The Hidden Spots in Central Park

Caroline Fiske

Central Park is one of the most well-known places in New York City. Tons of people visit this iconic park to walk, relax, catch up with friends, play with their dogs, do some work on their laptops, etc. But beyond the giant field of grass where people would typically have a picnic or read their favorite book are some secret spots that are hidden within the park. Here are just a few of the many secret spots that you can visit the next time you wander through Central Park!

The Shakespeare Garden

Photo credit: Jetsetter

Parks Department Entomologist Dr. Edmond Bronk Southwick decided to combine his passions for both nature and Shakespeare to build The Shakespeare Garden in 1913. This breathtaking garden was originally preserved by Dr. Edmond Bronk Southwick and the Shakespeare Society. Nowadays the Central Park Conservatory and volunteers preserve the natural beauty of this garden. This is just no ordinary garden, it has various plants that Shakespeare admired such as primrose and wormwood. And as you walk around the garden, you can read popular Shakespeare quotes. Some of these quotes are quoted from himself and some are quoted from his many plays and sonnets. You can visit The Shakespeare Garden today between 79th and 80th Streets on the West Side.

The Belvedere Castle

Photo Creds: Jetsetter

This castle dates all the way back to 1869 and it has the most incredible view in Central Park. It was built by Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux. They came up with the name “Belvedere” because it means “beautiful view” in Italian. You can see this belvedere from the castle’s two balconies. Since 1919, the Central Park weather station has been located here. New Yorkers can listen to Central Park weather updates from the castle on TV or radio with their signature slogan, “Right now, the temperature in Central Park is…” Anybody can visit this castle anytime for sightseeing or even weddings. What is a more romantic New York City wedding spot than a Gothic and Romanesque castle? You can visit Belvedere Castle today in the middle of Central Park at 79th Street.

The Ladies Pavilion

Photo creds: Jetsetter

This spot was originally a train stop for passengers back in the 1800s. Then the Pavilion was moved to a private section of Central Park’s Lake. Once it was moved, it was a women’s only ice skating rink and hangout spot. This spot became more popular in the 1920s where women would invite men, and they would go ice skating together and show PDA. More women began to do that and then it ultimately got shut down since the Central Park Management team was not happy about what the Pavilion was being used for. Only the gray roof and the blue iron bottom remain as shown in the photo above. Anybody, not just women can visit this historical site whether it is to just sit down and relax or admire the design of the pavilion itself. You can visit Ladies Pavilion today between 75th and 76th Streets on the West Side.

The Ramble Cave

Photo cred: Jetsetter

The 36 acre Ramble Cave was one of Central Park’s first-ever projects. This place is known for its curvy walking paths, babbling brook, and over 230 bird species that can be seen here every year. Early in the 20th century, Ramble Cave was a well-known hangout spot for criminals. Because of what this place was known for, Central Park Management closed Ramble Cave off to the rest of cave, butthe public for the time being. To this day, the public still cannot access the entire cave but they can however see the stone steps as shown in the photo above. You can visit Ramble Cave today from 73rd to 79th Streets in the middle of Central Park.

The Memorial Christmas Tree for Lost Pets

Phto cred

Did you know that there is a Christmas Tree in Central Park that is dedicated to Lost Pets? Well if you didn’t before, now you do! This tree is surrounded by photos of pets, toys that these pets have owned, ornaments, and other accessories of these pets. Whether you lost your dog, cat, hamster, or fish, you can honor the love that you had for your pet with this tree. This tree is a Christmas tradition in Central Park as people gather around to sing songs, recite poems, talk about the happy times that they have shared with their lost pet, or just to admire the tree itself. Then at the end of the Christmas season, this tree is taken down until the next Christmas season is upon us. Volunteers put away and take out the gifts around the tree each year. You can visit The Memorial Christmas Tree for Lost Pets today deep inside the Ramble Cave.

The next time you visit Central Park will not be like the previous time that you have visited. Now that you know about some of the many hidden spots in your favorite New York City park, it is time to go exploring!

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Navigating the NYC Real Estate Market in 2020

As the epicenter of COVID-19, New York City’s real estate landscape has experienced significant changes over the past few months as the result of growing concerns around the economy and global health crisis.

Home sales slowed in the city during the first half of the year. However, as the state continues to reopen, transactions seem to be picking up again. Read on to learn about the current state of New York City’s real estate market and what implications it may have on the buying experience:

In-Person Showings

As NYC enters phase 2 of reopening, buyers are now able to view properties in-person, providing greater opportunities for sellers to capitalize on pent-up demand. Even so, real estate agents are still urged to offer virtual tours, encourage the use of face masks, and schedule showings only by appointment.

