201 West 70th Street, Unit 19G

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201 West 70th Street, Unit 19G

UPPER WEST SIDE, MANHATTAN

$1,050,000

1 Bed  |  1 Bath | Co-op

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This expansive fully renovated smart-home one-bedroom, one-bathroom cooperative ticks every box with private outdoor space, jaw-dropping views, and fantastic storage in a full-service Lincoln Square building.

This high-floor home welcomes you inside with hardwood floors, tall ceilings, and wonderful western sunlight. The foyer features a large coat closet ensuring storage will never be a concern. Ahead, the sprawling living space stretches 20 feet long, providing a generous footprint for seating, dining, and home office areas alongside an oversized balcony. Step outside to take in breathtaking views that stretch east with views of the neighborhood and up Broadway. The kitchen has ample cabinetry for storage, including a gas range, dishwasher, built-in microwave, and washer/dryer combo. The king-sized bedroom features an oversized walk-in closet. The smart-home features internet-enabled controls for climate control, lighting, and motorized shades throughout the home.

One Sherman Square is a commanding postwar co-op tower featuring a welcoming street-level circular driveway ideal for temporary loading and unloading as well as a large common courtyard infront of the main entry. Residents of the pet-friendly building enjoy a contemporary lobby, 24-hour doorman and concierge service, live-in superintendent, gym, laundry, a glorious landscaped roof deck with spectacular views, and an onsite parking garage. Subletting, pieds-à-terre, co-purchasing, and gifting are permitted with board approval.

Located in prime Lincoln Square, this home is at the epicenter of Upper West Side excitement surrounded by lush outdoor space at Central Park, Riverside Park, and the Hudson River waterfront. Foodies will love the easy access to Trader Joe's, Whole Foods, Zabar's, Citarella, the original Fairway Market, and the renowned Café Luxembourg. Enjoy fantastic shopping along Broadway, or take in world-class enter

NYPL’s Reopens Historic Greenwich Village Branch After $10M Overhaul

The New York Public Library on Thursday reopened its Jefferson Market branch in Greenwich Village following a three-year renovation of the historic building. The $10 million project included installing much-needed accessibility features, renovating public and staff spaces, reconstructing ADA-compliant bathrooms, and improving electronic services for the communities tech needs.

All images courtesy of The New York Public Library

The branch’s upgrade is part of the library system’s broader effort to “create spaces that meet users’ evolving needs,” according to a press release. Work began on the new Jefferson Market branch in April 2019 as part of the NYPL’s $600 million investment towards improving the system.

Designed by WXY Architecture + Urban Design, the new branch’s upgrades include an accessible exterior ramp with lighted handrails, a reconfigured entrance on 6th Avenue, new elevators that serve all floors, reconstructed ADA-compliant bathrooms, renovated public and staff spaces that increase public space, and improved data and power to support technology needs.

All images courtesy of The New York Public Library

First constructed as a courthouse in 1877 by architects Frederick Clark Withers and Calvert Vaux, the historic building was designed in a Victorian Gothic style along with an adjacent prison and market. The building originally consisted of a civil court on the second floor, which is now the adult reading room, and a police court on the first floor, now the children’s room.

The basement, now the reference room, was originally used as a holding area for prisoners before being put in jail or on trial. The building’s original firewatcher’s tower is still intact and contains the bell that would alert nearby volunteer firemen to assemble.

“This classic building is now ADA compliant and better able to serve all users, with an upgraded lobby, improved access, a larger elevator and modern restrooms,” Thomas Foley, commissioner of the city’s Department of Design and Construction, said.

Foley continued: “Working on a 150-year-old structure that is also a National Historic Landmark is a great responsibility, but our team was very cognizant of the historic nature of the building and the end results enhance usability while highlighting the beauty of the building’s timeless design.”

When it reopens, the Jefferson Market Library will be participating in the NYPL’s “Summer at the Library” program, which gives New Yorkers access to a series of free programs that encourages people to read. Specifically, it helps students maintain their reading skills while away from school on summer break. The program includes a giveaway of 500,000 new books.

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NYPL’s historic Jefferson Market branch in Greenwich Village reopens after $10M overhaul

POSTED ON FRI, JULY 15, 2022BY AARON GINSBURG

All images courtesy of The New York Public Library

610 Warren Street, Unit 4B

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610 Warren Street, Unit 4B

BOERUM HILL, BROOKLYN

$1,995,000

2 Bed  |  2.5 Bath | Condo

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Exquisite designer interiors and two private outdoor spaces await in this breathtaking Boerum Hill two-bedroom, two-and-a-half-bathroom duplex located at the epicenter of Brooklyn's best residential enclaves and exciting amenities.

Designed by Paris Forino, this 1,244-square-foot residence greets you on the sun-splashed main level with 7.5-inch white oak floors and tall ceilings featuring recessed and designer lighting. Relax and entertain in the spacious living/dining room, or head out to the adjacent terrace for seamless indoor-outdoor living. The open chef's kitchen impresses with stunning black and white cabinetry trimmed with brass fixtures, white subway tile, and chic Brazilian Arabescato honed quartzite countertops. Upscale appliances by Gaggenau include a gas cooktop, oven, integrated refrigerator, and microwave drawer, and a Bosch dishwasher and garbage disposal round out the kitchen. A convenient powder room completes this level.

Bedrooms are placed on the upper level for optimal peace and privacy. The owner's suite boasts a king-size layout, a massive walk-in closet and a private balcony perfect for morning coffee. A pocket door reveals an en suite spa bathroom filled with marble tile, white oak vanity and a relaxing walk-in shower with frameless glass doors and a slatted wood floor. The secondary bedroom offers a roomy closet and easy access to a second full bathroom with a soaking tub and handsome tilework. A laundry closet with a Whirlpool washer-dryer completes this beautiful Brooklyn home. This unit conveys with an indoor parking space with a Tesla EV charging station and private storage.

Built in 2016, 610 Warren Street is an amenity-rich condominium featuring a captivating brick and brass façade. Residents enjoy part-time doorman service, a virtual doorman system, package room, resident lounge, fitness center, children's playroom, pet spa room, bike storage, onsite parking, storage and a glorious landscaped roof deck with grills and magnificent skyline views. A 15-year tax abatement is in effect until 2032.

