244 Devoe Launches Sales in Brooklyn's Creative East Williamsburg

The InHouse Group is pleased to announce that sales have officially launched at 244 Devoe Street, East Williamsburg’s newest boutique ground-up condominium development. The recently completed, four-story building has been specifically designed to address buyers’ growing appetite for larger living areas and private outdoor space as they continue to spend more time in the home. Aptly reflecting this demand, 244 Devoe features just four residences, each of which features increased square footage and at least one private outdoor space.

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Catherine Juracich Team Joins Corcoran

Catherine Juracich

Last week The Corcoran Group, New York City’s #1 residential real estate brokerage firm, today announced that top New York City agent Catherine Juracich and her team will join the company. Announcement of the move was made by Pamela Liebman, Corcoran’s President, and CEO.

With year to date sales volume of $156M, and bringing over approximately $70M in open listings, The Catherine Juracich Team includes both Thomas Ventura and Alexis Godley. This top performing trio will be affiliated with Corcoran’s Chelsea office, led by Senior Managing Director Garret Lepaw. Previously, Juracich was a top producer at Douglas Elliman, where she was recognized as a Pinnacle Award winner at the 2022 Ellie Awards. As one of the only agents with a thriving business in both New York City and the Hamptons, she was responsible for closing one of the top ten deals in the Hamptons last year.

Coming to real estate from a corporate sponsorship role within Major League Baseball, Juracich is expert in marketing, sponsorship, and sales strategies. These vital skills not only laid the foundation for a successful transition to the industry, they continue to serve Juracich well when cultivating her deep network of discerning clientele. Her team’s commitment to providing world-class service through personalized attention is what sets them apart in the competitive markets across both New York City and the Hamptons, as proven by a track record of tremendous success.

“We are thrilled to welcome Catherine and her team to Corcoran,” said Liebman. “Catherine has an incredible track record and is a highly respected real estate expert, always one step ahead of the dynamic New York City and Hamptons markets. With Corcoran’s resources and guidance driving them forward, I’m confident that her team will be unstoppable.”

On her move, Juracich remarked, “Bringing my team to Corcoran was an easy decision – they are the top brokerage in Manhattan and are known for incredible agent support. Continuing to grow my business both in New York City and the Hamptons is a big priority for me, and I’m confident that they’re exactly what we need to elevate our business even further. I remain thankful for my time at Douglas Elliman as they were a major driver in my success, but I am excited to see how far our team can go with the Corcoran brand behind us.”

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5 Tips for Building a Home in Miami With a High ROI

Your home should be your haven, meaning that you must invest in it significantly. Building an appealing house that offers excellent returns on investment can be challenging. Yet, in-depth insights into how to achieve this will help substantially. One such solution could be to consider steel buildings. They are cheap, durable, energy-efficient, and generally better for the environment. They offer great resale value too. It is also best to consider the following elements.

1. Focus on The Flooring

The floor of your house determines how attractive your home can be. Investing in an excellent flooring option will help improve the home's appeal and property value. You'll need a flooring option that can withstand the subtropical climate in this region. Top considerations include laminate, vinyl, engineered hardwood, and ceramic or porcelain.

Engineered hardwood is likely to offer you enhanced value for your money. This option assures you of enhanced durability, appeal, and sturdiness. Perhaps, this is why research by Grand View indicates that engineered wood accounted for more than half of 2019's market share.

2. Which Roof Is Suitable?

Everyone looks forward to enhanced return on investment when choosing roofs. Various types of roofs are at your disposal, from asphalt shingles and green roofs to metal roofing. Yet, the best options to consider in Miami are metal roofing and asphalt shingles. You can attribute this to their ability to withstand the subtropical climate in the region.

Metal roofing is a trendy option you will want to consider. Its surging popularity is thanks to unmatched energy efficiency, fire resistance, weather resistance, and sustainability. Statistics by Verified Market show that the metal roofing market is projected to increase to $20.39 billion in 2026 from $4.21 billion in 2018.

On the other hand, asphalt shingles offer an excellent alternative to metal roofing. This option is suitable for anyone on a tight budget. In addition, it provides unmatched appeal, rust resistance, style and color variety, and a traditional look.

3. Choose the Right Location

Undoubtedly, location is king when choosing a property. Whether or not in Miami, you must focus on an appealing, secure, and serene neighborhood. An excellent location will likely yield a better return on your investment in the long run. Focus on a location that offers potential buyers the social amenities, security, safety, and serenity they desire.