For the time being, you should anticipate a nontraditional buying experience. Home tours may be limited to one prospective buyer at a time, and at least some aspects of the homebuying process will be conducted virtually to abide by the city’s social distancing requirements.

Record-Low Interest Rates

In efforts to stimulate the economy, the Federal Reserve dropped interest rates to a record low. This has bolstered both mortgage refinancing and buying activity as homeowners and prospective buyers seek ways to take advantage of more favorable borrowing terms.

Low rates might incentivize you to apply for a mortgage or buy as opposed to rent. If you’re looking to buy in the city, you could borrow against your current home through a low-interest equity loan, which would provide a source of cash to put toward a new house.

Home Prices

Despite experiencing an initial dip, reports show that home sales have remained relatively constant throughout the pandemic. This may be an indicator that prices could continue to stay stable or even increase once the competition returns to normal.

As home prices remain consistent, you should prepare for tighter competition and bidding wars. You’ll want to put down an attractive offer from the get-go, which may require you to apply for mortgage preapproval or front a higher down payment.

Recovery Timeline

While the real estate market is poised to recover to a semblance of normalcy, specific price points will likely experience faster regrowth than others. According to 6sqft, the luxury market may be slower to recover since many of these buyers left the city at the start of quarantine. However, the city’s allure will still attract investors to invest in residential development, bolstering growth across all price points.

Regardless of price point, you should expect buying activity to improve with time. While families and wealthier buyers may be slower to return to the city, blue and junior-white collar workers still need housing close to their offices as business continues to open. In addition, millennial buyers ready to pursue urban living may help fuel the sub-$2 million market.

Buyer Preferences

With many employees now working from home, buyers are beginning to seek properties with more amenities, outdoor spaces, and home offices. Some people, especially those with children, have even moved further out from the city center and flocked to the surrounding suburbs where it’s less crowded and where there’s more room to social distance.

If you’ve spent the past few months raising your children and/or working from home, you may have different priorities than you did when quarantine began. If you anticipate your current schedule staying the same for the foreseeable future, you might want to consider a home with more space and convenience, even if that means moving farther away from the city.

The city’s recovery will depend greatly on whether a second wave of the virus emerges and when schools will reopen. The state may also decide to raise taxes to make up for economic shortfalls during the pandemic, which could have an impact on the market. In the short-term, however, real estate activity is expected to continue gaining momentum.

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The Best Way To Celebrate Prosecco Week Is With A Virtual Tasting

We may still be inside, but that won’t stop us from celebrating some of our favorite holidays. This week from is the third annual National Prosecco Week, held from July 20-26, 2020, is going digital! What’s a better way to host a prosecco tasting to educate yourself on, how to identify authentic Prosecco and the many different ways to enjoy it. Hosted by The Prosecco DOC Consortium we were able to have a virtual tasting ourselves and below are our notes on what to serve, and what to expect.

Hosted by certified Sommelier and Wine Director at Gary’s Wine & Marketplace Brooke Sabel, we were able to try 7 different Prosecco’s ranging from a Brut to Extra Dry we learned everything from taste to terroir, its origins and future - and provide recommendations on hosting, food pairings and serving suggestions to challenge misconceptions and offer inventive ways to enjoy the world’s most popular sparkling wine. 

Piera Martellozzo “075 Carati” Prosecco DOC - Brut

Trying the Piera Martellozzo “075 Carati” Prosecco DOC, I thought it was a good starting wine to begin with. With a wave of citrus coming from the glass I would characterize this as semi-sweet with strong notes of grape and apples. Very refreshing with the 90-degree temperature outside.

Villa Sandi “Il Fresco” Prosecco DOC Treviso - Brut

While the 075 Carati tasted of apple, this one smells like an Autumn apple harvest, green specifically. Noted to pair well with spicy food, you’d find some sweet & heat with this pairing. Perfect alone or with a cocktail.

La Gioiosa Prosecco DOC Treviso - Brut

This lighter prosecco shows more of it’s floral notes than the first two, almost with notes of grapefruit, it would pair nice with a seafood pasta dish.

Zonin Prosecco DOC - Brut

Zonin prosecco is where the flavors begin to change with a softer palate that isn’t too sweet. With a feinter smell on the nose, the afternotes are on more of a stone fruit, perfect pairing with a burrata side dish. Very mellow, will be something to try with frozen fruit mixed in.

