October 2024

Things to do for Halloween in NYC

Its Spooky Season so we have highlighted some fun NYC activites to do with your family.

Village Halloween Parade

Halloween Pumpkin Flotilla

Comic Con 2024 NYC

Halloween pop-up bar

Great PUPkin Dog Costume Contest

Market Update

In Q3 2024, New York City’s residential real estate market displayed resilience and adjustments amid economic uncertainty and rising mortgage rates. Sales activity dipped slightly due to cautious buyer sentiment, yet prices held steady, especially in areas with limited inventory.

Luxury properties attracted slower but consistent interest, with demand highest in the Upper East Side, Tribeca, and Brooklyn Heights. The rental market stayed robust, particularly in Manhattan and Brooklyn, with fewer concessions and steady demand. Inventory increased slightly but remains below pre-pandemic levels, lengthening co-op market times while condos maintain faster transactions.

In Q4, high mortgage rates may sustain current price and transaction trends, with continued strength in the rental market and possible negotiation opportunities for buyers.

Deal of The Month

181 Hudson Street, Unit 2A

STUDIO BD 1 BA 1710 SF $1,800,000

We closed on this commercial space for our client, who has been looking for a unique opportunity. After searching for two years, she was in no rush to pull the trigger on any old cookie-cutter apartment. We knew it had to be remarkable.

With a blank canvas, she plans to create a stunning three-bed, three-bath home in a prime location in Tribeca. We are so happy we found this project for her, and we can not wait to see the finished product!

Can a commercial space be turned into a residential home? With the right team guiding you, almost anything is possible.

FLATIRON

73 Fifth Avenue, 10B

3 BD 2BA 3,100 SF $6,995,000

Experience loft living in this rare, 3,200-square-foot residence on Manhattan's prestigious Fifth Avenue. This authentic loft features three large bedrooms, two bathrooms, and massive walk-in closets, with the third bedroom offering a unique bonus: an oversized closet that functions as a storage unit, complete with three hidden windows that can be uncovered to transform the space into an additional bedroom or office.

Arrive in style via one of two elevators open to a semi-private landing shared with just one neighbor. The building readily welcomes guests using the secure camera intercom system that allows you to call up the elevators.

The heart of the home is the huge chef's kitchen, designed for entertaining, featuring a stunning 17-foot marble island that invites gatherings and culinary creativity. Boasting a double oven and double dishwashers, this kitchen is ready to entertain. The unit is also complete with a washer and dryer for ultimate convenience, and the residence includes a deeded storage unit in the building.

Art enthusiasts will appreciate the generous wall space, which is perfect for displaying a curated collection. This Fifth Avenue loft is truly a masterpiece of luxury and sophistication, offering a unique opportunity for refined living in the heart of Manhattan.

Contact my team today for a private showing.

September 2024

Market Update

Fall is here and the real estate market is presenting unique opportunities. With 30-year interest rates now around 6%—the lowest since early 2023—buyers are highly motivated, and multiple bids are becoming more common due to limited inventory.

For Sellers: Now is the perfect time to prepare your home to attract serious buyers before the year's end. Our team is equipped to position your property to stand out in this competitive market. We provide expert guidance on staging, pricing, and strategic marketing to ensure your home receives the attention it deserves.

For Buyers: This season offers excellent chances to secure a home at a competitive price. We also have access to exclusive, off-market listings that are not yet available on StreetEasy—giving you the opportunity to explore unique properties before they reach the broader market.

Our mission is to navigate you through these evolving market conditions with personalized advice and exclusive access to the best opportunities. Whether you’re buying or selling, we are committed to helping you achieve your real estate goals.

Thank you for choosing us as your trusted real estate partner.

350 East 82nd Street, Unit 14AB

4 BD 4 BA 2903 SF $4,450,000

1 BD 1 BA 850 SF $899,000

Ultimate Outdoor Escape in the Heart of the City

Step into a residence where luxury outdoor living takes center stage. This extraordinary four-bedroom, three-and-a-half-bath home spans over 2,900 square feet of interior living space and features a sprawling 1,600-square-foot landscaped terrace that wraps around the entire length of the apartment, creating a private garden oasis high above the city. Equipped with a wet bar, refrigerator, grill, and multiple seating areas, this expansive outdoor space is the ultimate setting for both grand entertaining and serene relaxation.

Reside in the prestigious Wellington Tower, a full-service condominium offering premier amenities, including a 24-hour doorman and concierge, parking garage, swimming pool, fitness center, and more. With Central Park, the city's finest dining, world-class museums, and the Second Avenue Subway just steps away, 14AB is more than just a home—it’s a lifestyle.

Priced at $4.45 million, this one-of-a-kind property redefines luxury city living. Contact us today for private tour.

