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Manhattan, NY Real Estate News

By Laura Cerrano, Certified Feng Shui Expert, Speaker & Researcher
(Feng Shui Manhattan Long Island)
New York City downtown's newest architectural landmark designed by architect Santiago Calatrava. Some will refer to him as a 'visionary theorist, philosopher and a true artist in the craft of engineering and architectonic expressionism" - source architect.com What was Calatrava's inspiration? His family and him moved to New York City after the events of September 11. Due to that, much of his inspiration was rooted in the permeation though the street of New York during that tragic moment in history, 9-11. This generated the deepest desire in Calatrava to build something exceptional, something that had the calming sense of peace and hope for future generations who walk though the space. He also wanted to make sure navigation though the World Trade Center PATH station was easy and comforta...
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By Laura Cerrano, Certified Feng Shui Expert, Speaker & Researcher
(Feng Shui Manhattan Long Island)
It's been a while since allowing myself time to just explore New York city vs only arriving for Feng Shui consultations and being stuck in that go-go-go mentality. After meeting up with my client, I took the time to simply just walk around the downtown financial district and take in the views. Enjoy!
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By Mitchell J Hall, Lic Associate RE Broker - Manhattan & Brooklyn
The awesome Cathedral of Saint John the Divine and Morningside Heights has been designated a Historic District by The Landmarks Preservation Commission on Tuesday.  Feast of St FrancisCatherdal of St John the Divine is located at 1047 Amsterdam Avenue New York, NY 10025 in Manhattan's Morningside Heights neighborhood. The cathedral is claimed to be the largest cathedral and Anglican church and third largest Christian church in the world.The historic district consists of approximately 115 buildings in an area stretching from West 109th Street to West 119th Street, Riverside drive to Amsterdam Avenue.The Morningside Heights Historic District Committee has been fighting for the past 20 years to create this district. iPhone photos courtesy of:Mitchell Hall, Associate Broker, The Corcoran Gr...
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By Laura Cerrano, Certified Feng Shui Expert, Speaker & Researcher
(Feng Shui Manhattan Long Island)
 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was a vital figure of the modern era and a pivotal figure in the Civil Rights Movement. His lectures and dialogues stirred the concern and sparked the conscience of a generation. His charismatic leadership inspired men and women, young and old, in this nation and around the world.  In 1954, upon completion of graduate studies at Boston University, he accepted a call to serve at the Dexter Avenue Baptist Church in Montgomery, Alabama. While there, he was an instrumental leader in the Montgomery Bus Boycott, made famous by the nonviolent resistance and arrest of Rosa Parks.  Dr. King was arrested 30 times for his participation in civil rights activities. While Dr. King preached about justice, empowerment, love and peace, in the final months of his life, h...
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By Laura Cerrano, Certified Feng Shui Expert, Speaker & Researcher
(Feng Shui Manhattan Long Island)
Ironically, Feng Shui promotes death on a constant basis though the use of positive language. "Create new beginnings," let go of the past," "change your environment," "transform who you are," etc.  In order to welcome in new opportunities and energy, there must be an ending or in other words, a death. Discussing death from a Feng Shui perspective views certain stages throughout your life as having opportunities to change patterns of behaviors and thoughts that no longer serve your best and highest interest. How death is metaphorically and/or spiritually translated will vary from person to person. In the world of Feng Shui, with each "death" in your life, change will come to birth new beginnings. Keep this in mind, if you choose to hold onto the past (that moment of death (s) you experie...
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By Laura Cerrano, Certified Feng Shui Expert, Speaker & Researcher
(Feng Shui Manhattan Long Island)
Dreams are not easy. In fact they are very challenging and difficult and that could be why a large majority of our population ignore investing into their dreams (what ever that may be).I personally believe anything is possible. For dreamers to succeed, you need to be focused and have targets. You need to be self-disciplined, you need to experiment, commit to your dreams, be willing to fail and learn from those experiments. You need to raise your standards of self and set the bar so high it goes beyond your reach. Be mindful of who you surround yourself with, beware of the "dream killers." Take their doubts and transform that into your fuel of, "Yes I can." This may sound crazy, yet the formula has been proven time and time again. If you are not happy with your life, get to work and make...
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By Geraldine Harper, Residential and Commercial Sales, Leasing Expert
(Real Broker LLC)
Hello! If you are interested in increasing your knowledge base of the NYC Real Estate Market, please click on the link, as this is a really great read!  http://amzn.to/2ij86EG.   Read the Excerpt below: "Sylvia Shapiro, a lawyer and board president of a major Manhattan apartment building, has written what will become required reading for anyone buying or selling an apartment, or curious about entering the fray of the co-op and condo market. Shapiro answers all the questions apartment dwellers are afraid of asking the board, broker, lawyer, or accountant-and she does so without talking down or a steep hourly fee. Included are such topics as: Is the building right for you? How can you make the approval process go as smoothly as possible? What should you do if the board rejects you? And wh...
