Our Favorite Listing: Ranan Lurie Manhattan Condo

Our favorite listing this week is the home of Ranan Lurie, which he used as his art studio and office at Time Warner Center. Located at 25 Columbus Circle, Unit 63E, in the Upper West Side offering 2 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms.

The property is being listed for $4,995,000 with Danielle Lurie, Allison Sprouse, Lindsay Proud, Molly Gyllenhaal, and Zsuzsanna Bircsak of Compass as the listing agents.

We have the intention to sell this at a realistic price, given the state of the high-end market today,” Ms. Lurie said. “We wanted to make it something that was approachable to buyers and wouldn't let this apartment sit on the market for longer than it was meant to.” - Danielle Lurie 

Lurie is in the Guinness World Record Book as the most syndicated political cartoonist and has a famed career, and famously created the "Uniting Painting" at the United Nations HQ, the largest ever contemporary painting ever exhibited at the UN. The listing also features a wall of cartoons and photos of many world leaders who have visited the apartment to have their portraits painted in it. 

At the time of purchase, there was a line around the block to get in to see this unit because it was a corner unit with amazing Hudson River views. We had actually gone into contract on another condo in the same building with lesser views - and we chose to give up our deposit and get out of that deal so we could buy this apartment with some of the best views in Manhattan." - Ranan Lurie

The views will not be the only thing to make you smile in this apartment. This home comes with great artistic inspiration as it is currently being used as the art studio of the political cartoonist, humorist, journalist, and artist, Ranan Lurie (pictured here throughout with his daughter). Mr. Lurie has been the world’s most widely syndicated political cartoonist, having his cartoons published in over 1000 international publications weekly for over 3 decades.

His latest fine art piece, the Uniting Painting, is the expandable painting that originated at the United Nations headquarters and has spanned the globe in a mission to unite the world in goodwill. An important portion of this painting can be seen on display in this apartment today (though, sorry to say, it is not included in the sale). Come enjoy a wall of cartoons as you tour this magnificent apartment, as well as see photos of some of the world leaders interviewed and painted by Mr. Lurie.

Enter this home through the spacious foyer into a sublime Great Room that can serve as a living, dining, and entertaining room, conveniently located off a high-end galley kitchen with top-of-the-line finishes. Both the master and secondary bedrooms come with en-suite bathrooms and are abundantly spacious and sunny with exquisite views. This home also presents a generous amount of closet space throughout and comes with the convenience of a washer/dryer hook up along with a separate powder room for guests.

Have a listing you think should be featured contact us or email at Jeremy@offthemrkt.com to tell us more! Follow Off The MRKT on Twitter and Instagram, and like us on Facebook.

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Host the Ultimate Dinner at these Luxe Developments

Sadia Rahman

With the holidays past us, you may have been disappointed in some of the holiday dinners you attended in cramped 1 bedrooms, or even a studio! But this year you can forget the crowded kitchen and the stressful planning because there are luxury residential developments that now offer residents access to exquisite private dining rooms and catering kitchens to make any holiday soiree a success.

Front & York

Designed inside and out by celebrated architect Morris Adjmi, Front & York offers the first chance to live inside a resort-style, full-service building in DUMBO. Offering one of NYC's largest and most comprehensive amenity collections, spanning 150,000 square feet, Front & York provides residents with access to one of the city's largest private parks, a rooftop pool deck and lounge area, a porte-cochere and much more. Best-in-class leisure and lifestyle spaces include private chef’s kitchens, private wine rooms and party rooms that make the perfect place for hosting a fabulous holiday dinner party. Front & York will also be home to a top-of-the-line LifeTime facility, the premier athletic and wellness destination if you need to work off your delicious dinner the next day.

