New York City doorman and apartment building workers strike alert!
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Sunday, March 28, 2010
Friday, March 12, 2010
The Real Estate Board of New York asks New Yorkers to help build a new subway station
In 2005, the New York City Council approved the rezoning of Hudson Yards, in hope of transforming Hudson Yards into a vibrant extension of Midtown’s business and residential districts. The project would bring new life into the neighborhood.
To better serve the neighborhood and to boost its rebirth, the city decided to extend subway line No. 7 which would bring a new subway station to 41st Street and 10th Avenue.
Yet, the Hudson Yards Development Corporation, the nonprofit that oversees the development of Hudson Yards’ plans now lacks the funds needed to build the subway line extension.
In order to get funding for the project, the Real Estate Board of New York (REBNY) has formed a coalition to restore the subway stop and is seeking federal funds so that the No. 7 extension line stops west of its current terminal in Time Square.
To read the rest of this story Click Here
Sunday, March 7, 2010
Bloomberg Signs Tenant Screening Agency Disclosure
Recently, New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg signed legislation requiring realtors and landlords to disclose contact information for tenant screening agency that will screen rental applicants.
Introductory Number 5-A sponsored by NYC Council members requires landlords, realtors, and others who rent residential properties to disclose the contact information of the tenant screening agency that they use to investigate potential tenants. Realtors and landlords often use tenant screening agencies to determine if a potential tenant has appeared frequently before housing court, but their determinations are not transparent; reports do not provide context on why the tenant appeared in court, and few tenants even know that such a report has been compiled.
"Introductory Number 5-A sheds light on this process. It requires that all rental applications contain contact information for the tenant screening agency that the landlord will use, as well as a disclosure of the rights afforded to potential tenants under State and Federal law. This information will also have to be posted in the offices of realtors and others who accept rental applications. This legislation will encourage tenants to exercise their rights to inspect their reports and ensure that the information contained therein is accurate
Introductory Number 5-A sponsored by NYC Council members requires landlords, realtors, and others who rent residential properties to disclose the contact information of the tenant screening agency that they use to investigate potential tenants. Realtors and landlords often use tenant screening agencies to determine if a potential tenant has appeared frequently before housing court, but their determinations are not transparent; reports do not provide context on why the tenant appeared in court, and few tenants even know that such a report has been compiled.
"Introductory Number 5-A sheds light on this process. It requires that all rental applications contain contact information for the tenant screening agency that the landlord will use, as well as a disclosure of the rights afforded to potential tenants under State and Federal law. This information will also have to be posted in the offices of realtors and others who accept rental applications. This legislation will encourage tenants to exercise their rights to inspect their reports and ensure that the information contained therein is accurate
Saturday, January 16, 2010
Talking To Kids How To Cope With The Earthquake in Haiti
It is heartbreaking to hear about the devastating earthquake in Haiti. At Love Our Children USA our hearts go out to everyone who has been so tragically impacted by this unspeakable disaster.
Natural disasters can be especially traumatic for children of all ages. Experiencing a devastating earthquake, a dangerous or violent flood or any violent act of mother nature is frightening even for adults -- and the devastation children and teens hear and read about can be long lasting and upsetting.
When an entire community is impacted, it undermines a child’s sense of security and normalcy. Many unique issues and coping challenges must be presented, including issues associated with specific types of natural disasters ... where will people relcoate to when their home and/or community have been destroyed, what happens to their family and friends, and a myriad opf questions. It is up to parents to lessen the trauma for kids in a way that they can handle their emotional reactions and coping techniques.
Children look to the adults in their lives for guidance on how to manage their reactions after the immediate threat is over.
Always reassure your children that they are safe. Teach kids that earthquakes are a part of nature and can be unpredictable.
Parents, teachers, and other caregivers can help children and youth cope in the aftermath of a natural disaster by remaining calm and reassuring children that they will be all right. Immediate response efforts should emphasize teaching effective coping strategies, fostering supportive relationships, and helping children understand the situation and their reactions.
Schools can help play an important role is in this process by providing a stable and familiar environment. Through the support of caring school personnel, kids can return to normal activities and routines (to the extent possible), and be presented with an opportunity to change a frightening event into a learning experience -- even a fundraising experience.
