September 2020

MOMENTUM IN REAL ESTATE
 

  Yes, you read the top correctly, this is September’s newsletter that I’m sending you on October 1st. We have just been overwhelmed this month with work! Have you heard the depressing statements of “NYC is dead”? Well...immediately after Labor day, we have seen an UPTICK in NYC inquiries, showings, offers and interest! It seems like New York has filled up again and the streets are packed with traffic; restaurants have a 45 minute wait again. The New Yorkers who want to stay are back in the City and they are out shopping for an apartment. You have heard me say it before, but it must be said again. It is a GREAT time to buy in the City. If you are looking to take advantage of the low rates and the lower prices you will be among the group who looks back and is appreciative that you were able to make a big emotional decision in such an uncertain time. Are you among the few who think prices will go down further and you're waiting on the sidelines? Let me be the one to tell you- the ones who wait miss out. With an election coming and a vaccine due to be available to the general public next Spring, in my opinion, the market will stay where it's at. In 12-18 months we should see the numbers head in a positive direction once it is safe for NYC to open back up. Call me today if you are interested in buying or selling, I can’t wait to hear from my fellow New Yorkers! 

WEAR A MASK

     I have good news, bad news, then AMAZING news.  The good news is that Fall has arrived which is my second favorite time of the year.  I can’t get enough of pumpkin spice lattes (I know I am beyond basic.. ), jeans with sweaters, and walks with Lyanna around Central Park to see the leaves change colors. The bad news is that once Fall comes, Winter is not far behind. I must admit I am not just dreading the freezing cold weather and snow piling up on the streets of NYC, I am fearful of a spike in the virus. This is my PSA to remind everyone to wear a mask as we start to dine indoors and send our kids to school. Within my own team we have Democrats and Republicans.  We have different views and different opinions but we listen to each other’s opinions and respect each other. At times, we disagree on some topics but the one thing we all agree on is wearing a mask is mandatory and it is not a political statement. This is a global health crisis and as humans we have a duty to protect ourselves and one another. So many companies have come out with stylish masks that we have NO excuse.
     The AMAZING news is my friends over at Toccin have partnered with Ahida Correale and Your Mom Cares to design a mask that is stylish and even more importantly, gives back to a wonderful cause. Toccin is a clothing brand started by the amazing husband & wife, Alex & Michael Toccin. You can learn about the designers and brand on one of my episodes of Real Talk with Ronnie here. With the purchase of each mask, we will donate 20% of proceeds to Your Mom Cares. Your Mom Cares (YMC) is a nonprofit organization founded by celebrity and influencer Moms benefiting kids' mental health. YMC creates and funds ground-breaking technology, services and solutions for the children's mental health epidemic facing our country. YMC also uniquely created the "Mobile Moms Emergency Fund" for pediatric emergencies including, COVID-19, the crisis at the border, social justice, etc. Get your mask here! 

PROPERTY OF THE MONTH  - 225 CPW

   Welcome to Residence #119 at The Alden, a Central Park West beauty. This three bedroom, two bathroom home features new renovations, 12' foot ceilings, and an astounding 70 feet of direct Central Park views through its multi-paned East and South facing windows.
   Entering into the open gallery, there is a surplus of storage in the coat closet, as well as in the hidden laundry room; complete with a new Bosch Washer and Dryer. Moving North are the vast Living and Dining Rooms. With enough space to host or just lounge, these rooms are beaming with natural light. Next is the newly created Kitchen, equipped with luxury appliances and finishes, including a Fisher and Paykal refrigerator, Bosch dishwasher, and Bertazzoni range. Back past the Entrance is a wide hallway with the first full bath. The renovated restroom sits parallel to two bedrooms. Finally, further South you have the deluxe Master Bedroom; placed at the corner of the building. Atop the silk Stark carpet fits a King bed as well as any desired furniture. This space is complete with an en-suite bathroom and walk- in closet.
   The Alden is a prestigious, landmarked, full service building designed by the legendary Emery Roth that is held to the highest white glove standards on Central Park West. It has a luxurious and beautifully renovated large lobby, is staffed with 24-hour doormen, concierge, as well as on site management. Building amenities include a spectacular landscaped roof terrace with panoramic views of Central Park and the midtown skyline, on-site parking, bike storage as well as strong financials with no flip-tax. The Alden enjoys what is considered to be the Upper West Side's premier location at Central Park's highest elevation and 82nd Street. The building is one block from the B/C Subway Station, Museum of Natural History, as well as the "restaurant row" of the Columbus Avenue 80's boasting the Upper West Side's most sought after restaurants, cafes and boutiques and of course directly on Central Park.

REAL TALK WITH RONNIE IS NOW ON INSTAGRAM LIVE
AND STILL AVAILABLE ON PODCASTS

Is it me or did we all go into 2020 with motivation and optimism?! New Motto: Adapt & Evolve! I started the year with my new project Real Talk with Ronnie which was here to give you the dish on everything from style + design to how to be a badass businessperson. We filmed over 12 episodes at The Wing in Flatiron with all different guests from Hillary Matt, Christina Olivia and my most famous guest, Victoria Caggiano =). Since the lockdown we were able to release 1 per week but alas we have run out. We are forced to improvise, adapt and evolve, remember? We have taken Real Talk with Ronnie to Instagram LIVE and it will still be available on my podcast. The podcast has proven successful with over 250 downloads! It is available on iTunes, Spotify, Google Podcast, Anchor, Radio Public or wherever you binge stream your newest obsession. 