This outstanding location near the intersection of Park Slope, Prospect Heights, Boerum Hill, Downtown and Fort Greene puts the best of Brooklyn living is right outside your door. BAM and Barclays Center provides world-class entertainment, and Prospect Park and Fort Greene Park are minutes away. Atlantic Terminal Mall, City Point BKLYN, artisanal cafés, world-class restaurants, eclectic nightlife venues and vintage boutiques line the adjacent blocks. The rest of the city is within easy reach thanks to B/D, N/Q/R/W, 2/3 and 4/5 subway lines, excellent bus service, LIRR trains and CitiBike stations all nearby.
*Additional monthly common charges: storage closet $58.88 / parking $191.25

The Monthly Update - July 2022

Keeping Everything in Perspective 

Picture this…

We've all been on a highway before. The speed limit is 65 MPH, but everybody else is doing 85/90 MPH. Then there's a slowdown ahead, and everyone slows down to the legal limit. But doesn't it feel like you're standing still? After doing 85/90 miles an hour, 65 feels like a snail's pace. Yet, you're still going the speed limit. That's what today's real estate market feels like.

Coming off the highs of almost 18 months going 85/90 miles an hour in a 65-mile-an-hour zone, downshifting to a normal pace feels like the end of the world! "OMG, why is everyone going so slow!" To extend the metaphor to New York City real estate activity at this particular moment, it feels like the housing market is collapsing. Maybe it even seems like doomsday is approaching. But it's not! 

On the highway of New York real estate, we have a rental market that's 30 percent higher than it was pre-pandemic. Yes, interest rates have climbed 2 percent in the last three months alone, but you can still get a jumbo 30-year fixed for about 4.5 percent if you have a prior relationship with the bank. And under 5 percent if you don't. That's still historically very good. 

In the Manhattan market, you have an industry that's humming along at a very acceptable 65 MPH. In the past 30 days, 1,019 units went into contract. That may be 20 percent less than the previous 30 days, but it's still pretty strong! As for new listings, 1,775 units went on the market in the last 30 days. That's 15 percent lower than the previous month… But it's summer! We always used to have slowdowns in the summer. Don't you remember? 

Let's keep it in perspective. Coming down from 85/90 to 65 MPH is a slowdown, not a catastrophe. We're still doing at or over the speed limit in many of these categories. Interest rates are still within historical lows, and while there aren't 10 bids on an apartment,  even if there are just 3 or 4, that's normal. That's a healthy market. That's going 65 miles an hour in a 65-mile-an-hour zone. 

Now, there certainly are things along the roadside that are not normal: inflation, war, political unrest and a Wall Street correction. These are all hazards that may reduce our speed limit even more, but they won't last forever. Economies come back to normal speeds. Neighborhoods rebound. Markets go up, markets go down. Life goes on. 

A lot is happening along the roadside right now, but the highway of life continues to drive on. Sometimes it speeds up, and sometimes it slows down, but if you keep your loved ones close and are nice to your fellow drivers … We will all endure :-)

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Local Happenings & News

The Hoffman Team:

No. 63 in the Nation

No. 15 in New York State

Thank you to our valued clients for propelling us to this milestone. Your trust in our service encourages us to continually create an exceptional home buying and selling experience.

Compass Debuts on the 

Fortune 500

We are thrilled to announce that Compass has found our home on the Fortune 500 alongside some of the world’s most respected companies like Apple, American Express, and Nike! In less than 10 years, we have become the #1 real estate brokerage in America (RealTrends 500) and one of the youngest companies ever to make the Fortune 500.

Arcadia Earth Exhibit

Come see the reopening of the immersive art exhibit, Arcadia Earth. This exciting exhibit aims to inspire visitors, showcasing the environmental challenges that our planet is facing. Arcadia Earth will leave visitors in awe and help support Oceanic Global, an organization devoted to raising awareness around our aquatic ecosystems. Click HERE to learn more and buy your ticket. For every ticket sold a tree will be planted!

Macy's 4th of July Fireworks

The Macy's 4th of July Fireworks 2022 is back on the East River in New York City! The fireworks are launching from barges spaced along the East River from Brooklyn, Manhattan, and Queens. The show is planned to last for 25 minutes and will feature jazz r&b, hip hop, rock, and country music. You can learn more about this exciting display HERE!

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12 Places to Watch 4th of July Fireworks in NYC

Image courtesy of Backal Hospitality Group

To most Americans, the Fourth of July means good food, drinks, time spent with family and friends, but most importantly, fireworks. Luckily for New Yorkers, the city has plenty of opportunities to see fireworks with Macy’s annual 4th of July Fireworks show and Jersey City’s own grand fireworks display. For those seeking an unforgettable Independence Day experience, here is a selection of the best ticketed events to enjoy this year’s July 4th fireworks celebration, from waterfront bars lining the East River’s piers to the city’s highest observation decks.

Circle Line July 4th Fireworks Cruise
Pier 83, Manhattan
For the summer season, Circle Line has included a special 4th of July cruise experience. The full experience spans five hours of cruising down the Hudson River and taking in incredible views of NYC before the firework show begins later that night. Early bird tickets start at $229 for adults and $179 for children under 12. Ticket purchases include access to a buffet with summer favorites like hamburgers, hot dogs, fried chicken, mac n’ cheese, and more.

4th of July Cruise New York Waterway
Departs from Port Imperial, Weehawken
NY Waterway is offering guests the opportunity to view July 4th’s fireworks spectacle over the East River from the water. As the boat sails down the Hudson River and around the southern tip of Manhattan, guests will have views of the Statue of Liberty, World Trade Center, and other iconic NYC landmarks. Participants from NYC will receive a voucher for a free ferry ride from Midtown to Port Imperial, where they will then board the July 4th cruise boat. Tickets are priced at $170 for adults, $160 for seniors, and $130 for children ages 4 to 12. Children under the age of 3 can get on for free.

Brooklyn Grange
850 Third Avenue, Sunset Park
Watch the fireworks from the rooftop of Sunset Park’s Brooklyn Grange, with breathtaking views of the show over the East River and New Jersey’s Liberty State Park firework show in the distance. Included with tickets are a wide variety of eats, all-you-can-drink beer and wine, specialty cocktails, live music, tarot card readings, and more. General admission tickets cost $165 each.

Edge at Hudson Yards
30 Hudson Yards, Hudson Yards
The Edge is offering an unparalleled 4th of July experience atop its 1,100-foot-high sky deck, the highest of its kind in NYC. From 7 p.m. to midnight, guests can take in the surrounding city skyline and watch the sky light up at 9 p.m. as the fireworks shows commence. Included with each ticket are two glasses of champagne, or non-alcoholic drinks for guests under 21, as well as a gourmet corn dog and unlimited popcorn. There will also be a live DJ performance to add a soundtrack to the memorable experience.

For those looking for more thrill, the Edge is offering a 4th of July Climb up the building’s peak, the highest open-air building ascent in the world, known as City Climb. For $185 per person, guests will begin their climb at 7:45 p.m. before scaling the ascent and enjoying the fireworks from 1,200 feet at 9 p.m. Tickets to both exclusive events can be purchased here, with the experience from the Edge costing $250 per person and the City Climb experience costing $185 per person.