Val D’Oca Prosecco DOC - Extra Dry

As we enter the extra dry section, my favorite, I note the crisp taste that the other’s didn’t have. The pale yellow prosecco, almost has a greenish hue with hints of citrus and even almond. I can imagine myself pairing this with on the beaches of Sag Harbor with a plate of crab cakes, or even just a lounging drink at home.

Blu Giovello Prosecco DOC - Extra Dry

Something I haven’t seen before was a nice screwtop prosecco, perfect for bringing into the park or the next time at Christopher Street pier. With my first sip, I notice how dry and yet citrusy it truly is. While I try this tasting with cheese, I truly wish I had sushi to accompany the Blu Giovello Prosecco DOC.

La Marca Prosecco DOC - Extra Dry

Last but not least is the La Marca Prosecco, was a great finishing drink. With a Tiffany blue label, I knew it couldn’t go wrong being someone who enjoys wines on the dryer side. This prosecco drew the best from all the other’s with separate notes of apple, citrus, and floral all together. While easy to say it would pair well with seafood or byitself, I can almost find it pairing best with a richer meal like pasta or a chocolate dessert.

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Tips and Tricks for Maintaining Brick Walls

Whether they were built before the turn of the century or revamped for a more modern style, brick walls are among the most beloved accent pieces in a home. The texture and warm color schemes these surfaces provide instill a property with a touch of classic charm. Their durability and strength make them a staple of many architectural endeavors. However, as resilient as brick is known to be, it can still sustain damage over the years and require regular maintenance to keep it looking nice. Here are a few tips and tricks for maintaining brick walls and preserving the design you love.

Clean Your Brick Regularly

You may not typically think of brick as something that needs cleaned regularly, but removing any caked-on dirt and grime will bring the porous material back to life. Use a pre-mixed cleaning solution of water and vinegar, and gently wipe down the surface with a cloth. You don’t want this solution to be too strong, and you also don’t want to scrub too hard, as it can begin eroding the grout.

Protect from Future Damage

It’s also important that you protect your brick surfaces from sustaining any additional damage in the time before its next cleaning. Brick sealant preserves the overall look of your brick walls by acting as a shield against dirt, weather, and even sunlight. This prevents deterioration over time and leaves your walls with either a smooth or matte finish, depending on your preferences.

Paint or Stain the Surface

Another important trick for maintaining brick walls is to give it a fresh look every now and again. Brick painting and staining are two of the most common upgrades you can perform on your brick walls. Each has a series of advantages and disadvantages, but both work exceptionally well at providing an extra protective layer and reducing the likelihood of damage. They can also provide your home with an eye-catching new style, and they allow creative freedom in customizing your home.

5 Ways to Beautify a Property With Minimal Outdoor Space

To feel happy and satisfied with the space you live in, you have to make the most of your home with your own personal touch. Every square inch counts, especially if you're living in smaller quarters — and that includes outdoor space. The exterior is the first thing guests see when they visit or tour your property.

New York properties are not renowned for their square footage, and many buildings don’t have extensive yards to boast about. Fortunately, there are plenty of fun ways to beautify your exterior that don't require much outdoor space. A beautiful city property relies more on architectural details, artful greenery and thoughtful design.

Curb appeal is for everyone, not just those with huge lawns and giant shrubbery to boast. All you have to do is dive in:

1. Invite Some Color

Even if your front door is your main focal point, adding a few pops of color can do wonders for your home's curb appeal. You can go in whatever direction you'd like with your hues — from a bright red front door to a purple mail slot. Experiment with your shutters, your walkway and any other details your home might have.

Colors are a great way to show personality in your curb appeal, and they can make your space look put-together and stylish. There’s nothing residents and tourists love more than a row of city buildings with colorful doors, after all — it’s an easy way to stand out in a sea of brown and gray properties.

2. Polish the Exterior

When you don’t have a lot of outdoor space, the main attraction of your property will be its exterior appearance. Owners can boost curb appeal by spending more time attending to the very bones of the building.

One of the best places to put your attention is your siding. Good quality, clean siding can improve your curb appeal and increase the resale value of your property should you ever choose to put it back on the market. Power washing is one way to brighten up the exterior, but if your siding is still looking a bit shabby, it could even be time to replace it. 

