Back in July I wrote a post "Say NO to DRUGS" Store Chains when I discovered that on the block between west 87th and west 88th Street on the west side of Broadway a new Walgreens Drug store is coming. I live between 86th and 87th on Broadway. I first discovered something going on when I went to have dinner at The Malaysia Grill a restaurant at my corner and found out they were closing going out of business. The next morning I went to the Korean Grocer that had been there for many years, the place was gutted and the family that owned the store was packing up. In that post I wrote about Drugstore chains taking over Manhattan retail space. I wrote that the only competition the drug store chains have bidding on prime retail space is Banks. New banks have been opening up all over town as wel... 08/20/2007

 According to the real estate article: Manhattan's Real Estate Slump That Wasn't featured on NYTimes.com, Manhattanites are waiting for the reversal in real estate that will never come.  Despite falling prices throughout the country, the Manhattan real estate has stayed strong.  In the second half of 2006, buyers swarmped the market.  By this June, it is evident that their is an enormous gap between the rest of the country and the Manhattan market. Read the entire article Manhattan's Real Estate Slump That Wasn't on NYTimes.com to fully understand the widening gap between Manhattan real estate and the rest of the countries housing market 08/19/2007

The country is in the middle of a residential real estate slump yet, Manhattan real estate sales and prices more than doubled in the 2nd quarter.With the arrival of thousands of new Manhattan condos, inventory has decreased to about a third of its volume.There's no question that credit is tighter now, yet there are still many buyers who qualify for financing. Several are buying with all cash deals. With the credit market turmoil, more and more people are moving into Manhattan, with fewer moving out. Added to the decrease in Manhattan residential inventory, the rental market tightened considerably.It's true that obtaining a mortgage is difficult for buyers with blemished credit or an ambiguous employment record, but there is no fear over rising mortgage rates. Manhattan real estate is st... 08/19/2007

The Apple Bank Building2112 Broadway The landmark Apple Bank Building built in 1928 on the Upper West Side at West 73rd Street and West 74th Street has been converted into 29 residential condominiums. Apaertments range from a Two Bedroom 2.5 baths from $4 million to a Three bedroom 3.5 baths for $6,665,000.  Watch the Video Tour Below from OpenHouse New York - Square Feet:     Upper West Side Apartment and Townhouse listings by email How much is your Manhattan apartment or townhouse worth in today's market? Courtesy of: Mitchell Hall, Associate Broker, The Corcoran Group My Listings Testimonials Latest Corcoran Report View My Blog 08/16/2007

1.  Co-op boards prevented anyone incapable of repaying a loan from buying, despite the fact  that greedy mortgage brokers may have approved. 2.  The dollar continues to be weak and shows no sign of letting up, continuing to make New York City the location of a global shopping-spree for foreigners. 3.   The stock market shrugged off a credit crunch reaction last week and is rallying again. 4.   The recent spike in jumbo mortgage rates is a result only of a temporary liquidity issue on Wall Street and not a reflection of real increased risk perception.  Defaults for jumbo loans continue to be less than 1%. 5.   Living in Jersey is still not an option for most.  08/13/2007

While reading some of my favorite Activerainer's posts (and some "Newbies" as time allows,) I came across a wonderful post that was a well deserved Feature by Laurie Mindnich called Introducing "RELIGION AND REAL ESTATE"... NO THANKS Laurie had many valid points on the post and the topic was discussed from many viewpoints, which I found very interesting.  I also came across a comment from someone who equated Feng SHUI with a RELIGION, which it is NOT. I thought that if someone has that misconception, then others might as well and thought I would like to clear it up.We ALL have our own beliefs which I don't believe are the same as a RELIGION.  How many people believe The Secret is a religion?  Well, that's what many of the beliefs and principles of Feng Shui are founded on.  As I mention... 08/04/2007

 At Love Our Children USA (a national nonprofit to keep children safe and strengthen families) keeping children safe at home is paramount ...and every parent should want to do the same.Kids are curious and with that curiosity can come many dangers ...especially in high rise apartment buildings. Over 2 million children are injured at home every year. Manhattan parents can make their home a sanctuary and ensure that their children are safe.According to the National Center for Health Statistics, 42 percent of pediatric deaths happen right in a child's own home.Every child should live in a loving, safe and nurturing environment. Manhattan parents can create that environment. Childproofing your home for your very young ones will take crawling on the floor and lying down from a child's eye vi... 07/29/2007