July 4th Firework Show & Celebration at Riverpark
Riverpark, 450 East 29th Street, Manhattan
Featuring live music, specialty BBQ, and panoramic views of the East River, Backal Hospitality Group’s 4th of July celebration at Riverpark is one of the most exciting locations to spend Independence Day this year. The celebration will feature a selection of specialty BBQ food, including pulled pork sandwiches, ribs, burgers, and much more. General admission tickets start at $250, which includes the open beer, wine, and food stations. VIP packages cost $325 and include the open bar, as well as liquor and champagne for the fireworks show. The VIP package also includes railing access for the best view of the fireworks. Tickets can be purchased here.

Magic Hour Rooftop Bar & Lounge at Moxy Times Square
485 Fashion Avenue, Manhattan
The largest indoor and outdoor all-season hotel rooftop is opening up its space for an unforgettable July 4th fireworks celebration. The rooftop offers guests incredible views of the Empire State Building and city skyline, with views of the fireworks spectacle over the East River. For $160, guests can purchase the Red, White & Views 4th of July package, which includes a reserved table for four guests, three small plates of your choice, a dessert platter, and a bucket of six beers. Tickets can be purchased here.

Jersey City’s 50 Star Fireworks
Exchange Place Plaza, Jersey City
Enjoy one of the largest fireworks displays in the country from Jersey City’s waterfront this July 4th. Food and drink will be available for purchase from a variety of vendors from the Jersey City Midnight Market. 50 Star Fireworks is one of the most renowned fireworks companies in the nation, having created displays for presidential inaugurations and the Olympics. The event will start at 12 p.m. and last until 10 p.m.

GOSPËL Tribe and The William Vale Independence Day Celebration
111 North 12th Street, Williamsburg
Williamsburg’s luxury hotel, The William Vale, is teaming up with popular nightspot the GOSPËL Tribe to create an exciting Independence Day experience. The fireworks celebration will span across the hotel’s top two floors, with seating being distributed on a first-come, first-serve basis. Tickets for entry between 6 p.m. and 7 p.m. cost $180, and tickets for entry between 7 p.m. and 8 p.m. cost $220. If you don’t want to rush yourself, tickets for entry at any time cost $250.

The Rockaway Hotel + Spa’s 4th of July Celebration
108-10 Rockaway Beach Drive, Rockaway
The Rockaway Hotel + Spa is hosting its own picnic-themed 4th of July celebration this year on The Rooftop, a 6,000-square-foot indoor and outdoor space with panoramic views of Jamaica Bay, the Atlantic Ocean, and the Manhattan skyline. Ticket purchases include food, beer, and wine for two hours. Admission costs $25 for kids and $55 for adults and can be purchased here.

Industry Kitchen
70 South Street at Maiden Lane, Manhattan
Located right next to the East River, Industry Kitchen’s 4th of July celebration offers guests an unparalleled location to view the fireworks show. Industry Kitchen’s chef, Jonathan Haffmans, has created a special menu for Independence Day that includes jumbo shrimp cocktails, braised beef short rib sliders, and farm stand fresh watermelon, in addition to their menu favorites. Walk-ins for the event are welcome, but reservations are encouraged.

Watermark
Pier 15, 78 South Street, Manhattan
Featuring unobstructed views of the Brooklyn skyline and fireworks celebration, Watermark’s waterfront location is an ideal location to spend your July 4th. Food and drink options include fresh, off-the-grill bites, endless rosé, tropical cocktails, and frozen drinks. A rotating lineup of DJs will also be performing throughout the full-day celebration. General admission tickets cost $20 per person for the 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. daytime session, with separate tickets for the 6 p.m. to 12 a.m. session. Private VIP tables and cabanas are also able for reservation.

4th of July at SUMMIT One Vanderbilt
45 E 42nd Street, Manhattan
One of the highest observation decks in NYC is hosting its own Independence Day celebration. Come enjoy food provided by renowned NYC BBQ restaurant Blue Smoke, a premium open bar, and the fireworks spectacle, at over 1,000 feet in the air. Tickets cost $300 for the public and can be purchased here.

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12 spots to watch the 4th of July fireworks in NYC

POSTED TODAY, JUNE 27, 2022BY AARON GINSBURG

Image courtesy of Circle Line

Image courtesy of Backal Hospitality Group

Manhattan Pool Gets a New Mural

Manhattan Park’s annual Pop-Up Pool Party gets a new mural, inspired by an ocean wonderland

POSTED ON WED, JUNE 8, 2022BY MICHELLE COHEN

Photos by Max Touhey

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Photos by Max Touhey

Roosevelt Island luxury rental community Manhattan Park has just unveiled the mural that will highlight its outdoor pool this summer. Now in its eighth year, the art transformation has graced the community’s Pop-Up Pool Party each summer starting on Memorial Day. This year’s mural, created by Syrian-Armenian artist Hratch Arbach, “reflects imaginary scenes inspired by the ocean wonderland.”

Arbach’s design was chosen from several local artists’ submissions to grace the pool deck; for the first time, entries were given a theme–in this case, sustainability. The pool mural is an extension of an existing series, “Letters from the Ocean,” by Arbach, who has a Ph.D. in microbiology and virology. The mural’s precise, intricate hand-drawn lines took two weeks and 75 gallons of paint to complete.

“Manhattan Park’s pool is the perfect place for this piece from my series, given Roosevelt Island’s location in a tidal estuary and its relationship with the Atlantic Ocean,” Arbach explained.

“I am proud of the work and feel privileged that so many will enjoy the mural this summer.”

“We were so intrigued by Hratch Arbach’s approach to his design for the pool deck. This year we wanted to draw attention to the influence of nature on art and artists,” Jodi Stasse, EVP of New Developments at The Corcoran Group, the exclusive marketing agent for the community, said.

Photos by Max Touhey

“Our winning artist highlights this beautifully in this year’s installation from his ongoing series ‘Letters from the Ocean.’ This has now become a Manhattan Park tradition that we look forward to every year, and we’re excited for residents of the community and all of New York City to enjoy this summer.”

The 60-foot pool at the 8.5-acre residential waterfront residential complex boasts a sun deck with dazzling city views and a park-like vibe. The pool is available for Roosevelt Island residents as well as non-residents to join on a seasonal, monthly, or daily time-slot basis.

Manhattan Park has promoted local artists throughout the project’s eight-year run while providing an exciting backdrop for the pool deck. More information on pool memberships and the community itself can be found here.

361 West 21st Street, Unit 1F

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361 West 21st Street, Unit 1F

CHELSEA, MANHATTAN

$749,000

1 Bed  |  1 Bath | Co-op

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Please note this apartment is not on the ground floor, it is 1 flight up.

Stunning architect designed one-bedroom that pairs modern luxury with prewar details. This total transformation includes custom millwork door and window frames, through-the-wall AC, new recessed and track lighting, and a total kitchen and bath makeover.

