February 2021

Movie Theaters Opening

Storytelling is the original art form, right NYC? Going to the cinema was always a fun New York date night for me and my husband. Escaping reality for 2 hours, getting immersed into the story and being able to sit there without a 2.5 year old tugging at your shoulder is pure joy. We usually followed it with a nice dinner in Manhattan where we talked about the movie and what we liked/disliked.

Well, it's time to add it back to the itinerary again! New York's Governor Andrew Cuomo gave the green light for movie theaters to re-open in the City, as well as New York State beginning March 5th, 2021. Of course, that doesn't come without safety precautions. No more than 50 people per theater will be allowed and occupancy cannot exceed 25%.

The hurt that major cinemas have faced on account of the pandemic has been widely known and public. So on top of the vaccine's entrance, this is a huge step in the right direction! Next up, New York — BROADWAY.

A Quarantine Birthday

Yes, that's me celebrating my birthday in 2020 right before the lockdown. We had a staycation at the NoMad Hotel in FLatiron, had one of the best meals of my life at the NoMad restaurant, drinks at the crowded bar with friends and then brunch with my family the next day. 

Fast forward to my 2021 birthday - I went to my parents in New Jersey where my mom made my favorite meals, took a nap with my daughter, watched a movie on the couch and was in bed by 10. Although my covid birthday was VERY low key, I know I'm lucky to be able to spend it with my family. 

I am however, counting down the days until I can get dressed up with my friends,  spend way too much money on cocktails and invite everyone I know to a crowded NYC bar. 

It's coming soon, I can feel it!

Market Update

As brokers we always emphasize when it's a good time to buy or sell. But after this unprecedented year; I wholeheartedly am telling you to hurry!

Interest rates have already increased, all correctly priced apartments are getting multiple offers and days on the market for new listings are shortening! 

New developments in Manhattan and Brooklyn are still offering high discounts and concessions. However, the window of opportunity for nearly unheard-of deals is closing more and more each day. 

We are already passed the bottom in the market and with Spring approaching - the season and the energy in NYC are shifting.

Property of The Month: 2AN at The 505 Condominium

Welcome to Residence 2AN (2A in the North tower) at The 505 Condominium. This south-facing large one bedroom and one bathroom corner unit features tranquil courtyard views, premium appliances / fixtures, in-unit Bosch washer/ dryer, and sleek modifications including WiFi-controlled thermostats and custom built master closet and entry storage. The condo’s hallways have also been newly renovated in January 2021! 

Upon entering this NYC condo, to the left is your coat closet and laundry space; while to the right is your walk-in kitchen. The kitchen is equipped with a four-burner Bosch stainless steel cooktop, Bosch stainless steel microwave, Bosch convection oven, Bosch dishwasher, Fischer & Paykel stainless steel fridge, Grohe faucet, Maistri La Cucina cabinets, and finally the magnificent Calacatta marble counters.

Directly ahead, facing south, is your vast sunlit living and dining space with room for a 6-person dining table. Since the unit faces the serene and sunny evergreen bamboo garden, the entirety of the apartment is peaceful, quiet and bright.

Moving left is your full bathroom furnished with Zebrano wall tiles, custom Wenge cabinets, River Rock marble countertops, a Kohler bathtub, and Grohe fixtures (including a rain shower head). The bathroom is perfectly nestled right before you reach the sizable master bedroom (large enough for a king sized bed), and walk-in closet. This premium custom closet built-in offers four hanging racks, 8 drawers, and a surplus of storage shelves.

The 505 Condominium provides residents with a full staff including a live-in resident manager and a sunlit fitness center featuring the latest cardio and weight training equipment. Additional luxury amenities include bike storage, a large planted and furnished common garden, and two furnished common roof decks (with grills). The noted architectural and design firm of H. Thomas O’Hara has created a thoughtful urban environment, selecting environmentally appropriate finishing details along with a rich array of nature inspired textures and hues. Located in a prime location in Hell’s Kitchen, the condo is close to subways and near many great restaurants and wine bars. A short walk to Broadway shows, Lincoln Center for performances, Hudson River Park, and Central Park. 

January 2021

January is the time for new beginnings. It is in this month that you get a clean slate, a chance to reflect, relax and set new goals. These things are important to set your mood for the whole year, so there's no point in dwelling on the January blues you may be experiencing. Happy New Year New York City!