August 2020

SCHOOLS REOPEN IN NYC

   Here’s what we know about New York City right now: the infection rate of the region must be 5% or less on a 14-day average, Governor Andrew Cuomo said on July 13th to re-open NYC schools. He also said a school will close if the infection rate is 9% or higher on a 7-day average. So what does this mean for the real estate industry and NYC home buyers; as so much was hanging on this decision? If virtual classes were to continue, many families would likely remain at their vacation homes out of New York City. Now that school will be in session, many of these New York families will make their way back to NYC. However, with most companies continuing the work from home mandate, it’s hard to say how many will come back and for how long. Not to mention- there is always a chance of another lockdown across the nation, once again in the Winter. One thing is for sure, there is a need for more space, whether it is a real estate upgrade in NYC or a move outside the City to a larger property. For all those who are staying, now is an opportune time to buy your next dream home, as prices have come down and interest rates are still so low. NYC will come back strong - this is a guarantee. The only question is how long will it take? Once we have a vaccine, how long until the world goes back to “normal” ? We are all living one day, one week, one month at a time…Stay safe everyone and please wear a mask! 

BABY!

   We have a new team member <3 My Chief Operations Officer, Victoria had her baby! 
Alaria Schueller was born August 6th- and Mom and Baby are doing great. We are very excited for the new addition to our crew and can’t wait to meet her soon. This tiny miracle is a silver lining to this pandemic and a reminder that there is still so much to celebrate and be thankful for. Life must go on, we must continue to live and laugh and love. Huge congratulations to the parents and their families!

OUTDOOR DINING IN NYC

   Going to a restaurant feels so good! In a time where a lot of our favorite NYC restaurants and bars are closing doors due to the loss of business because of this pandemic, it is crucial that we support our small businesses and local NYC restaurants. Also, who else is tired of cooking/baking? I know I am ready to sit down and order! Of course, it is important to note that safety is a concern and social distancing is required. I recently went to The Smith, one of my all time favorite New York spots and was very pleased at the precaution they took. All staff wore masks and they required the guests to wear a mask every time a waiter was at the table. The tables were 6 feet apart and they sat us at every other table. The act of meeting a friend for lunch felt so good after being inside for so long. New York City streets are bustling on weekday and weekend evenings as everyone rushes outside for some socializing and sense of normalcy. Here is a list of restaurants where you can eat outside today, provided by my favorite instagram food blogger EatingNYC (Alexa Matthews): https://eating.nyc/outdoor-dining-guide/

PROPERTY OF THE MONTH - 455 EAST 86TH STREET 27B
 

   Welcome home to this sizable 3 bedroom and 3 bath Upper East Side dream home, you will be mesmerized by breathtaking NYC river views that span for miles. As you walk into this Yorkville apartment, the open kitchen with high-end appliances (washer and dryer), the dining room/breakfast room, and entrance to the balcony are to your left. The living room is well proportioned and has a wall of windows to some of the best New York city and water views. Down the hallway to the right, you will find another bedroom and full guest bathroom and then the master suite. The generous master bedroom has a large ensuite bathroom, a walk-in closet, an alcove for a dressing area or home office, plus another built-in closet, an amazing find in NYC real estate. The eastern views from this bedroom are sheer beauty. The third bedroom is directly off the entrance to the apartment. It is a large bedroom with a built-in closet, ensuite bathroom, and large north-facing windows. The Channel Club is a white glove building nestled in the Upper East Side of Manhattan. The building offers an indoor pool, gym, sauna, 24-hour doorman, concierge, and a children's playroom. Channel Club is just a few blocks from major NC subway stops, the crosstown bus stop is right outside, and it is an even shorter distance to the peaceful Carl Schurz Park. The park has green spaces to relax, benches, tables, basketball courts, children's play areas, movie nights, and art fairs during the summer and Halloween contests in October. This building is in the perfect location to enjoy the city, live in a great neighborhood, and be able to enjoy the best kept Yorkville secret-The Carl Schurz Park. Check out the virtual tour HERE

Stylish Proposals & Working With Your Spouse

Have you sat down with us at Real Talk yet? Well, if not, welcome to your new #WFH entertainment. Ready to get real? 

For our first ever Real Talk with Ronnie episode, I sat down Alex Toccin, stylist, designer, and 1/2 of the Toccin label. Join us as we discuss what it's like working with your spouse, falling in love with fashion, and find out all about Alex's very stylish proposal. (It’s dreamy, we promise.) 

I always loved following Alex on social media because she’s a stylist, total NYC fashion icon, and also short and petite just like ME (meaning she gets that sometimes clothes just look a little different when you’re smaller.)

From finding love in college, traveling abroad and Parsons School of Design to being a hands-on, working mama and businesswoman, get more behind-the-scenes and check out Alex (and her husband Michael!) on their instagram at @alexandmichaeltoccin. 

To see all our episodes of Real Talk with Ronnie featuring Alex Toccin, Hilary Matt, and more, subscribe to my channel at Real Talk with Ronnie!