The holiday season is fast approaching and it's time to start thinking about tipping for services in our apartment buildings.For those living in New York, holiday tipping can seem endless.While it's important to be generous, it's also important to be realistic about what you can afford.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 ... 12/02/2007

Funny, isn't it?  You're expecting or hoping for something and it doesn't come to you at all.  Fact is, things are not always going to turn out the way you might have hoped.  Sometimes, they turn out even BETTER.Last month I mentioned in a post that I had written a very short piece to be included in an article for Women's Day Magazine.  The reporter writing the article, Jane Mascarella had previously interviewed me and was doing a piece for Woman's Day called "Giving Thanks."  Myself and many others were asked to submit a very short note of Thanks to anyone we wished.  I chose to write mine to a wonderful person in Sedona, Deborah Rose, that I have not been able to find; she is the one that originally told me about Feng Shui and had encouraged me to look into it.Women's Day chose to pri... 11/30/2007

Happy Thanksgiving to my friends and colleagues in the rain and to all my consumer readers and clients.Manhattan this time of year is particularly beautiful and there are many fun things to do this time of year.Tis the Season!Below are some recent pictures around town. The first picture was just taken this evening (Thanksgiving Eve). It is the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade ballons lined up on the ground on West 81st Street and Central Park West. They are ready to take off in the morning down Central Park West around Columbus Circle down Broadway to Macy's on 34th Street.The Next picture is of ice skaters enjoying the day in Bryant Park This picture is Lord & Taylor specialty store - Remember to shop early. Friday is Black Friday. The last picture is also Bryant Park. Relax with a nice ... 11/22/2007

Like any lengthy, important process, purchasing a home for the first time is easiest if each step is treated with the utmost care and prudence.  Even for those with large sums of money invested in various markets, a purchase of a home is often the single most important financial decision that one makes.  With the right help, advice, and methodology, purchasing a home for the first time can be one of life's most rewarding experiences. It is important to learn all the details about the process of purchasing a home before one actually begins the search for a new home.  While consulting with an exclusive buyer's broker like Elika Associates will make the process incomparably easier, it is still best to educate oneself fully on how to purchase Manhattan apartments.  There are number of non p... 11/21/2007

Two recent national studies report more good news for Manhattan. A national salary survery from the bureau of labor statistics just released and a national property tax study from The Tax Foundation, a nonpartisan research report were reported by Rueters in The NY Post.  Manhattan Salaries Highest in the country: Equivalent to nearly $147,000 per year, average weekly pay for Manhattan residents of $2,821 is up 16.7 percent from the same period of 2006, maintaining its spot as the wealthiest county in the United States. Nationally, the average rise was 5.1 percent to $885 per week, or $46,000 per year, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported. After Manhattan, the country's top-ranked counties in the first quarter were Fairfield, Connecticut, a New York City suburb, at $1,979, follow... 11/21/2007

Building Name: 45 Park AvenueAddress: 45 Park AvenueApt: 201City: New YorkState: New YorkZip: 10017Neighborhood: Midtown EastBuilding Amenities: Prestigious LocationModern Luxury Condominium Concierge & 24-Hour DoormanGarageHealth ClubResident LoungeType: RentalFurnished /Unfurnished: FurnishedBedrooms: 2 BedroomsBaths: 1.5 BathsSquare Feet: 1Property Features: Park Avenue Views Brand NewNever Lived InNew Furniture Floor-to-Ceiling WindowsHigh CeilingsWest Exposure Viking Stainless Steel ApplianceMarble BathWasher & Dryer 11/20/2007

Despite all the gloomy headlines and serious fallout from the sub-prime mortgage business, according to Bloomberg News Wall Street bonuses this year are estimated to be $38 billion, even greater than last year. Many shareholders in stocks have lost money this year, but the increase bonus pool comes from investment banking fees from M&A and underwriting IPO's despite the losses from subprime mortgages. Goldman Sachs is reporting record profits, they hedged subprime losses with a short strategy. The bonus money is split among about 186,000 workers at Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley, Merrill Lynch, Lehman Brothers and Bear Stearns.The average $201,500 bonus on Wall Street is more than four times the $48,201 median household income in the U.S. last year, according to U.S. Census Bureau statis... 11/19/2007

If you are thing of selling your 2nd home or Vacant Land you have had in Florida and you no longer wish to carry the property and keep paying the taxes as we have not received any reprive, feel free to get in touch with "Team 3" Bob or Michele at 1-866-873-5289 Ext 125 or 140 or through one of our web sites such as www.Team3FloridaRealEstate.com or just type our names in the search bar of your computer to find us . We would be more than happy to talk with you about your thoughts on the property and send you some compatable properties to yours and  see where the market is. This is a free service with no commitments. As Michele and I work in many areas of Florida, and are associated with multiple MLS Associations, East Coast, West Coast and Central Florida.  11/19/2007

