Buying Your Dream House Doesn't Have To Be Difficult

Taking that first step on the property ladder can be an exciting prospect but there are things to consider as a new buyer. It may not appeal to all to buy and if you prefer to rent then that is just fine but if you want to make the step to buy, then you will need to get more prepared with the financial implications and start seeking advice early to ensure that you have everything you need. It is important that you are not caught out with any issues or loopholes as you go along. You can be struck with hidden costs, problems with your finance and needing to improve your credit score before you can even think about getting loans.  Thankfully however there are plenty of options.

Do you need financial help? You may believe that you have enough money to buy a home. Perhaps you have some type of savings but if you do not have these options available then you may need to look at other ways to fund yourself. Looking for the right house or apartment will be a key point to look at and you must put feelers out first. Where do you want to move to? What kind of things does the property have to have? A driveway? Loft space? A large garden? A garage? These things must be in your mind before considering property as well as the area. Will it be in the city? Do you prefer the suburbs? All of the above is going to affect the cost of the house and the type of deposit you may need to put down. 

It is important to look at home buying advice either in person or online, to help yourself during these difficult and emotionally challenging times.  Here is a little checklist to look at if you’re a first time buyer and things that are going to help you when making these decisions to buy. 

Check-list for new buyers:

1. Decide your budget - what can you afford, what type of mortgage are you going to be entitled to. Are you going to be buying with a partner? How will this affect your finance? How much are you willing to put up front? These will be things to make note of beforehand. House prices can vary depending on the economic climate, the location and the size of the house.

2. Get finances ready - have all your documents ready for any investors and real estate agents to look at. You may want to look at getting any money readily available just in case you do decide to put your deposit down quickly. This also includes fees, deposits and any other costs; don’t be relying solely on any kind of loans. When you knew all of the cost of a buying a house in locations like Ireland, you'll be able to realize that you have to max out your financial resources.

3. Find the right property before you buy - don’t have buyers' regret, it’s vital to make sure you’re in the right area, and if you’re searching for certain facilities, then be sure that your real estate agent knows what they are. This will stop everyone from wasting time and keep you on track to getting the house that you truly want. 

4. Make an offer they can’t refuse - put the offer in as soon as you can. This is going to be beneficial as it will show you are very keen and try and make the offer as attractive as possible. If you have set your heart on the property you will need to be prepared to fight for it a little. Also it’s important to be prepared that your offer may not always win, so putting down a good offer quickly shows you really do want it. 

5. Hire a solicitor/financial help - you will always need some advice when buying a home, so getting solicitors involved will help so that they can financially advise if anything goes wrong. Having the right insurance in place will also be handy.

6. Hire a surveyor - just like buying a second hand car, you are going to need someone to look at your property and check there are no issues that will need fixing first. There may be some kind of damages to the property that you wouldn’t want to have to deal with or issues connected to the gas or electricity supply and these can be costly so you need to ensure that the house is ready to go. Any issues with plumbing, structure, and also ensure the house is truly worth what it is being sold for and so it’s good to be prepared. 

Your dream house is out there, make sure you go about it the right way! 

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.

3 Mouthwatering Italian Dishes to Try this Summer

Italian cuisine is delicious. There’s nothing more satisfying than eating a bowl of pasta after a long day of work. Also, everyone knows that New Yorkers love their pizza. People who are trying to stay home more should read about these Italian dishes to try this summer. All of these meals are amazing, and you’ll love bringing your family together for dinnertime.

Saffron Risotto Milanese

Everyone gets tired of eating the same thing over and over again. Home chefs should think about ditching traditional spaghetti and meatballs and make saffron risotto Milanese instead. This meal is incredibly delectable and easy to prepare. One of the best things about this dish is that it’s lightweight. That way, you won’t be incredibly bloated after dinner. Since it’s not too heavy and only takes thirty minutes to make, this is the perfect Italian dish to try this summer. You won’t have to spend the entire day in the kitchen. Instead, you can soak up the sun and prepare the recipe when you’re ready.

Caprese Salad

Not everyone likes to have carb-loaded meals in the summertime. The heat outside can make you uncomfortable as it is; eating tons of carbs can only make it worse. Try making Caprese salad if you’re looking for something light. The key to this dish is using high-quality ingredients, such as fresh mozzarella. Your salad will taste amazing if you buy superior products and use a unique dressing to bring out the flavors.

Of course, you can always read more about authentic Italian cuisine and find ways to make this dish to your personal taste. This flexibility is just another reason why Caprese salad should be on your list of Italian dishes to try this summer.

Homemade Pizza

New York is synonymous with great pizza. One fun family activity to try this summer is making your own pizza. It’d be best if you wore a mask to the grocery store while you picked up your supplies. Don’t be afraid to think outside the box, either. Everyone will have a blast cooking with unique ingredients. Once you have everything you need, set up a pizza cooking system in your kitchen. One person can lay on the sauce while another is in charge of the toppings. When the pizza is finished, you’ll have a blast enjoying it as a family.

This summer will look different from others in the past. New Yorkers will likely stay at home more to slow the spread of COVID-19. However, being a homebody isn’t necessarily a bad thing. For instance, you can spend more time in the kitchen trying unique Italian recipes. The dishes listed will satisfy every craving you have and make your time in the kitchen more enjoyable.

