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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412 posts tagged NYC
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.
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.
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.
YOUR EYE CANDY OF THE DAY: STUNNING TriBeCa Loft
No, that’s not an illusion, the spaciousness of this magnificent 2,285 square foot loft in TriBeCa is very real, and the massive size of this apartment is enhanced by the Brazilian cherry wood flooring and 11-foot beamed ceilings you see pictured. Located on the corner of White Street and Cortlandt Alley, this newly renovated 2 bedroom, 2.5 bath home boasts a plethora of luxurious features that you must click to believe.
Sample all of our Real Estate Eye Candy Powered by Pinterest here.
NYC MUST DO: Wine & Gourmet Chocolate Pairing
In this extremely interactive course you will be able to discover the art to pairing the finest gourmet chocolates with the best wines. Oenophile Stefani Jackenthal will be teaching you how to taste both wine and chocolate properly on their own and then together. She will show you how pairing chocolate with the correct wine will allow you to have the most amazing taste possible. Your taste buds will surely be in heaven. Stefani Jackenthal is the author of Wanderlust Wining, which is a book about her adventures in wine regions all across the United States- so she knows a thing or two about tasting wine. Bring an open mind, a big appetite and most of all be prepared to indulge.
The course is located in a classroom type venue at Lexington Ave and 92nd st. For more information and tickets go to the events website.
Fun Fact: Every Russian and American space voyage has included chocolate bars. While you are in the Upper East Side area don’t forget to check out the local shops and restaurants if you are still hungry after your chocolate decadence.
NY OBSERVER SIT DOWN INTERVIEW WITH DIANE M. RAMIREZ
Our President Diane M. Ramirez, hot off her inclusion into the Power 100 Most Influential People in NY Real Estate, sat down with the Observer to cover trending topics of the moment in the industry and why she is feeling ‘bullish’ this spring.
Below are excerpts taken from the “Hot Town” Interview by Janet Allon in the 5/8/13 Edition of NYO Magazine - New York Observer
Q: What’s your take on Manhattan’s real estate market now? Everyone seems to feel that it is really heating up.
A: The market cannot get any hotter than it has been. The last six months, everyone you speak to is breathless, the agents, the managers. The market is very hot.
Q: Has it flipped from being a buyers’ market back to the sellers?
A: It is a sellers’ market, but you still must be properly priced. The sky is not the limit. We are starting to push the market for sellers more, but if you go out of the realm of reality, you lose your entrée into the market. And then people remember your property as being over-priced.
But if you are well-priced, at most price points, mostly two bedrooms and up, you are going to get multiple bids.
Q: If buyers are getting priced out of Manhattan, where can they go? Brooklyn?
A: Brooklyn is very hot. In some instances they are seeing Manhattan-like prices.
We just opened an office in Washington Heights. In Washington Heights and Hudson Heights, prices are very attractive, and it’s beautiful up there. Water views, pre-war buildings.
We picked up Stein-Perry, a very well-respected firm in Washington Heights. Gus Perry, who heads up that firm, knows the area very well. We love growing with someone who is well known in the community. We’re interested in the Upper West Side, all the way up to the Bronx. And we remain committed to Harlem as well.
Q: Do you have any other expansion plans?
A: We have also expanded in the Hamptons. We are in East Hampton and we will open in Southampton. Our group is very strategic.
Q: What is your advice to buyers right now?
A: If you are looking to buy, get in there, and if you see something you like, don’t hesitate. The market is truly back. We are not seeing huge spikes, but it is starting to rise. Go for it aggressively. If you lose one, it will likely be more expensive next time around. The trend is that prices are steadily rising. I think that’s going to continue for a couple of years. Don’t try to time the market. Any area that touches Manhattan and is well served by transportation is bound to rise.
Q: What is your personal approach to real estate? Where do you live, for instance?