Rose Hill

Destined to be the next crown jewel of New York, Rose Hill is a brand new full-service, 45-story luxury condominium tower currently under construction at 30 East 29th Street in Manhattan’s coveted NoMad neighborhood. Developed by the legendary Rockefeller Group, which was formed more than 90 years ago to develop and build Rockefeller Center, Rose Hill is the firm's first residential tower in its hometown and pays tribute to their greatest creation through its Art Deco-inspired design. Rose Hill's vast selection of amenities embrace the hotel-meets-home mindset with a communal atmosphere encouraging a social and active lifestyle, and offers the perfect space for holiday entertaining within the 37th floor's luxurious private residents’ club. Featuring a private dining room with an expansive dining table, lounge, and bar, residents can welcome their friends and family here and take in the panoramic views of New York's famous skyline.

Waterline Square

Waterline Square, the five-acre, three-tower development designed by Rafael Viñoly, KPF and Richard Meier & Partners offering condominium and rental residences on Manhattan's Upper West Side, offers residents an impressive array of amenity spaces to augment the 100,000-square-foot collection of shared amenity spaces designed by the Rockwell Group. Each tower is home to a luxurious private dining room and catering kitchen perfect for entertaining. Designed by Champalimaud (One Waterline Square), Yabu Pushelberg (Two Waterline Square), and Groves and Co. (Three Waterline Square), the exquisite spaces can seat up to 30 people so you can host a Thanksgiving feast that is truly "the more, the merrier." Residents can even arrange catering through the development's retail partnership with Cipriani, located within Two Waterline Square.

Have a listing you think should be featured contact us or email at Jeremy@offthemrkt.com to tell us more! Follow Off The MRKT on Twitter and Instagram, and like us on Facebook.

This Building Brings Celebrity Floral Design, Sommelier Services and Closet Customization to Residents' Front Doors

30 Warren is a new kind of boutique condominium that is truly taking Tribeca by storm and is making a name for themselves with their exclusive programs and benefits.  Tribeca Select, is a program that provides 30 Warren residents with exclusive in-home services and special offerings as well as priority status at a collection of the neighborhood’s most renowned retailers, restaurants and institutions.

Cape Advisors, the New York City-based developer of 30 Warren Tribeca has just announced a brand-new expansion of this program which is now featuring a celebrity floral designer, an artisanal millwork company, an acclaimed sommelier, internationally renowned yoga instructors, premier pet services and to top it all off some of the city’s top music and art professionals.

Floral design

Neighborhood favorite Emily Thompson Flowers serves 30 Warren as the Resident Floral Advisor, bringing striking designs to life using seasonal materials often culled from her network of local growers and foragers. Her bespoke arrangements and fresh botanicals are delivered right to residents’ front doors, and residents can tap Emily Thompson Flowers for in-home floral consultation and event design. Perks include discounted pricing and unique seasonal offerings, many of which are inspired by 30 Warren’s design and architecture.

Artisanal Millwork

30 Warren residents have the unique opportunity to customize their kitchens, closets, bathrooms, and shelving through Hudson LaGrange. Hudson LaGrange uses only the finest locally sourced materials, such as the highest-grade white oak and black walnut, and is recognized for its focus on hand-crafted details and the integration of unique and functional features.

Yoga and wellness

Yoga Shanti provides residents with a wide range of yoga and meditation classes at all levels for adults and children. Perks include discounted pricing, priority reservation status for classes at the studios Tribeca location, plus access to private lessons in one’s home orin 30 Warren’s yoga studio.

Related: Tribeca Select The Elite New Lifestyle Program

Creative classes for all ages

Church Street School for Music and Art offers an extensive curriculum for all ages. Its acclaimed faculty is available for customized art and musical instrument lessons and experiences in one’s home, at school or in the 30 Warren children’s movement studio.

Sommelier and wine services

Resident Sommelier and Founder of Terroir Tribeca Paul Grieco provides 30 Warren residents an array of services from hosting private wine tastings to offering advice on wine, food pairings, etc. Residents enjoy VIP reservations status at Terroir as well as in-home catering.

Related: Bubbys Reopens In Tribeca

Dog walking and pet services

PoochiNYC offers 30 Warren residents discounted pricing for pet concierge services, designed to meet the needs and goals of every pet. Services include daily private and semi-private walks, overnight stays, grooming appointments, veterinarian visits, and training sessions.