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By Joanna Cohlan, Designing, Decorating & Staging Westchester Homes
(Fresh Eyes For Your Home)
Today, there is no shortage of glitz and glam when incorporating recycled materials into a major renovation project. No avocado green or mustard yellow for this client - but renovating with a conscience was definitely a top priority! And today, incorporating recycled products can both lower the cost and lower the carbon footprint of an expensive renovation project.Located on the Upper East Side of Manhattan, my client was clear that it was time to renovate her apartment to raise the value, commensurate with the neighborhood.  The long awaited Second Avenue Subway was about to open and my client felt strongly that she would be living in this one bedroom apartment for a long time to come.The apartment was completely gutted and I found an amazing kitchen cabinet refinisher, who incorporate...
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By Olga Simoncelli, CONSULTANT, Real Estate Services & Risk Management
(Veritas Prime, LLC dba Veritas Prime Real Estate)
TO STAY WARM, DRESS LIKE A TEN-YEAR-OLD  Ten-year-old Little Olga, that is, when she lived in Western Siberia…A few days ago, I almost felt like cancelling a trip to my beloved New York City just because it was 18 degrees outside and windy. A friend and I were to take in some exhibits at the Museum of Modern Art, then meet up for lunch with yet another former colleague. When I take the train in to the City from Connecticut, I typically walk from Grand Central Station to most of my Manhattan destinations. Today, walking in sub freezing temperatures did not seem too appealing... hence the near cancellation. Then I thought, what is the big deal for a Siberian girl like me? I had to remind myself of the one time I recalled from my childhood when schools were closed up to fourth grade as tem...
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By Olga Simoncelli, CONSULTANT, Real Estate Services & Risk Management
(Veritas Prime, LLC dba Veritas Prime Real Estate)
Inside the Trump Tower  or "White House North" Photo Essay TwoA brief history of the Trump Tower building was covered in another post, Trump Tower or White House North, Photo Essay One. Below is small glimpse inside the the Tower along with some photo's of the public areas.  At the Trump Tower in New York City, there are 263 residential condominium units located on floors 30 to 68. Trump and family make their home in the Penthouse apartments. Many rich, famous and infamous tenants have occupied  and continue to own the other apartments.  The units offer floor to ceiling windows and state-of-the-art amenities. Given the Tower's location, there must be be some phenomenal and picturesque views of Manhattan and Central Park. The private entrance to the condominiums is on the 56th Street sid...
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By Olga Simoncelli, CONSULTANT, Real Estate Services & Risk Management
(Veritas Prime, LLC dba Veritas Prime Real Estate)
Trump Tower or “White House North”Photo Essay One Trump Tower is now where the  president-elect action is happening and to such an extent that it is sometimes referred to as "White House North" in anticipation of what it might become post inauguration. The lobby of the building as well as several lower stories are open to the public.     Generally such public access is granted by the builders in exchange for height, for example, and Mr. Trump did get several extra stories to add to his edifice in exchange for it.           Unfortunately, recent security efforts have made the building a bit of a fortress as well as the blocks surrounding it.   LOCATION: Trump Tower is at 725 Fifth Avenue, between 56th and 57th Streets, which is one of the most central locations in New York City’s Manhatt...
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By Mitchell J Hall, Lic Associate RE Broker - Manhattan & Brooklyn
Year in and year out, I am asked about New York City holiday tipping etiquette, especially for apartment building staff.  Here is my take on the situation: So many ask, “why tip at all for someone who is merely doing his job?” We feel that an additional reward for work well done is a welcome gift. It is good manners, and customary to show one’s appreciation by giving a little something extra during the holiday as a way to say “thank you”. Keep in mind the following factors in determining what to give: How pleased are you with the service The frequency of the service How long you’ve known the person Your budget The local custom The type of establishment (deluxe vs. moderate building)    The following are ranges of suggested gratuities: Apartment Building Superintendents: $75 - $175 There...
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By Laura Cerrano, Certified Feng Shui Expert, Speaker & Researcher
(Feng Shui Manhattan Long Island)
After leaving a Feng Shui client's New York City apartment near the financial district, this view caught my attention. I personally love the juxtaposition of past and current architectural structures. Also the light shimmering off the building added a nice dramatic effect.  Do you have photos from your New York travels to share? If so, please post in the comment box, I would love to see them :) 
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By Laura Cerrano, Certified Feng Shui Expert, Speaker & Researcher
(Feng Shui Manhattan Long Island)
The 90th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade begins at 9am on Thanksgiving Day, which is Thursday, November 24, 2016 I’m not sure how the rest of America celebrates Thanksgiving, but at least in New York it seems football and the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade are always on the agenda. The annual display of giant balloons, floats, cheerleaders, clowns, marching bands, theater and Broadway in New York performances and celebs is one of the best NYC events in November.  I've had the honor of watching the parade in person when I was younger and now enjoy it from the comfort of my home. If you prefer not to watch on the day of, you could check out the pre-Thanksgiving balloon inflation. That is on my bucket list of things to do in NYC.  To learn more about the parade route and viewing spots in Ne...