The custom built chef's kitchen is open to the living room and has space for dining. Features include a Bosch refrigerator, Bertazzoni Stove and built-in microwave, Thermador dishwasher, and custom lighting. The space is full of smart choices such as handmade brick glazed ceramic wall tiles, and a porcelain floor. All kitchen cabinetry was specifically designed for the space, The living room features oversized windows, hardwood floors, and a unique working wood-burning fireplace with a brick mantle.

The bedroom is a sanctuary with built-in shelving, lovely brickwork detail, and a great view. The bath features a Duravit sink and vanity, Dolomiti marble floor tiles, Hans Grohe faucets, large Robern medicine cabinets, and a custom glass tub enclosure.

Custom lighting throughout the home is on dimmer switches. Perched overlooking 9th avenue and 21st street the home is bathed in sunlight and has great views. The renovation was completed just this year by Ammor Architects.

The building is a boutique co-op on the best corner in Chelsea. Surrounded by great restaurants, cafe's and bakeries such as Billy's, Le Grainne Cafe, La Bergamote, Funda, and Cookshop restaurant; there are also multiple boutique shops and bars that pepper the area, and a Citibike rack right next to the building.. Just blocks to the Meatpacking District, the Hudson River Park, and the Highline. An easy walk to the C, E, and 1 trains. Unlimited subletting is allowed. Pet friendly.

The Monthly Update - June 2022

2021: The End of The Golden Age?

The 2021 New York City real estate market was the busiest in the entire recorded history of the industry. It was busier than the co-op craze of the early 1980s, with more transactions than the sellers' market just before the Great Recession, and even more active than 2015-2016, when we saw the highest recorded price per square foot. In fact, it was busier than any year since REBNY started keeping figures back in 1995, basically when the internet started :-).

While 2021 prices weren't driven to the extreme highs of 2015-2016, the year was all about transactions. More buyers bought more property in 2021 than in any year in the last two decades. Yet, it seems like we're on the precipice of that all changing. I'm hearing rumblings from other agents that "things are slowing down." But are we finally seeing the regular seasonal slowdown following typical historical trends, or is this something bigger? The stock market has dropped nearly 20 points since the beginning of 2022. Interest rates for conforming loans are scraping the bottom of 6 percent at the time of this writing, and inventory in New York City is finally starting to increase after 18 months of declines. So the question remains: Are we at the end of real estate's golden age?

It's tough to say and even tougher to predict the future nowadays. Several significant economic and geopolitical situations need to unfold for us to know exactly where the real estate market is headed. As we wrap up the 2022 spring market, I can tell you it was extremely busy. Not as busy as Spring 2021, but still record-breaking, fruitful and competitive for most brokers, buyers and sellers. But if we look at our local real estate indicators, we see inventory starting to increase, weekly signed contracts decreasing, and interest rates on the rise. This usually indicates a pullback by buyers in the sales market and possibly a lateral move into the rental market. If so, prices should decrease if inventory rises and buyer participation shrinks.

All we know is that we'll know more in the coming months. Even then, more questions will always arise. As we move into the summer, a historically much slower time, we'll better understand buyer interest in purchasing New York City real estate. However, another consideration is unique to New York City real estate: the rental market. If monthly rents get too high and surpass mortgage plus maintenance/common charge costs, then potential buyers trickle away from the rental market and pursue the sales market. And even with minor adjustments to sale prices, if 1 to 5 percent of buyers jump back into the market pretty quickly and absorb the inventory at a rapid pace, it could increase sales prices ever so slightly. So as this pendulum of buyers goes back and forth chasing interest rates versus rental pricing – the market gets even harder to predict. So don't!

My advice is to stay in the moment. Rent if you can afford it and like the property. Buy if it's right for you, and list (and really just let it go) if you're ready to sell your home. It's time for us to complete the 2021 Golden Age and move on to the next chapters of the New York City real estate market story. It'll find its direction. Buyers will buy, and sellers will sell. It's just not going to bea a 2021 type of market any longer.

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Local Happenings + Lifestyle Tips

Tribeca Film Festival 

The 2022 Tribeca Festival is back with more exciting films and cinema experiences. This special occasion will include big-name films, a director series, and even classes to learn from film industry veterans. The Festival will take place in Lower Manhattan, Chelsea, from June 8-19, 2022. Click HERE to purchase tickets! 

Bryant Park Picnic Performances

Presented by Bank of America, Bryant Park is excited to announce the 2022 Picnic Performances. This exciting tradition is made up of 26 live music, dance, and theatre performances. Over 20 of this Summer's events will also be available on a live stream. No tickets are required, and all performances are free to the public. Click HERE to learn more!

1970's Design Is Making a Major Comeback

The 1970's design trend isn't overwhelming modern interiors just yet, but the new season is a harbinger, a sophisticated extraction of the era's good moments. New trends are cherry picking elements such as low-slung seating, playful florals, and even wood paneling. These are all seeing a sophisticated resurgence! Courtesy of Veranda

Father's Day Brunch Recipes Dad Will Love

Father's Day falls on a Sunday for a reason: brunch! Celebrate Dad with all the mid-morning decadence he deserves by making savory and sweet brunch recipes that are sure to wow. Just don't let him do the dishes. It's his day! Courtesy of Real Simple

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65 Central Park West, Unit 6F

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65 Central Park West, Unit 6F

UPPER WEST SIDE, MANHATTAN

$2,795,000

3 Bed  |  2.5 Bath | Co-op

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A Central Park West address is the definition of elegance and grandeur. With an expansive layout, magnificent prewar details and a location inches from Central Park, this gorgeous three-bedroom, two-and-a-half-bathroom showplace lives up to its storied address.

The refined, approximately 1,800-square-foot residence greets you with a gracious foyer and oversized walk-in closet, nodding to the thoughtful details to be found throughout. Ahead, the living/dining room stretches over 25 feet long, creating a wonderful flow for entertaining surrounded by a fireplace, soaring beamed ceilings, hardwood floors and exquisite millwork. The oversized kitchen caters to gatherings large and small with abundant cabinetry, granite countertops and upscale appliances, including a six-burner Viking range and hood, a Sub-Zero refrigerator and wine refrigerator, and a Miele dishwasher.

The desirable split-bedroom layout places the owner's suite in the north wing, where you'll find five closets, including a walk-in. The windowed en suite spa bath features a soaking tub, shower, water closet and double vanity. In the south wing, two large secondary bedrooms share a second full bathroom. A powder room and laundry room complete this exceptional residence.

Designed by the esteemed Emery Roth in 1927, 65 Central Park West is a stately Neo-Renaissance building in brick, limestone and terra cotta. Residents enjoy 24-hour doorman/concierge service, a live-in superintendent and porters, laundry, storage and a bike room. Pets and pieds-à-terre are permitted with board approval. Eighty percent financing allowed. There is a 2 percent flip tax payable by the buyer.

