vested date arrives - it's used for a down payments!
See the latest in the March Heym Report from Halstead Property.by clicking on the title of this post.
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
F'd! UES co-op kills sale after reading kid’s Facebook page | BrickUnderground
Buyer's beware- it is now becoming more common for boards to Google and Facebook potential purchasers for NYC co-op's with sometimes not so favorable results.
F'd! UES co-op kills sale after reading kid’s Facebook page | BrickUnderground
F'd! UES co-op kills sale after reading kid’s Facebook page | BrickUnderground
Monday, March 29, 2010
Saturday - girls night out
Quick Post:
All in all it was nice night out. Sunday it was an Open House at 60 Broadway and reading this month's book club book - Eleven Minutes by Paulo Coelho. Since this is a family friendly blog, I will skip over the contents and theme of this one, and suggest that everyone reads his book The Alchemist . The Alchemist with its themes of love, luck, fate, destiny, and personal responsibility to fulfill ones dreams and goals - is truly a life changing book. Then... after a few loads of laundry, vacuuming, and my usual Sunday night facial mud mask, it was to bed and up for a busy Monday.
Hope everyone's week is off to a good start!
Saturday night was girls night out with a few of my closest friends. We had a really nice dinner at one of my favorite restaurants - Kittichai. Although not as trendy, or as hard to get a table, as it once was, Kittichai offers its diners a nice intimate space, good decor, interesting and tasty food ( try the chocolate baby back rib appetizer - de-lish!) and even tastier drinks - passion fruit martini or a mixed berry mojito anyone? Although they no longer offer the asian pear martini that used to be my stand by drink, there is something to please every New Yorker's jaded taste buds, and each perfectly made.
After a nice dinner of girl talk, we headed over to the lounge at The Soho Grand hotel for even more girl talk. Which interestingly enough, has not updated their website to show the renovated lounge area. The space is now all chocolate leather with turquoise accents, highlighted by big bird cage looking objects filled with feathers and flowers. A relaxing spot to chill out with friends for drinks and nibbles. Many times this is where I do an after work meet up.( Since I usually work till 730-ish and this is only a few blocks from my office -it winds up being the best solution) And except for the velvet rope now ensconced at the entrance on weekends (which doesn't make a lot of sense- it's a hotel- not 27th Street) I highly recommend popping in sometime.
All in all it was nice night out. Sunday it was an Open House at 60 Broadway and reading this month's book club book - Eleven Minutes by Paulo Coelho. Since this is a family friendly blog, I will skip over the contents and theme of this one, and suggest that everyone reads his book The Alchemist . The Alchemist with its themes of love, luck, fate, destiny, and personal responsibility to fulfill ones dreams and goals - is truly a life changing book. Then... after a few loads of laundry, vacuuming, and my usual Sunday night facial mud mask, it was to bed and up for a busy Monday.
Hope everyone's week is off to a good start!
Friday, March 26, 2010
Friday Travel Dreams
So it's Friday afternoon, a few minutes before 5PM- the perfect time to do a little travel daydreaming. For those of you who have yet to meet me personally- I am a huge travel junkie. I absolutely love the adventure of heading to a land and culture that I have never visited before. I literally get a high the moment I walk on the plane.
For this addiction I blame Leonard Nimoy. You see, when I was little, I used to watch Leonard Nimoy host NOVA and after each episode - say to myself "wow, how cool - someday I am going to go to Easter Island or the Nazca Lines or fly over the Bermuda triangle or..." Every episode had me enthralled and has kept me obsessing over all the places, sites, terrains, and people I have yet to see. The number of travel sites I subscribe to is only topped by the number of Real Estate sites I view on a regular basis.
I took my first trip overseas to London at age 16, to visit a childhood friend who's dad was there on sabbatical. In college I completed semesters in Madrid and Seville, Spain. After that it was a year of Shakespeare and art history in London. Followed by a little stint in Puerto Rico to replace what was supposed to be a semester in Beijing. But, unfortunately Tienanmen Square happened and the program was cancelled. ( Still regretting not learning Mandarin!)