Condo - 2 Bed ImagesAddress: 319 East 105 StreetApt: 5ECity: New YorkState: New YorkZip: 10029Neighborhood: Upper East SideBuilding Amenities: Elevator Type: SaleFurnished /Unfurnished: UnfurnishedBedrooms: 2 BedroomsBaths: 1 BathSquare Feet: 850Property Features: Washer/DryerStainless Steel AppliancesWindowed KitchenRenovatedPrice: 530KNotes: Great investment, 2 bedroom condo located at the end of the Upper East Side beginning of Spanish Harlem. Great location near future 2nd Avenue station.Apartment features excellent light, new appliances, and windowed kitchen. Washer and dryer in unit. Hardwood floors throughout. Alcove living room gives a nice space for an office. Tenant in place paying 2K a month until January 2008.Common Charges: $384.00Tax: $210.00 11/19/2007

467 Central Park West XXX Mint 2br/2ba FURNISHED CONDO Imagesliving roomEat-in kitchenMaster bedroom2nd Bedroomopen city viewBuilding Name: The Warner CondominiumAddress: 467 central park westApt: 11FCity: New YorkState: New YorkZip: 10025Neighborhood: Upper West SideBuilding Amenities: Bicycle Room; Garden; Laundry Room; Common Storage Room Type: RentalFurnished /Unfurnished: FurnishedBedrooms: 2 BedroomsBaths: 2 BathsSquare Feet: 1,152Property Features: Gut renovated, XXX MINT CONDITION!!! Rarely available high floor, oversized, pre-war FURNISHED (with brand new high end furniture, or unfurnished) 2 BR/2BA Quiet Corner CONDO with east, west, south exposures, and spectacular open city views and Central Park side views. This AIRY apt includes large entry foyer, arched hallway, brand new... 11/19/2007

Tops Portfolio . Western NY (Buffalo),  NY   Tops Portfolio - 8 Properties Western NY (Buffalo), NY 14212 List Price $17,650,000 Price Per GLA CAP 9.50 % Building S.F. 388,350 Property Overview Cross Street Tax Parcel Number Market Sub Market Property Description Sperry Van Ness is pleased to offer a portfolio of eight Tops Markets properties: six supermarkets and one distribution/warehouse located in and around the Buffalo/Niagara metro area plus one property in Cortlandville, NY, which is 40 miles south of Syracuse and approximately 180 miles east of Buffalo. The properties are Absolute NNN leased to Tops Markets with initial terms ranging from two to nine years and a corporate guarantee. The entire portfolio will be delivered free and clear of existing debt. Area Description Seven of... 11/17/2007

While I never thought I could afford to stay at the Carlyle Hotel on Madison Avenue in Manhattan, I spent many evenings in the windowless Café Carlyle enjoying the music of famed cabaret singer-pianist, Bobby Short.  In fact I was there so often over the years, that we actually became first-name basis friends.When Bobby died of leukemia in March of 2005 at 71, it became apparent to me that those who entertained small houses of live audiences, night after night, were vanishing and there were few, if any, replacing them.  A tragedy in the making.Bobby Short was to the Café Carlyle what Sylvia Sims was to the Oak Room at the Algonquin Hotel.  And she's gone, too.And while Michael Feinstein has his spot at Lowe's Regency, he is rarely there tp perform, preferring instead to tour and play fo... 11/14/2007

Two bedroom condo right in the heart of Upper West Side NYC. Two blocks away from Central Park. Definitely a trophy property.Building Name: Columbus CommonAddress: 110 W 90th StCity: New YorkState: New YorkZip: 10024Neighborhood: Midtown EastBuilding Amenities: Bicycle Room; Garage across the street; Garden; 24 hr gym and weight room; Private Storage For Free; Type: SaleFurnished /Unfurnished: UnfurnishedBedrooms: 2 BedroomsBaths: 2 BathsSquare Feet: 1,000Property Features: Built 1990. Approx. sizes:Living room - 12-1' x 20-10'; Master bedroom - 10-7' x 21-0'; Second bedroom - 11-9' x 12-9'. Modern, Quiet, Raised 1st floor, Corner CONDO with Washer/Dryer in the Unit, Oversized Master Bedroom, Pass-thru Kitchen, and closets galore. The building includes Full Time Doorman, In-House Super,... 11/14/2007