Guide to Buying a Fixer-Upper Home

Homeowners come in many different shapes and sizes, each with their own expectations for their dream house, apartment, or condo. While most homeowners just want somewhere new or in livable condition, others want to go the extra mile and renovate a broken-down property. These properties are called fixer-uppers, and anyone eager to work on one knows the cost and labor needed to get the jobs done well. Even still, this guide to buying a fixer-upper home will help any homebuyer know the fundamentals of cheaper houses.

Compare the Renovation Costs and Home Costs

Before you make any final purchases, you should compare the total renovation costs and the cost of the home. For some, a fixer-upper in which the renovation costs are too steep is not worth the investment. If that’s the case, you may want to bargain the total home cost down, given all the work needed to fix it. You should also have a contractor inspect the home, so they can estimate the work costs. Don’t forget to price out supplies, materials, and other expenses either.

Prioritize Projects

Once you’ve decided on a property, you can prioritize the projects. Naturally, remodeling a room should take precedent over a new paint job or minor repair. Even still, be sure you know how to engage each renovation project appropriately. Consider the steps you need to take before starting any kitchen or bathroom remodel, such as lighting, flooring, fixtures, and appliances. These are major investments and require the appropriate attention. Smaller projects, like painting or landscaping, may not require as much attention, depending on their intensity.

Conduct Frequent Inspections

Granted, when buying a fixer-upper, it’s imperative to check for any major structural issues. However, you should also check for mold, pests, septic issues, lead-based paint, asbestos, or other problems. Of course, with a fixer-upper, there will be things to fix. That still doesn’t mean you’re trapped into purchasing an unsanitary or hazardous building. If those issues don’t bother you, negotiate with the seller to lower the price or pay for all necessary repairs. If they do bother you, find somewhere else.

When in Doubt, Call a Professional

Most of this guide to buying a fixer-upper home is meant for you to take charge of the renovations. Even so, sometimes you’ll need a professional’s expertise. The HVAC system, water heater, gas, electricity, and plumbing may all be out of your knowledge and skillsets. That’s okay. You cannot be an expert in everything, and professional servicemen will convert any broken-down structure into your dream property.

Common Causes of Water Leaks and Pipe Damage

Owning a home is a source of pride, a way to generate wealth, and, sometimes, a big pain in the neck. There are times the maintenance seems never-ending. Get ahead of the chores by staying alert to these common causes of water leaks and pipe damage.

Broken Seals or Loose Connectors

Appliances that use water connections have hoses and seals. These can degrade or loosen over time. Unfortunately, these leaks often go undetected as water drips slowly onto the floor and soaks in. Keep an eye on the areas around your dishwasher, washing machine, and ice-making refrigerator.

Corrosion

Pipes don’t last forever and will corrode over time. This may be especially true in areas with hard water or in older homes where the pipes have been in use for decades. Even stray underground electric currents can cause pipes to corrode.

Damaged Joints and Excess Pressure

The joints in the pipes are where they connect and bend and these areas are more vulnerable to leaks. If you hear a ticking or banging sound when you turn on the water, especially the hot water, contact a plumber to evaluate. Higher than necessary water pressure strains pipes throughout but might show up in damaged or weakened joints and connectors first.

Clogs

Clogged pipes are a very common problem. If left unresolved, they can cause leaks and even line breaks. If you turn on the water or flush the toilet and gunk comes up out of a different drain, you may have a serious sewer line issue. In that instance, call a plumber.

Frozen Pipes

People who live in cold climates keep a close eye on predicted overnight temperatures in the winter. One trick is to keep the water on at a trickle to prevent pipes from freezing. However, a sudden change in temperature can catch anyone off guard with hoses still attached to faucets outdoors, as the pipes can freeze up and possibly burst.

Tree Roots and Other External Leaks

Roots can get into underground pipes and create havoc. Little pinholes grow into large leaks. If you notice a persistent wet spot in your yard, or a sudden and inexplicable drop in water pressure, you might have a leak in the line that delivers water to your home. A nasty odor or several backed-up drains might mean a sewer line break.

Toilets

If the throne “runs,” or keeps making noise when the tank is supposed to be refilling, or you hear a gurgling sound, the toilet may be slowing leaking and wasting water that is perpetually running out down the overflow tube. The seal at the base of the toilet also can deteriorate, causing leaks into the floor.

Home maintenance is part of the deal when you become a homeowner. Prevention is almost always less expensive than repair, so keep ahead of common causes of water leaks and pipe damage.

The New Sunscreen You'll Want To Wear All Summer

Catherine Doolan

Are you ready for a new sunscreen that has an SPF of 50 and will protect you all day long?  Shiseido has created a new sun protecting lotion that surfers love!

Shiseido’s new sunscreen Ultimate Sun Protector Lotion SPF 50+ Sunscreen is ocean-friendly and Hawaii-compliant, meaning there is no oxybenzone and octinoxate in the product. Shiseido focuses on ocean conservancy and the surfing community in their products.

Shiseido has partnered with the World Surf League (WSL) and is now the official sunscreen of WSL. The campaign for this new sunscreen features two surfers in the top 20 professional surfers, Lakey Peterson and Sage Erikson. The campaign consists of two films, one shot in Australia, and a 4-minute YouTube video that stars the two surfers telling their stories.