Although it may seem like there is nothing to do in NYC, my having a 2.5 year old has made me quite resourceful. We have identified tons of fun, safe activities to do on the weekends this Winter in Manhattan and we are here to share them with you.(Listen up, parents!)

1. Museum of Natural History in Manhattan - book your time slot online and explore the Dinos! (our favorite exhibit)

2. Ice Skating in Bryant Park or Brookfield Place - reserve your spot online and remember the hot cocoa at the end!

3. Bronx Zoo - always a fun New York activity no matter what age.

4. Carousel in Central Park - a classic way to spend a cold afternoon in Manhattan. 

5. Color Factory - an interactive exhibit that celebrates the discovery, serendipity and generosity of color.

6. Sloomoo Institute - the ultimate interactive playground for the slime experience, from science to creative DIY slime.

Market Update

Despite difficulties in today’s world, the real estate market is on fire. Low interest rights, reduced sales prices, and the vaccine on the horizon are all positive signs for NYC’s comeback. Real estate contract activity is up 4% compared to Q4 in 2019 and inventory increased 29% year-over-year, attesting to seller's trust in the market. There are tons of transactions happening so if you are ready to buy an apartment or house in New York, call us so you don't miss out on the action!

Property of the Month

Welcome to a pre-war treasure, Residence 9G at The Parc Vendome in NYC. This one bedroom, one bathroom beauty features vast casement windows, an oversized layout, and preserved architectural details. Entering into the large gallery equipped with a coat closet, North through a romantic arch is the dining room and kitchen; illuminated through the kitchen’s exposure and residual light from the living room. While to the West is your tremendous living area. Past the gallery to the East is the restroom and expansive bedroom. The master bedroom includes two deep walk-in closets and is illuminated through the sizable North facing exposures.

The Parc Vendome offers dramatic pre-war living, perfect for Manhattan. Walk through its magnificent private garden, or go shopping at one of the many W. 57th Street & 5th Ave shops nearby the property. The Parc Vendome’s amenities offer the opportunity to play Billiards, Backgammon, Cards in the club room, a book from the Library or just sit back and enjoy the piano in the Music Room. The Parc Vendome is secure twenty-four hours a day with doormen on duty in each of the four lobbies. A state-of-the-art security control center with the most modern electronic equipment is monitored around the clock.

December 2020

The Ronita Kalra Team has joined Compass! Thank you all for your kind words of support and for the warm welcome. 2020 has been a crazy year and so to shake things up I thought it was the perfect time for a change. My New York team is here to continue to service our clients, family and friends with all of their real estate needs here in NYC and upstate NY. We are your advisors, with boots on the ground we are living and breathing this real estate market and we are here to give you the pulse in real time. Looking forward to crushing our goals with all the new tools we have at our fingertips in 2021!

We know this year we are not celebrating as we normally do but it's still a time to reflect. Gifts and trips are not the priority for our family (and I'm sure many of yours) this year and I'm finding myself a little lost with this change of pace. However, I do feel as if the universe gave us a good shake and took us out of our routines and traditions for a reason. Our family is now more patient, more understanding and content with just spending time with each other. In the end, thats all that matters anyways, right? From my team and my family to yours, we wish you healthy and safe holidays. Hold your loved ones tight this year. Better days are ahead New York!

Pfizer and Moderna have released their vaccines here in the US and already thousands of New Yorkers have been injected. There is a lot of fear in NYC and beyond around taking a vaccine that was rushed... and who can blame them?  I am not a medical professional however I trust that if they are the first ones getting the vaccine they must feel confident and comfortable with the vaccine. Let's put this damn pandemic behind us and get back to big gatherings, eating indoors, open houses and HUGS! I am looking forward to a world where this pandemic is no longer a global crisis and just another disease to add to the list of ones we have eradicated or at least lessened with a vaccine. 

Restaurants are the fabric of NYC. Hospitality and dining in New York City lives to take care of us, and now it's our turn to return the favor. Therefore, this month I'd like to highlight an organization that I believe is doing critical work during these tough times in New York - Relief Opportunities for All Restaurants or ROAR. ROAR is partnering with the non-profit organization, Robin Hood to raise donations for an NYC restaurant employee relief fund. Visit their website here, to see how you can get involved!