Halstead Property
Welcome to the official Halstead Tumblr Blog, where our local agents are your local experts. Halstead Property is the largest privately owned real estate firm in the New York Metropolitan Area and we strive to innovate and modernize your real estate experience. Through this blog, we aim to act as your neighborhood and real estate ambassador. We have daily contributors whose primary goal is to investigate and produce daily commentary and rich content that will give you a taste of the areas we service and you live in. If you have any feedback we invite you to contact us at social@halstead.com.
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View of the Flatiron Building from Madison Square Eats
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Pattern! Crystal Curtain by Elena Anosov.
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It’s the first day of screenings and events so forgive us, we’re just a wee bit excited.
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On & Beyond the Chair Reviews
5th Year and Outreach students presented their work from Elena Barthel’s drawing class this past Tuesday to special...
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NYC MUST DO: Washington Square Outdoor Art Exhibit
If you aren’t leaving the city for Memorial Day weekend and are trying to think of something fun to do, head over the Washington Square Park and catch the Outdoor Art Exhibit. Now in its 82nd year, the event will showcase all types of artists and craft artisans from all around the globe.
Whether you are an art student, art lover, tourist, or local there will be something for everyone. The show will start at East 12th Street extending south along the east side of Washington Square Park ending at West 3rd Street, so bring your best walking shoes.
The exhibit welcomes both veterans and up-and coming artists, so if you want to show off some of your own work you are more than welcome. Check out the exhibitors page on the WSOAE’s website for more information. The show also awards thousands of dollars in prizes for various fine arts and craft categories.
If you can’t make it Memorial Day weekend, don’t worry because the show will be back for Labor Day weekend as well.
While you are in the adorable West Village area, check out some of New York’s best restaurants and shops to complete your Memorial Day weekend off right.
YOUR EYE CANDY OF THE DAY: The Loft Lifestyle
Situated on the top floor of a boutique co-op in Greenwich Village, this expansive loft has been beautifully renovated and boasts high ceilings, museum quality lighting, and three exposures offering tremendous views. To top it all off, the apartment comes with its own private roof deck with ample seating, plantings and enchanting views of the city.
To learn more about this home, click here.
Sample all of our Real Estate Eye Candy Powered by Pinterest here.
TALKING FAIRFIELD COUNTY
With the Sneddon Team – 5.20.13 Edition
ADVANTAGES OF STAGING
Once you’ve selected a highly qualified real estate broker and have properly priced your home, it’s time to prepare your home for sale. The Sneddon Team partners with a professional home stager to provide an array of personalized and complimentary staging services for our clients. We can help a seller’s home appeal to the broadest number of buyers, resulting in a faster sale for the highest price.
Staged Homes Sell Faster. Homes that are staged before going on the market, on average, sell in 40 days. Un-staged homes, on average, sell in 263 days. A staged home may spend 78% less time on the market. Staged homes sell for more money. All things equal, a staged home will typically receive more offers and a higher price.
WHAT IS STAGING?
Home staging is the process of taking your home and making it into a product - a product that more people will want to buy. A staged home looks organized, stylish, and pulled together. Staging creates an atmosphere of neutrality and universal appeal in your home. Stagers position furniture to maximize a home’s architectural attributes and showcase its best features. Staging creates a feeling in a room that makes a buyer want to enter. If a buyer can mentally “move in,” he or she will be motivated to buy.
You can’t control the interest rates or housing market fluctuations. You can control how your home looks and prepare it to appeal to the broadest number of buyers.
NEW CANAAN NEWS:
Looking to get involved in the community and meet new friends? Consider joining the Young Women’s League of New Canaan. Kendall is a member of the YWL and currently sits on the Board. She would be happy to speak to you more about it or go to http://ywlnewcanaan.org for more information. It only takes one person to make a difference!
5 TIPS TO SELL BUYERS ON YOUR HOME
By Sarah Chamberlain and Amanda Barnes
Spring has arrived and so have the buyers. So what can you do to make your home more appealing? Two of our expert agents from our Cobble Hill office, Sarah Chamberlain and Amanda Barnes, offer five tips that will instantly give your home some extra selling power.
1. Start packing now! Call in the expert de-clutterers, let us help you make your home shine!
2. Deep clean. Wash the walls and windows, buff the floors. Create the best first impression
3. Swap bold colors for neutrals. Mini-makeovers can have a big impact. Update your hardware, towel rack, and light switches.