To break it down, you will need to focus on the quality of the schools and hospitals around you. You will also pay attention to easy access to transport systems, recreation facilities, and entertainment joints. The idea is to ensure that the potential homebuyer has a pretty easy life in the long run.

4. What Features Does Your Home Have?

Various advanced features will make your home more secure and appealing. Investing in these technologies will help improve the resale value and return on your investment in the property. One of the best options you'll want to consider is intelligent home automation, which is essential in boosting energy efficiency, convenience, and flexibility.

You might also add a swimming pool to your home. This element will increase the value of your home by up to 7%. Various water features, including fountains and small ponds, will also come in handy. Perhaps, hardscaping will make the home more attractive and with a higher resale value in the long run.

5. Advertise and Insure

Suppose you have a rental property. In that case, extensive marketing and advertising should suffice. It will help attract multiple tenants, ensuring that your property has enough clients to offer you sufficient monthly returns. You can use different marketing approaches to achieve your goal. Yet, you must be factual.

At the same time, tenants will be more confident with a comprehensively insured property. They want to feel safe and comfortable. Studies show that about 22% of slip and fall accidents happen at home, mainly if you are away from work for about 31 days. If tenants and even family spend a lot of time at home, they want to feel protected. An insurance policy does this.

Your home should be the source of your peace. With the right investments, you can achieve this. The insights above show the best ways to get an unrivaled ROI from your property.

8 Hallmark Traits of High-Quality Miami AirBnB Rentals

Airbnb offers rental homes to those who travel in every part of the world, and clients usually flock to the platform and vacation rental sites due to the variety based on locations, budget options, styles, and more. Prepare your rentals for hosting guests by purchasing amenities and supplies and tailoring the property management processes to enhance the guest experience and become an efficient host.

1. Airbnb Host Checklist: Getting Started

People venturing into Airbnb hosting for the first time need to know the required supplies and what tasks are highlighted in the to-do list. Below is a step-by-step guide to avoid missing out on essential details.

2. Write A Compelling Description And Take High-Quality Photos

Millions of vacation rental listings pop out while booking Airbnb sites. Showcasing what makes your rentals stand out in your listings is necessary. Whether the rental is unique due to its style, location, a luxury amenity including a hot tub, or simply the value for money, ensure it is clear at a glance. Below is a list that makes a good listing:

  • A catchy title highlighting the rental's biggest strengths

  • A compelling description addressing specific guest personas you are targeting

  • High-quality photos depicting your rentals in the best light

  • Airbnb house rules summary

  • The complete list of all the amenities

3. Add Extra Amenities For A Nice Touch

Purchase the essential items first before thinking of adding extra items. Wow, the guests, by picking additional amenities to show you have gone above and beyond, consider not advertising some of the amenities on your listing page. An element of surprise is essential to enhance your guests' stay. It allows the owner to provide clients with a 5-star experience that helps earn the rentals good reviews. Below is a list of extra amenities to consider:

  • Bluetooth speakers

  • Board games, toys, or coloring books for kids

  • Smart home devices, including smart locks and smart thermostats

  • Slippers and bathrobes

  • Complimentary bottle of champagne or wine

  • Complimentary bowl of fruits

Consider using aluminum blinds for window treatments as they are low maintenance, last longer, and are available for windows of all sizes.

4. Airbnb Host Checklist: Becoming An Efficient Airbnb Host

Throwing a couple of extra amenities, providing essential supplies, and creating a compelling listing are some of the best practices to ensure the success of the rentals. Become a pro-Airbnb host by working on the processes to ensure everything runs smoothly. It is always a good idea to start streamlining the workflow and automating various aspects of your business. Below is a list of processes you may consider automating to establish a high-quality Airbnb rental:

5. Automate Your Guest Communication

One of the most time-consuming aspects of Airbnb rental management is guest communication. Use tools that enable you to send Airbnb automated messages with fast responses to ensure the guests feel cared for.

6. Automate Your Check-Ins

Automate your check-in with the help of an Airbnb keyless entry solution, including smart locks, rather than arranging a meeting and greeting with the guests.

Such tools enable the Airbnb rental owner to automate smart locks by generating unique access codes for each guest and sending them in an automated message. The owner gets notified when the guest unlocks the door with the code and allows for sending of automated welcome messages.

7. Streamline Your Cleaning

Manage your cleaners' schedules to ensure the rental is spotless each time new guests travel to check-in. Ensure you stay on top of check-outs and check-ins and apply host tools that allow you to send automated messages to your cleaners and guests. Airbnb rental owners have to ensure safety concerns due to coronavirus are handled well when a home improvement professional enters their home. According to recent data, 79% of home improvement professionals say they are more cautious when entering a home because of COVID. Set up events, including check-out or booking confirmation, to trigger the sending of messages.