In addition to enhancing the quality, updating your siding enables you to match the architectural style and color to your preferences. This work can help your property blend into the neighborhood style, embrace a pop of color or simply refresh the original design to make it more appealing to passersby.

3. Let Your Plants Hang Out

If you don't have the space for traditional landscaping, there's no need to fear. There are plenty of creative greenery solutions to make your property lush and natural without digging around in the dirt. 

Potted and hanging plants can do wonders for a space and can create a cascading environment of greens right outside your front door. Try bringing in macramé and hanging baskets to get the full effect. You can have fun exploring your options for hanging plants and decorating with natural beauty in a brand new way. 

4. Get Seasonal

Nothing shouts fun decor quite like a few seasonal touches throughout the year. People often underestimate the power of a wreath, but it packs a major punch. Stacking a couple of cute Halloween, winter holiday and even summer-themed decorative pieces can make your home inviting. Go all out for your favorite holidays or keep it refined all year long.

Changing up little details throughout the year demonstrates your attention and care for your property. Christmas lights, a few spooky cobwebs or a summer wreath can spruce things up and add a bit of charm.

5. Add a Bit of You

Your personality creates the details that make your house a home, and that's just as true on the outside as it is on the inside. Do you have a terrace that can be decorated to show off your favorite plants or furniture choices? Or street-facing windows that can benefit from attractive draperies? From detailed shutters to adorable doormats to creative lighting solutions, you can find details that make your home feel more like your own. 

Doing this can bring a unique flair that will impress guests and put a smile on your face every time you return from a day of work.

Improve Your Curb Appeal Without Landscaping

You can do so much with your outdoor space, even if you don't have much of it. Your personality can shape your decor, taking your curb appeal to the next level. It's the little things that make your home special, especially when you're short on space. 

Having fun, getting creative and embracing new ideas can make your city property even more beautiful than before.

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

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Easy Whiskey Cocktails For National Scotch Day

July 27th National Scotch Day. While most often thought to be something to sip neat or on the rocks, we recommend the Double Cask 15 Years Old and Double Cask 18 Years Old. Scotch, can also be a great addition to a number of different cocktails.

Wether your a master bartender or curious to try something new, here are a few easy whiskey cocktails to celebrate during National Scotch Day.

Related: Which Macallan 12 Are You?

Glenfiddich Monte Carlo by Allan Roth, Glenfiddich Brand Ambassador

• 2 parts Glenfiddich 14 Year Bourbon Barrel Reserve

• ½ part Benedectine

• 4 dashes Angostura bitters

• Orange twist, to garnish

In a mixing glass, combine all ingredients except the orange twist.  Stir over ice.  Strain into a double rocks glass over ice.  Express the orange twist over the drink and drop in. 

Lemonade Stand

• 1.5oz Bruichladdich Classic Laddie

•   .75oz Fresh lemon juice

•   .5oz Earl Grey syrup

•   Top with Tamarind soda (recommend Jarritos)

•   Garnish: Lemon wheel

•   Glass: Collins

Add first three ingredients to tin, shake, then strain over fresh ice into a tall glass. Top with tamarind soda and stir to incorporate.

Earl Grey syrup: Make a strong tea by using three tea bags in one cup of hot water. Steep for six minutes then remove tea bags. Add one cup of sugar to hot tea and stir until sugar is dissolved.

The Malt Jockey Courtesy of Monkey Shoulder Blended Malt Scotch Whisky

• 1 ½ parts Monkey Shoulder

• ¾ parts Sweet Vermouth

• ¼ part Maraschino Liqueur

• 2 Dashes Chocolate Bitters

• Garnish with Orange Twist

Combine ingredients, stir, and strain into a coupe glass-up, fashioned glass

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The Macallan Speyside Sipper

• 1 ½ oz The Macallan Double Cask 12 Years Old

• ½ oz Membrillo

• ¼ Lime

• 3 oz Sprite’s Delight Tea

• 1 grapefruit

Dissolve ½ oz Membrillo into Sprite’s Delight Tea. Add 1 oz Fresh grapefruit and .25 oz lime. Serve tallover ice in a highball glass. Garnish with membrillo slice 

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The Golden Dram

• 2 oz Aberfeldy 12 Single Malt Scotch whisky

• 2 barspoons (0.5oz) of local honey syrup*

• Honey Syrup: 100g of honey and 64g water, stir and leave to chill. Note: syrup will only last 3 days

• 2 dashes Angostura bitters

• 2 dashes orange bitters

Add the honey syrup, bitters and Aberfeldy 12 to a mixing glass, then add ice and stir to dilute (~30 seconds). Pour into rocks glass and add block ice, then garnish with an orange twist expressing the oils over the drink.