Have a listing you think should be featured contact us or email at Jeremy@offthemrkt.com to tell us more! Follow Off The MRKT on Twitter and Instagram, and like us on Facebook.

The Top Luxury Finishes to Expect in 2020

Apartment and home trends are ever-changing in the world of interior design. Both buyers and renters desire spaces that embody function and beauty, no matter how costly they may be. After all, higher prices typically mean better quality.

High-end finishes have captured the attention of many residents looking for beautiful spaces. Beauty, practicality and durability are hard to pass up, especially when choosing your floors, countertops and other essentials.

As the new year comes closer, you can expect to see a rising preference for high-end finishes through 2020 and beyond. You may even find inspiration for your next rental or future home by watching the market. Here are a few things to look for in the luxury rental market for 2020.

1. Glass and Steel

Glass and steel are abundant in high-end apartments and homes around the world. Something about these two materials boasts extravagance — and when put together, they're unstoppable.

Australian architects, for example, have taken cues from American "starchitects" to create homes consisting almost entirely of steel and glass. Imagine the light, airy characteristics of floor-to-ceiling glass windows combined with the solidity of steel exteriors.

This style remains a favorite for a reason — less is more.

2. Wood Flooring

There’s no question that wood flooring has always been a beloved style choice for trend-focused residents. Hardwood flooring is undeniably handsome and lasts decades with proper care. It’s a luxury finish that is becoming even hotter thanks to advancements in sustainable production.

Newer reclaimed and recycled woods have come a long way from the styles of the past. Manufacturers often use reclaimed timber to create finished flooring indiscernible from newly created wood. Bamboo puts an attention-grabbing spin on a familiar concept — it looks and functions like wood but grows much faster.

Flooring manufacturers are increasingly looking to source local or sustainably harvested materials. Now, contractors can create fabulous floors without contributing to air pollution or deforestation. In 2020, expect more sustainable high-end floors to make a splash.

3. Quartz Countertops

Quartz countertops and floors are becoming a popular alternative to granite because of their beauty and increased durability. They provide a versatile finish that never compromises on style, creating a high-end look with practical value for homeowners or real estate investors.

Like granite, this material comes in a range of trending colors to suit modern design needs. Its remarkable resistance to stains is another plus, eliminating the worry of constant upkeep or resealing. As more renters and homebuyers seek longevity from their living spaces, quartz will continue increasing in the ranks for 2020.

4. Gold Fixtures

Make your kitchen or bathroom stand out from the crowd with gold fixtures. These add a pop of color to minimalist designs and fit seamlessly into more colorful apartment themes. The vibrant hue adds warmth to any room, creating a pleasant change of pace from the colder quality of steel.

A few well-placed gold accents can turn an apartment or home into an indisputable hub of opulence and taste. Gold accents come in finishes such as satin and matte to fit any style. Many residents use them as additional decor pieces, but more ambitious investors can build an entire room theme around this luxury look.

Gold fixtures are an easy way to add style to a minimal space. Look out for more rentals on the market with faucets, light fixtures and showerheads consisting of this metal.

5. Concrete

Concrete is becoming prevalent both for its look and its eco-friendly properties. Many consider cast concrete to be sustainable because of its low-energy manufacturing, and it can transform to fit numerous residential styles.

The sturdy material is also excellent for blocking out noise, which is a must-have for renters living among many other tenants. While apartment complexes made entirely from concrete may look industrial on the outside, the interiors show an elegance unique to high-end apartments.

Not convinced of concrete’s style potential? In one example, Swiss architect Gus Wüstermann's concrete creation combines affordability with luxury to create a high-quality place for a lower price.

Quality and Modernity Remain Supreme for Luxury Renters

Whether you're looking for a new place or exploring the market, there's much to see in luxury rentals for 2020. Property managers and real estate experts will be on the leading edge of modern design.

In a sea of options, you can stand apart from the crowd by prioritizing authenticity and uniqueness in your search for luxury properties.