8. Attributes Of High-Quality Miami Airbnb Rentals

Airbnb rentals must be of high standards as guests expect the best experience in customer service, amenities, and cleanliness. Below is a list of qualities to look for before seeking an Airbnb rental in Miami:

Exceptional Cleanliness

Hygiene expectations are high, and guests want the rentals to be immaculate. The clients also expect hosts to provide hand sanitizer and disposable face masks.

Basic And Extra Amenities

Think of towels and toiletries for the bathroom, coffee and tableware for the kitchen, and pillows and bed linens for the bedroom. Include extra amenities to add a nice touch, such as installing a smart lock and subscribing to Netflix.

Stellar Customer Service

Providing excellent customer service becomes necessary if the Miami Airbnb rental owner wants to have loyal guests and get good reviews. Consider automating guest communication to save time in the long run. Ensure air conditioners are functioning optimally, especially during summer or winter. Regular HVAC maintenance by a professional means that they will give you service up to 40 years longer.

The constant growth of the vacation rental market allows hosts to constantly look for ways to remain competitive and profitable. Airbnb rental companies may consider implementing their plans proactively and acting preventively to deliver the required outcomes.

Property Management Powerhouse - AKAM - Adds Seasoned Exec, Marc Kaplan, to team as SVP & Head of Management

Marc Kaplan

AKAM, a leading property management company serving New York and South Florida for nearly four decades, named Marc Kaplan as Senior Vice President, Head of Management. An accomplished executive within the industry, Kaplan brings over twenty years of operations and management experience to the firm.

“We are thrilled to welcome Marc to the AKAM team,” said Michael Rogoff, President of AKAM. “We are continuously pushing the envelope when it comes to property management. Marc’s unique perspective will further enhance our hospitality-driven approach.”

With attention to every detail, AKAM brings a rare combination of expertise and innovation to every property. Their entire portfolio consists of over 60,000 residential units spanning 300+ premier buildings in the crucial real estate markets including condominiums, co-ops, HOAs, rentals, condo-hotel hybrids, and new developments of all sizes. In his new role, Kaplan will oversee the strategic operations and management of AKAM’s growing portfolio. His responsibilities include developing and implementing various initiatives to refine operational efficiencies, ensure compliance, effectively manage financial services and more.

“I am honored to be joining this prestigious firm,” said Kaplan. “AKAM keeps raising the bar for service innovation, and is an industry-leader in the markets they serve. I am excited to be stepping into this role and collaborating with the incredible people on the team.”

Prior to joining AKAM, Kaplan held high-level positions at previous property management firms on a national scale, where he oversaw the management and multifamily divisions. He also directly managed national operations teams, new business development and marketing  efforts, and was instrumental in rapid expansion and portfolio growth.

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Lex 47th Closes $156M Construction Loan For Luxury Manhattan Condominium

Lex 47th Property Owner LLC has secured financing for its luxury condominium development at 131-141 East 47th Street in Manhattan.  Affiliates of Fortress Investment Group provided the $156 million loan, which closed on May 16, 2022, on the heels of the project’s recent topping off milestone.  The construction loan retired a $50 million acquisition loan from Emerald Creek Capital.  

“We are pleased to finalize this transaction with Fortress, marking another important milestone in the development of 131 East 47th Street,” said Mr. Patrick Zhu, General Manager with the developer.  “We are also excited with the recent progress of this project and thankful to all who have helped us progress along the way. We continue to lean forward and expect to come to market this coming Fall.”

“The development and financial environments have been challenging lately, but we believe in New York City and we believe in this project.  Both are well worthy of the effort”, said Scott Shea, Chief Legal Officer for the developer.

JLL Capital Markets’ New York office facilitated the loan, led by Senior Managing Director Max Herzog and Senior Managing Director Scott Aiese.

We are pleased to complete the financing for this luxury property as the momentum in the city’s residential market continues,” Herzog said. Aiese added “This is a stand-out development with superior amenities and finishes from a dynamic development team.”

The project is designed by Ismael Levya Architects and Neri & Hu.  Its elegant design tells a story about the neighborhood’s architectural legacy and significance as Manhattan’s center of culture and commerce.  The building’s distinctive crown honors the surrounding Beaux Arts and Art Deco landmarks while its clean vertical lines and floor-to-ceiling windows speak to the next era of luxury living in the heart of Manhattan.