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The Best Luxurious Hamptons Homes for August

Caroline Fiske

One of the most popular summer spots is in the Hamptons. But just because we are in the middle of a pandemic does not mean that you can’t have a great summer. As long as you are being cautious and safe by wearing a mask in public and social distancing then you can still have fun in the sun. If you want the Hamptons summer experience but you don’t know where to start, this article can most certainly help you out! Below are just some of the many gorgeous homes in the Hamptons for the month of August.

1.    “Bright sunny newly renovated Baypoint home 5-minute walk to the beach”

With just a five-minute walk to Foster Memorial Beach and a four-minute car ride to town, this Hamptons summer home is the perfect family home to rent! Located in a private waterfront community, there is so much to do for the whole family including boating, kayaking, and a ferry to Shelter Island. Featuring three bedrooms, two and a half bathrooms, an upper and lower wrap-around deck, and a lovely view of the water from the upper level, this home is a private Hamptons paradise.

2.    “3 bedroom Hamptons home near beach, vineyards, shopping, golf”

Surrounded by the beauty of all that nature has to offer, this house is located in a quiet neighborhood with downtown, restaurants, and beaches right around the corner. With a large backyard, an outdoor shower, an outdoor grill, restaurants by the water, yoga classes, paddleboarding, jet skiing, golfing, surfing, swimming, movie theaters, museums, water parks, aquariums, museums, ice cream shops, and an under five-mile walking distance to both the bay and the beach, the possibilities are endless for the whole family whether you are inside or outside of the house. Just because the beach club nearby is not allowing guests this summer due to the coronavirus doesn’t mean that you can’t have a good time.

3.    “Stylish Renovated One Bedroom in the heart of Montauk”

This recently renovated home is just within walking distance of Gosman’s Dock, beaches, shopping, restaurants, and boating, you cannot sail away from this incredible opportunity. Despite the fact that it only comes with one bedroom and one bathroom, you can simply enjoy all that the Hamptons has to offer and this magnificent view above is just one of the many things that this house has to offer. There is also access to a private pool for you or for you and your guest to enjoy!

4.    “Renovated Beach House walk/bike to Montauk village”     

Walking or biking can take you just about anywhere from this house including to the center of town, the Montauk town beach, the Fort Pond Bay, or the Navy Beach. As the previous home, this home was also just renovated. It comes with a brand new kitchen with a dishwasher, an upgraded full bathroom, a mahogany deck with chaise lounges, an outdoor shower, a patio set, two bedrooms, plus a pull-out sofa in the furnished basement, a washer/dryer, high-speed Wifi, and a barbecue grill. If you already rely on walking and biking to take you places then this vacation spot is just the spot for you!

5.    “Private access Ocean beach steps away...Perfect home for family vacations!”

Take a deep breath in and out, this house is the essence of a calm vacation. With two full bathrooms on the first floor, one full bathroom on the second floor, a kitchen, a living room, a family room, a master bedroom with a private deck, a master bathroom with twin sinks and a shower built for two, and a giant lawn space, paradise in the Hamptons is waiting for you! The entire house is also cooled with central air and there is high-speed Wifi throughout the house as well. The distance from the house to the beach is just a five-minute walk, but if you prefer to drive there is a beach parking pass available. The owners live in the lower level of the house with a separate entrance, the rest of the house is yours and the owners are there if you need them.

If you got the coronavirus blues, there is no need to worry. These Hamptons summer homes to rent will get rid of those blues in an instant. August is just around the corner and summer will be over before you know it. So start planning your Hamptons summer dream vacation before the cool breeze of September rolls around.

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

How VR Could be an Advantage in Real Estate

VR is amazing to look at and experience on television. However, did you know it has some very real uses in the industry? In a major city like New York, VR is a great option for people wanting to look at or sell places on the market. You will be able to look at Manhattan apartments in ways that you couldn’t before. Let us take a very close look at how VR could be an advantage in real estate.

Home previews

To start things off, VR is fantastic for home previews. Traditionally, the best way to preview a home without being on the property is to take a look at photos. The homeowner might send pictures of the property, and you can scroll through them to get an idea of what you are working with. However, photos don't tell the full story. You don't get the full effect of a 3D environment that real-life gives. 