In this phenomenal location Lincoln Square location, Central Park becomes your personal playground. Spend the day strolling Sheep Meadow, exploring Adventure Playground or dining at Tavern on the Green. World-class entertainment awaits at Lincoln Center and the Theater District, while outstanding shopping, dining and nightlife venues line the nearby streets and The Shops at Columbus Circle. Transportation is effortless with 1/2/3, B/D, A/C and N/Q/R/W trains, excellent bus service and CitiBikes all within reach.
There is a $489.00 assessment through December 2022.

You Can Pick Your Own Tulips on Park Avenue

Photo by Rudy Saunders; Courtesy of the Fund for Park Avenue

Get your trowels ready! The Park Avenue Tulip Dig is back, giving New Yorkers the opportunity to dig up and take home tulip bulbs planted along the famed thoroughfare between the north side of East 54th Street and the south side of East 86th Street. Approximately 60,000 tulips are planted every year in a new color by the non-profit Fund for Park Avenue, as reported by Patch. This year’s flowers are a pink tulip known as “Darwin Hybrid Apricot Pride.”

The free Park Avenue Tulip Dig will run from May 23 to May 29. To participate in the dig, the Fund says you need your own trowel and a copy of the event flyer to prove to passersby you are allowed to dig.

The Darwin Hybrid Apricot Pride tulip is an extremely weather-resistant plant that will blossom for years and years as long as they are planted in a good space with enough sunlight.

According to the Fund, don’t take soil or cut off any leaves when digging up the bulbs. Preserve them in a dry space until the leaves have turned brittle and replant them in October or November.

[Via Patch]

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You can pick your own tulips on Park Avenue

POSTED TODAY, MAY 24, 2022BY AARON GINSBURG

Photo by Rudy Saunders; Courtesy of the Fund for Park Avenue

Compass Debuts on the Fortune 500

Compass debuts on the Fortune 500

We are thrilled to announce that Compass has found its home on the Fortune 500 alongside some of the world’s most respected companies like Apple, American Express, and Nike! In less than 10 years, we have become the #1 real estate brokerage in America (RealTrends 500) and one of the youngest companies ever to make the Fortune 500. 

In the last year alone, almost a quarter-million clients put their trust in a Compass agent as they made one of the biggest decisions in their life – buying or selling their home.

How does this benefit you?

Global exposure and name recognition

The rapid growth that landed us on the Fortune 500 list and on top of the RealTrends rankings has, in the words of financial site Seeking Alpha, made Compass “a household brand name for both home buyers and sellers.” This translates directly to your home, whether buying or selling.

*Seeking Alpha, "Compass: This Real Estate Titan Is Too Good Of A Steal To Pass On", May 15, 2022

Global reach and network

As one of the only residential brokerages in the Fortune 500, our unparalleled network of the nation’s top agents gives you the most valuable referral network in the industry. Expect quick access to a well-regarded, expert agent no matter where you're moving.

Strength and stability

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As always, don’t hesitate to reach out.

We look forward to solving your real estate needs.

333 Rector Place, Unit 909

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333 Rector Place, Unit 909

BATTERY PARK CITY, MANHATTAN

$2,995,000

3 Bed  |  2.5 Bath | Condo

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This Battery Park City three-bedroom, two-and-a-half-bathroom residence wows with Hudson River and Rector Park views, two private balconies and expansive interiors in one of the area's best full-service condominiums.

This beautifully arranged home welcomes you with outstanding southern sunlight and lovely wide-plank hardwood floors. From the gracious foyer, you're ushered into an expansive great room where living and dining areas are joined by two balconies, perfect for morning coffee or after-dinner drinks overlooking the water. The open kitchen tends to gatherings large and small with a large center island, rich wood cabinetry and outstanding stainless steel appliances, including a gas range, oven, dishwasher drawers and side-by-side refrigerator. Off the living room, a powder room adds convenience, and the study offers the perfect work-from-home destination.

The desirable split-bedroom layout includes a luxurious owner's suite featuring king-size proportions, a walk-in closet and an en suite spa bathroom with a soaking tub and separate shower surrounded by gorgeous stone finishes. In the western wing, two spacious and bright secondary bedrooms offer reach-in and walk-in closets and easy access to the full guest bathroom.

Located just inches from the Battery Park City Esplanade, 1 Rector Park is a full-service condominium where residents enjoy a 24-hour doorman and concierge service. The long list of amenities includes on-site parking with direct building access, a fully-equipped fitness center, resident lounges, a business center, an impressive lobby and a children's playroom.

This tranquil Battery Park City neighborhood is filled with glorious outdoor space, including Rector Park across the street and The Battery just two blocks away. World-class shopping, dining and entertainment await at Brookfield Place and Westfield World Trade Center. Enjoy effortless access to public transportation with the 1, R, 4/5, J/Z, A/C and PATH trains, excellent bus service, World Financial Center Ferry Landing and CitiBike stations all nearby.

New Times Square Subway Station Mosaics Capture The Energy of Times Square

Two new mosaics by the artist Nick Cave were unveiled in Times Square on Monday, completing a permanent artwork and marking the largest mosaic project in New York City’s subway system. Commissioned by the Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s public art program, the artwork, titled “Each One, Every One, Equal All,” features Cave’s wearable sculpture works “Soundsuits” translated into 4,600 square feet of colorful mosaic. The new artwork is part of a larger revamp of the 42nd Street station, including a new entrance and upgraded mezzanine level.

Courtesy of MTA/Trent Reeves

Cave’s Soundsuits are wearable sculptures made of different materials, from twigs and fur to sequins and feathers, that are inspired by African traditions. As 6sqft previously reported, Cave created his first Soundsuit in 1992 in direct response to the police beating of Rodney King in Los Angeles.

As part of the permanent artwork in the 42nd Street subway station, the Soundsuits have been translated into an expansive mosaic. The first part of the series, “Every One,” opened in September 2021 in the passageway that connects the B, D, F, and M trains to the 42nd Street shuttle.

Courtesy of MTA/Trent Reeves

“Each One” measures over 14 feet tall and features Soundsuits in “various states of vertical movement and suspension, accentuated by stripes that run floor to ceiling,” as the MTA described. The agency says the movement of the art is a reference to the famed New Year’s Eve ball drop.

“Equal All” showcases 12 life-sized Soundsuits, displaying some of Cave’s most well-known sculptures made over the last two decades and surrounded by radiating rings.  The most recent on display as part of “Equal All” is “Soundsuit 9:29,” which Cave made in 2021 in response to George Floyd’s murder.

The artwork, which was fabricated by German mosaic fabricator Mayer of Munich, is also Cave’s largest permanent public piece to date.