For older kids, this can be a good opportunity to help them turn a passive viewing experience into one where they funnel the emotions from some disturbing media images into positive action. This can be done by helping to raise money through local organizations.
Don't let kids under seven watch the news. Turn off the TV and radio news. Read the newspaper out of range so that kids can't be frightened by the pictures. Children this young don’t need to see or hear about something that will only scare them. Should you choose to discuss the tragedy with your kids, try to anticipate their questions and come up with honest but age- appropriate answers.
Read more at Love Our Children USA's web site and on my Examiner.com article at http://bit.ly/8h0wn9
Natural disasters can be especially traumatic for children of all ages. Experiencing a devastating earthquake, a dangerous or violent flood or any violent act of mother nature is frightening even for adults -- and the devastation children and teens hear and read about can be long lasting and upsetting.
When an entire community is impacted, it undermines a child’s sense of security and normalcy. Many unique issues and coping challenges must be presented, including issues associated with specific types of natural disasters ... where will people relcoate to when their home and/or community have been destroyed, what happens to their family and friends, and a myriad opf questions. It is up to parents to lessen the trauma for kids in a way that they can handle their emotional reactions and coping techniques.
Children look to the adults in their lives for guidance on how to manage their reactions after the immediate threat is over.
Always reassure your children that they are safe. Teach kids that earthquakes are a part of nature and can be unpredictable.
Parents, teachers, and other caregivers can help children and youth cope in the aftermath of a natural disaster by remaining calm and reassuring children that they will be all right. Immediate response efforts should emphasize teaching effective coping strategies, fostering supportive relationships, and helping children understand the situation and their reactions.
Schools can help play an important role is in this process by providing a stable and familiar environment. Through the support of caring school personnel, kids can return to normal activities and routines (to the extent possible), and be presented with an opportunity to change a frightening event into a learning experience -- even a fundraising experience.
For older kids, this can be a good opportunity to help them turn a passive viewing experience into one where they funnel the emotions from some disturbing media images into positive action. This can be done by helping to raise money through local organizations.
Don't let kids under seven watch the news. Turn off the TV and radio news. Read the newspaper out of range so that kids can't be frightened by the pictures. Children this young don’t need to see or hear about something that will only scare them. Should you choose to discuss the tragedy with your kids, try to anticipate their questions and come up with honest but age- appropriate answers.
Read more at Love Our Children USA's web site and on my Examiner.com article at http://bit.ly/8h0wn9
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Giving To Those In Need -- Especially This Year!
Holiday Giving (Reblog from my blog last year)
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. Many charities I know could use the help!
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 http://www.guidestar.org/
Tipping in Manhattan Apartment Buildings for the Holidays
The holiday season is here and it's time to start thinking about tipping for services in our apartment buildings.
For those living in Manhattan, holiday tipping is the norm and can seem endless.
While it's important to be generous, it's also important to be realistic about what you can afford. Especially in our current economic climate.
Tips in decent class buildings (not Park and Fifth Avenues) run between $20 and $300 and it's not uncommon for supers to accumulate well into the five figures.
Porters and doormen see anywhere between $2,000 and $10,000, depending on the size of the building.
Holiday tipping is a way to say ‘thank you' for services. And it's a big part of apartment service worker's compensation.
Some Manhattan apartment buildings pool tips so the workers receive one lump sum. Most leave it up to the individual resident.
I hope you will find the information below useful when tipping in your apartment building this holiday season!
Apartment Building Superintendent
$50-200. Tip less if you tip throughout the year.
Apartment Doorman/Concierge
$10-80 or more each, depending upon building. Those who serve you more should get a bigger tip.
Apartment Building Handyman And Porters
$15-40 each
Apartment Building Elevator Operators
$15-40
USPS Mail Carrier
Non-cash gifts with value up to $20. This is for mail carriers that you know and see regularly.*
UPS - Regular Driver
Has no formal policy. Drivers don't expect tips but can accept them.
Fedex
Not allowed to accept anything over the value of $75. No cash gifts accepted.
Newspaper Carrier
Daily - $25 - 50, weekend - $10
Regular Overnight Delivery Person
$10-30
Parking Attendants
$10-30 each
These are suggested tips for Manhattan. Tips will vary throughout the rest of the country. Most importantly -- give what you can. If you are giving less this year, include a postscript saying "Wish it could be more" and your gift will be very appreciated.
