I am pleased to provide the Manhattan Sales 3rd Quarter Market Report.
While the luxury market played a large role in increasing the value of the real estate market. The sales from those apartments have continued to aide the market, even as the national business media focuses on the ailing national economy.
Manhattan condo sales have slowed and inventory has grown, leaving developers to negotiate but not slash prices.
Saturday, December 20, 2008
Holiday Giving
With the holidays upon us, it's a time to give gifts to our loved ones, friends and customers.
In a volatile economy gift buying could decrease for some. And at the same time there are wonderful groups doing important work whose donations are suffering.
This holiday season, rather than buying expensive gifts, I will be making donations to charity in the names of my loved ones, friends and customers. It's like giving twice!
Here is a list of top registered charities you may want to consider:
Alzheimer's Associaton
To eliminate Alzheimer's disease through the advancement of research; to provide and enhance care and support for all affected; and to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health.
American Cancer Society
The American Cancer Society is the nationwide community-based voluntary health organization dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem by preventing cancer, saving lives, and diminishing suffering from cancer, through research, education, advocacy, and service.
American Heart Association
Our mission is to build healthier lives, free of cardiovascular diseases and stroke. That single purpose drives all we do.
America's Second Harvest (New name is FEEDING AMERICA)
The nation's leading domestic hunger-relief charity
Brokers Build
Brokers Build is a campaign for real estate brokers to raise $1M to build homes with Habitat For Humanity in New York City
(Full Disclosure - the writer of this blog is a Broker Who Builds)
Darfur - Not On Our Watch
Focusing global attention and resources towards putting an end to mass atrocities around the world.
Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS
The Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation seeks to prevent pediatric HIV infection and to eradicate pediatric AIDS through research, advocacy, and prevention and treatment programs.
Feed The Children
Feed The Children provides food, medicine, clothing, educational materials and other essentials to children and their families domestically and internationally.
Habitat for Humanity
Habitat for Humanity International is a nonprofit, ecumenical Christian housing ministry. HFHI seeks to eliminate poverty housing and homelessness from the world and to make decent shelter a matter of conscience and action.
Juvenile Diabetes Foundation
JDRF is to find a cure for diabetes and its complications through the support of research.
Love Our Children USA
The national nonprofit leader in breaking the cycle of violence against children. It has become the ‘go-to' prevention organization for all forms of violence and neglect against children in the U.S.
(Full Disclosure - the writer of this blog is the founder and chief executive officer of this charity)
March Of Dimes
Dedicated to improving the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth and infant mortality.
MS Society
The MS Society is a collective of passionate individuals who want to do something about MS now-to move together toward a world free of multiple sclerosis. They help each person address the challenges of living with MS by funding cutting-edge research, driving change through advocacy, facilitating professional education, and providing programs and services that help people with MS and their families move their lives forward.
North Shore Animal League
North Shore Animal League America, headquartered in Port Washington, NY, is the largest no-kill animal rescue and adoption organization in the world.
ONE
ONE is Americans of all beliefs and every walk of life - united as ONE - to help make poverty history
St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
St. Jude is unlike any other pediatric treatment and research facility. With research and patient care under one roof, St. Jude is where some of today's most gifted researchers are able to do science more quickly. All patients accepted for treatment at St. Jude are treated without regard to the family's ability to pay.
Stand Up To Cancer
Stand up to cancer raised funds for research in unprecedented effort to end cancer's reign as a leading cause of death
Starlight Starbright Childrens Foundation
Enhancing the lives of critically and terminally ill children through granting wishes and hospital programs
Full Disclosure - the writer of this blog is a volunteer with this Starlight Starbright Children's Foundation)
Susan G. Komen For The Cure
The largest grassroot network of people working together to save lives, empower people, ensure quality care, and energize science to find a cure.
UNICEF
Raises funds for programs and increasing awareness of the challenges facing the world's children. The oldest of 37 national committees for UNICEF worldwide, they are part of a global effort to save, protect and improve children's lives.
For other registered charities please visit www.guidestar.org
In a volatile economy gift buying could decrease for some. And at the same time there are wonderful groups doing important work whose donations are suffering.
This holiday season, rather than buying expensive gifts, I will be making donations to charity in the names of my loved ones, friends and customers. It's like giving twice!
Here is a list of top registered charities you may want to consider:
Alzheimer's Associaton
To eliminate Alzheimer's disease through the advancement of research; to provide and enhance care and support for all affected; and to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health.