A: I live on the Upper East Side now. I’ve been back here for five years. I love change and love to try new neighborhoods. It’s nice to live in the 60s. My husband and I and the children are all settled nearby. We take in everything the city has to offer. Lincoln Center, Carnegie Hall. Culturally, it can’t be beat. I find New York very healthy. It’s so diverse.
Before this, I was downtown. We tried FiDi. And before that I tried Tribeca. I hadn’t experienced living in a loft, so I wanted to try that. We bought the top floor and the air rights, and then my son and I did a joint venture where we built two apartments. Then we bought a garage on Greenwich and Hubert and put plans together for a seven-story building. We did not end up building it, but we sold the plans. They built it exactly to our specifications. My son bought a fabulous townhouse in the 30s. And my daughter is not too far away in Connecticut. We’ve got five wonderful grandchildren altogether.
Q: Real estate professionals talk about how little inventory there is in the city. Is there anything in the pipeline that is going to change that?
A: There is nothing that is going to open the floodgates, but new development is starting to come online.
But more significantly, people are really getting on with their lives, and that is where the break in the inventory is going to happen. People have been holding tight for a while, and staying put. Now they are moving on with their lives, and that is what real estate is all about. People going from having two to three bedrooms, having another child, or downsizing after the kids leave. Getting stuck is not healthy. It’s refreshing what’s going on now. We are seeing more movement in the resale market and we are returning to a much more normal ebb and flow.
We will still have tight inventory. Inventory is going to be a problem, but it’s going to get a little better. This is where I differ from some of my colleagues.
Q: Who is buying these days?
A: Everyone is thinking real estate again. First-time buyers, young people coming to the city. People whose children have left home are moving into the city, and families still want to be here. Foreigners still know that New York City is a great place to be.
It is unlike Connecticut and New Jersey, where we also have offices. There you tend to see one kind of buyer. Here it is much more diverse.
Another thing that we are seeing is that people are starting to look again for fixer-uppers, whereas before everyone wanted only finished apartments that needed no work. The fact that people are looking for fixer-uppers, where they can make their own dream home, is another sign of optimism and a healthy market.
SALES & THE CITY - FLOWER POWER
Episode 15 - By Sara Rotter, Halstead Property Director of Sales Downtown
In celebration of Earth Day and now that the long winter is well behind us, it is time to think about how we can decorate our homes for the season. Flowers and plants add so much cheer and can dramatically improve the mood and look of any space. In fact, studies show that the benefits include easier breathing due to release of more oxygen, purifying the air by removing toxics, add moisture to the air, sharpening focus, and overall improvement in health. Whether you have outdoor space of your own or fantasize that you do, it is possible to create your very own garden in or outside your home.
A few simple tips to enjoy greenery in your home:
* Succulents and Cacti are very low maintenance plants that require very minimal care and can look incredible and chic especially when grouped together on desktops, countertops or window sills. They are great for bedrooms because they release extra oxygen at night.
* Buying large floor plants can be so much easier if you simply place your stand on wheels so it can be moved instantly or to prevent water stained floors.
* Buying the same style of potted plants or mini trees and placing them in a row on a stylish tray is a great way to decorate a table or window sill. This will add a fun look while protecting your furniture.
* You can also get creative and buy a variety or abundance of the same plants at any home goods store or market and throw them all into one large decorative pot. It’s really fun and easy!
* If flowers are more your style, we all know that New York City is known for great deals on flowers on many street corners. But, understand that flowers have assigned meanings so you can make a statement or set an intention when purchasing. For example, sunflowers mean adoration, white roses symbolize purity, bronze chrysanthemums represent excitement, and pink tulips convey a message of caring. Who knew? The Society of American Florists have an entire list of the meaning for each flower and their color. Click here and learn how!
Your Inspiration:
“A Flower that is afraid of withering will never blossom into the beauty that is its potential. Flowers are born for the purpose of the blossom. Always be a fully blossomed flower in the Now.”
- Dahn Yoga Principle
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Thoughts of Sales & The City are those of Sara Rotter and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Halstead Property, LLC
