Finding The Perfect Property Is Key To Achieving Your NYC Dream

New York City is one of the most desirable places to live in America. Known for doing things on a grand scale, it’s bustling lifestyle, and lucrative career choices, the city that never sleeps is the ultimate dream for millions of individuals. But with the cost of living in New York City coming in at 138.6% more than the national average, you have to be smart when it comes to selecting the perfect property.

Wait it out

Yahoo! reports that during the second quarter of 2019, properties in New York City spent an average of 131 days on the market before being sold. As a result of this long waiting period, sellers started dropping their asking prices at the highest level in almost a decade. This demonstrates how buyers are in the driving seat. So, when it comes to shopping around for a New York City home, look for ones that have been on the market for some time as you’ll likely get the best bargain. You should also avoid putting in a swift offer on a property until the price has been dropped at least once.

Consider a luxury property

You might think that purchasing a luxury property, such as a condo, is an unaffordable dream in New York City, especially as the New York Times reports that the average price of them is $1.5 million. However, as 25% of all condos built since 2013 remain unsold, there is plenty of room to negotiate on price. What's more, the benefits of condo living include no maintenance fees and shared repair costs so, in the long run, you'll benefit financially. Most people looking to become a homeowner will borrow the funds required to purchase a property. While the sum needed for a condo will be slightly higher, you can save cash by shopping around for the best home loan deal.

Get more for your money

New York City might be one of the most expensive U.S. cities to live in but there are still ways to ensure that you don't spend more than you need to. Properties in Windsor Terrace typically start at half the price of those in nearby Park Slope, according to the New York Post. Whereas, in Forest Hills, a condo can be picked up for $200,000 less than in Long Island City. This shows the importance of considering property in less-known areas of the city. 

Living in New York City needn't be just a dream when you follow these tips. By biding your time and shopping for the right type of property in the cheapest areas, you'll be living your NYC dream in no time at all. 

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Things you might not have known about watches

Whenever you get to a watch store, you might have this impulsive feeling of picking like each and every watch because they just seem irresistible. That is why, it is important to know some things about the watches so that, when you get to the store, you know specifically what you are looking for and why you have chosen it among the rest. 

• Complications: Get to know about the watch’s complications. Complication refers to any function which exists on a watch apart from the time telling. Watches which have various complications are normally the toughest to create due to the fact that, more elements are required to be added to the movement. The most widely used complications include:

  • Date: It is the simplest complication that you will find on any watch. Watches are in a capacity to display the day of the week, date, or even have a triple calendar which will include the month. People often browse Casio G Shock watches available here when they want an accessory that combines functionality with durability. Known for their rugged design and reliability, G Shock watches are ideal for those seeking both style and resilience in daily wear.

  • Chronograph: It is a complication function like a stopwatch where you will be able to measure time intervals without having to affect the main time of the watch. Depending on the type of watch, the chronograph will be able to time hours, minutes and seconds. There are different types of chronographs which include the flyback chronograph which fast resets the function of the timer when need be. There is also the rattrapante chronograph that has an extra hand which superimposes on the chronograph, enabling several events to be timed at the same time. 

  • Power reservoir indicator: It allows you to see how much of the energy is left in the mainspring of the watch before the need for a wound. Each watch has its own amount of reserved energy to deserve a wound. 

  • Moon phase: It is a complication which displays the current phase of the moon and is able to indicate if it is a full, new or quarter moon. There are some watches which beautifully displays the phase of the moon cycle with a nice illustration of the moon as it is able to complete a cycle via its aperture. 

  • World time: It is a complex feature which displays 24 time zones at the same time. Watches which have this particular complication have an inner bezel which is rotating with a display of 24 hours together with an outer bezel that has major cities with their own time zones. Each day, the inner bezel is able to make a complete full revolution. 

• Taking care of a luxury watch: If you decide to purchase a luxury watch, it is important to remember that, they will require proper maintenance and care so that they are able to last for a longer period of time. It doesn’t matter how careful you are with your watch, with time, its components will be able to wear out from the usual wear and tear. It is recommended that, after every 4 to 5 years, you service your watch. 