American Cancer Society
The American Cancer Society is the nationwide community-based voluntary health organization dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem by preventing cancer, saving lives, and diminishing suffering from cancer, through research, education, advocacy, and service.
American Heart Association
Our mission is to build healthier lives, free of cardiovascular diseases and stroke. That single purpose drives all we do.
America's Second Harvest (New name is FEEDING AMERICA)
The nation's leading domestic hunger-relief charity
Brokers Build
Brokers Build is a campaign for real estate brokers to raise $1M to build homes with Habitat For Humanity in New York City
(Full Disclosure - the writer of this blog is a Broker Who Builds)
Darfur - Not On Our Watch
Focusing global attention and resources towards putting an end to mass atrocities around the world.
Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS
The Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation seeks to prevent pediatric HIV infection and to eradicate pediatric AIDS through research, advocacy, and prevention and treatment programs.
Feed The Children
Feed The Children provides food, medicine, clothing, educational materials and other essentials to children and their families domestically and internationally.
Habitat for Humanity
Habitat for Humanity International is a nonprofit, ecumenical Christian housing ministry. HFHI seeks to eliminate poverty housing and homelessness from the world and to make decent shelter a matter of conscience and action.
Juvenile Diabetes Foundation
JDRF is to find a cure for diabetes and its complications through the support of research.
Love Our Children USA
The national nonprofit leader in breaking the cycle of violence against children. It has become the ‘go-to' prevention organization for all forms of violence and neglect against children in the U.S.
(Full Disclosure - the writer of this blog is the founder and chief executive officer of this charity)
March Of Dimes
Dedicated to improving the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth and infant mortality.
MS Society
The MS Society is a collective of passionate individuals who want to do something about MS now-to move together toward a world free of multiple sclerosis. They help each person address the challenges of living with MS by funding cutting-edge research, driving change through advocacy, facilitating professional education, and providing programs and services that help people with MS and their families move their lives forward.
North Shore Animal League
North Shore Animal League America, headquartered in Port Washington, NY, is the largest no-kill animal rescue and adoption organization in the world.
ONE
ONE is Americans of all beliefs and every walk of life - united as ONE - to help make poverty history
St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
St. Jude is unlike any other pediatric treatment and research facility. With research and patient care under one roof, St. Jude is where some of today's most gifted researchers are able to do science more quickly. All patients accepted for treatment at St. Jude are treated without regard to the family's ability to pay.
Stand Up To Cancer
Stand up to cancer raised funds for research in unprecedented effort to end cancer's reign as a leading cause of death
Starlight Starbright Childrens Foundation
Enhancing the lives of critically and terminally ill children through granting wishes and hospital programs
Full Disclosure - the writer of this blog is a volunteer with this Starlight Starbright Children's Foundation)
Susan G. Komen For The Cure
The largest grassroot network of people working together to save lives, empower people, ensure quality care, and energize science to find a cure.
UNICEF
Raises funds for programs and increasing awareness of the challenges facing the world's children. The oldest of 37 national committees for UNICEF worldwide, they are part of a global effort to save, protect and improve children's lives.
For other registered charities please visit www.guidestar.org
Sunday, June 15, 2008
Is The Manhattan Real Estate Market Holding Steady?
As a real estate agent in Manhattan, people often tell me they are sorry that things are so bad in real estate.
While I agree with that sentiment for many of my fellow brokers in hard hit areas across the country, the first quarter of 2008 in Manhattan did not show an ailing market at all. To the contrary, Manhattan real estate actually dramatically increased in value during that time.
The luxury market played a large role in increasing the value of the real estate market. The sales from those apartments have continued to aide the market, even as the national business media focuses on the ailing national economy.
Condo sales have slowed and inventory has grown, leaving developers to negotiate but not slash prices.
The Upper East Side has seen fewer increases compared to more popular and trendy neighborhoods.
Those who want to live on the Upper West Side are being priced out and looking farther north.
The greatest price cuts were in the West Village, where three changes brought the average net price change to $2.2 million.
While there is still ample concern over the future of the national market, it is doubtful that the Manhattan market will share the fate that markets across the country are enduring.
While I agree with that sentiment for many of my fellow brokers in hard hit areas across the country, the first quarter of 2008 in Manhattan did not show an ailing market at all. To the contrary, Manhattan real estate actually dramatically increased in value during that time.
The luxury market played a large role in increasing the value of the real estate market. The sales from those apartments have continued to aide the market, even as the national business media focuses on the ailing national economy.