One bedroom apartment right in the heart of Upper East Side NYC. The trendy posh Le Domaine Building. Definitely a trophy property.  Building Name: Le DomaineAddress: 403 East 62nd StreetApt: Apt 5-BCity: New YorkState: New YorkZip: 10022Neighborhood: Upper East SideBuilding Amenities: Modern Luxury Condominium Concierge & 24-Hour DoormanGarden & Roof DeckType: SaleBedrooms: 1 BedroomBaths: 1 BathSquare Feet: 700Property Features: Renovated Kitchen w/ New Stainless SteelKitchen Appliances New PaintMarble BathNorth ExposureBright & SunnyBalcony Price: $795KCommon Charges: $901.38Tax: $635.56Occupancy: Immediate 11/14/2007

Building Name: World Wide PlazaAddress: 393 West 49th StreetApt: 5-ECity: New YorkState: New YorkZip: 10019Neighborhood: Midtown WestBuilding Amenities: Modern Luxury Condominium Concierge & 24-Hour DrmnRoof, Garden, GarageBally's Health ClubType: SaleBedrooms: JR 1Baths: 1 BathSquare Feet: 500Property Features: South ExposureNew KitchenNew PaintPrice: $599kCommon Charges: $424Tax: $400Occupancy: Immediate One bedroom apartment right in the heart of Theatre District NYC. World renowed World Wide Plaza Building. Definitely a trophy property.   11/14/2007

Applying for a Co-op mortgage is Easy with NetFunding Corporation!     Whether you are looking to purchase a Co-op, or refinance your existing Co-op apartment, NetFunding Corporation can help you!    Here at NetFunding Corporation we understand that co-op mortgages are different than those of a house or condominium. Your not buying real estate property when you buy a co-op, you are getting a loan to buy the shares and a proprietary lease to live in the co-op.  The shares you hold in the co-op and the proprietary lease are collateral.  We have the knowledge and expertise needed to handle every co-op mortgage, and bring it to closing in a timely manner! check out more information or ask me a question  http://co-opfunding.com     11/13/2007

Building Name: ImagineAddress: 1600 BroadwayApt: 8-ACity: New YorkState: New YorkZip: 10019Neighborhood: Midtown WestBuilding Amenities: Brand New ModernLuxury CondominiumConcierge, 24-Hour DoormanState-of-the-Art Entertainment & Fitness CenterPutting Green & Virtual GolfRooftop ObservatoryFully-Equipped Conference RmGarageType: RentalFurnished /Unfurnished: FurnishedBedrooms: 1 BedroomBaths: 1 BathProperty Features: Floor-to-Ceiling WindowsNorth & East ExposureSpectacular Views of Times SquareStainless Steel Kitchen AppliancesHome OfficeWasher/Dryer ReadyHigh Ceiling Price: $5,500Occupancy: Immediately   11/09/2007

Hotel des Artistes - 1 West 67th Street  Upper West Side Originally built to house painters and sculptors, this beautiful 1918 building - with studios that feature double-height windows and wonderful light - quickly began to draw artistic residents from other fields. In 1922 Rudolph Valentino America's hottest movie star at the time rented a bachelor pad at Des Artistes, even though he was married to his second wife, Natasha Rambova at the time.  Actually he was still married to his first wife, Jean Acker because his divorce in California would not be final until the following year. Valentino was charged with bigamy in California. Fed up with Hollywood's provincialism, Valentino and Natasha escaped to New York. Not wanting any more trouble from the authorities Valentino moved into des A... 11/02/2007

While former NYC Mayor and new Red Sox fan Rudy Giuliani is getting Bronx cheers all the way to Brooklyn along with tabloid headlines: "TRAITOR" Daily News "RED COAT" NY Post ... Hillary Clinton celebrated her 60th Birthday to a packed house at the landmark Beacon Theatre on Manhattan's Upper West Side Thursday night. The celebration was hosted by Billy Crystal with entertainment by the Wallflowers and Elvis Costello.   The lead singer of the Wallflowers Jakob Dylan is Bob Dylan's youngest son.     Chelsea and Bill Clinton celebrated Hillary's 60th Birthday on stage. Elvis Costello and the Wallflowers sang Happy Birthday to Mrs. President. 10/29/2007

WEDNESDAY OCTOBER 01, 2008 AT 11:00AM-1:00PM RJP INSURANCE GROUP WILL BE HOSTING A 2 HOUR NOTARY PUBLIC CLASS.THIS CLASS WILL PREPARE YOU TO TAKE AND PASS THE NYS NOTARY EXAM,WHICH WE WILL SCHEDULE FOR YOU.The class will cover:-Legal terms/definitions/affidavits/depositions/penal law/real property law/wills......and so much more!!!LOCATION: TIMES SQUARE ART CENTER(300 W.43RD STREET BET.8TH AND 9TH AVE,5TH FLOOR)FEE: $25.00 (COVERS ALL MATERIAL)HOSTED BY: RJP INSURANCE GROUP - 212-591-1292(CLASS IS A WALK IN,PLEASE ARRIVE PROMPTLY) ***********1 DAY ONLY IN NYC************** 10/26/2007