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By Dan Johns, Professional furniture Restoration services
Roman Shade CleaningRoutine cleaning of fabric Roman shades removes allergens such as dust and pet hair, improves the indoor air quality and maintains the durability and beauty of the shades. Routine cleaning consists of washing, spot-cleaning, dusting and vacuuming of the Roman shades made of washable fabric. However, brocade, embroidered, and other non-washable Roman shades should be entrusted to professionals for cleaning.Step # 1. Vacuum Roman Shades Every Week. Using a handheld vacuum or the fabric brush on your vacuum, go over Roman shades weekly. Pay special attention to dust collected in the folds. Vacuuming three times each week is recommended for those living in dry, dusty areas.Step # 2. Dust Roman Shades Weekly. Use a static-fabric or feather duster weekly on Roman shades th...
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By Laura Cerrano, Certified Feng Shui Expert, Speaker & Researcher
(Feng Shui Manhattan Long Island)
It's that season again! Time for shopping, ice skating, drinking hot coco, and enjoying all the sweet treats your taste buds can handle. So where can you go in New York City to experience all of this?....At the Winter Village in Bryant Park, of course! This is a magical place in that allows everyone an opportunity to get a taste of the holidays before they officially arrive. If you are in search of unique gifts and treats for yourself or to share, be sure to visit the Winter Village (you will not be disappointed). Even if you wish not to purchase anything, its a great location to people watch. 
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By Laura Cerrano, Certified Feng Shui Expert, Speaker & Researcher
(Feng Shui Manhattan Long Island)
This is a common question in Feng Shui and it's fair to say, how each Feng Shui Consultant responds may differ.  For now, the insights shared below offer a general overview. Remember, Feng Shui speaks in metaphors and symbols. Bathrooms in Feng Shui are said to associate with the drain or 'sha chi.' When the water is done being used, it drains away. Is this anything to fear? No. It's just something to be mindful of. In general, when the architect is designing the floor plan for a home, it's strongly suggested to avoid the placement of bathroom doors opening up into any bedroom because of drain energy. Its believed your sleep could be interrupted, thus impacting your health. Are there ways to negotiate this principles? Absolutely. The diagram above helps to illustrate You will see two re...
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By Laura Cerrano, Certified Feng Shui Expert, Speaker & Researcher
(Feng Shui Manhattan Long Island)
This Halloween I am in NYC working with clients and will be sure to have my camera on hand, ready to capture photos of goblins and ghouls! As I do, I'll update this post.For those local to New York City and looking for fun things to do, you have more then enough options to keep you entertained! Check out Time Out New York for Halloween events, parades, parties and more! If you have never seen or even better, have been in the Greenwhich Village Parade, I strongly recommend you consider. I had the honor of partaking in this parade once, and wow! Amazing!!Have a Happy and Safe Halloween!
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By Laura Cerrano, Certified Feng Shui Expert, Speaker & Researcher
(Feng Shui Manhattan Long Island)
Question: I have a one-bedroom apartment in Sherman Oaks, CA. I read in an a Feng Shui article that its not good to store items under the bed. Since space is limited, is there a Feng Shui cure that could still allow me to keep things under my bed and not negatively impact my energy?  You always have options when implementing Feng Shui into your home and lifestyle.  You just need to be creative in how you perceive and utilize your space. While at the same time, understand the reasoning behind the Feng Shui suggestion of 'avoid keeping objects under your bed.'To put things simple, energy rises, expands and contracts. This means, if you have a bunch of stored under the bed, it restricts energy movement (flow). Think physics.  From a Feng Shui perspective, this could obstruct your sleeping ...
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By Laura Cerrano, Certified Feng Shui Expert, Speaker & Researcher
(Feng Shui Manhattan Long Island)
I have been patiently researching, envisioning and interviewing designers to help design the new logo to for Feng Shui Manhattan. Today, the new logo has finally arrived!!   To further assist in expressing that my company has expanded beyond New York City boarders, a new banner has also been created.  I have offices in California and New York City. This Feng Shui Expert flies cost to cost, providing Feng Shui consultations, classes, workshop and seminars.  Another moment of evolution!! Logo and banner design by Richard Cabrera  http://romthirty.com/Richard was amazing to work with! Thank you again! 
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