I have also traveled throughout most of Europe, as well as, Iceland, China, Thailand, India, Argentina ( Buenos Aires is my second favorite city (after New York- of course) in the world so far- I try to visit every year) Chile, Brazil, Costa Rica, Mexico, Canada,Dubai, Cairo, Jordan (Petra is amazing!) a lot of the US, and almost all the Caribbean Islands (Thanks to many a family cruise)
Last year found me in Berlin, Bermuda, London, and a fun week exploring the markets of Guatemala. This year I am hoping to travel to Vietnam/Cambodia, and Machu Pichhu ( my last official "wonder" to check off the list)
So when I am not running around the city on showings, planning marketing campaigns, or negotiating deals for my clients, I love to plot some of the trips I would like to take. An interesting hotel, itinerary, or deal too good to pass up, is usually the impetus for my next adventure. ( I went to Beijing a few years ago, by myself, for all of 5 days - two of which were spent flying- because the cost of the trip was only $599.00 for both air and hotel- I know!!! Crazy Talk!)
Today I came across a hotel room that I would L-O-V-E to stay in. It is at a Six Senses resort in Thailand. Imagine waking up in that room? *sigh* The Six Senses also has a resort in the Maldives that looks tasty- opening this August. Then, of course, there is my dream trip to South Africa that would require staying at one of the Singita lodges. This one is my favorite. OK.. I am starting to get some heart palpitations- so time to wrap this up for today.
Check back again though, as there will be plenty more for me to share with you. I don't think my case of wanderlust will be going away anytime soon.
Enjoy your weekend!
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
What I did this weekend
This past weekend was a busy one. On Saturday, my friend S. had her cute son Baptized. So I trekked it out to Park Slope - yes, she is one of those that has recently migrated from the bright city lights of Manhattan to the brownstone lined streets of Brooklyn - getting there a few minutes late thanks to a Taxi that wasn't quite sure of the fastest route or exact destination. Once there the ceremony was lovely and not too long, then it was back to the house for a champagne toast, and eventually on to Tutta Pasta for "supper".
Now being that S. is married to an Italian, "supper" is basically code for an Italian food orgy that involves multiple courses ( eggplant, buffalo mozzarella salad, calamari, rigatoni with vodka sauce, chicken parm, tilapia, and so on and so on...) topped off by a plethora of desserts and several cappuccinos or espressos. The baptism started at noon, and I walked out of the restaurant at 6:30. Now that is a looong day of eating. Not the best when you are trying to start a new diet. However the food was very nice and it is always great to hang out with the people you don't see as often as you would like.
Side note: S. and I met when she was a buyer of mine and have been friends for about 4 years . She is a member of our infamous Book Club which I will mention more about in future posts. ( Trust me - you will want to stay tuned) Love her - as she has become one of my most loyal friends.
On Sunday, I got up early, and went to the gym for the first time in months. ( I had hip surgery in November, and was just recently cleared for working out again.) Then I hosted an open house at my listing in Williamsburg, which ended with myself, the owner, and his girlfriend , moving the living room furniture around. This was no easy feat since he has a large sectional sofa, a very big tree- ish potted plant, and a very heavy - stone inclusive - coffee table.
Why the second workout of the day? Well, now that the apartment has been on the market for a couple of weeks, the majority of the buyers that have viewed the property have been wondering where to put a dining room table? Until recently the owner was a single man, living by himself, so he did what most of us city dwellers do ( especially the bachelor's) and ate at either the kitchen island, or on that big sofa while watching TV. Now that it seems the potential buyer/buyers may not be happy with such a solution, it needed to be addressed.
The solution? - moving the furniture into a position where a table could be added to the main living area and no longer leave that question roaming around in a buyers mind. Many people are not visual - so while they will understand that to remove an object from a room would allow for a more spacious area - those who are trying to add something into the mix aren't sure where, how big, and can it really be done? Most then default to assuming that it cannot be.
The seller was not exactly thrilled by the idea and gave a million reasons why this was a silly idea. ( and I am using the word silly here - but that wasn't necessarily the exact term he used)
REAL ESTATE TIP: When you are selling your home - it is no longer about you, your comfort, or preferred furniture arrangement. The goal is to make sure the space enables a potential buyer to envision themselves in the property. Selling is a process and information is gathered over time. This info comes in the form of feedback from potential purchasers, other properties that come on the market (or sell and are now a comparable for yours) as well as uncovering any issues that may be learned about the building, neighborhood, or apartment itself. The best thing you as a buyer can do is A) work with a broker who will collect these facts and communicate them to you and B) address the issue in the best way possible-explore the options, and implement quickly. Time is a very important factor when selling a home.