Condo sales have slowed and inventory has grown, leaving developers to negotiate but not slash prices.
The Upper East Side has seen fewer increases compared to more popular and trendy neighborhoods.
Those who want to live on the Upper West Side are being priced out and looking farther north.
The greatest price cuts were in the West Village, where three changes brought the average net price change to $2.2 million.
While there is still ample concern over the future of the national market, it is doubtful that the Manhattan market will share the fate that markets across the country are enduring.
Saturday, June 14, 2008
Working With Your Real Estate Agent
Finding the right home in Manhattan can take time and a lot of work. At times it can be overwhelming ...after all it's the most important decision you will make.
A licensed and professional Real Estate Agent can help navigate the process from beginning to end --- and even after your closing --- applying their expertise to your search to get you the results you deserve.
Using the right Agent can make all the difference between finding the home you have always wanted and frustration. Find an agent who can open the right doors for you. Find an agent who listens.
Look for an Agent, not a property since you'll be spending much of your time with this person, read agent biographies, request recommendations, even call to interview them. Communication is 80% of the process, so make sure you and your agent connect.
Share all requested information. Letting your agent know what you want is the first step to successful communication. Many factors play a part in the selection of properties for you to view and there are a wide variety of properties in New York City. Give your agent a complete picture of you and your needs to avoid wasting time looking at properties that does not suit your lifestyle. Make a wish list. You may not get everything on your list, but a good agent will work to get you as much of your wish list as possible.
When looking at properties, give your agent a piece of your mind.While looking at properties, let your agent know what resonates with you for each property. A good agent will consider all of the input you have given throughout the relationship when selecting properties to see, not just your initial requirements. Perhaps your reaction to a property will bring to mind another option they would have otherwise struck from the list. As you see more properties with your agent, they will get to know how they can best assist you.
Be Open. Never feel that you have to hold back in your assessment of a property, your assessment of a contract, or your feelings on a situation. Your agent is there to help you and the more they know, the better off you are.
Pick one agent to assist you. In Manhattan, every agent has access to the same group of listings through RLS (REBNY Listing Exchange Service) which acts similarly to the MLS. Working with multiple agents will just make more work for you, in that you will have to manage a team of people, field many phone calls and emails, learn of duplicate properties and make the search for your home all that more overwhelming.
Whether you're a buyer or seller, pick the agent who is right for you and work exclusively with them. Your agent works for you and if you choose the right agent for your needs, you'll find that the process of buying or selling a home is not nearly as daunting as you think -- because your agent will do all of the work. A good real estate agent is worth their weight in gold!
A licensed and professional Real Estate Agent can help navigate the process from beginning to end --- and even after your closing --- applying their expertise to your search to get you the results you deserve.
Using the right Agent can make all the difference between finding the home you have always wanted and frustration. Find an agent who can open the right doors for you. Find an agent who listens.
Look for an Agent, not a property since you'll be spending much of your time with this person, read agent biographies, request recommendations, even call to interview them. Communication is 80% of the process, so make sure you and your agent connect.
Share all requested information. Letting your agent know what you want is the first step to successful communication. Many factors play a part in the selection of properties for you to view and there are a wide variety of properties in New York City. Give your agent a complete picture of you and your needs to avoid wasting time looking at properties that does not suit your lifestyle. Make a wish list. You may not get everything on your list, but a good agent will work to get you as much of your wish list as possible.
When looking at properties, give your agent a piece of your mind.While looking at properties, let your agent know what resonates with you for each property. A good agent will consider all of the input you have given throughout the relationship when selecting properties to see, not just your initial requirements. Perhaps your reaction to a property will bring to mind another option they would have otherwise struck from the list. As you see more properties with your agent, they will get to know how they can best assist you.
Be Open. Never feel that you have to hold back in your assessment of a property, your assessment of a contract, or your feelings on a situation. Your agent is there to help you and the more they know, the better off you are.
Pick one agent to assist you. In Manhattan, every agent has access to the same group of listings through RLS (REBNY Listing Exchange Service) which acts similarly to the MLS. Working with multiple agents will just make more work for you, in that you will have to manage a team of people, field many phone calls and emails, learn of duplicate properties and make the search for your home all that more overwhelming.
Whether you're a buyer or seller, pick the agent who is right for you and work exclusively with them. Your agent works for you and if you choose the right agent for your needs, you'll find that the process of buying or selling a home is not nearly as daunting as you think -- because your agent will do all of the work. A good real estate agent is worth their weight in gold!