The UN GA

The 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly marks a crucial milestone in the global effort to accelerate progress towards the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The highly anticipated Summit of the Future, held during UNGA, underscores the urgent need for enhanced international cooperation to address pressing challenges such as climate change, poverty and inequality, while also tackling the impacts of ongoing conflicts and global health crises.

This week also marks the worst commuting week in NYC, Data shows the average speed in Midtown drops to less than 4 miles per hour during the

General Assembly week, compared to normal averages between 4 and 6 miles per hour.

Drivers should expect delays along 1st Avenue between 34th and 63rd streets, as well as the FDR Drive.

The NYPD says 57th and 42nd streets will be limited to one lane in either direction from 2nd to 5th avenues, and 1st Ave will be what's considered a "frozen zone" from 40th to 49th streets.

The Fed Cut Interest Rates

After almost three years of rising interest rates, the Fed finally announced that they are cutting the rates by fifty basis points last week. So the big question is, what does this mean for the mortgage rates? Are the mortgage rates going to plummet today?.

No, The fed cutting rates does not directly impact the mortgage rates today. The long term bonds, particularly the ten year treasury are what affect the mortgage rates. Now, the Fed cutting the interest rates will affect those long term bonds. So consequently, eventually mortgage rates will be affected by this. At the end of the day, it’s positive news for mortgage rates, and it does look like they will be coming down in the future.

The bottom line is it is positive news for the economy and lower rates are on the way.

August 2024

Market Update

The New York City real estate market is maintaining its strong performance, with consistent activity observed in recent weeks, particularly in the luxury segment. High-end properties are generating significant interest, and the inventory levels are stable, creating a balanced environment for both buyers and sellers.

Market trends indicate a steady pace of transactions, with properties in desirable neighborhoods selling quickly. Pricing remains competitive, reflecting the city's ongoing demand and limited supply of prime real estate.

Investors and homeowners are optimistic, as New York City's unique appeal and vibrant economy continue to support the market. Overall, the outlook for NYC real estate remains positive, with continued growth and resilience expected in the coming months.

This week, investors had their eyes on the inflation data, which yielded mixed results in two significant reports. During his testimony to Congress on Tuesday, Fed Chair Powell made it clear that he wasn't signaling any changes in future monetary policy timing, leading to a subdued market reaction. Consequently, mortgage rates ended the week slightly lower as a result of these developments.

BROOKLYN HEIGHTS

111 Hicks Street, Unit 16B

1 BD 1 BA 850 SF $899,000

It's an exhilarating time for buyers, and we're here to make your homeownership dreams a reality! Imagine finding the perfect home that checks all your boxes, just like our recent success story in Brooklyn Heights.

Our buyer initially explored the Upper East Side but soon realized her heart was in Brooklyn Heights, where she grew up. With our guidance, she swiftly secured an incredible property—Unit 16B—featuring stunning Statue of Liberty and water views and impeccable finishes. In just 50 days on the market, we had her under contract for this spacious one-bedroom corner unit.

Now is the ideal moment to buy. Prices remain competitive, and we're dedicated to negotiating the best deals across Manhattan and Brooklyn. Whether you're a first-time buyer or looking to upgrade, let us navigate this exciting market for you. Don't miss out on your perfect home.

Contact us today and let's find it together!

Camp

Summer is the perfect time for children to have fun, create lasting memories, and develop socially. In Manhattan you will find almost everyone talking about “camp.”

Children as young as three have the opportunity to board early morning buses and spend their days outside the city. They are given the opportunity, that they may not often get in NYC to swim, play sports, dance , learn magic, go-cart and rock climbing to name a handful. They often arrive back in the city around 5pm, exhausted but eager for what the next day has to bring.
By the time kids finish 4th grade they are often ready to experience camp in another way. This time spending up to 7 weeks, sleeping away from their home. Sleepaway camp allows for kids to not only try new activities such as waterskiing or archery, but fosters lifelong friendships as well as gives them the opportunity to gain a sense of independence and freedom.

For parents interested in learning more about camp, whether day or sleepaway, Camp Expert Allison Aspis would love to help. She will listen to what you may be looking for and can help with everything from providing recommendations, scheduling tours, explaining timelines and prices. Feel free to reach out to her Allison.Aspis@campexperts.com

to give your child the opportunity to have fun, follow their passions and create lasting friendships.

Balloon Story

Escape the never-ending heat wave and step into a whimsical world filled with balloon wonders that ignite curiosity and imagination at every twist and turn.

Prepare to be amazed by the artistic potential of balloons. The exhibits, featuring intricate sculptures and immersive displays, push the boundaries of art. My kids loved it! They spent a good amount of time playing in the balloon pit, with the massive balloons in the enclosed area and finished off the trip by getting some creative cotton candy.

The exhibit runs from July 3rd to August 24th at Park Avenue Armory - 643 Park Ave. Click here for more info.