The innovative new sunscreen utilizes SynchroShield™ Technology which uses a mix of WetForce and HeatForce. WetForce being negative ions in the formula combine with positive ions in perspiration and water to create an additional layer of invisible sun protection. As you continue to sweat and get wet, the product becomes more effective. HeatForce, a heat-sensing essence in the formula becomes activated by external heat, forming a stronger barrier. Provides elevated sun protection when it in the presence of heat or warm temperatures.

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.

Tips on Marketing Your Rental Property

When you own a rental property, marketing will always be part of your repertoire of tasks. Tenants come and go, that’s why conducting effective advertising is a needed skill for any property owner. You must also be proactive and not depend on your long-term renters. Life is dynamic and you should be prepared in any given scenario.

When your property has been absent of tenants for a long period, marketing is even more crucial. Each day your unit is vacant equates to maintenance expenses. Do you want your finances to be eaten up with cleaning fees, inspection charges, and repair costs? I take it the answer is no.

Here are useful strategies to effectively market your property to keep your income flowing in your bank account:

1.    Focused target market

The first step to effective marketing is to know your target market. What type of demographic would be drawn to your property? Young families? Young professionals? Retirees? When you know the group to target, you’re able to save time and resources.

Study these demographics. What amenities will they be drawn to? Highlight those features. Check your neighborhood and the type of people residing in it. This creates more awareness for you when it comes to marketing. People are drawn to neighborhoods based on the demographic that stays there. This means there’s a ready community for them to engage with when they move.

2.    Offer incentives

To create interest, it’s a good idea to sweeten the deal. You can see this strategy used by credit card companies who offer free vouchers when you sign up for a card. This can also be used when looking for tenants. You can give away gift cards and waive the rent for the first month. If there are parking lot fees, you can offer it for free for a certain period.

People like being handed incentives and getting something for free. Offering extensions on security deposits can also work. Provide plenty of perks and you might just see the number of inquiries on your listing rising.

3.    Tap and build a network

When marketing, you rely on your network. It’s all about building relationships so make sure to be visible and continue networking. This method is effective to gain referrals and spread information through word-of-mouth. Here are tips for your Atlanta rental home.

Expand your network, socialize online and offline, and attend professional organizations. You’re bound to meet a wider pool of people who can help you out when tenant hunting.

Aside from digital advertising, don’t miss out on face-to-face interactions. You can put up physical signage, distribute flyers, and post them in places where people in the neighborhood usually gather. This can be schools, bus stops, community centers, churches, and cafes.

4.    Use professional photos of your property

Most people are visual. That’s why ads contain perfectly crafted and sometimes edited images when selling a product. For your property, make sure that your photo can grab the attention of potential renters.

Use the right equipment and post only beautiful and balanced photos of your rental unit. If you’re not confident of your photography skills, hire a professional. This is no time to scrimp on fees. A high-quality photo can encourage prospects to contact you right away.

5.    Savvy and effective advertising

People nowadays want convenience. As a result, businesses that offer a prompt response and immediate gratification to their customers succeed. It’s the same way in the rental property industry.

When marketing, harness the powers of online advertising. Most people have mobile phones and they check frequently throughout the day. It’s logical then to market digitally.

Join social media platforms and increase your presence. This is a great way for prospects to be exposed to your rental property business. Develop awareness with an effective web site design that promotes your property listings. You can also create video tours to take it another virtual step further.

Spareroom provides a fantastic way for you to advertise your rental property. Create detailed user profiles and listings designed to match you with those best for your property. Market the unique features, whether that’s a garden space or an ensuite bathroom, to stand out amidst the competition. Whether you’re choosing to rent out apartments and rooms in Atlanta, NYC, Denver, Austin, or anywhere else in the US, SpareRoom is here to help.

6.    Connect with the community

Build your presence and authentically connect with the community where your property is located. Join local festivals and sponsor community events. Be visible. Talk about your business and distribute flyers during events.

This way, when someone is looking to rent, they will be directed to your office. Locals will easily refer their friends and relatives when they recognize and become familiar with what you offer.

7.    Hold an open house.

When you host an open house, you never know who will attend. This is one of the best ways to stir interest. Incorporate creativity and throw in giveaways or raffle prizes to registrants. As mentioned before, people like receiving free tokens. This is also a way to show your gratitude to people who took the time to visit your open house.

When hosting an open house, carefully plan the event. It should be done on a day when most people have free time. Open times and closing times must also be long enough to welcome people who can only drop by early or late. The best thing about an open house is you can readily provide more information up close.

You can also distribute informative brochures if you have multiple properties to market. If you run out of printed marketing materials, make sure to obtain email addresses of registrants so you have a way of reaching out and proactively marketing to them.

8.    Create an informative and detailed property listing

All of the important property information must be contained in your listing when marketing online. It can be frustrating to find an interesting ad but suffer through missing details.

It will also help you from getting swamped with repetitive inquiries. Remember that there are heavy competition and prospects can move on quicker to find similar properties.

Your listing should include amenities, exact location, and lease amount. Be specific and avoid exaggeration.

The bottom line

Marketing a property requires effort but there are ways of doing it more effectively to reduce extra expenses. You just need to be more strategic, adaptable, and creative. Keep learning more marketing tips from experienced landlords and property managers.

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.

Private Luxury Island Vacation Resort Kahari Resort Reopens

Kahari Resort, the luxury eco-friendly resort on Great Exuma pristine barrier Island, Stocking Island, announces today that it has reopened and the entire property is being offered as a private, luxury vacation rental. Neal Sroka of Sroka Worldwide and Douglas Elliman are handling the exclusive marketing. For $500,000 for the summer, Kahari is the perfect and safe private getaway for personal or business groups of up to 25 people.