15 Tips For Packing Like A Pro When Moving To Your New Home
1. Plan ahead by organizing and budgeting. Develop a master "to do" list so you won't forget something critical. To estimate costs, get quotes from two or three reputable movers.
2. Sort and get rid of things you no longer want or need. Have a garage sale, donate to a charity, or recycle.
3. Don't throw out everything. If you're inclined to toss it, you're probably right. But one can go overboard in the heat of the moment. Ask yourself how frequently you use an item and how you'd feel if you no longer had it. That will eliminate regrets after your move.
4. Pack like items together. Put toys with toys, kitchen utensils with kitchen utensils. Your life will be easier when it's time to unpack.
5. Decide what, if anything, you plan to move yourself. Precious items such as family photos, valuable breakables, or must-haves during the move should probably stay with you. Don't forget to keep a "necessities" bag with tissues, snacks, and other items you'll need that day.
6. Use the right box for the item. Loose items are prone to breakage.
7. Put heavy items in small boxes so they're easier to lift. Keep weight of each box under 50 pounds, if possible.
8. Don't over-pack boxes. That will increase the chances that items inside the box will break.
9. Wrap every fragile item separately and pad bottom and sides of boxes.
10. Label every box on all sides. You never know how they'll be stacked and you don't want to have to move other boxes aside to find out what's there.
11. Use color-coded labels to indicate which room each item should go in. Color-code a floor plan for your new house to help movers.
12. Keep your moving documents together in a file. Including important phone numbers, driver's name, and moving van number. Also keep your address book handy.
13. Back up your computer files before moving your computer.
14. Remember, most movers won't take plants. If you don't want to leave them behind, plan on moving them yourself.
15. Inspect each box and all furniture for damage as soon as it arrives.
2. Sort and get rid of things you no longer want or need. Have a garage sale, donate to a charity, or recycle.
3. Don't throw out everything. If you're inclined to toss it, you're probably right. But one can go overboard in the heat of the moment. Ask yourself how frequently you use an item and how you'd feel if you no longer had it. That will eliminate regrets after your move.
4. Pack like items together. Put toys with toys, kitchen utensils with kitchen utensils. Your life will be easier when it's time to unpack.
5. Decide what, if anything, you plan to move yourself. Precious items such as family photos, valuable breakables, or must-haves during the move should probably stay with you. Don't forget to keep a "necessities" bag with tissues, snacks, and other items you'll need that day.
6. Use the right box for the item. Loose items are prone to breakage.
7. Put heavy items in small boxes so they're easier to lift. Keep weight of each box under 50 pounds, if possible.
8. Don't over-pack boxes. That will increase the chances that items inside the box will break.
9. Wrap every fragile item separately and pad bottom and sides of boxes.
10. Label every box on all sides. You never know how they'll be stacked and you don't want to have to move other boxes aside to find out what's there.
11. Use color-coded labels to indicate which room each item should go in. Color-code a floor plan for your new house to help movers.
12. Keep your moving documents together in a file. Including important phone numbers, driver's name, and moving van number. Also keep your address book handy.
13. Back up your computer files before moving your computer.
14. Remember, most movers won't take plants. If you don't want to leave them behind, plan on moving them yourself.
15. Inspect each box and all furniture for damage as soon as it arrives.
Summer in New York City
Whether you live in New York City, you're in New York City searching for a new home or just visiting, you cannot afford to miss the joys of this amazing metropolis in the summer.
From Bryant Park to Lincoln Center, Central Park, Hudson River Park, Uni0on Square Park and many others, there are musical performances and free outdoor films (including the HBO Bryant Park Film Festival and RiverWalk Film Festival) beneath the stars all summer long.Amazing concerts such as:
• Central Park Summerstage Free!Frequent summer concerts at the Central Park Summerstage, located at Rumsey Playfield. Some concerts are benefits, but many are free!
• New York Philharmonic in the Parks Free!From June 24- July 15, 2008 the New York Philharmonic will perform in New York City parks.
• Metropolitan Opera in the Parks Free!On June 20, 2008 the Metropolitan Opera will perform in Prospect Park.
• Naumburg Orchestral Concerts 2008 Free!The oldest free outdoor concert series in the US, the Naumburg features symphonic and semi-classical music on select Tuesdays and Wednesdays in Central Park's Naumburg Bandshell.
• GMA's Summer Concerts Free!On Friday mornings in May - August, be a part of Good Morning America's audience in Bryant Park and see popular acts, including the Josh Groban and Chaka Kahn.