The 191 homes range from studios to two-bedrooms.  In addition to top-tier private amenities, residents will enjoy cultivated, hospitality-inspired, concierge services designed by a white-glove service team behind some of the world’s finest hotels. The base of the building will incorporate placemaking retail designed as an extension of the resident amenities.  The developer has enlisted the assistance of the RAL Development Services LLC as an owner’s representative assisting in the management of all aspects of the project.

Title and escrow services were provided by Chicago Title Insurance Company. The developer was represented by Akerman LLP. Fortress was represented by King and Spalding LLP.

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Why People Are Ditching Their Homes for Full-Time AirBnB's

What comes to mind when you think of Airbnbs? For most people, they are convenient short-term rentals that have some advantages over hotels. From beach houses to RVs to ski vacation homes and anything else, Airbnb has all types of accommodation a traveler would need. But that aside, this type of accommodation also seems to offer a solution to people looking for long-term housing. Unlike in the past, where people would book Airbnbs for shorter stays, you can now enjoy longer-term stays. People are ditching the traditional homes where they have to pay rent in place of Airbnbs as they are cheaper. Besides the cost, several benefits come with this choice. Read on to find why people are choosing Airbnbs over the traditional lease.

Cost Saving

When you calculate the amount and factor in costs like furniture and utilities, you will notice that living in an Airbnb might actually save you money. Take an instance where you are moving to a 2-bedroom, 2-bath apartment. A modern building in an ideal neighborhood will cost you about $2,400 to 3,100 per month.

But while this is just the rent, you factor in expenses like broker fees, application fees, utilities, etc. As much as Airbnbs usually charge a service fee, this will already be factored into the total cost. So, even if an Airbnb charges you about $2,800 for a long-term stay, as long as that money has covered utilities as well, it is cheaper. In addition, an Airbnb has been fully furnished, and you do not need to commit to it for 12 months.

You also do not have to worry about home repairs or renovations, which are usually costly. For instance, roof replacements dominate the North American market. Currently, the roofing market is more than 90% in both value (91%) and volume (94%). And as existing buildings continue aging, the need to replace roofs also continues growing. Keep in mind that this is just one of the costs of having a home. You are likely to incur other costs, which ultimately make staying in an Airbnb cheaper.

Lead a Flexible Life

There is so much flexibility that comes with staying in an Airbnb. For starters, you are not tied down to property that will give you a hard time when you want to move. There are many reasons why people move. As a matter of fact, since the start of Covid-19 in 2020, more than 8.93 million people all over the US have moved homes. This could be attributed to many things, including a change in lifestyles such as remote work or schooling. Airbnb supports a lifestyle like that. You can work or study from anywhere without having to worry about transport.

With Airbnbs, you get to live freely. There is no signing of any lease, and you can move to whichever city you find appealing with ease. In addition, if you want to cancel your stay at an Airbnb, you can get a refund. For traditional homes, you will have to give a 30-day notice.

Constant Support

As a guest, you will get 24-hour support from either the host or Airbnb customer care support. If anything goes wrong during your stay, you will have someone to help. On top of that, if anything happens and you are unable to complete your stay, you can get a refund or be rebooked to another place. This convenience is another motivation for people to stay on Airbnbs.

Landlords Too Are Converting Their Units Into Airbnbs

It is not just tenants who are opting for Airbnbs. Landlords, too, have realized that converting their homes to Airbnbs can be a lucrative business. Seeing as most renters do not want to be tied down by leases, landlords would rather rent to Airbnb travelers rather than deal with empty units. That is not to say that the need for housing is not there. In fact, every year, about 300,000 to 400,000 uninhabitable houses get demolished, causing the demand for housing to rise. But still, most renters would rather not be tied down to leases, and so they choose Airbnbs over the traditional homes.

These are just some of the reasons why people are ditching their homes and opting for Airbnbs. While this may not be a lifestyle for everyone, it certainly offers some conveniences.

Our Favorite Listing For The Week: This Jaw-Dropping, $17.995M UES Penthouse May Be Manhattan’s Most Unbelievable Listing

Looking for a new place to live or just curious about what's on the market? Check out our favorite homes you should make an appointment for this week. 

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120 E 87th Street Apartment P22 | $17,995,00 | Agent: Victoria G. Hersh Coldwell Banker Warburg (co-exclusive with Cathy Taub of Sotheby's)


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From Door to Destination with Ease - Porte Cocheres at NYC Condos Make Travel Season a Breeze

With "getaway season" fast approaching, I want to propose a timely round-up of luxurious porte cocheres that help make travel more seamless for residents of NYC's top condos.