During this holiday season, remember to take time for yourself so that you're not frazzled when entertaining.
And keep in mind - if you're planning on putting your apartment on the market, the holidays are a great time to do this. People who look for a home during the Holidays are more serious buyers! Serious buyers have fewer houses to choose from during the Holidays and less competition means more money for you!
Wishing you all the blessings of the holiday season,
Ross Ellis
Licensed Real Estate Agent
Halstead Property, LLC
Ask me about Love Our Children USA and Brokers Build at Habitat For Humanity
For those living in Manhattan, holiday tipping is the norm and can seem endless.
While it's important to be generous, it's also important to be realistic about what you can afford. Especially in our current economic climate.
Tips in decent class buildings (not Park and Fifth Avenues) run between $20 and $300 and it's not uncommon for supers to accumulate well into the five figures.
Porters and doormen see anywhere between $2,000 and $10,000, depending on the size of the building.
Holiday tipping is a way to say ‘thank you' for services. And it's a big part of apartment service worker's compensation.
Some Manhattan apartment buildings pool tips so the workers receive one lump sum. Most leave it up to the individual resident.
I hope you will find the information below useful when tipping in your apartment building this holiday season!
Apartment Building Superintendent
$50-200. Tip less if you tip throughout the year.
Apartment Doorman/Concierge
$10-80 or more each, depending upon building. Those who serve you more should get a bigger tip.
Apartment Building Handyman And Porters
$15-40 each
Apartment Building Elevator Operators
$15-40
USPS Mail Carrier
Non-cash gifts with value up to $20. This is for mail carriers that you know and see regularly.*
UPS - Regular Driver
Has no formal policy. Drivers don't expect tips but can accept them.
Fedex
Not allowed to accept anything over the value of $75. No cash gifts accepted.
Newspaper Carrier
Daily - $25 - 50, weekend - $10
Regular Overnight Delivery Person
$10-30
Parking Attendants
$10-30 each
These are suggested tips for Manhattan. Tips will vary throughout the rest of the country. Most importantly -- give what you can. If you are giving less this year, include a postscript saying "Wish it could be more" and your gift will be very appreciated.
During this holiday season, remember to take time for yourself so that you're not frazzled when entertaining.
And keep in mind - if you're planning on putting your apartment on the market, the holidays are a great time to do this. People who look for a home during the Holidays are more serious buyers! Serious buyers have fewer houses to choose from during the Holidays and less competition means more money for you!
Wishing you all the blessings of the holiday season,
Ross Ellis
Licensed Real Estate Agent
Halstead Property, LLC
Ask me about Love Our Children USA and Brokers Build at Habitat For Humanity
Sunday, November 22, 2009
Working With A Buyer's Broker Has Its Advantages
Working with a Professional Buyer’s Broker: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.
The myraid of appointments ... making an offer, negotiations, working with your attorney and mortgage broker, board packages, the closing .. and many more details is why you should hire a professional Buyer's Broker who will do this and more!
A licensed and professional Buyer’s Broker 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 Buyer’s Broker 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 a Buyer’s Broker, not a property
Your Buyer’s Agent works for and with you.
Pick one agent to assist you.
Every broker 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.
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.
Sign an exclusive contract with your Buyer’s Broker as there is no cost to you and your Buyer’s Broker can show you all the listings in your city – regardless of what agency the property is listed with.
Share all requested information
Letting your Buyer’s Broker 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 broker 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 broker, 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 broker is there to help you and the more they know, the better off you are.
The myraid of appointments ... making an offer, negotiations, working with your attorney and mortgage broker, board packages, the closing .. and many more details is why you should hire a professional Buyer's Broker who will do this and more!
A licensed and professional Buyer’s Broker 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 Buyer’s Broker 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 a Buyer’s Broker, not a property
Your Buyer’s Agent works for and with you.
Pick one agent to assist you.
Every broker 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.
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.
Sign an exclusive contract with your Buyer’s Broker as there is no cost to you and your Buyer’s Broker can show you all the listings in your city – regardless of what agency the property is listed with.
Share all requested information
Letting your Buyer’s Broker 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 broker 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 broker, 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 broker is there to help you and the more they know, the better off you are.
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