Holly Welles is a real estate blogger covering design, finance and market trends for apartment dwellers. You can find more of her work on her blog, The Estate Update.

Have a listing you think should be featured contact us or email at Jeremy@offthemrkt.com to tell us more! Follow Off The MRKT on Twitter and Instagram, and like us on Facebook.

Sukenik / Glazer Team Leaves Douglas Elliman For Compass

Compass, has announced that leading real estate agents Darren Sukenik and Benjamin Glazer joined the firm in late December. The Sukenik Glazer Team is one of NYC’s top residential teams with more than $5 billion in recent sales. 

Benjamin Glazer.

At their prior firm, Douglas Elliman, The Sukenik Glazer Team was named #1 in Tribeca/ West Village, a top 10 team in NYC from 2008-2018, and consistently ranked among the top-performing teams in the nation by The Wall Street Journal/ REAL Trends. 

“Darren and Ben lead one of the most successful teams not only in NYC, but in the nation, and we are excited to welcome them to the Compass family,” said Rory Golod, New York Regional President. “As team leaders and entrepreneurs, Darren and Ben’s customer-focused approach has driven their incredible track record, and we look forward to fully supporting their goals here at Compass.”

A tour-de-force in the resale sphere, The Sukenik Glazer Team also has seasoned expertise in new development having led sales at some of Manhattan’s most notable projects including 150 Charles, 10 Madison Square West, 111 Murray Street, 17 e 12th Street, 111 Leroy, and 565 Broome. The team also secured record-breaking transactions at Superior Ink (15 sales)  as well as One Morton Square (68 sales.)

Sukenik also owns his own interior design firm, TWENTIETHCENTURY, where he draws upon his fashion background to help clients achieve their ideal aesthetic, and points to the Compass Concierge home improvement program as a way to complement his full-service approach.

Darren Sukenik

“After nearly 20 great years at Douglas Elliman, I felt it was time to make a change and join a company with their pulse on the future of the real estate industry,” said Sukenik. “The Compass Concierge program is a service I know will exponentially benefit my clients and my overall business strategy through my interior design group. It creates so many opportunities I otherwise would not have.”

“The technology and the culture at Compass are also what drew us to the firm,” added Glazer, a luxury sales specialist since 2002. “Compass empowers us to run our team like a small business with incredible support from leadership and marketing on a local and national level.”

The Sukenik Glazer Team will be based out of Compass’ 110 Fifth Avenue office.

Have a listing you think should be featured contact us or email at Jeremy@offthemrkt.com to tell us more! Follow Off The MRKT on Twitter and Instagram, and like us on Facebook.

Our Favorite Listing: Chic Greenwich Village Duplex Loft

Our favorite listing this week is located at 74 Fifth Avenue, 10/11A, in Greenwich Village offering 5 bedrooms, 5 bathrooms. The duplex comes with an expansive great room perfect for living, dining and media, and a fully equipped chef's kitchen. The upper part of the duplex features a secondary, sprawling, more casual entertaining space with its own full breakfast kitchen.

The property is being listed for $9,000,000 with Kelly Killoren Bensimon, Lauren Muss and Michael Passaro, also of Douglas Elliman.

This spacious 5,000sq.ft. residence has been masterfully designed and newly renovated to perfection. Originally configured as two separate units, the home is now comprised of 5 bedrooms, 5 bathrooms, an expansive great room, dining room, media room and fully equipped chef's kitchen. The upper floor features a sprawling entertaining space with its own full breakfast kitchen. An astounding twenty oversized windows allow light to flow throughout.  

Each remarkable floor of this duplex enjoys a fully equipped, customized chef's quality kitchen. The lower-floor kitchen features custom cabinetry with gorgeous leather hardware, St Laurent stone countertops, and Dornbracht fixtures. The appliances include a Subzero refrigerator, a Wolf exterior vented gas stovetop, and oven, Miele dishwasher. The upper-floor kitchen features white cabinetry with elegant D line recessed hardware and ¼ inch stainless steel waterfall countertops. Top of the line appliances includes a Gaggenau induction stovetop, and recirculating oven stove, Miele dishwasher, Smeg exterior run vent, and a Sub-Zero refrigerator. 