Shadows and tall ceilings can distort reality and create a disparity in photos. When it comes to a preview, you want it to be as accurate as possible. VR makes progress toward a 3D environment where you can view all the details of the home.

View photography

Next in line, VR is awesome for viewing photography. Maybe the full 3D environment of the home isn't yet implemented in the system. However, immersive photos are still a good alternative. Set up the VR system and go through a slideshow of photography in San Diego, for example, to learn about homes in the area. You'll be able to view these high-quality photos without any distractions. Moreover, the VR simulation leads to a larger screen than you would have on a smartphone or computer. 

The bottom line is, VR is all about simulating actuality. When you can see a life-size photo right in front of your face, buying that home is more tempting. It makes an overwhelming place like the Upper or Lower Eastside much more manageable for deciding on your future home investment. You can see the handrails on the stairs and every ridge of the windowsill. Real estate agents are taking advantage of the immersion of VR to market their properties like never before.

Remote sales

In the grand scheme of things, more real estate sales are being done overseas than ever, especially in the market of New York. Primarily coming from Italy, according to Forbes. Because technology has evolved so much, there's really no need to be physically present at the property. Real estate agents are constantly in negotiations with people from across the country. If the buyer has VR, they can ask the agent whether they can view the property in this manner. This leads to a more cohesive idea of what is on the line and what each party expects from one another. 

In addition, VR establishes a standard in the industry. Almost all VR systems are compatible with one another, so it doesn't matter which real estate agent a client is working with. Once a home has been simulated properly, it will be available to everyone on the market.

Home comparisons

Last but not least, VR is excellent for home comparisons. You might capture the layout of the home at different stages. Take photos right now and create a VR file of the current layout. One year from now, repeat the process and compare the files side by side. You'll be able to notice what has shifted around in the home and any damage to the interior. Similarly, view the home from its exterior to record the state of the mailbox, backyard, and chimney. 

Many investors interested in real estate want to see the development of the home over time. With VR, you'll be able to create a visual timeline of sorts. This is much more effective than simply writing down what has changed, which will be open to interpretation. Let people see the progress for themselves with VR.

When all is said and done, these are a couple of ways that VR could be an advantage in real estate, primarily within a big market like New York. The real estate market evolves every year, and agents are always looking for ways to sell properties. VR is a powerful tool that should not be overlooked.

Regina Thomas is a Southern California native who spends her time as a freelance writer and loves cooking at home when she can find the time. Regina loves reading, music, hanging with her friends and family along with her Golden Retriever, Sadie. She loves adventure and living every day to the fullest.  

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.

For Better Or Worse, The Definition Of The New York City Commute

Jessica N. Todmann

The rage of the global pandemic is pressing on. Although government officials, as well as the Average Joe and Jane’s of America, had been choosing to hold onto their optimism, recent news  is proving that the coronavirus won’t be bowing out on anybody’s timetable but its own. But of course, in order to do so, Americans have to continue honoring social distancing efforts, and wearing masks or facial coverings. During an end of June press conference, our own Governor Andrew Cuomo called on President Trump to sign an executive order requiring Americans to wear masks. But in a place like New York City, the epicenter of COVID-19 madness, we may find ourselves doing more to safeguard our health. That “more” could translate into cutting down on our usage of the MTA Transit System, if not avoiding it altogether.

Can New Yorkers break up with the New York City Transit? Anything’s possible. But it won’t be easy. NYC & Company (which according to their website is the “official destination marketing organization and convention and visitors bureau for the five boroughs of NYC”), tells its readers that subways are the easiest way to get around the city and to hop on a public bus for the scenery. However, some New Yorkers are doing their best to avoid subways and buses. Queens based real estate agent Leah Niyazov is one of them, “I basically avoid the MTA and will either take an Uber, or my dad will drive me around.” With numerous clients and deals in motion across Manhattan, as well as Brooklyn, she’s operating her business from a safety first perspective. For Laura Szarvas, an Operations Coordinator at an international retailer who recently moved from Bushwick to Hoboken, the coronavirus has completely changed her commuting habits. Habits which are now pretty nonexistent. Having worked from home since the quarantine, she no longer heads into her Manhattan based office. “This is unbelievable for me. I used to take public transportation on a daily basis.” 