“We are re-opening Kahari to provide a safe and well-deserved escape for our guests and to give our employees a secure way to return to work,” said Gary Markman, Co-Owner of the resort. “All of us at Kahari are eager to get back to serving our guests and sharing our beautiful island paradise.” 

“Kahari Resort is a one-of-a-kind luxury oasis offering the privacy and safety most people are currently seeking,” said Neal Sroka. “Guests have access to their own personal paradise and can enjoy the unique wonders of the island while being assured that everything has been taken care of for them.” 

The 45-acre eco-friendly boutique resort features 12 comfortable bungalows overlooking crystal clear waters with breathtaking views. Each one has its own entrance and porch and individual self-contained A/C units for low density living. 

An award winning chef, Chef Johann “Fritz” Zwahlen is available to create a personal food program for guests’ stays, accommodating almost any dietary preference, including gluten- free and alternative. 

Amenities include paddle boards, kayaks, snorkel gear, full fitness center, pool, meeting space, hiking trails, access to their Twin-Vee boat and professional boat captain, Wi-Fi throughout the entire resort and onsite bone fishing. 

Kahari Resort is offering contactless pick-up for guests and their luggage from Exuma International Airport (GGT) and several airlines are offering service from the United States beginning July 1. Kahari has also arranged with BLADE, the bespoke charter service, to have private jet service on BLADEone, a larger jet reconfigured for just 16 people. This service is being offered at an additional cost to provide their clients with the ultimate carefree alternative.

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.

Take A Look At This Carnegie Hill Home For $2,400,000

Catherine Doolan

A new listing has just popped up on Park Avenue in the Carnegie Hill area in New York City. This 2 bedroom, 3 bath apartment has breathtaking views of the city and amazing architecture that allows for natural light. Located at Apartment 5D at 1070 Park Avenue, the apartment is listed at $2,400,000.

The apartment is in an ideal New York City location, which is near Central Park and attractions like The Metropolitan and  the Guggenheim museums. Care to shop? You will find exclusive retail on nearby Madison Avenue as well a few grocery stores to choose from. The apartment is close to subway and bus stations making for easy access to public transportation.

High ceilings at about 9’4” give this apartment character by making it feel spacious. The living room has a wood burning fireplace to make cold winter nights just a little bit warmer, and the views allow for year-round New York City ambiance. The apartment has two bedrooms. The main bedroom has an en-suite bathroom and a large walk-in closet. The second bedroom has views of the northern part of the city and is newly carpeted with Berber carpeting.

The apartment has a large dining room to enjoy meals in, but it can also be transformed into a room of the owners choice such as a library or office. The kitchen has white cabinetry, a washer/dryer, a wine refrigerator and multiple appliances to fit your needs.

The building itself is home to many amenities including a fitness center, private storage, laundry, and an outdoor basketball court. There is a full time doorman and concierge to help with anything that you need. The building is also pet-friendly.

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 Growing Interest From Homeowners Within NYC to Sell Properties Via Auction

Caroline Fiske

In the midst of the coronavirus pandemic, NYC residents are now looking at selling their properties via auction. Concierge Auctions, in particular, is a popular way for these NYC residents to sell their properties online. Before the coronavirus happened, the NYC auctions have been slow but now this business is better than ever. Due to quarantine and being stuck in a small space in an apartment, suburbs are now the place to be for quarantine.

1 Fifth Avenue, Residence 10D

Some of the condominiums that are currently being auctioned next month are at 330 East 38th Street (The Corinthian) Residence 52K and at 1 Fifth Avenue, Residence 10D. The 330 East 38th Street condominium was originally priced at $1.7 million and the 1 Fifth Avenue condominium was originally priced at $3.2 million.

Today’s marketplace is a whole different ball game. Properties are now taking a much longer time to sell especially if the space is a small New York City apartment. For example, I live in the suburban town of Fairfield, Connecticut. The vast majority of the houses in my hometown are two or three-floor houses with plenty of space to function in during quarantine. The home demographic of Fairfield is especially attracting New York City residents including my new across the street neighbors. A husband and wife and their young daughter who were originally from New York City just moved on my street because they wanted to get out of the city. They love the spacious backyard, the not so crowded street, the friendly neighbors, and the optimal living space that a suburb has to offer.

In 2019 before the pandemic hit, the top New York City property sales were more than 1,2000 days on the market according to the Global Auction Leader of Concierge Auctions.

That statistic was shown during Concierge Auctions’ 4th annual “Luxury Homes Index,” a national report that investigates the top 10 highest priced properties in the year 2019. At least 50 popular United States markets tracked the overall health of their luxury homes as well.      30 East 38th Street (The Corinthian) Residence 52K.

30 East 38th Street

The bidding for these beautiful properties such as the 330 East 38th Street condominium, the 1 Fifth Avenue condominium and many more will be from this June 26th to June 30th at Concierge Auctions’ online marketplace. You can visit their website and start bidding at www.concierge auctions.com.

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.

Ready-to-Drink Cocktails

Canned drinks have become a fun and refreshing trend in recent years, a switch up on the traditionally prepared cocktail- this change offers ready-to-go alternative for nights partying with friends or spring and summer days relaxing at home. While so many companies are beginning to create their own signature canned drinks, below are some must-tries, combining fruity flavors and spirits or sodas for both a low calorie and pleasurable option.