The gracious master bedroom includes a walk-in closet and spa-like bathroom with double vanity, a Patricia Urquoia for Agape soaking tub and a walk-in shower. A sun-drenched office is located just off the master bedroom and is perfect for working from home or can be used as a luxurious dressing area.

The apartment features smart technology, including Sonos in-wall sound system, security cameras, video doorbells, NEST thermostats, and six Launchport wall charging units for IPads on both floors. This home also features two utility rooms equipped with full-sized, exterior venting Whirlpool washer and dryer. A full mudroom off the main entry is lined in 6-inch oak with custom coat hooks. Built as a passion project by a developer for his personal home, this residence would be impossible to recreate at this price.

Have a listing you think should be featured contact us or email at Jeremy@offthemrkt.com to tell us more! Follow Off The MRKT on Twitter and Instagram, and like us on Facebook.

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Ellen Pompeo Sells Hampton Home

On December 20th, Grey’s Anatomy star Ellen Pompeo sold her Sag Harbor Home for $2.995 million.

Hi res images credit: Chris Foster, courtesy Douglas Elliman

Grey's Anatomy star Ellen Pompeo designed this charming modern farmhouse as her Hamptons retreat on over 8 acres in Sag Harbor. The 2400 s.f. house, built in 2013, has 5 bedrooms (one doubles as media room/bar) and 4 baths divided over three floors. The lower level bedroom/media room has a full bath and two legal egresses and tons of closet storage space. The main floor suite has a full bath, private living room and master bedroom with private staircase that leads to an ensuite guest room.

The second floor master has a private living room, a full bath and an adjoining bedroom or a great office. There is a gorgeous kitchen, dining area by the front door, living room with soaring ceilings and glass walls, two fireplaces--one in the living room and one in the screened/glassed-in dining porch. The porch overlooks the lovely heated, Gunite pool and generous lawn surround. Private, quiet and notably stylish. Room for tennis. 

 5 Total Bedrooms 4 Full Baths 2400 Sq. Ft. 8.38 Acres Built in 2013 Barn Style Partial Basement Lower Level: Finished Hardwood Flooring Family Room Study y Great Room First Floor Master First Floor Bathroom 2 Fireplaces Forced Air Gas Fuel Central A/C Private Well Water Private Septic Pool: In Ground, Gunite, Heated Screened Porch Enclosed Porch Covered Porch Room For Tennis

Martha Gundersen of Douglas Elliman brought the buyer.

Have a listing you think should be featured contact us or email at Jeremy@offthemrkt.com to tell us more! Follow Off The MRKT on Twitter and Instagram, and like us on Facebook.

Manhattan Apartment Prices Rebound but Remain in Correction in Fourth Quarter, According to Halstead Market Report

After a rush of closings in June inflated second quarter numbers, leading to depressed third quarter figures, the Manhattan apartment market has returned to levels more reflective of current conditions in the fourth quarter, according to Halstead’s Fourth Quarter 2019 Market Report. 

The average apartment price of $1,857,026 rebounded by 10% after a weak third quarter, but still remained 10% lower than a year ago. Resale apartment closings were down 5% from the fourth quarter of 2018. The Halstead Market Report is based on 2,015 recorded fourth quarter sales, 3% fewer than the same period last year.

The average apartment price of $1,857,026 rebounded by 10% after a weak third quarter, but still remained 10% lower than a year ago. Resale apartment closings were down 5% from the fourth quarter of 2018. The Halstead Market Report is based on 2,015 recorded fourth quarter sales, 3% fewer than the same period last year.

“As we closed out the decade, we saw continued correction mode in the Manhattan market with sellers making necessary reductions to prices, putting them at appropriate levels in the fourth quarter,” said Diane M. Ramirez, Chairman & CEO of Halstead. “We expect to see an active start to 2020, as buyers now have a golden opportunity to make a move with the combination of low mortgage rates, competitive pricing and incredible choice in inventory.”