• NBC's Today Show Summer Concerts Free!On Friday mornings (mostly) from April - August catch some great performers at Rockefeller Center and a chance to be seen on TV!
• Broadway in Bryant Park Free!On Thursdays at 12:30 from July 10 - August 14, see performances from popular Broadway shows live in Bryant Park.
• 50th Annual Washington Square Music Festival Free!On select Tuesdays in July (and one Saturday in June) you can enjoy this free outdoor concert series.
• Mad Sq Music Free!Free concerts on select Wednesday nights at 7 p.m. from June 18 - August 6, 2008.
• Free For All At Town Hall Free!Free classical concerts at Town Hall on Sundays in April and May. Free tickets are distributed beginning at noon on the day of the concert.
• Mostly MozartThe 40th Season of this Lincoln Center series dedicated to the works of Mozart runs from July 29-August 23, 2008.
• Lincoln Center FestivalBallet, music, dance, and more are featured throughout the festival which runs from July 2-27, 2008. Some free events.
• JVC JazzFestFrom June 15-28, 2008 the JVC Jazz Festival will be in New York City. There are free events, as well as a series of shows at popular venues.
• Summer in the Square Free!On Wednesdays, June 19 - August 14, 2008 Union Square is host to a lunchtime concerts, afternoon yoga classes and evening performances.
• Lincoln Center Out Of Doors Free!Over 100 different events including world music, internationally acclaimed dance, cutting-edge performances, special events, cool jazz, and fun for kids from August 7-24, 2008.
• Clinton Concert Series Free!See free concerts in Clinton Cove Park at 55th Street and Pier 84 at 44th Street on select Monday evenings from June - September.
• Cityparks Concerts Free!In July & August, free concerts will be held at many of New York City's neighborhood parks
• Harlem Meer Performance Festival Free!Jazz, blues, gospel and latin music every Sunday afternoon at the Harlem Meer in Central Park.
• River Rocks Free!Check out these free concerts on Pier 54 in Hudson River Park (at 14th Street) on July 10, 31, and August 14, 2008.
• Summergarden Free!Concerts presented in the MoMA Sculpture Garden every other Sunday evening July 6 - August 24.
• Summer JazzEnjoy jazz concerts at the Scandinavia House in June and July. Admission $12-15.
Awaiting 2008 Updates
• River To River Festival Free!From May to September, the Downtown NYC River to River Festival features a variety of musical performances, as well as movies, readings and more.
• Charlie Parker Jazz Festival Free!On Saturday August 25 and Sunday August 26, experience the Charlie Parker Jazz Festival in two Manhattan parks where Parker lived and worked.
• Seaside Concert Series Free!On Thursday evenings at 7:30 p.m. in Asser Levy Park from July 12 - August 23, check out popular musical acts like Liza Minnelli and Al Green.
• Martin Luther Jr. Concert Series Free!On Monday evenings at Wingate Field check out these free concerts featuring top R&B, soul, reggae and gospel performers.
• Broadway Under the Stars Free!On June 26 at 8 p.m. Broadway performers and a full orchestra will entertain the audience on Central Park's Great Lawn with music and choreography from popular Broadway shows.
Central Park and Shakespeare in the Park, the museums ( the Museum of Modern Art (MOMA), the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Guggenheim, the Whitney and many others), Times Square, Broadway shows (see a Broadway show where the proceeds go to keep children safe) or purchase tickets at http://www.ticketmaster.com/ , walking tours, Little Italy, Chinatown, the shopping, nightlife, arts and entertainment, a Yankees or Mets game, street fairs and the myriad of restaurants await you.
Summer in New York City offers dining at some of the most incredible restaurants including outdoor sidewalk dining. NYC Restaurant Week Summer 2008 with dates to be released soon offers the best prices in town for dining at the best restaurants.
And from May 15, 2008- August 8, 2008 - Private Dining Discount at the '21' Club 21 West 52nd Street 212-582-1400 Receive a 15% reduction on food and beverage pricing when you book and hold an event in one of our ten private rooms now through August 8 2008. Please mention this offer from nycvisit.com at time of booking. Visit www.21club.com/nycevents for complete terms and conditions.
No matter what your reason for spending time in New York City this summer, New York has much to offer!
Enjoy your summer in New york City!!!
7 Ecohealth Home Principles
According to Michelle A. Roberts, founder and Creator of Ecohealth Homes Inspired By Caroline McKennasm there are 7 Ecohealth home principles to live by:
To read more about living green click here.
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