Founded by master distiller Yuseff Cherney, the award-winning craft spirit brand specializes in a variety of different spirits, cocktails, and mixers. From whiskey, gin, to vodka, Cutwater Spirits now has created Tequila Soda. This 18th edition to their canned cocktails draws inspiration from Southwestern drink known as Ranch Water. Created with Cutwater's signature tequila, house made soda water and a hint of lime, it contains only 130 calories with zero carbs and zero sugars. Releasing this March, just in time for Spring, find out where to purchase here.

In the mood for something with a refreshing citrus twist? Try another canned cocktail from Cutwater Spirits, the Cutwater Spirits Tiki Rum Mai Tai, created with their Cutwater Barrel Aged Rum and their Bali Hai Tiki Gold Rum distilled with pure cane sugar. This cocktail includes notes of pineapple and coconut to take you to that perfect vacation feeling, find where you can purchase here.

(image credit: https://www.drinkloverboy.com/hibiscus-pom)

Interested in something lighter? How about tea with an alcoholic twist? Loverboy is the first zero sugar sparkling hard tea company, specializing in non-artificial, gluten-free, organically steeped hard tea. Try the organic hibiscus tea paired with pomegranate and lime flavors and mixed with alcohol from fermentation. Sweetened with Monk fruit, find out where you can purchase here.

Alternatively, if you’re looking for a delicious rum cocktail – no bar tools or preparation required – pick up a pack of the new BACARDÍ Real Rum Cocktails. Convenient, full of flavor, and low ABV (5.9%), these ready to drink cans are made with a base of award-winning BACARDÍ white rum and available in three delicious flavors: BACARDÍ Lime & Soda, BACARDÍ Limon & Lemonade and BACARDÍ Rum Punch in a four pack for $12.99. No matter where your festivities take you, you can purchase the new cans for at-home via Drizly, Minibar and Instacart!

Party Can Triple Spice Margarita, the first-ever large format, ready-to-drink craft cocktail with twelve full-sized margaritas in one resealable can. As we reach our virtual happy hour-limit, people are looking for safe ways to enjoy the summer weather and socialize with friends and family outdoors Party Can, which makes the nation’s most popular cocktail easy to transport and safe to share. The resealable can helps to limit contact between bartender and sipper making it easy to have a spirited indulgence with friends sheltering-in-place together or hosting a socially distant picnic in the park.

Made with 100% blue weber agave tequila, premium orange liqueur, fresh lime juice, and a triple spice mix of real ginger, cinnamon and chili pepper, the Party Can removes the hassle of traveling to multiple stores to purchase all the ingredients for your margarita. Additionally, those who are worn out from at-home bartending over the last few months will love that the Party Can involves absolutely no prep time: simply chill, shake and serve.

Azulana Sparkling Tequila is a blend of 100% blue agave tequila with sparkling water mixed with various hints of fruit and notes of agave nectar strengthening the tequila flavor. Made with natural ingredients, go for something bold this spring and summer and try their Pineapple Rosemary which is "fruity, subtly herbal, with hint of flowers." You can find their other flavors like Lime and Blue Agave, here.

Created by Boulevard Brewing Company founded in 1989, Fling is their line of crafted canned cocktails. All though they specialize in beer, their desire for something fun and different lead to the creation of cocktails varying from gin and tonics to vodka sodas. Have a fling with their Blood Orange Vodka Soda craft cocktail made with 360 vodka, soda water and hints of blood orange. Find where you can purchase here.

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.

5 of Our Favorite Home Design Tips That Focus on Wellness

Wellness has become more of a “fad” as of late. People strive to share their green smoothies, post-workout selfies, and eco-conscious compost pile. And though a fad often implies a short time period, we’re not too upset that this lifestyle focus is gaining recognition. More and more people are recognizing the power of a sustainable lifestyle and trying to get that mindset into all different areas of their life. That includes the home. Ensure a home that’s with the times (and not just a fad) with these home design tips that focus on wellness.

Purchase an Actual Compost Bin

That compost pile we were just talking about? Utilize it and don’t let it become a passing craze for your household. Rather than having to walk out to the backyard, purchase an actual compost bin. These can fit into drawers with your trash bin or can even be small, unnoticeable receptacles. They are no longer that stinky area that ruins your kitchen. There are tons of options for compost bins and sprays to make sure your composting takes off.

Choose Non-Toxic Paints

The higher your air quality and the more toxin-free your home, the better. There are a lot of areas around the home that could benefit from a bit more thought before designing. The paint you put on the walls is one of those things. For example, it’s easy to just choose a traditional paint—but that knee-jerk reaction isn’t one focused on wellness. Rather, when you choose paints for people with chemical sensitivities, you’ll put yourself on the path of a clean and healthy home.

Install Hands-Free Faucets

We use hands-free faucets in public—why wouldn’t we want to do that at home. With the coronavirus pandemic keeping people more on their toes about hand-washing practices, a hands-free faucet may be just what you need. These faucets reduce germ spread, save water, and are easier to operate. It seems like a win-win!

Bring Nature In

A simple home design tip that focuses on wellness is to simply add more greenery. When you bring nature into your home, it’s not only good for the air quality, but it also helps soothe your mind. Bring in low-maintenance plants, bright flowers for sunny days, and start an herb garden in the kitchen. It’s an easy design choice that comes with big results!