4. Curb appeal. Paint the front door. Plant new flowering plants to add color and allure.
5. Choose your broker wisely. We work with you to stage, price, market, negotiate and optimize the resale value of your home.
To learn more ways on how to take advantage of the current spring market contact Sarah Chamberlain at 718.613.2027 and Amanda Barnes at 718.613.2013.
SIX BUYER TIPS FOR A BIDDING WAR
By Brian Lewis, EVP & Listing Broker of the Year Two Years Running
Welcome to the heated 2013 market. Since January, I’ve personally seen a steady increase in prices, and multiple bids on most properly priced homes. If a property is well presented and priced correctly, it will command a lot of interest in today’s NYC market. Inventory is at a record low level (great for sellers), and interest rates are at record low levels (great for buyers). The robust market is result of simple supply/demand economics, and bidding wars are a recurring theme in this market. My buyers often win in competitive situations, because I ensure that they are well presented.
Here are six tips that give my buyers the advantage they need to get the home they want:
1. Offer what the market price is on the property, not what you want it to be. Prices are going up, inventory is low, and money is cheap. Come in boldly and be the seller’s solution.
2. Know that the most prepared buyers win. Offer all of your information with the offer—be comprehensive—show the seller you mean business and that you are prepared with pre-approval letter, gift letter, detailed financial statement, debt to income ratio, liquidity post purchase total, short personal bio, attorney information, etc.
3. Have as few contingencies tied to your offer as possible. Highest price with fewest dramas wins. If you need to sell your current home first, show the seller that you are in contract with your buyer. If waiving your financing contingency makes sense to you and your financial team, do it (consult a financial advisor and mortgage professional first!). Waive the home inspection if that makes sense to you. The fewer hurdles between a seller and their paycheck the better.
4. Consider paying a portion of the seller’s closing costs. Consult your attorney and financial team first, but this can be sexy to a seller with options.
5. Close when the seller wants to close.
6. If it suits your style, a heart-felt letter to the seller can be effective – however, only when coupled with a primo price. Before writing your short, sweet missive, Google the seller and see if you have any common threads that may work to your advantage – if so, weave those into the letter in a non-creepy way. Knowing that you love their home and have the exact same style and that you would change nothing in their perfectly designed palace can indeed be endearing – but at the end of the day, they’d rather have top dollar. However, if you are a top contender, the letter may tip the scale in your favor.
Good luck, be bold, be prepared, and go claim your home. If you need any help, I’m right here.
10 Must Read Tips for NEW NYC Buyers
By Kimberly Noel, Halstead Property Agent & Neighborhood Expert
Manhattan buyers are facing a robust yet tough market these days. The property values keep climbing, promising great ROI*; however, nothing is stopping qualified buyers from going tooth and nail over the slim inventory. These days, even the millionaires are shedding tears over a lost bid, and many of Manhattan’s elite are sourly accepting their second or third choices. Seller’s may not be gloating, but nor are they handing out the Kleenex. According to the data of chief economist, Gregory Heym, sellers are not budging much in negotiations as they continue reap 96.8% of their asking price. This does not mean buyers are at a total disadvantage, particularly for investors, since rental incomes are on the rise with no signs of slowing down. Below are crucial tips to bulk up against the competition and to optimize the chances of coming in first.
1. Know What You Want and Know Thyself: Outline realistically your absolute necessities and deal breakers and consider your gut feelings about the property.
2. Plan For the Buying Process To Take Longer Than You Expect: This is particularly true for Co-Ops and Condos which may take up to 6 months.
3. Even If You are Not Planning to Finance Your Purchase, Meet With Your Financial Advisor Prior To The Apartment Hunt: Half of the inventory available for purchase in Manhattan is still in Co-op buildings, so it is good to plan to confront “the Board”. It is wise to collect your financial records in advance and make sure to plan with an advisor. According to Private Mortgage banker, Judd Derario of Wells Fargo Bank, knowing what assets you can easily liquidate for the down payment is key. Many buyers choose to supplement their liquidity with gifts from family, and while this is typically acceptable, receiving those funds early in the transaction will insure a smooth commitment and swift board approval. Many clients have their assets tied up in various illiquid investments (private equity funds, hedge funds and even private stock in their own companies). Although most clients consider these as part of their net worth, coops may not.
4. If Financing, Seek Pre-Approval Prior To the Property Search: Remember that although all money is green it does not all come that way. Making sure that your bid is favored above the rest, means having all of your financing pre-qualified and in writing.