If you are not working with an experienced broker, make sure you know what questions to ask the list broker so you can compete effectively.When would the owner like to close?What amount of financing are the competing buyers working with?What are the financial qualifications of competitors?The above questions are just a few that can help you word your offer. You will definitely want to include an introductory letter about yourself and why you love the apartment as this will set you apart from the rest. Your offer should NEVER be contingent on financing either. Agree to close at the seller's convenience and if you can put down a higher down payment that could sway the odds in your favor. Also, submit a professionally prepared financial statement with your offer and include your attorney i... 07/23/2007

I love listing beautiful, expensive homes in the NYC area. Brownstones are kind of a symbol of greatness here, so listing one properly almost guarantees a sell. I ran across one that was expired a while back and have only seen a picture. I've been talking to the owner and getting a good rapport with her, she asked me to come by and help her sell her Brownstone. She told me she was very old and was going to get something to eat in the morning. I offered to pick her up some food and got her fresh beef, barely and mushroom soup with a banana and low fat milk from my local diner. I drove up to the address and was in shock. I have not seen one in this bad of a condition since the late 70's. I say to myself" fixer upper, it should go for about 775K".     This place was in shambles. It needed ... 07/19/2007

The Kalahari 40 West 116th StreetThe Kalahari will be covered in decorations inspired by South African Ndebele tribal designs. Adinkra symbols" and other African designs and markings will adorn the walls. The 12 story building will contain an independent film center, education center and a gym. The "green" building features: Eco-friendly systems, wind-energy, filtered air-delivery system, zip cars, etc. Nearly half of the 249 planned condos have been set aside for moderate-income buyers. The remaining market priced 129 unit condominium is more than 50% sold. Currently available are 2 and 3 bedroom units ranging from $700,000 to $1,585,000. The two tower building will be completed in early 2008. To receive listings of new developments in Harlem click here. 07/19/2007

A nationwide survey conducted by Bankrate.com showed that New Yorkers paid considerably more closing costs than in other states.   found that while closing costs are lower than last year, residents of some states continue to pay considerably more than others. The average closing costs varied widely from state to state, from a high of $3,830 in New York, to a low of $2,339 in Indiana.New York State Mortgage recording tax was to blame, Bankrate said when reporting the results.   Origination fees averaged $1,637 in New York, while title and closing costs were $2,193. Another factor was the use of attorneys to conduct closings.  Costs are typically higher in states which use attorneys to conduct closings, while states which use title agents or escrow officers have lower overall costs.  Atto... 07/18/2007

The rest of the country may be lukewarm, and some places even cold ... but New York City is at the top of its game in new multi-unit residential real estate sales developments.From 2004 - 2006, 29,245 permits were issued in New York City according to the U.S. Census Bureau.Many fear buying because of the "slowdown market" they hear about in the media. While there's a slowdown in the residential sales market across the country ...that's not true of New York City. Manhattan real estate is hot right now.Developers are building all over Manhattan.  Halstead Property, LLC the firm that I am proud to be associated with, has established itself as a major player in this highly competitive arena of Manhattan residential brokerage, currently managing 58 new developments. Fourteen of those are com... 07/15/2007

In many markets throughout the country $225,000 gets you a three bedroom house with perhaps a nice back yard. There have been many new developments in Manhattan the last several years. Many do not have garages which can be a deal breaker for some new condo buyers. Many buildings that do have garages usually have an outside vendor running the garage and anyone can rent a spot if they are available. A parking spot can cost any where from $350 to $600/month or more depending on the location. Some coops own garages and the spaces are for residents only. New York Towers where I currently have an exclusive listing charges $250/month for residents. 2 Fifth Avenue a prestigeous coop in Greenwich Village has parking spots available for shareholders at discount rates. Some of the new developments... 07/15/2007

Luxury condos going up throughout the city, the latest trend is subtelty. Large spaces with quiet, subtle luxury is being seen in the newer condo projects. Designers are creating kitchens that conceal major appliances. Flaunting appliances such as the Sub-Zero, the Viking, the Wolf are out. Today many buyers are looking for kitchens to be more sleek and concealed they don't want to see appliances anymore.   Many of the new condos are featuring kitchens that look like a built -in-piece of furniture; dishwashers are covered, refrigerators are covered. Instead of traditional ovens, many condos have flat, sleek oven tops. Sleek (and often smaller) appliances with brand names like Fisher & Paykel, Liebherr, Gaggenau, Miele and Bosch are starting to replace the commercial style appliances lik... 07/13/2007