The actual numbers are astonishing. According to data posted on the MTA’s website, which is updated continuously, overall ridership has fallen dramatically in comparison to last year’s numbers. On Monday (July 7th, 2020), the MTA saw an over 80% drop in subway usage, a 52% drop in bus usage, and just over a 19% drop in ridership across the bridges and tunnels. It’s obvious that these numbers are a greater reflection of the many New Yorkers who are either working from home, or out of work altogether. However, as NYC continues its phase of reopenings and the threat of COVID-19 exposure continues to be a reality, we can’t help but consider the possibility that New Yorkers who are making a conscious effort to avoid the MTA are also figuring into the equation. The human congestion transit bus fleets and subway platforms commonly afforded to city dwellers may no longer be a price they’re willing to pay. “I do not commute via public transport, unless I have no other options.” Leah stated.

And then there’s Citi Bike. New York’s bike share system and the largest in the nation, according to their website; their blue bodied products and docking stations seemingly around every corner you turn. Although their presence has extended to the outer boroughs, there’s an obvious gap in presence for those that do not live on the isle of Manhattan. It’s clear that for many New Yorkers, there is no other option. People across the city will have to continue relying on the subway and bus systems in order to get around, especially those travelling between boroughs. And the MTA knows this. When reached for comment, they referenced transcripts available on their website and provided several links to various press releases. Overall, the corporation seems focused on sanitizing efforts and building out an infrastructure to support that, as well as social distancing. They’re deploying new vending machines that will dispense things like hand sanitizer and reusable face masks, 9,000 new digital screens serving to alert riders at street level when stations become crowded, due to service changes or delays so they have the choice ahead of time not to enter a station and enlisting the help of Dr. David Brenner from Columbia University for their new disinfecting ultraviolet light technology.

Although the MTA’s upped safety measures, confidence amongst their ridership is going to be very hard to maintain. When asked about how she felt taking the MTA , Laura said “I am totally uncomfortable and afraid of taking public transportation.” The fear isn’t really about touching dirty subway poles, it’s about the other people. Those select transit riders that operate as if there’s no pandemic abound. Both ladies expressed their concerns over commuters they’ve witnessed who were without face masks and within incredibly close proximity to one another. “Although there are social distancing rules in place, it doesn’t feel like everyone is following them.” said Leah.

Regardless of how commuters may feel about their “other half” in the straphanging sense, this relationship won’t be coming to an end. It may never fully rebound, as those New Yorkers who can work from home or are affluent enough to afford a car service might continue doing so; but, for the most part, the MTA can count on the loyalty of New Yorkers. Laura’s statement affirms this, “Basically, people will be on the train but scared or uncomfortable and we have to deal with it.”

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Why We're Drinking Lambrusco This Summer

Catherine Doolan

Is there a drink for Summer 2020? Lambrusco! Lambrusco is a well-known wine that is making its way up the popularity list just in time for the summer.

Lambrusco can vary from a dry to sweet wine and is most often semi-sparkling. The red grapes are found in Northern Italy, the Emilia-Romagna region, and it is one of the oldest wines in Italy. The variance of Lambrusco wine makes the wine pairable with many different foods. Lambrusco gets its flavors from multiple berries including blackberries, boysenberries, cherries, strawberries, and raspberries. These fruity flavors make Lambrusco a great drink to sip on this Summer. 

Ventuini Baldini organically harvests Lambrusco wines in its winery located in the province of Reggio Emilia. They also harvest Lambrusco varieties like Sorbara, Grasparossa, and Salamino, all branches of Lambrusco made from different types of grapes.

So, next time you’re planning an outdoor meal, try a Lambrusco. It pairs well with cured meats, pizza, grilled meats, and burgers. This wine should be your go-to drink of the summer. Its pairing to almost any food, fruit flavor, and sparkling consistency will keep you happy and satisfied during a hot day.

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So You Want To Be A Real Estate Investor?

Jessica N. Todmann

When you think of real estate investing, it may sound like a lofty aspiration or a hefty obligation, depending on who you’re asking. It'd be easy to balk at the obvious: taking out a huge mortgage, the insurance premiums, taxes, leaky faucets, nightmare tenants, and more. While the problem aspects of being a real estate investor can keep you up at night, there’s another side of it that can help you to sleep like a baby. It might feel pretty comforting to have that extra income from your rental(s) to line your pockets with every month, and the equity that builds over time would be a nice addition to your nest egg- especially since a chunk of Americans are not on track with their retirement savings. You can even do “house hacking”, where you purchase a home to live in but also rent out portions of it to help pay down the costs of ownership and receive some cash flow. That would be a huge benefit, especially for millennials, who list housing costs as the number one reason why they’ve fallen behind on saving for retirement.