5. Be Prepared to Act: Make sure you are ready to quickly submit an offer when the opportunity presents itself. If it’s the right place at market price, Go for it! In NYC no bid is final. Better to be aggressive than to lose.
6. Know Your Breaking Point: John Wollberg, Executive Director of Sales Park Avenue, offers good advice for buyers caught in a bid war. He says “Write your proposed bid price on a piece of paper and put it in an envelope overnight. The next day, evaluate how you would feel if you were to lose the apartment based on that price, every night increase that sum only to the point where you can sleep knowing you put in your best offer.”
7. Pay Attention To Taxes: Tax structures can make or break a property sale. A good realtor is knowledgeable of reputable and reliable tax data and professionals in regards to your purchase.
8. Stay Up To Date With Public And Private Developments In The Area: Paying attention to new developments and approved public projects is incredibly helpful. A savvy realtor can be of great reference for providing data not open to the public.
9. Hire a Real, Real Estate Lawyer: Even if you can have a friend work pro-bono, it may be in your best interest to consider using a proper real estate lawyer. Even the best lawyers can run into bumpy situations when it comes to NY real estate.
10. Consider The Resale Value or Investment Potential Even If Buying a Primary Residence: Although many people buy real estate with no intention of a quick resale, data has shown many New Yorkers sell for reasons irrespective of the market. One should always consider the earning potential.
And Lastly: Know when to call in the Professionals….
New York real estate is tricky and competitive. In the era of the internet, many people can and will try to find property without the aid of an agent. However, for those with extremely valuable time, a good realtor can be priceless in preventing frustrating, exhausting and sometimes scarring experiences. As a prior physician in clinical practice, I would say “sometimes you can look up your symptoms online and find the diagnosis, but there are many times when it is best to see the doctor”. Kimberly Noel is an agent in the Halstead Property Park Avenue office with a specialization in investment properties. Learn more here.
Don’t Miss List: Ninth Avenue Food Festival
By Jennifer Roberts, Halstead Property Agent & Neighborhood Expert
Take advantage of the spring-like weather forecast for this weekend and head on over to the 40th Annual Ninth Avenue Food Festival! Stroll along 9th avenue from 42nd to 57th street and partake in a New York City tradition. The festival goes on rain or shine from 12:00pm-5:00pm both Saturday and Sunday.
The Ninth Avenue Association was formed in 1973 in order to bring attention to New York’s most diverse and interesting ethnic neighborhood. The Association’s purpose is to unite the business community, help the neighborhood with every day challenges, to work with city agencies on behalf of local merchants and to support worthy neighborhood causes. In 1973, the International Food Festival was organized. Every year, profits from the festival go back into the neighborhood through community programs, scholarship, children’s programs, activities for seniors and holiday giveaways to needy families and neighborhood churches.
Local Merchants will be serving an array of ethnic foods which are representative of the different cultures in the neighborhood. Sample the various cuisines from different countries including Poland, Italy, Spain, Greece, Japan and Thailand. Grab an empanada from Empanada Mama or go Greek with one of my favorites Uncle Nick’s. In addition there will be a specially curated “Food Truck Park.”
In addition, there will be over 60 booths with vendors selling handcrafted jewelry, unique clothing, music, and an array of arts and crafts.
If you’ve brought the kids along there will be an entire block of family friendly children’s rides, games and attractions. There will also be 2 stages of entertainment with international music and dance.
Best of all there is no entrance fee, so can you can spend all of your money on food and shopping!
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If you want something amazing to do each day in New York City, look no further than signing up for Jennifer Roberts’ monthly newsletter, to do so simply click on this link.
NYC MUST DO: HIGH LINE ART NIGHT
This Wednesday, May 15th why not take a walk outdoors and enjoy some beautiful art at the same time in Chelsea? Hop over to the High Line to see El Anatsui’s Broken Bridge II, the largest outdoor art installation the High Line has seen so far.
Join Cecilia Alemani, the Donald R. Mullen, Jr. Curator and Director of High Line Art, and Kevin Dumouchelle, Associate Curator for the Arts of Africa and the Pacific Islands at the Brooklyn Museum, for a walking tour of the High Line and hear the story behind Broken Bridge II, the monumental sculpture by West African artist El Anatsui installed on an exterior building wall between West 21st and West 22nd Streets.
El Anatsui is considered to be one of the foremost contemporary artists of his generation and is known for his intricate sculptures, which are all made of recycled materials mostly collected near his home in Nigeria. He also uses metallic bottle caps, which are culled from discarded Nigerian liquor bottles and woven together with copper wire. El Anatsui hopes that his three-dimensional paintings will evoke the economic and cultural traditions and histories of West Africa. He also hopes his choice of materials with engage viewers to reflect on the role they play in regards to consumer waste and globalization.