Other noteworthy findings from Halstead’s Fourth Quarter 2019 Market Report revealed:

• Resale apartment prices averaged $1,467,795, which is 6% lower than 2018’s fourth quarter;

• The average condo price, at $2,756,941, was 12% lower than the same period last year, with only studios seeing an increase in price this year;

• Co-op prices averaged 5% less than last year, as all size categories saw price declines;

• Despite some impressive closings, including a $92.7 million sale at 220 CPS, new development prices were down from a year ago;

• However, the new development median price rose slightly, indicating that while there were fewer high-end closings than a year ago, the middle of the market ticked upward;

• Looking at only co-op resales, the average price across all size categories fell to $1,242,683, a 2% decline from that same period last year;

• Prices for resale condos rebounded sharply after a weak third quarter, but their average price was still 8% lower than last year; studios were the only size category to see an increase in price during this time;  

• Resale apartments sold in the fourth quarter spent an average of 125 days on the market, 11% longer than a year ago;

• Sellers received 96.6% of their last asking price, which was unchanged from 2018’s fourth quarter;

• Both the average and median loft prices per square foot declined compared to the fourth quarter of 2018; and

• The highest percentage of resales in Manhattan was on the East Side at 24.4%, followed by Midtown (34th Street to 59th Street) at 19.0% and Downtown (South of 14th Street) at 18.7%.

Have a listing you think should be featured contact us or email at Jeremy@offthemrkt.com to tell us more! Follow Off The MRKT on Twitter and Instagram, and like us on Facebook.

New Listing Alert: The perfect pied-a-terre

251 East 51st Street, Unit 2M, listed on the market as a Compass "Coming Soon," is a recently renovated, perfect pied-a-terre (and ideal one bedroom for all the rest of us). What truly sets this pad apart from the rest is the dreamy outdoor terrace with endless possibilities and city views. Accessed by the living room and overlooked by the bedroom, this 24x12 outdoor space is an oasis in the center of the Midtown hustle and bustle. 

Photo Credit: Michael J. Franco//Compass Real Estate

Some of the other terrific features of his home are its living room that measures over 29-feet in length, allowing for plenty of room for both comfortable living and dining, and an impeccable L-shaped kitchen with a stunning, patterned concrete flooring, an abundance of custom solid wood cabinetry, Silestone counters, and high-end stainless steel appliances. The bath is fully renovated with contemporary mosaic tiling and the best finishes and fixtures. And, there is an enormous amount of closet space and gleaming, new solid wood floors throughout the apartment. 

251 East 51st Street is a full-service cooperative with very low maintenance, a 24-hour doorman, a resident manager, fitness room, fully landscaped roof deck, and a reasonably priced on-site garage This pet and pied-a-terre friendly building allows co-purchasing and gifting and is surrounded by the best shopping, restaurants, attractions, public transportation, and parks that Manhattan has to offer.

This home is currently listed at $895,000 by Compass’s broker, Michael J. Franco.

Have a listing you think should be featured contact us or email at Jeremy@offthemrkt.com to tell us more! Follow Off The MRKT on Twitter and Instagram, and like us on Facebook.

Rent AD-100 Designer David Kleinberg's Hamptons House for $125,000... in August

As we enter into the new year, it’s about time to start figuring out where you’ll be staying during the Summer. If you don’t own out East, it’s always nice stay with friends or to do a stay at Gurney’s. For those looking for a place to stay in August, look no further.

Located at 1 Hedge Road Lane in East Hampton, Prolific AD-100 designer David Kleinberg just listed his home for rent for the month of August... for $125k!

Kleinberg bought and renovated the property, and it received an write-up in Architectural Digest back in 2015., his work is frequently mentioned in the press and he is very highly regarded.