When the servicing is done professionally, it will be opened and an in-depth inspection will be done. While having this procedure, the gasket will be replaced by the professional, the oil will be changed, the necessary adjustments will be made, and repairs, as well as cleaning of the timepiece, will be done. 

In case the watch you have is quartz, you will need to replace the battery before it dies because a dead battery might leak and damage the watch’s movement. An interesting exception to this rule are some of G-Shock's premium watch models that come with a solar panel & battery built in, and are therefore self-charging.

Apart from having your watch regularly checked and serviced, there are other practices of maintenance which you will need to look out for in order for your watch to function normally and at its best.

• Make sure that you always review your user manual for instructions on how to care for your particular watch

• When wiping your watch’s bracelet and case, try and use a microfiber which is soft in order to prevent dirt from being able to build up.

• Understand the water-resistance of your watch due to the fact that models which are non-resistant have to be kept away from moisture all the time.

• You need to avoid magnets due to the fact that, they are likely going to affect the performance of your watch. You need to remember there are electronics with magnets such as microwaves, TVs and speakers. 

• In case the watch you have is quartz, you will need to replace the battery before it dies because a dead battery might leak and damage the watch’s movement

• When you are not putting on your watch, you will need to store it in a box safely

• You should never try to open the watch on your own. All watches have to be opened by a certified watchmaker. In case you do it yourself, apart from exposing it to harm, due to the fact that, even a small element can ruin a watch.  It could also mean that you are breaking the warranty on the watch.

• That is why, it is important to know some things about the watches so that, when you get to the store, you know specifically what you are looking for and why you have chosen it among the rest. And another quick suggestion - take a look at moonmagic for some unique pieces!

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Top sites to visit while in Australia

Are you planning to tour Australia? Then it is good to have first-hand information before you start planning your travel. Australia is known to be a land of dreams where there are so many tourist attractions that you can be able to visit. Though it is the world’s largest island and smallest continent, it is the same size as the United States of America but with a small population, which is the size of New York state. 

Read more about the wonders of Australia at https://www.touristsecrets.com/ and get to know some of the wonders that will be waiting for you when you visit Australia which include:

• Sydney opera house: Whenever you mention Sydney Australia, what comes top of mind to most people is the Opera House. It is in a huge shell shape or sails which are billowing and one of the most famous buildings which you will find on the Bennelong Point in Sydney. It is on the UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites’ list and it is one of the world’s greatest icons of architecture. Its location is stunning with water surrounding the structure on three of its sides and to the south, the Royal Botanic Gardens.

• The Great Park Barrier Reef Marine: It is also on the UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites’ list due to the fact that it is the world’s largest living structure. It was established in 1975 to be able to protect its ecosystem which is very fragile. This included 3000 coral reefs, 600 continental islands, ; and 300 coral cays. It happens to be one of the seven wonders of the world, stretching for 2300 kilometers along with Queensland state, on the east coast of Australia. 

It is about the same distance that is between Vancouver and Mexico. The marine life on this tourist attraction includes hard and soft corals, over 1600 species of tropical fish, dugongs, sharks, turtles, dolphins, giant clams and rays. If you like staying dry, you will have the alternative to see the reef from viewing stations for underwater and boats which have glass bottoms. One of the common attractions in the park are the towering sandtone rock formation referred to as Three Sisters. 

• Melbourne:  This is Australia’s second largest city which is popular with the culture vultures. Theatres,galleries, restaurants, and a feel of European culture are what you will experience when you tour this city. It is a city which is green with gardens, parks, and open spaces which tend to occupy a third of the total area. Highlights of Melbourne include the national gallery of Victoria, royal botanic gardens, the Melbourne cricket ground, and federation square. Shoppers normally flock to the Royal Arcade which is very elegant and it is located on Bourke Street.

• Uluru Kata Tjuta National Park:  In Australia’s Red Center, Uluru, which was formally referred to as Ayers Rock, is one of the natural wonders which is most photographed in the country. It has monolith which is striking red, which forms its centerpiece, Uluru Kata Tjuta National park, which is also a World heritage managed in conjunction with Traditional landowners and  Parks Australia. The word Uluru is a native word meaning, shadowy place. 