For the High Line, Anatsui has made his largest piece of work yet. The Broken Bridge II was originally shown in Paris during the 2012 Triennale. You are sure to be amazed when you see this unique piece of art.
After your art fix, stick around the area and head to dinner at one of Chelsea’s best restaurants.
1800’S EAST HAMPTON VILLAGE COTTAGE
As featured in the New York Times, this four bedroom, three and a half bath home is a true piece of history. Originally built in the 1800s and formally used as an agricultural outbuilding, the home now features exquisite attention to detail with European fixtures, copper gutters and leaders, custom wooden shutters, central sound system, central air conditioning, Belgium block driveway, and designer outdoor lighting.
The four bedrooms, two of which with en-suite bathrooms, and three full bathrooms are on the second floor. The first floor has an open floor plan with beamed ceilings, a living room with masonry fireplace, dining room, sun room, eat-in kitchen, and a half bath.
The gardens have been landscaped beautifully and there are specimen plantings and a charming patio. Other outdoor amenities include an outdoor shower and a garden shed. The possibility exists to put in a pool. Great East Hampton location, close to Main Beach, Jitney, train and village.
Learn more about this listing by clicking here.
LIVE LIKE THE GREAT GATSBY
Were you one of the people that helped the Great Gatsby reach $51M gross ticket sales this weekend? Afterward were you dreaming of living like the mysterious millionaire Jay Gatsby? Look no further than this home that recaptures the Gatsby lifestyle located right on the Long Island Sound just a stone’s throw from the original colonial mansion of the story.
Here is what our Halstead Blog writers had to say about this listing when we featured it last month:
“A waterfront estate in Sands Point has just come on the market that recaptures the Gatsby lifestyle, and it happens to be right around the corner from the famous home. It’s called Positano Point, a Tuscan-inspired property adorned with elegant terraces and detailed balustrades overlooking picturesque gardens and the Long Island Sound. When Fitzgerald wrote, “The lawn started at the beach and ran toward the front door for a quarter of a mile jumping over sundials and brick walls and burning gardens,” he may as well have been describing Positano Point.
This striking architectural triumph has been built for a lavish lifestyle of entertaining with its grand staircase, soaring ceiling heights, baronial rooms, panoramic views, and it’s own private beach. The meticulously built 10,000+ square foot home features 6 bedrooms and 10 baths, including 2 master suites with fireplaces, a gourmet indoor and outdoor kitchen, an elevator, and an exquisite wine room. Masterfully crafted, custom millwork of black walnut and mahogany, and 7 total fireplaces throughout create a warm, yet dramatic appearance and a home by the sea for all seasons. To live the Gatsby life, learn more about this home here.
As Fitzgerald ends Gatsby with the famous line, “So we beat on, boats against the current, born back ceaselessly into the past,” perhaps he was speaking of Positano Point, recreating the past grandeur of the Gatsby Home from just around the corner.”
TALKING FAIRFIELD COUNTY
With the Sneddon Team – 5.11.13 Edition
The Local Housing Market in New Canaan is Improving, Not Convinced? For the first time in many years, Buyers have returned to the market at a higher rate than new listings. Here are a few statistics comparing May 2012 to May 2013:
Active Listings – currently 275 vs. 380 one year ago; down 28%
Sold Listings – 82 YTD vs. 57 same period last year; up 44%
Absorption Rate – currently 12.3 vs. 16.1 months one year ago; down 24%
Median Price of Sold Listings – $1.5MM vs. $1.2MM one year ago; up 25%
Average Sold to List Price Ratio – currently 94% vs. 90%; up 4.4%
As for color, the basis for comparison was low so the statistics may look overly positive but they are factual… Regarding the Median price of Sold listings, we’re not suggesting that prices are up 25%, rather that more expensive homes are selling than last year. And across all key measures, selling conditions have improved and currently there are many buyers looking for properties, across all price ranges that simply don’t exist. If you have been thinking of selling, now may be a good time. For a confidential discussion, please call The Sneddon Team @ 203.219.3769 or email sneddonteam@halstead.com.