The expansive four-acre property adjacent to a nature preserve, is in close proximity to the village of East Hampton, and is secluded position down a dramatic driveway. Beautiful layout with an open living room and the gathering room adjoining the sunny kitchen with a mix of timeless and mid-century furnishings throughout. Master bedrooms on either side of the house ensure privacy while 2 other guest bedrooms have an additional bath.

Enjoy southern views beyond the heated pool and beautifully landscaped lawn with views of a gorgeous meadow as well as separate private guest cottage and detached 2-car garage, all compliments of Kleinberg himself.

The agent is Compass' Matthew Breitenbach.

Have a listing you think should be featured contact us or email at Jeremy@offthemrkt.com to tell us more! Follow Off The MRKT on Twitter and Instagram, and like us on Facebook.

How to Get Your Home Ready for the New Year

The new year is just around the corner! More than half of Americans -- 60% to be exact -- make New Year's resolutions. These resolutions run the gamut. Just about all of U.S. men and women will resolve to eat healthier, lose weight, save money, quit smoking, or exercise more. Try something new in 2020. Make resolutions to improve your home.

Having a clean and organized home reduces stress and boosts your energy levels. According to a study by Indiana University, people with cleaner homes are happier, healthier, and more active. Put another way, picking up and keeping things orderly can directly help you achieve your run-of-the-mill resolutions, like eating healthier and losing weight.

So go for it! Clean your home more. Improve your surroundings, and meet your other goals, too. Not sure what resolutions to make for your home in 2020? Try these sample home improvement resolutions!

Get Ready to Entertain!

Entertain more. It's simple. We're social creatures. We're wired to be around other people--and to care what they think. Use other people to motivate you to keep things tidy. A quick tip by home care experts is to purchase some big, leafy green plants and take care of them. This immediately adds a new level of sophistication to your home without too much effort on your part.

Entertaining promotes healthy and positive social pressure. Having people over--and doing it often--will encourage you to keep up with appearances when it comes to your home. Barbecues, sports, potlucks, and birthday parties are all great things to encourage friends and family to come over.

Why not start out the year right with a New Year's Eve party? Buy snacks, encourage guests to bring a dish to pass, and purchase eye-catching, cost-effective decorations like streamers, confetti, and gold and silver balloons. Decorate an entire wall by purchasing individual silver balloons spelling out the words "Happy New Year!" Add 2020 if you need the balloons to take up more room. Relatively low-cost foil balloons are meant to be a spectacle. In fact, they were invented to celebrate the New York City Ballet in the 1970s!

Don't forget clean-up! Remember, your new resolution means cleaning up the dishes and picking up after guests and social functions.

Lower Your Energy Bill

Who doesn't want to save money? Installing new windows reduces heating and cooling bills while affording you the added benefit of new, fresh looking windows. Plus, having a clean home is about more than keeping things superficially clean. The average heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system sucks in dust, dander, and chemicals and circulates them around your house five to seven times a day! New windows will make these systems run more efficiently, reducing the costs and air contamination associated with heating and air conditioning.

Add a layer of fresh paint to window trim for an extra sleek, extra clean look!

Resolve to Keep Everyone Safe

It takes more than just dusting to be a responsible--and therefore happier and more active!---homeowner. Do your part and keep you, your loved ones, and guests safe by keeping up with important maintenance. What does that look like?

To start, did you know that your roof needs to be inspected once or twice per year? Schedule a roof inspection, install surge protectors, and have your home tested for the presence of radon. According to HGTV, radon is a "colorless, odorless gas [that] causes about 21,000 lung cancer deaths each year from the radioactive particles it traps in your lungs as you breathe." Is it a common problem? Unfortunately, the answer is yes. "One in every fifteen homes has elevated levels," HGTV and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) add.

Remember, these costs are protective and well worth it in the long-run. It costs an average of almost $15,200 to sell the average American home. Investing a few hundred dollars in your safety and the safety of all your home's occupants and guests, by comparison, is just a drop in the bucket.

Schedule Cleaning, and Stick to It!