Courtesy of MTA/Trent Reeves

“Nick Cave’s new mosaics complete the trilogy that is ‘Each One, Every One, Equal All,’” Sandra Bloodworth, MTA Arts & Design Director, said in a statement. “Each piece connects riders with the energy of Times Square, while honoring the incredible diversity found throughout New York City, particularly at this location. The work carries a powerful message of equality and representation. Its name makes clear that the artwork, and the celebration, is meant for each and every one of us.”

The MTA on Monday opened a new entrance at the 42nd Street-Times Square station that allows riders to directly enter and exit Broadway Plaza. The entrance includes a new accessible elevator, upgrades to lighting, new information signs, and new security cameras.

There is also a new staircase that is 15 feet wide with a new canopy made of over 230 triangular glass frames. All said and done, the new staircase and mezzanine upgrades, which took three years to complete, cost a whopping $30 million, as the New York Post reported. Real estate developer Jamestown, which is redeveloping One Times Square above the station, contributed $10 million for the elevator.

Photo by Marc A. Hermann / MTA on Flickr

“The unveiling of this new subway entrance couldn’t come at a better time for subway riders,” Jamie Torres-Springer, president of MTA Construction & Development, said. “From the new ADA accessibility elevator to the ongoing rebuilding and expansion of the Times Square station, the new subway entrance signifies MTA Construction & Development’s successful approach to delivering capital projects through innovative public-private partnerships.”

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Nick Cave’s vibrant ‘Soundsuits’ subway station mosaics capture the energy of Times Square

POSTED ON TUE, MAY 17, 2022BY DEVIN GANNON

All photos courtesy of MTA/Trent Reeves, and Marc A. Hermann / MTA on Flickr unless otherwise noted

36 West 15th Street, Unit 4

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36 West 15th Street, Unit 4

FLATIRON, MANHATTAN

$3,350,000

2 Bed  |  2 Bath | Co-op | MM: $3,723

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Enjoy true loft living in the Flatiron District in this stunning two-bedroom, two-bathroom co-op featuring grand proportions, original details and chic contemporary design.

Key-locked elevator entry delivers you directly to the impressive great room of this approximately 2,200 square feet showplace. Soaring ceilings and oversized north windows underscore the airy ambiance while dark hardwood floors and painted and exposed brick art walls add richness and warmth. Step up to the sleek kitchen where minimalist cabinetry and snow-white stone countertops surround upscale appliances. A smartly designed banquette offers both seating and storage.

Down the hall, you'll find a spacious den, ideal as a family room or media room, brightened by clerestory windows. The adjacent owner's suite features rows of custom closets, open-sky views and a breathtaking modern spa bathroom filled with large-format tile, a soaking tub, shower and floating vanity. The secondary bedroom offers easy access to the well-appointed guest bathroom. Extra closets, a massive storage room and in-unit laundry add effortless ease to this pristine, move-in-ready loft residence.

36 West 15th Street is a classic turn-of-the-century store-and-loft building converted to a boutique cooperative featuring video intercom entry. In this fantastic location — at the intersection of Union Square, the Flatiron District, Chelsea and Greenwich Village — you're surrounded by the best of Manhattan living. Whole Foods, Trader Joe's and Union Square's famed year-round greenmarket are all nearby. Enjoy numerous award-winning restaurants, great shopping and outstanding nightlife. Transportation is a breeze with F/M, L, 1/2/3, 4/5/6, N/Q/R/W, L and PATH trains, plus the 14th Street busway a block away.

**Tenant in place till Feb 2023

NYC Airports Have Officially Banned Overpriced Food and Drinks

It happens to all of us: while at the airport, we decide to indulge in a beer before a flight. Once the check comes, it occurs to us that the price of said beer was equivalent to three six-packs. Alas, that will no longer be the case.

Photograph: Shutterstock

The Port Authority—the bi-state agency responsible for LaGuardia Airport, John F. Kennedy Airport and Newark Liberty Airport—just released a policy guide for vendors that specifically instructs them on the pricing of their items. According to the 35-page report, concession prices cannot be more than 10% higher than out-of-airport "street prices" of similar products. Finally.

But there's more: according to the document, vendors will now also have to offer lower-priced menu options and let their customers know that they can complain about possible overcharges via social media.

"All airport customers should rightly expect that policies which limit the pricing of food and beverages at concessions will be followed and enforced," said Kevin O'Toole, the chairman of the Port Authority, in an official statement. "Nobody should have to fork over such an exorbitant amount for a beer. The Aviation Department's new compliance and enforcement measures announced [...] make it crystal clear that all prices at concessions will be routinely monitored to ensure they are aligned with the regional marketplace. And all airport customers and concessionaires should expect tough pro-active enforcement going forward now that these revised standards are in place."

The changes have been a long time coming as travelers have been complaining about airport over-pricing issues for years. However, the document was specifically inspired by a complaint that went viral on social media just last year. 

Back in 2021, Cooper Lund tweeted a photo of the menu at a concession stand inside of LaGuardia, which listed beers for close to $28 each. After being called out, the retailer issued a statement explaining that various prices were incorrectly posted. The tweet, however, prompted the Office of the Inspector General to launch an investigation that eventually determined that 25 different people were incorrectly overcharged for a beer, in addition to overall inflated prices.

Fast forward to today and we will all finally be able to enjoy a cocktail and some fries while at the airport without worrying about exorbitant prices.

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NYC airports have officially banned overpriced food and drinks - Wave goodbye to $28 airport beers.

Written by Anna RahmananTuesday May 17 2022

Photograph: Shutterstock

New Public Art Exhibit in Brooklyn Bridge Park

Hugh Hayden, “The Gulf Stream,” 2022. Courtesy of the artist and Lisson Gallery. Photo: Nicholas Knight, Courtesy of Public Art Fund, NY. “The Gulf Stream” was commissioned by Public Art Fund and presented as part of Black Atlantic at Brooklyn Bridge Park, New York City, May 17–November 27, 2022.

Spread across three piers at Brooklyn Bridge Park, Black Atlantic is a new outdoor art exhibition inspired by the diaspora across the Atlantic Ocean and which proposes “an open, multifaceted, and heterogeneous idea” of Black identity in the United States today. Co-curated by artist Hugh Hayden and Public Art Fund Adjunct Curator Daniel S. Palmer, Black Atlantic features work from Hayden, and artists Leilah Babirye, Dozie Kanu, Tau Lewis, and Kiyan Williams. The exhibition is on view through November 27.

The historic waterfront location is significant to Black Atlantic, named after the book by Paul Gilroy, because it represents the area that served as a network between the United States and the rest of the world, including Africa, Europe, and the Caribbean. The waterfront location adds an aspect to the exhibition that “highlights the complex hybrid identities that have developed through the exchange of culture and ideas over centuries along transatlantic routes,” according to a press release.