So, finally, an hour later, we had moved everything around, the seller settled down a bit, and I finally got to head home for a nice evening complete with the Amazing Race - one of my favorite shows. ( I am sure that soon my reality show addiction will be revealed, and I ask, in advance ,to pretty please not hold it against me!)
Now being that S. is married to an Italian, "supper" is basically code for an Italian food orgy that involves multiple courses ( eggplant, buffalo mozzarella salad, calamari, rigatoni with vodka sauce, chicken parm, tilapia, and so on and so on...) topped off by a plethora of desserts and several cappuccinos or espressos. The baptism started at noon, and I walked out of the restaurant at 6:30. Now that is a looong day of eating. Not the best when you are trying to start a new diet. However the food was very nice and it is always great to hang out with the people you don't see as often as you would like.
Side note: S. and I met when she was a buyer of mine and have been friends for about 4 years . She is a member of our infamous Book Club which I will mention more about in future posts. ( Trust me - you will want to stay tuned) Love her - as she has become one of my most loyal friends.
On Sunday, I got up early, and went to the gym for the first time in months. ( I had hip surgery in November, and was just recently cleared for working out again.) Then I hosted an open house at my listing in Williamsburg, which ended with myself, the owner, and his girlfriend , moving the living room furniture around. This was no easy feat since he has a large sectional sofa, a very big tree- ish potted plant, and a very heavy - stone inclusive - coffee table.
Why the second workout of the day? Well, now that the apartment has been on the market for a couple of weeks, the majority of the buyers that have viewed the property have been wondering where to put a dining room table? Until recently the owner was a single man, living by himself, so he did what most of us city dwellers do ( especially the bachelor's) and ate at either the kitchen island, or on that big sofa while watching TV. Now that it seems the potential buyer/buyers may not be happy with such a solution, it needed to be addressed.
The solution? - moving the furniture into a position where a table could be added to the main living area and no longer leave that question roaming around in a buyers mind. Many people are not visual - so while they will understand that to remove an object from a room would allow for a more spacious area - those who are trying to add something into the mix aren't sure where, how big, and can it really be done? Most then default to assuming that it cannot be.
The seller was not exactly thrilled by the idea and gave a million reasons why this was a silly idea. ( and I am using the word silly here - but that wasn't necessarily the exact term he used)
REAL ESTATE TIP: When you are selling your home - it is no longer about you, your comfort, or preferred furniture arrangement. The goal is to make sure the space enables a potential buyer to envision themselves in the property. Selling is a process and information is gathered over time. This info comes in the form of feedback from potential purchasers, other properties that come on the market (or sell and are now a comparable for yours) as well as uncovering any issues that may be learned about the building, neighborhood, or apartment itself. The best thing you as a buyer can do is A) work with a broker who will collect these facts and communicate them to you and B) address the issue in the best way possible-explore the options, and implement quickly. Time is a very important factor when selling a home.
So, finally, an hour later, we had moved everything around, the seller settled down a bit, and I finally got to head home for a nice evening complete with the Amazing Race - one of my favorite shows. ( I am sure that soon my reality show addiction will be revealed, and I ask, in advance ,to pretty please not hold it against me!)
Monday, March 15, 2010
To Renovate or Not to Renovate?
For the second time this week, a friend of mine has asked me to stop by to review some finishes and thoughts he has, to renovate apartment. Although he is working with a designer, he has asked me to vet their choices before he moves forward.
In both my roles - Real Estate Broker and Sales and Marketing consultant for a New York Based Developer, I do this often. Specifically with the Developer. I am constantly meeting with the design team to pick out every last detail in the apartments being built. This includes the brand/finish of the appliances ( everything stainless these days) , the cabinets, floors, counter tops, cabinets, cabinet handles, floors, bathroom tile, tub depth, marble and such in the bath, the toilet ( Dual Flush is all the rage right now) lighting, etc. So I am happy to help out when a friend or client asks my opinion.
A couple of tips I always tell those who ask:
1. Do not get so specific. For Example, If you love Blue Carrera Marble and want to put it up the wall - that is great. However, do not expect someone else to love it OR want to pay for it when you sell the apartment. Many times, the new buyer will consider instead, the cost it will take to remove and replace it, so it then becomes a detractor from price point.