Add in Specialty Rooms

Wellness comes in many forms—physical, spiritual, emotional, psychological, and so much more. Make sure your home is ready for all sorts of wellness by adding in some specialty rooms. If physical wellness is important to you, make the space for a home gym. If you value meditation, create a Zen room. If you can create an area where the key focus is wellness, your home will do wonders for your health.

The Coronavirus Broadway Intermission

Caroline Fiske

Caroline Fiske and Hailey Manlowe at “Six” on Broadway

In March 2020, Governor Andrew Cuomo made the decision to close Broadway until we flatten the coronavirus curve. As a result of this decision, certain Broadway shows have closed such as “Beetlejuice” and “Frozen.” Theaters are now reaching out to people who have purchased tickets after March 2020 for refunds and exchanges until Broadway reopens again. Since Broadway is not going to reopen until phase four, we will most likely not listen to “The Lullaby of Broadway” until 2021. New York is in phase one of reopening as of June 8, 2020, the state has a long way to go until the Broadway lights are on again.

One of the biggest reasons why Broadway is in phase four of reopening is because Broadway attracts everybody including a lot of older people. Unfortunately, older people have a much higher chance of catching the coronavirus due to their weak immune systems. Tourists are also a very popular group for Broadway goers since America has the highest number of coronavirus cases out of any other country, the majority of Broadway’s audience members will not be able to attend. Another reason is because of how claustrophobic these theaters can be. Most of these theaters have been around for hundreds of years and because of that the aisles, the bathrooms, the stage, the backstage area, and the seats are small. Broadway wants to keep its historical presence as much as possible so it will not be easy to social distance in these types of circumstances.

Just like 9/11 affected everything in our daily lives as we know it, so does the coronavirus. Broadway opening back up sooner rather than later will all depend on how well the various reopening phases go and if New Yorkers listen to the CDC health guidelines. Broadway will be changed drastically not just from shows being canceled but for long-running shows too. Shows like “The Phantom of the Opera” and “Wicked” have been on Broadway for as long as I can remember. Shows like that will be difficult to sell post-pandemic because many people have already seen them.

Caroline Fiske, Anneka Knoll, and Joe Rozylowicz at “Aladdin” on Broadway

Broadway actors and crew members are now also unemployed. Many of them solely rely on how much money they make on Broadway to pay for their rent. Unfortunately, Broadway actors and crew members as well as many other people who have lost their jobs due to the coronavirus, are going to be unemployed for quite a while. Donating to worthy causes like “Actors Fund” for example will help actors who are struggling financially during this trying time get back up on their feet again.

Overall, New York City highly thrives on Broadway. It is one of the many reasons why people even come to New York City in the first place. According to MarketWatch.com, “In its last season, Broadway contributed $14.7 billion worth of economic impact to the Big Apple.” People would often stay in a hotel and go to a restaurant as they are about to see a Broadway show, it is going to take a lot of time in order for these events to become “normal” again. The Coronavirus Broadway Intermission will not be in effect “For Good,” things will get better “One Day More.”                                                   

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.

Tips for Running a Business From Your Tiny NYC Apartment

Studies about entrepreneurship and startups agree on one big thing: just about everyone wants to be their own boss. There are 31 million entrepreneurs in the United States, according to Babson College, and that number grows every year!

Aspiring business owners cite their desire for a flexible work/life balance, greater financial independence, the freedom to follow their passion, and/or to make more money.

Whatever your reasons are, here are some concrete ways to make it happen and to get started right out of your tiny New York City apartment.

1. Determine The Legalities

With a full 67% of NYC residents renting their living spaces, it is important to know: Is it legal to start a business in my apartment? Are there any circumstances when it is not legal?

The good news is that in most circumstances, it is entirely legal to operate a business out of your NYC apartment. Professional offices, musical instruction, teaching (with limitations), and art studios are perfectly okay and completely within legal bounds. That opens up possibilities for quite a few careers.

Teaching more than four students or operating beauty salons and barber shops, real estate offices, veterinary medicine, stockbrokers, pharmacies, or kennels and stables is prohibited by law.

Further, zoning laws require an office or workspace to account for no more than 25% of your apartment. The maximum square footage allowed for your home office is 500 square feet -- a legal requirement that almost certainly will not be a problem for the average, tiny NYC apartment. Finally, you must use your home primarily as a home (not a business) and zoning ordinances prohibit "offensive noise, vibration, smoke, dust or other particulate matter, odorous matter, heat, humidity, glare, or other objectionable effects" during your day-to-day operations.

2. Designate An Office Or Workspace

Once you put in the research and ascertain that it is legal to start your particular business in your NYC apartment, it is time to designate a workspace! Simply put, you are not going to get much done working day after day on the couch.

A messy, nebulous workspace causes stress. "Clutter distracts us by drawing our attention away from what our focus should be on" and "constantly signals to our brains that our work is never done," according to Psychology Today. Designate a room to become your office, or -- failing that -- set up a corner of a room with your desk and all of your work things. Keep only work-related materials in that corner. Consider purchasing a room divider or another item to visually remind you that this corner is your workspace and only your workspace. In addition to clearing your mind to help you focus on work, a separate room or separate space will also help you transition from working to relaxing in and around your home.