Leilah Babirye, “Agali Awamu (Togetherness),” 2022. Courtesy of the artist, Gordon Robichaux, NY, and Stephen Friedman Gallery, London. Photo: Nicholas Knight, Courtesy of Public Art Fund, NY “Agali Awamu (Togetherness)” was commissioned by Public Art Fund and presented as part of Black Atlantic at Brooklyn Bridge Park, New York City, May 17– November 27, 2022

“There’s magic and agency involved in creating a work of art by hand. In conceiving this exhibition, I was drawn to the idea of assembling a group of sculptors whose practice involves material exploration and an element of the handmade,” Hayden said.” It speaks to the idea of materializing a vision for the future and crafting your own identity.”

“Black Atlantic will illustrate a counterpoint to a monolithic perception of Blackness, and is reflective of the multitude of ways in which individuals can create a new vision within the context of American culture that is expansive, malleable and open to all.”

Hayden’s piece, The Gulf Stream, is a rowboat that sits along a pathway near the southern entrance of Pier 2, seemingly washed ashore and left sitting on rocks. The interior of the vessel’s hull contains a “sculptural carcass,” consisting of cedarwood that comes together to form a human rib cage.

Babirye’s work, Agali Awamu (Togetherness), consists of two groups of totemic sculptures that are located on opposite ends of Pier 1 close to the water. The sculptures are made of hollowed tree trunks that have been decorated with welded metal and objects that resemble jewelry. Babirye, who in 2015 was forced to flee from her home in Uganda due to homophobic persecution, says that the piece as a whole is supposed to represent a “chosen, queer family, whose visibility in a public space is a beacon of empowerment.”

In On Elbows, Kanu aims to portray private thoughts being brought into a public space. The piece consists of a concrete chaise lounge sitting on Texas Wire Wheels, meant to resemble a slab car, alluding to the slab car culture which originated in Kanu’s hometown of Houston, Texas. Situated nearby is a container that holds a dark liquid that “pulsates to the rhythm of a heartbeat, suggesting the processes of the unconscious.”

Kiyan Williams, “Ruins of Empire,” 2022. Courtesy of the artist. Photo: Nicholas Knight, Courtesy of Public Art Fund, NY Kiyan Williams, “Ruins of Empire” was commissioned by Public Art Fund and presented as part of Black Atlantic at Brooklyn Bridge Park, New York City, May 17–November 27, 2022

Lewis’ piece is made up of three six-foot-wide iron discs that were meticulously detailed using sand-casting. The designs are inspired by crinoids, ancient sea animals that Lewis began studying in 2019. The three discs also include West African Adinkra symbols, and the discs’ grouping means to ruminate on the “wandering of the ancient sea animal, the scattering of their fossils, and their coexistence with Black bodies throughout the diaspora.”

Finally, Williams, a Newark native, reimagines the Statue of Freedom atop the United States Capitol building in D.C, which was constructed by slaves. Called Ruins of Empire, the piece consists of a statue made of bronze and platinum that appears decayed, covered in mud, and sinking into the ground. The sculpture’s decrepit appearance is meant to show “how American ideals of freedom are tied to subjugation, drawing inspiration from sci-fi tropes of a destroyed monument like the Statue of Liberty as a symbol for a world ruined by environmental devastation,” according to the artist.

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New public art exhibit in Brooklyn Bridge Park explores ‘hybrid identities’ created by diaspora

POSTED TODAY, MAY 17, 2022BY AARON GINSBURG

All photos courtesy of Nicholas Knight for the Public Art Fund, NY

201 East 21st Street, Unit 18B

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201 East 21st Street, Unit 18B

GRAMERCY, MANHATTAN

$999,000

1 Bed  |  1 Bath | Co-op | MM: $1,373

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Featuring one of the best and biggest one-bedroom layouts at coveted Quaker Ridge, this home offers stunning high-floor views and a fantastic flexible layout with great storage. Bring your imagination and transform this original-condition Junior 4 to meet your exact needs.

Currently configured with an expansive living room leading to a corner dining area and galley kitchen, there are myriad options for transforming this highly adaptable B-line home. Add a second bedroom or home office by closing off the alcove, and you'll still have a generous footprint for seating and dining. Open up the kitchen to add an island and breakfast bar. The king-size bedroom provides plenty of room for additional furniture, and three large closets ensure storage will never be a concern. Throughout the spacious and sunny home, oversized windows capture stunning natural light and skyline views to the south and west.

Quaker Ridge is a classic white brick postwar co-op known for its excellent financials, low monthly maintenance and a prime location just steps from Gramercy Park. Residents of the pet-friendly building enjoy full-time doorman service, a live-in superintendent, laundry, bike storage and a residents-only parking garage with direct access to the building. Quaker Ridge allows co-purchasing and gifting but does not permit guarantors or pieds-à-terres. Please note, there is a monthly energy charge of $137.56 which adjusts quarterly. There is currently a monthly assessment of $63.68 through the end of 2022 and an additional special assessment of $306.59 per month beginning in June 2022 through the end of 2022.

Located just minutes from Union Square, the Flatiron District and NoMad, this home is at the heart of exciting Manhattan living with abundant shops, restaurants, services and outdoor space at every turn. Union Square and Madison Square Park put a dog park, greenmarkets and year-round events mere blocks away, and foodies will love the proximity to Whole Foods, Trader Joe's, Eataly and numerous Michelin-starred restaurants. Access to transportation is fantastic with 4/5/6, N/Q/R/W and L trains, excellent bus service and CitiBikes nearby.

$500M One Times Square Revamp Includes Outdoor Viewing Deck and More

All renderings courtesy of Jamestown

One of the most valuable advertising locations in the world will cash in on its prime location even further. One Times Square, home of the New Year’s Eve ball drop, will undergo a $500 million redevelopment to become a new visitor center with a viewing deck, museum, and 12 floors of interactive “branded” experiences, developer Jamestown announced on Friday. While the 26-story building, located at 42nd Street and 7th Avenue, has been vacant for years, its exterior is covered in giant billboards. As part of the half-a-billion-dollar project, advertisers will be able to reach more consumers through immersive “digital, virtual, and augmented reality integrations” inside One Times Square.

“Times Square has served as the crossroads of the world for more than a century, and One Times Square is at the center of that global stage,” Michael Phillips, president of Jamestown, said.

The building under construction in 1903. Photo via Wikimedia

“The building’s next chapter will build on that legacy, creating a new destination in the heart of Times Square for the next generation. With a focus on providing experiences enhanced by technology, the project is representative of the future of real estate and the integration of the physical and virtual worlds. We are reimagining how spaces can be experienced by leveraging the power of AR technology and creative storytelling.”