2.Don't Date Your Apartment There are always trends in the city. A few years ago the majority of new developments in West Chelsea featured very white kitchens. Before that zebra wood was everywhere. If you are not planning on selling your home anytime soon - you need to make sure that you not going completely in one direction of style. You don't want someone a couple of years from now to walk in and say - " oh this is so 2010!" Plan a nice mix with warm or cool tones being the majority of your look. Add in a few dynamic accessories or one feature wall ( that can be easily repainted) and this will help your apartment stand out in the crowd.
3. Pay Attention to Detail Remember to put thought into the little things. Towel racks, nice lighting fixtures, cabinet handles that are unique and of quality. It will be these things that convey to your future buyer that you "thought about it" instead of just slapped whatever up. This will provide your apartment with a reputation of quality and distinctiveness, which will in turn, give you the edge when competing against others for sale.
For more insight into renovating and who it is best for... please click the attached look.
In both my roles - Real Estate Broker and Sales and Marketing consultant for a New York Based Developer, I do this often. Specifically with the Developer. I am constantly meeting with the design team to pick out every last detail in the apartments being built. This includes the brand/finish of the appliances ( everything stainless these days) , the cabinets, floors, counter tops, cabinets, cabinet handles, floors, bathroom tile, tub depth, marble and such in the bath, the toilet ( Dual Flush is all the rage right now) lighting, etc. So I am happy to help out when a friend or client asks my opinion.
A couple of tips I always tell those who ask:
1. Do not get so specific. For Example, If you love Blue Carrera Marble and want to put it up the wall - that is great. However, do not expect someone else to love it OR want to pay for it when you sell the apartment. Many times, the new buyer will consider instead, the cost it will take to remove and replace it, so it then becomes a detractor from price point.
2.Don't Date Your Apartment There are always trends in the city. A few years ago the majority of new developments in West Chelsea featured very white kitchens. Before that zebra wood was everywhere. If you are not planning on selling your home anytime soon - you need to make sure that you not going completely in one direction of style. You don't want someone a couple of years from now to walk in and say - " oh this is so 2010!" Plan a nice mix with warm or cool tones being the majority of your look. Add in a few dynamic accessories or one feature wall ( that can be easily repainted) and this will help your apartment stand out in the crowd.
3. Pay Attention to Detail Remember to put thought into the little things. Towel racks, nice lighting fixtures, cabinet handles that are unique and of quality. It will be these things that convey to your future buyer that you "thought about it" instead of just slapped whatever up. This will provide your apartment with a reputation of quality and distinctiveness, which will in turn, give you the edge when competing against others for sale.
For more insight into renovating and who it is best for... please click the attached look.
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
1 Bedroom Loft - 749K
Just listed a new property in Williamsburg Brooklyn. Great loft with the best finishes. If you would like more info - please click on the link.
Thursday, March 4, 2010
Welcome!
Hello and big - hearty - welcome to my blog.
Here you will find out what a "day in the life" of a Manhattan Real Estate Broker ( aka Me!)is like. I will keep you updated on the market, listings, relevant articles, and local happenings. As many of you know, I am out and about often. So whether I am hosting an open house, or checking out the latest downtown restaurant, I will keep you in the loop. There will be funny stories from my clients and the basic tribulations of life in the big city.
From time to time there will be guest bloggers - architects, designers, attorneys, etc. that will be popping in with tips and stories of their own.
I look forward to having you along for the ride. Please feel free to comment and send me feedback. Please note that the comments and opinions in this blog are mine and in no way represent that of the companies, or third parties, that I am affiliated with.
And as always, if I can be of assistance please let me know. It would be my pleasure to help you, or anyone you know, with your Manhattan real estate needs.
Here you will find out what a "day in the life" of a Manhattan Real Estate Broker ( aka Me!)is like. I will keep you updated on the market, listings, relevant articles, and local happenings. As many of you know, I am out and about often. So whether I am hosting an open house, or checking out the latest downtown restaurant, I will keep you in the loop. There will be funny stories from my clients and the basic tribulations of life in the big city.
From time to time there will be guest bloggers - architects, designers, attorneys, etc. that will be popping in with tips and stories of their own.
I look forward to having you along for the ride. Please feel free to comment and send me feedback. Please note that the comments and opinions in this blog are mine and in no way represent that of the companies, or third parties, that I am affiliated with.
And as always, if I can be of assistance please let me know. It would be my pleasure to help you, or anyone you know, with your Manhattan real estate needs.
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