You all know by now I love my "job" AND I love New York City.  Perfect combination for me!  Coming out of a consultation one day on the Upper East Side, I decided to walk back to Penn Station for my train home and thought of getting a "dirty dog" along the way  --  Hot Dogs from the carts in New York are called Dirty Dogs, I believe because the water they are in gets so dirty :)  But then you never know what you're going to run into.  I didn't get home until the evening because as I was walking, something caught my eye; and not being one to let anything get past me, I decided to go over and see what was going on.  Thank GOODNESS I had my camera because I can show it!  So what else does a Feng Shui Consultant do?  We run into the best things and have FUN.  I thought I'd share my afternoo... 07/11/2007

To sample restaurants in a neighborhood you might be thinking of moving to, take advantage of Restaurant Week In Manhattan 2007  ... The Best Restaurants ... The Best Prices!For ten days in January and ten days in June/July, more than 100 of New York City's top restaurants offers three course lunches for $24.07 and three course dinners for $35.00 (beverage, tax and gratuities are not included.) Dine at the best New York City restaurants with the best chefs! Whether it's at Mario Batali's Del Posto,  Morimoto New York, Patroon, 21 Club, Spice Market,  Daniel Boulud's Café Boulud, 21 Club, One If By Land Two If By Sea, Nobu, Asia de Cuba, Aureole, The River Café, Aqauvit, or Danny Meyer's Gramercy Tavern, Eleven or any of the other restaurants offered, you can't go wrong. You'll not only ... 07/08/2007

N.Y., N.Y. was my college town...and I went to a school that at the time had no dorms! (not uphill both ways but "A-Train" both ways) Our choices were live at the “Y” (the Village People eliminated that option, at least for me) or get out there with the rest of N.Y. and find an apartment. I chose the latter. At the time I was too young to realize how difficult this actually was. I ultimately found an Illegal, Rent Controlled sublet (huge score for a student). The place was in Washington Heights. That experience instilled me with a STRONG interest in NYC Real Estate. I still follow NYC real estate trends and news with regular reads of Curbed, Brownstoner, Matrix and Property Grunt but my favorite NYC Real Estate site is StreetEasy, great site. Street Easy is the first site I’ve seen to a... 07/05/2007

July 3, 2007Co-ops Slip, but Condos Lead Rise in Manhattan Apartment Prices By HYPERLINK"http://topics.nytimes.com/top/reference/timestopics/people/h/christine_haughney/index.html?inline=nyt-per"CHRISTINEHAUGHNEYWhile housing prices are falling in many parts of the country, the cost of aHYPERLINK"http://topics.nytimes.com/top/classifieds/realestate/locations/newyork/newyorkcity/manhattan/?inline=nyt-geo"Manhattanapartment is continuing to rise over all. But a stark divide is emerging between theprices of co-ops and condominiums. More buyers are choosing condominiums over co-opsand are paying far more for them, according to studies being released today.The average price of a condo in Manhattan rose by as much as 28 percent in thesecond quarter of this year compared with last year, accord... 07/03/2007

"Don't it always seem to go that you dont know what you've got til it's gone.... They paved Paradise and they put up a Duane Reade Walgreens  (Joni Mitchell -Big Yellow Taxi - 1970) The other night I called The Malaysia Grill a restaurant at my corner for dinner they told me they were closing. This morning I went to my local Korean produce grocery store right next to The Malaysia Grill where I have been going for at least the past 10 years and the place was gutted. The Korean family that owns the place were packing up. I asked what happened even though I knew. I knew it was a only a matter of time before the whole block would be rented to a big chain and all the little stores would be gone. The landlord had been advertising the corner, block and storefronts for a while. It's the trend. ... 07/03/2007

Navigating the Manhattan Rental MarketRenting an apartment in Manhattan is a unique process unlike anywhere else in the world.  It is important that one be familiar with Manhattan rental requirements prior to beginning one's search, as this will ensure a positive experience from beginning to end. This guide outlines the steps you should take and things you should know when searching for an apartment.1.      Rental RequirementsAs a general rule of thumb, landlords require that rental applicants have an annual salary equal to or higher than 40 times the monthly rent.  For example, if the monthly rent is $1000, than one's salary must be at least $40,000.  If you plan on sharing an apartment with roommates, then your combined income must be at least 40 times the rent.If you are a working pr... 07/02/2007