It rises to 348 meters high from the plains which surround, with most of it hidden in the surface of the earth. There are also some red rocks which are dome shaped which are called Kata Tjuta, the olgas. When the sun dips into the sky, as a tourist, you will watch the amazing colors of Kata Tjuta and Uluru which transform into light which is shifting. 

• Sydney harbor bridge: Together with the opera house, this bridge in Sydney is one of the famous attraction for tourists. Most of the time it is referred to as Coathanger, an impressive construction which is the largest steel arch bridge found in the world. It was completed 40 years before the Sydney opera house. It rises 134 meters from the harbor, spaning 500 meters connecting the central business district and Sydney’s North Shore. 

Apart from the pedestrian path, there are two railway lines which extend over the bridge and about 8 lanes of traffic roads with each lane’s direction having the potential of being switched to be able to accommodate the flow of traffic.  When in Sydney, you can go on top of the bridge, where you will be able to enjoy great spectacular views of the city and the harbor. 

• Blue Mountains National Park: It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site which lies about 81 kilometers west of Sydney and it is one of the popular trips from the city. Its name is due to the many eucalyptus trees which makes the park to be able to protect more than 664,000 acres of many wildernesses and has great waterfalls, gorges, aboriginal rock paintings, and hiking trails of over 140 kilometers. 

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NoMad's Madison House Launch Sales At $1.4 Million

Madison House, the residential tower in NoMad today launched sales for the public. With architecture by Handel Architects and interiors by Gachot Studios, Madison House is a striking addition to the Manhattan skyline rising to 805 feet.

Each of the 199 modern residences at Madison House features open and airy floor plans, corner windows, 11-foot ceilings, 9-foot doors, and luxurious unobstructed views of the city.

“As construction progresses and the façade is fully complete, we are excited to launch sales at Madison House and bring to market a truly special collection of residences,” said Jules Demchick, Chairman of JD Carlisle Development.

The project has already topped out with occupancy expected Fall 2020. Pricing for one-bedroom residences begin at $1.4 million up to over $25 million for one of the four-bedroom penthouses with a private terrace.

Karen Mansour, Executive Vice President at Douglas Elliman Development Marketing, continues, “Madison House is uniquely positioned in the marketplace to offer true lasting value and has been meticulously planned to bring an unparalleled level of luxury to NoMad at a compelling price point.” 

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Leasing Is Now Live At Waterline Square

Located in Manhattan's Upper West Side, the highly anticipated Waterline Square launched leasing today for its collection of spacious studio to four-bedroom rental homes. Designed by a team of world-class designers, Waterline Square provides the most comprehensive lifestyle experience available in the city, with extraordinary residences and an unprecedented amenities package.

With architecture by Richard Meier & Partners, Rafael Viñoly Architects and KPF, plus interiors by Champalimaud, Yabu Pushelberg and Groves & Co., the rental residences at Waterline Square boast condo-level features such as high ceilings and floor-to-ceiling windows that showcase the remarkable views, as well large kitchen islands, walk-in closets, wine refrigerators, fully-integrated appliance packages designed by Bosch, vented washer-dryers and five-fixture bathrooms.

All three towers offer a suite of curated amenities and resort-style services including porte cochere entrances, 24-hour attended lobbies, valet parking garages, refrigerated storage for grocery, wine, and flower delivery, dog washing facilities, bike storage, private storage and complimentary shuttle service to/from Columbus Circle. Each tower also has its own collection of amenity spaces that can be used by all rental residents and include private dining rooms, media rooms, game rooms, residents’ lounges with gas-burning fireplaces, libraries and furnished terraces.

In addition, the extraordinary Waterline Club — the 100,000SF shared amenities space that is designed by Rockwell Group, open to all residents and connects the three buildings — features thoughtfully-programmed sports and fitness, swim and spa, leisure and social, creative, children’s and pets spaces including an indoor tennis court — a first in a New York City residential building — a squash court, 30-foot rock climbing wall, indoor half-pipe skate park + much much more. The Waterline Square lifestyle is complete with a lush 2.6-acre park and a dynamic hospitality program with concepts by Cipriani and Empellón.

Rentals start at $4,130 per month and the leasing office is now open and accepting appointments. Waterline Square’s condominium residences are currently available for purchase, with closings commencing later this year.

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