Now's the time when New Yorkers are finalizing their vacation plans and anticipating last-minute weekend trips. The process of leaving the city to venture out East or to other destinations within driving distance is made significantly less daunting when you have a dedicated place to load your car and get situated before hitting the road. Often as beautiful as they are functional, porte cocheres are the ultimate convenience for anyone on the go. Residents with access to this amenity can skip the stress and hassle that comes along with fetching the car from a nearby garage, attempting to double park on a busy city street and trying not to break a sweat while schlepping luggage to and from their apartment.

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Our Favorite Open Houses This Weekend

Looking for a new place to live or just curious about what's on the market? Check out our favorite homes you should make an appointment for this weekend. 

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Gramercy

WHERE: 39 GRAMERCY PARK NORTH 7A

COST: $785,000

WHEN: Open House by Appointment, 5/21/22 from 12-1:30pm

Description: Beautiful, spacious and move-in ready, plus access to a key to the only private park in Manhattan, Apartment 7A checks all the boxes! A gracious entry foyer, with two generous closets, opens to the   living room/dining area, perfect for dining, entertaining and just relaxing. The windowed galley kitchen, with North exposure, has beautiful new white cabinetry, granite counters, abundant storage and more than enough room for a table and chairs. Cook to your heart’s delight and entertain in style!

Spacious, quiet and private, with North and West exposures, the bedroom is an oasis of calm. A king size bed, night tables, dressers and more can easily fit; additionally, there is a walk- in closet! The pristine bathroom just outside the bedroom is perfectly situated to function as a guest bathroom as well. Hardwood floors throughout, through-wall air-conditioning, and a total of four closets (one walk-in)  make this apartment a great place to call home.

Bedroom : 1

Bathroom: 1

Upper East Side

WHERE: 1150 Fifth Avenue, Apt. 5A

COST: $4,095,000

WHEN: Sunday, May 22, 2022, 10:30 - 11:30 & Monday, May 23, 2022, 4:30 - 6:00

Description: No Board Approval. Elegant and Stylish three bedroom, three marble bathroom residence with four rooms directly facing Fifth Avenue with wonderful Central Park views and exceptional light! The grand and glorious central gallery leads to an inviting and oversized living room that features a fireplace and serene tree views over Fifth Avenue. The formal dining room can easily seat eight, and the adjacent large sitting area could easily be set up as a den or media room with sliding pocket doors.

The windowed chef's kitchen includes top-of-the-line stainless steel appliances with granite countertops, custom cabinetry, wine refrigerator and a tucked away washer/dryer. The primary bedroom enjoys an en suite windowed bath, a large deep closet and views over Central Park. The second bedroom is generous in size and enjoys Central Park views. The third bedroom is currently set up as an office and has Eastern exposure. This magnificent home is enormous, perfect for entertaining and displaying lots of artwork. All of this is awaiting you! Asking $4,095,000. Represented by Louise Phillips Forbes, Brown Harris Stevens.

Bedroom : 3

Bathroom: 3

Upper West Side

WHERE: 498 West End Avenue, Apartment #4B

COST: $1,295,000

WHEN: Sunday, May 22, 2022, 3:00 - 4:00

Description: This sexy, sophisticated, one-of-a-kind jewel box in the sky features two bedrooms, two marble bathrooms, and a 2,100 square feet wraparound terrace with 360-degree views and four exposures! Curating this secret garden terrace was a labor of love filled with mature trees, flower beds for annual planting of herbs and flowers, full irrigation and outdoor lighting systems, along with several seating areas of custom teak furniture! You can have coffee as the sun rises and a glass of wine at sun set. Represented by Louise Phillips Forbes, Brown Harris Stevens. Asking $4,250,000.

Bedroom : 3

Bathroom: 3

5 NYC Homes with Private Outdoor Space

New York City homes with private outdoor space continue to be in high demand amongst buyers. As the weather continues to warm up in the city, the below five NYC homes offer beautiful private outdoor space for buyers to soak up the sun and enjoy some fresh air.

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Our Favorite Listing For The Week: 2,200 Square-Foot Park Ave Palace is Available Now For $4.5M

Looking for a new place to live or just curious about what's on the market? Check out our favorite homes you should make an appointment for this week. 

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45 Park Avenue, Unit 1702 | $4,500,000 | Agent: Michael J. Franco of Compass


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