Looking for some fun on Saturday, May 11, 2013? Join Jaime & Kendall from 9am – 7pm at the St. Mark’s May Fair in New Canaan – the largest one day fair in Connecticut. Then from 7pm – 10:30pm come to New Canaan’s Waveny House for the Junior League of Stamford/Norwalk for it’s Spring Spirits fundraiser. Cocktails, heavy hors d’oeuvres, live jazz trio, silent & live auction emceed by comedienne Christine O’Leary. For tickets go to: http://www.jlsn.org.
(source: New Canaan MLS)
EXPERIENCE THE NEW DIGITAL PORTFOLIO MAGAZINE
Did you miss our latest Award-Winning Halstead Portfolio Magazine inside today’s Tri-State Circulation of The Wall Street Journal? Not to worry, just access our new look Digital Portfolio Magazine right now at www.halstead.com/portfolio. Now fully enhanced for optimal viewing on all screens & devices.
NYC MUST DO: LISTEN TO YOUR MOTHER
Mother’s Day is just around the corner, so why not try something different and attend the unique and heartfelt reading, “Listen to Your Mother.” This event is part of a 24-city series of live readings honoring Mother’s Day. The New York production will feature local writers and performers who will be telling stories about motherhood and all that comes with it. Get ready to laugh, cry and reminisce at this one of a kind event.
The reading is directed by Shari Simpson and Amy Wilson and is produced by Holly Rosen Fink and Carda Seeinhardt. It will take place at the Peter Jay Sharp (also known as “Symphony Space”) Theatre at 95th and Broadway. Buy your tickets online for $25 or at the door for $30.
While you’re on the Upper West Side, why not take your mom out to one of the area’s best restaurants or go shopping before the show starts for a special Mother’s Day treat? Enjoy and have a wonderful Mother’s Day!
Fun Fact: The modern holiday of Mother’s Day was first celebrated in 1908, when Anna Jarvis held a memorial for her mother in Grafton, West Virginia.
NYC MUST DO: FRIEZE ART FAIR
If you are an art lover you must stop by the Frieze Art Fair this Saturday at Randall’s Island Park. More than 180 of the world’s leading galleries will be attending. Like Frieze London, Frieze New York focuses on contemporary artists and presents the most forward-thinking work from all around the world. Frieze is sure to bring an international perspective on art to all New Yorkers.
Don’t forget to check out the sculpture park at Frieze, which is located beside the waterfront of the East River, adjacent to the fair. These sculptures come from both established and emerging artists. Also be sure to stop by the “Frame booth,” which is dedicated to galleries founded less than six years ago. The galleries are selected on the basis of a proposed solo presentation. The exhibit shows work from artists who have not yet benefitted from an international platform to display their work.
Get your tickets online soon, as they are going fast. Also while you are at the park, hop over to the Upper East Side and check out the shops or grab lunch at one of the area’s best restaurants to make a day of it.
NEW TO MARKET FEATURE: 15 CPW MASTERPIECE
A three bedroom condominium at the renowned 15 Central Park West has just come on the market. It features stunning views of Central Park from a trio of oversized picture windows in the east-facing great room, high ceilings, Brazilian cherry hardwood floors, flamed black granite detailing on portions of the floor, walls and countertops, rift-cut oak doors, and the showpiece of the living room - a massive built-in oak bar with with a blackened-steel countertop and a hidden refrigerator known as “the sushi bar.”
The unit is in the 20-story limestone frontispiece of 15 Central Park West and boasts intimate treetop views of the park. The bedroom wing faces west onto the courtyard and all three bedrooms have en-suite baths and ample closets. The luxurious master bath combines limestone and crema marfil marble and has a Boffi tub and a two-person glass shower.
The floor of the foyer is inlaid with bronze and off the cloakroom is a powder room with a limestone vanity. A custom-built floor-to-ceiling room divider with movable fins made of American walnut with brass inserts separates the foyer from the living and entertainment area. The ceiling in the media section is covered in the same hand-stretched ecru leather that appears on the closet doors and walls in the 743 square foot master suite.
The beautiful kitchen features Italian ceramic floors, a Wolf double oven, a Sub-Zero refrigerator, a wine cooler, and an off-white backsplash of neo-Paris stone that is impermeable to stains. The counters and center unit are of matte black granite. There are glass doors to the dining area with views of the park.
This is the ultimate trophy residence and the seller is someone who knows a thing or two about trophies, four-time Nascar Cup Series champion Jeff Gordon. Gordon purchased apartment 7C in August of 2007 and customized it to his specifications. This is a trophy apartment customized by a man who knows trophies.
Interested in learning more about this apartment? Read the full exclusive article on the listing by the New York Times here or go to the listing page on halstead.com.