Another thing to consider is noise -- as well as roommates or your spouse or partner. Currently, up to 5.5 million unmarried couples are living together in the U.S. If you count yourself among them, share your work schedule with your partner and come up with potential solutions about noise (a closed office door, earplugs, etc.).

3. Work Out Where To Meet With Other Employees

Generally speaking, it is impractical to meet with more than one employee in your tiny NYC apartment. Even then, the cramped conditions may distract from the project or projects at hand.

Determine a place to meet with one, two, or more employees. For small, short meetings, a coffee shop can work. If you are having a long meeting or a meeting with several employees, look into shared workspaces. Similarly, you may be able to rent a conference room for an important meeting, especially one that may require Zoom meetings or visual aids.

4. Don't Forget About Networking

It is important for new business owners -- and particularly those working out of tiny NYC apartments -- to take an active role in networking.

Build a network while working remotely by staying active on LinkedIn, attending virtual workshops and virtual events relevant to your line of work, and by seizing opportunities as they become available. For example, if someone asks you to interview you on their podcast or feature you in their blog or article, take them up on it. Whether they are looking for an authority figure about starting your own business or on a particular subject, agreeing to these opportunities means greater exposure for you and your business as well as a strong professional relationship with the party doing the interviewing.

5. Gather Materials And Discover Resources

Finally, gather what you need. This includes physical materials and objects and less tangible items. For example, if you are producing a particular product, gather all the materials you need to create those items. If you are doing office work, purchase a printer, pens, paper, and anything else you may need. Remember, your business will likely require less tangible resources, like increased internet speed and bandwidth. You may need to invest in web design, marketing, content creation, or service schedule software for virtual meetings and task management, like Monday.com or Zoom.

If you will be shipping products or documents and materials back and forth between clients and/or employees, consider shipping costs. Purchase packaging, shipping supplies, and determine the best way to determine and pay postage (whether online or in-person). In 2018, 13 billion packages were shipped in the U.S. alone. You do not want to skip this step!

Make sure to factor all of these materials into your budget. Markdown whether they are one-time or rare purchases (things like expensive electronics) or whether you will need to regularly re-order items to continue to do business.

The prospects for small businesses are not as grim as you might think. An impressive 50% make it five years or more, and your startup -- with its humble beginnings in your tiny NYC apartment -- can be the next to go the distance. Follow the guidelines above to get started.

The Real Estate Community Talks COVID-19

Jessica N. Todmann

Pamela Roman

The city as we knew it completely shut down on Sunday, March 22nd. In response to the rising concerns over COVID-19, Governor Cuomo announced to the public his "New York State on PAUSE" executive order. Statewide, all non-essential businesses closed their doors and gatherings of any size, regardless of the reason, were prohibited. The flags had been raised but there was still no clarity as to how severe the coronavirus outbreak was becoming or continuing to evolve. “I legitimately thought that this thing would blow over and it wouldn’t affect me whatsoever” said Jennifer*, a rental agent based in NYC. Unfortunately, this thing didn’t blow over and with it came a jarring sense of uncertainty. Especially for those working within the real estate industry. 

For Pamela Roman, the New Jersey based Managing Broker at a corporate relocation company, she had an early awareness of the pandemic’s growing magnitude. “Because we deal with global relocation, we were really interested in following the impact it would have because travel was obviously going to be an issue from other countries” she stated. The relocation industry held strong throughout 2019, and for 2020 roughly four out of ten organizations expected an increase in the volume of relocated employees, with the budget to support it. But similar to New York, stay at home orders were issued in the month of March for New Jersey and any new business from their international network became uncertain. “I think the first two weeks in March was when we were realizing that it was going to impact us severely.” 

Brown Harris Stevens’ top producing team of Nada Rizk and Joanne Greene states “COVID has changed the way that buyers shop for an apartment and offered a new perspective on due diligence. Once a welcomed offset to monthly common charges, buyers need to thoroughly examine the status of a building’s retail client and have a clear understanding of if and how a shortfall could be passed on to the shareholders. Renovation policies should also be reviewed, even the smallest project could be pushed out for months and be subject to new fees.”

Philip (Phil) Saint Denis Sanchez

Philip (Phil) Saint Denis Sanchez, a NYC based commercial and residential realtor, was able to “really pinpoint the moment” he realized COVID-19’s severity on both a professional and personal level. He had plans to head to Central America on March 13th, yet spent the week leading up to the trip contemplating whether or not to go. However, once he heard the WHO declared COVID-19 as a pandemic his plans changed. Right after hearing the news, he reached out to an ex who had been living in Tuscany. “This is no joke” he recalls her saying, imploring him to take the unfolding health crisis seriously. He ended up canceling his trip. When it came to real estate, for Phil it was “pretty immediately apparent that this was going to have major ramifications on New York City real estate and global real estate”. 

Deirdre Virvo

Indeed, major ramifications were also obvious for Deirdre Virvo of lower Fairfield county: “I guess this really hit home for me right around March 5th, when we found out the kids were going to be homeschooled.” As a real estate investor, landlord, short sale negotiator and house flipper, having multiple real estate businesses came with a varying set of challenges. “We were all at a standstill because we didn’t know if this was going to cause a crash or a crisis and if we were going to see prices go down or not” she mentioned. As a flipper, she didn’t want to buy a house that might end up going down in value while she was working on it. 