Built in 1904 as the headquarters of the New York Times, One Times Square has been home to the New Year’s Eve ball drop event for over a century. As one of the world’s most visited attractions, along with “billions of earned impressions” from film, television, and social media, the property is one of the most visible in the world.

Opening most of the building to the public for the first time since the 1970s, the redevelopment includes a new “viewing” deck that will provide an up-close look at the New Year’s Eve Ball and a museum that will explore the history of the building, the New Year’s Eve celebration, and the neighborhood.

Most of the renovated interior space will be dedicated to the branded experiences, which will span 12 floors and include immersive interactions with brands through “technology-enabled activations,” according to a press release.

All renderings courtesy of Jamestown

The roughly 27-month construction period won’t disrupt any ongoing advertisements, with the north-facing LED signs continuing to broadcast. The redeveloped building interior is expected to open to the public in summer 2024.

“One Times Square is an iconic building in our neighborhood’s history: it was the home of The New York Times and it has been the stage that has housed the New Year’s Eve Ball Drop for over a century,” said Tom Harris, President of the Times Square Alliance. “We celebrate with our partners at Jamestown as they start a journey to redevelop this historic building that will inspire and engage the millions of people who visit Times Square from all corners of the globe.”

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POSTED ON FRI, MAY 6, 2022BY DEVIN GANNON

All renderings courtesy of Jamestown

99 East 4th Street, Unit 6L

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99 East 4th Street, Unit 6L

EAST VILLAGE, MANHATTAN

$775,000

1 Bed  |  1 Bath | Co-op | MM: $1,654

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Welcome home to the most comfortable and well located one bedroom in the east village! This apartment is on the top floor of an elevator coop just east of 2nd avenue. Enter into a hallway with large storage and coat closet. To the right is the sunny windowed kitchen with stainless steel appliances including a dishwasher. The living room faces north and has plenty of space for both living and dining areas. A traditional bathroom (with deep tub including rain shower head) gleams with character. There is an additional storage/hanging closet in the hallway to the sunny bedroom which has a sliver of an Empire State Building view and an additional closet. The original inlaid floors of the apartment are in pristine condition

This 1928 building is an Art Deco prewar condop, with coop rules. Features include a large marble lobby, common courtyard, live in super and full time porter, a common laundry room, bike storage, AC storage, and private storage units for rent. Subletting is allowed after two year of ownership, for two out of every 5 years. Co purchasing and gifting are allowed on a case by case basis, however pied a terres are not allowed.

The neighborhood cannot be beaten! Surrounded by some of the best restaurants and entertainment in the city, close to Whole Foods, easy access to the F, B, D, N, R, and 6 trains.

The Monthly Update - May 2022

Brooklyn is on Fire!

For the national audience of this newsletter, if you didn’t know, Brooklyn is hot! I mean really, really hot, especially when it comes to its performance as part of the New York City real estate market.

Of course, Brooklyn is no secret to local market watchers. But the larger audience interested in New York real estate — including brokers who have referrals looking in the city — has to understand that Brooklyn has been the hottest of the five boroughs on many fronts throughout the pandemic and recovery period. My team and I have had listings that received multiple bids within hours of being released. We have buyers win and lose on multiple bid situations in Brooklyn that are as competitive as any other markets in Florida, Las Vegas or anywhere in Texas. 

Brooklyn has been growing in popularity for about two decades now and has really come into its own since the COVID crisis emerged and buyers began seeking bigger homes with outdoor space. Add in its close proximity to Manhattan business centers, its city/suburban appeal and large inventory of townhouses and brownstones, and you’ve got a winning combination. Within the borough, Park Slope is by far the most in-demand neighborhood. There, townhouses will routinely list starting at roughly $3 million and go into contract within 3 to 5 business days, generally for all cash offers anywhere from $200,000 to $500,000 over asking price! I’ve routinely had buyers bid on townhouses, forfeiting all contingencies, appraisals and inspections and placing offers 10 to 20 percent over the asking price, just to be competitive in the bidding process! Not unlike ultra-competitive Houston, Miami or Bergen County, New Jersey. But why? 

Brooklyn’s proximity to Manhattan for one. Also the fact that you can get outdoor space and have Prospect Park close by all make Brooklyn extremely desirable. A little quieter, a bit more small-town feel. Manhattan light, if you will. Buyers are gravitating toward Brooklyn in droves. So much so that you can often find better deals in Manhattan. That’s right — Some segments of Brooklyn’s growing luxury condo market are transacting at higher prices per square foot than Manhattan! And even with interest rates hovering around 5 percent, buyers have not taken their feet off the accelerator even a little bit. It probably has even gotten more competitive as buyers try to lock in their townhouse or brownstone before rates climb even higher (as they’re expected to do). 

But don’t be discouraged. You can buy in Brooklyn. It's a vast, diverse and beautiful borough with great parks, river and ocean waterfronts, tons of recreation and a deep and rich history. That makes it a wonderful area to explore before purchasing. You just need the right agent who is knowledgeable and able to point you in the right direction. Feel free to reach out if you want more information on the Brooklyn market. We’re always here to help as your New York City informational and educational brokers.

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Local Happenings

Photography Show

From May 20-22, come see Center415's 41st edition of the incredible Photography Show. This photo exhibition will bring 49 galleries and exhibitors from nine countries and 23 cities around the world! The featured exhibitors are all recognized as the world's leading galleries in fine art photography and are all active members of the Association of International Photography Art Dealers (AIPAD). Click HERE to learn more about this fantastic show and to purchase tickets for the event. 

Japan Parade in Central Park

Japan Day in New York City is a joyous celebration of the Japanese culture, with a parade that will take place in Central Park West on May 14th at 1 PM EST. Come and experience this historical event that commemorates the 160th anniversary of the first Japanese delegates’ visit to the U.S. in 1860. Click HERE to learn more about how you can support, march, and absorb the beautiful culture of Japan. 

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Lifestyle Tips & Tricks

Easy Annual Plants That Bloom All Summer Long

Whether your garden is a large country plot or a group of containers on a city balcony, easy-to-grow annuals can add a burst of color wherever you need it. Why not give yourself the joy of endless summer color?

Courtesy of HGTV

How to Mix Bold Colors in Your Home

Designers say that color has the ability to transform a house into a home. And yet, so many people still feel a bit hesitant to use vivacious shades in their interiors, fearing it will make the space feel overwhelming. Consider this a colorful playbook for your home refresh!

Courtesy of Veranda

How Mother's Day Became a National Holiday and How to Celebrate in 2022

Moms truly are superheroes, so it's only fair that we have a whole day dedicated to them. Mother's Day is all about celebrating moms and mother figures everywhere. These days, the holiday is often celebrated with cards, gifts, and breakfast in bed, but it wasn't always that way. The holiday has a fascinating history filled with inspiring women that's worth learning about.

Courtesy of Better Homes and Gardens

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