You've got a date to clean your home, and you can't cancel! Without some kind of structure in place, it's easy to let things go and for messes to build up without you realizing it. Make a point to keep cleaning a regular, daily activity. In fact, resolve to do it this New Year's Eve. Here are some things to consider when creating your very own cleaning schedule:

• Dishes are immediate. Always. There are some things that can wait until tomorrow. Dishes aren't one of them. Schedule doing the dishes as a daily activity. Put dishes in the dishwasher every single night, or do them by hand if you have to. Neglecting the dishes leads to weird smells and nasty critters, like roaches and fruit flies. Similarly, the trash needs to go out regularly. Throw out any trash with perishables in it on a nightly basis. Clean countertops and stovetops. Another task that can fall under the daily or nightly category is simply picking up after yourself. If you take a DVD out to watch it, put it back in its case and the case back in its spot after.

• What's semi-immediate? These are the tasks you should resolve to tackle every few days or on a weekly basis. That includes sweeping and mopping floors, wiping down all windows and mirrors, cleaning the refrigerator, washing and replacing bedsheets, and dusting.

• Sometimes cleaning tasks. Sometimes, cleaning may be necessary but it's not particularly urgent. Basically, you just need to make certain it gets done from time to time. These household chores include things like cleaning the oven, cleaning the dishwasher, vacuuming under furniture, and wiping baseboards, door frames, and doors clean.

Did you know your health and overall well-being depends on the cleanliness and safety of your home? This New Year's, resolve to get completely healthy--and that means taking care of the "health" of your home, too! Keep things clean, tidy, and safe by entertaining more often, scheduling cleaning and household chores, keeping up with required home maintenance, and choosing energy-efficient fixtures and practices.

Our Favorite Listing: Milbank House Available For $50 Million Through Paula Del Nunzio

Our favorite listing this week is located at 11 West 10th Street, in Greenwich Village offering 18 rooms, 7 bedrooms, 6 bathrooms. There is approximately 15,560 square feet of interior space and 5,690 square feet of outdoor space, which surrounds the L-shaped mansion for a feeling of gardens everywhere.

 Represented by Paula Del Nunzio, now on the market for $50 million.

In the 1880s, architect Ernest Flagg combined 11 and 13th West 10th Street into one grand mansion, creating its 54.5-foot width. Financial titan Jeremiah Milbank acquired the property, now known as Milbank House, in the early 1900s.

Milbank also owned 16 East 67th Street on the Upper East Side, which he combined with 14 East 67th Street to make 48 feet in width. That mansion was acquired in 2008 for $49 million. Eleven years later, it sold again for $77.1 million. Both sales were record townhouse prices in their year.

The present owners of 11 West 10th Street have brought the mansion to an extremely high level of renovation and beauty. Huge dramatic space is wrapped in warm lighting. Honey colors and earth tones predominate. The Venetian walls reflect the luminous feeling of sunlight, while the glass rear of the first two floors bring in complementary earth tones from the garden.

Giant interior space is bathed in natural light. The rear façade is a curtain wall of glass on the garden and parlor floors. On the garden level, there are five doors leading to the outside, and on the parlor level the curtain wall of glass bring the garden into every room.

Milbank House includes a wealth of rooms and possible layouts to accommodate bedrooms, activity rooms, grand-scale entertaining, and simple morning breakfast.

• Deep forecourt garden for privacy

• Enormous kitchen and informal dining area facing the garden

• Formal dining room seating 25+

• Original leaded glass window bay in living room

• 2000-bottle wine room on the garden floor

• Third floor gym with terrace

• Home cinema seating 15+, and kitchenette and powder room

• Office with full bath-

• Staff suite with full bath, kitchen, and private street entry

• Master suite with fireplace, sitting room, three walk-in closets, two baths, and a study

• Double-height library facing south with 21' ceilings

• Five (5) guest bedrooms with full baths

• High-speed elevator serves all floors, tandem entry on parlor serving butler's pantry

• Decked roof terrace with greenhouse.

Each room takes full advantage of the 54.5 feet in width, providing the owner and guests with some of the most exquisite living and entertaining spaces in New York.

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