Once April came around, Jennifer* was now facing a series of hard truths, “this is not going to blow over, I’m not going to be making money for a while, my main source of income (which comes from the rental market) is going to diminish and I need a backup plan for the next six months to a year”. Aside from rentals, she also had three pending residential sales transactions. They all fell through in March due to fears surrounding the coronavirus. About a month into the stay at home orders being in effect for Connecticut, Deirdre resumed her search for properties to invest in. However, while the normal response rate to her marketing strategies were 1.5%, this time around it was zero. Phil could see that the world would never be as safe as it once was, “I’m not going to be able to run around in the city showing apartments.” The livelihood of these real estate professionals had entered a near state of suspension, with no clear sight into how things would recover. 

While a core of the business within Pamela’s brokerage firm was from abroad, she and her team had to switch gears and turn their efforts towards domestic clients. “I feel bad, a lot of our agents relied on that income, that’s been their niche and they needed to adjust their style of business” she stated, “they have to become more traditional real estate agents now.” Although she understood the fear of the pandemic from a personal perspective, she was intent on remaining positive for the greater good and giving her agents the tools they needed to succeed in a newer environment. Her brokerage recently joined Zillow Premier Agent, and the program allows the organization to advertise their services on Zillow’s website. As of June 15th, New Jersey entered phase 2 of reopenings which now allows for open houses with a maximum of 10 people at a time; face masks and keeping six feet apart are still required. “Never in the history of anything has there been one thing that's affected your health, financial security and being able to see your loved ones all at once” said Pamela. How strikingly true.

Phil already had his ear to the pavement and an inkling that New York City real estate was poised for a change. “Multifamily was already tough for investment because of the 2019 laws” he stated, “and I felt as though this was going to make it even moreso.” A recent survey from PropertyShark showed that 12% of respondents felt multifamilies would be the most affected sector of commercial real estate and despite the jump in first quarter earnings as compared to 2019, the impact of COVID-19 may show more apparent as we cycle through the months. He also sees transformation on the horizon for retail property, one which makes sense, as people continue working from home and social distancing. Phil thinks a vacancy tax may end up being passed, a move that he states is “long overdue”. “In the past landlords have just sat on retail spaces forever,” he states, “my hope is that we use this as an opportunity to restructure a little bit….there needs to be some kind of equalizing mechanism that allows people to negotiate rents that are sustainable.”

Another business venture Deidre had underway was the opening of a residential assisted living facility. “That has been a big wrench, a major expense…I had put so much money into this but have nobody living there.” Although furniture for the property has been on backorder for months, she still anticipates the location opening on July 1st. With her rental tenants, Deidre had been very proactive in working with those that couldn’t pay due to COVID-19 related obstacles. She even went so far as to offer one tenant a job on her construction team and accepted deferred rental payments from another who was unable to reenter the US due to travel restrictions. When New York shut down, a flood of construction workers seeped into Connecticut looking for employment, where construction related work was still deemed essential. Although she was able to continue working on projects, it came at an unknown price that left her with guilt. “I hired a crew to come over from Westchester so that they could work,” she stated, “cause they couldn’t work in New York”. Unfortunately, throughout March and April she found that a number of her workers were falling ill with COVID-19.

“At the end of the day, you need to do what’s in the best interest of your clients” Jennifer* said. “I had to put on gloves, take videos (of the property) for them, I had to open doors then walk away and let them go into the building so there was no contact.” 

It’s clear that this group won’t be deterred by this pandemic and are opting to work through it, no matter how difficult it may be. They’re adapting to change and, after all, that’s what you need to do to survive- especially from a business standpoint. These real estate professionals are ready to rethink and revamp their approaches to the industry. “I’m positive about the future, but it’s going to a long haul” Pamela mentioned, “this will separate the men from the boys, so to speak.”

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.

Where To Find The Best Lobster Rolls In The Hamptons

Catherine Doolan

Lobster rolls are a go-to meal over the summer. The Hamptons are home to many of the best lobster rolls out East. Many Hamptons restaurants serve lobsters from local waters. Here are a few fan favorites!

Clam Bar at Napeague - Amagansett, NY

The Clam Bar at Napeague can be found on Montauk Highway in Amagansett. The Clam Bar lobsters are freshly caught everyday by Montauk fishermen. The lobster roll is lobster claws in a toasted bun, served with warm butter.

Image source: www.clambarhamptons.com

Duryea’s - Montauk, NY

Fresh local seafood! Located on the Fort Pond Bay, Duryea’s offers sunset views while enjoying their well known lobster roll.  Outside seating opening June 18th.

Image source: www.duryealobsters.com

Bostwick’s Chowder House - East Hampton, NY

Bostwick’s Chowder House in the heart of East Hampton, offers both a hot and cold lobster roll served with a choice of coleslaw, fries, potato salad or potato chips.

Image source: www.eastendtaste.com

The Lobster Roll - LUNCH - Amagansett, NY

Looking to make a quick roadside stop? The Lobster Roll is the place.  It has been around since the 1950’s on Montauk Highway in Amagansett. Their lobster roll consists of a mix of lobster claw and knuckle meat on a toasted bun, served with butter.

Image Source: www.lobsterroll.com

John Scott’s Surf Shack - Westhampton, NY

John Scott’s Surf Shack is situated on Dune Road in Westhampton Beach.  John Scott’s has beautiful views of Moriches Bay and has a magnificent ambiance. Its famous lobster roll is served with fries.

Image source: www.johnscottssurfshack.com

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.