Glen with his Son Paul

This article is for the everyday person who always wanted to invest in real estate or become a real estate investor, but have no idea what to do, how to do it or how to even try. The right man to speak to about this exciting, yet intimidating trade is Glen Galluci, owner of Peak Private Lending & Peak Properties LLC. For over 30 years, Glen’s been investing in real estate and amassed a portfolio of properties that are “in the thousands”. Based in New Jersey, he got his start in real estate very early on in life. His father owned a large construction company in New York City and Glen would spend summers working for his dad when school was out. Not only did he gain the technical know-how involved with property development, he also learned how to negotiate with contractors, owners, landlords and union delegates. For many investors like him in New Jersey, especially those managing older properties, selecting a reliable window replacement contractors, or a kitchen remodeling company like Magnolia, can make a significant difference in the portfolio. “I was getting a pretty diverse background” Glen stated. His foray into becoming a property investor happened almost nonchalantly, when a realtor he knew in New Jersey suggested he “buy a house and fix it up”. Glen said yes, and thus, his journey began. 

But, his first move into real estate investing wasn’t an ideal one. “I proceeded to go in and fix it . I made it beautiful. Spent a lot of money. Went to sell it, and didn’t make any money!” he said heartily. Why did it flop? Glen says it happened because he wasn’t an investor. “I was a contractor. I didn’t really know the numbers and how to evaluate the deal properly.” Simply put- he just spent too much money on it. And knowing the numbers seems to be the winning factor in this business. This will get you farther than having an excellent credit score or six figure income. “Private money lenders are strictly asset based,” he said, “The first thing is, do they have a qualified deal.” How would an individual with no real estate background know whether or not they have a deal? “It’s very simple,” Glen states assuredly, “and it’s a really, really good guideline.”  And it is simple; you must abide by the 70% rule. This rule sets the limit on how much you should purchase the property for at resale price. So for instance, this four family property for sale in Parkchester is currently listed at $1,099,000 dollars. Let’s assume that it sold for that price, and right around the corner there’s a similar yet distressed property that could sell for the same. Figuring what 70% of the after repair value, or ARV is (in this case it comes out to $769,300), you’ll then have to account for any possible renovation costs and subtract that too. Let’s say it’ll take $100,000 dollars to renovate which means you’re now down to $669,300. “That is what we call the MAO, or maximum allowable offer.” Once you have that, you have a deal.

There’s other ways to practice real estate investing, especially for those who have no money to put into deals or rather make a quick, yet smaller amount of money, avoiding the fix and flip or buy and hold investment strategies. This alternate approach would fall under wholesaling, where you as the investor would either buy at a slightly deeper discount and sell it to the next investor or you’d assign the contract you have on the property to the next investor, an approach that would grant you an interest in the deal without spending any of your own money. “One of the ways a lot of beginners do get in is they go out, and they look for properties for cash buying investors like myself,” he stated, “using the 70% formula, whatever that number is, they need to deduct their fee.”

This is an ideal way for new investors to start making some of their own money, build relationships with other investors, learn how the game of real estate investing works and eventually start coming to the table with their own money for larger deals. If it sounds very similar to being a real estate agent, whose job it is to go out and find properties for buyers and investors then collect a fee for their service, it does but with one very important difference. You can also start investing by getting an LLC for wholesaling houses. As a wholesale investor, you’re actually putting the property under contract yourself. “You can't go and get a seller and match them with a buyer. Now you’re acting as a real estate agent. That you cannot do.” Glen stated. “But you could put a property under contract. Now you have an equitable interest in that property.”

A humble climb up the wealth ladder via real estate investing in New York City is quite honestly, unattainable for most. Even for the experienced investor, looking beyond their immediate area for opportunities isn’t uncommon  “We’ve got people here in New Jersey going up to Buffalo, Syracuse, and they were buying properties for fifteen and twenty thousand dollars”. So, if you’re a working professional living with roommates somewhere in midtown on a $65,000 salary, you probably won’t be buying a brownstone on the Upper West Side anytime soon. Your journey into real estate investing may be a PATH or Metro-North train ride away. However, Glen doesn’t recommend going too far out, “Beginners, you need to stay close where you can look and see and visit your property.” If you’re just starting out, you simply will not have the resources to properly assess your purchase and then manage it from a very far distance. He also suggests sticking to the “meat and potato” markets. What does that mean? “It means buying properties that are going to sell from between $200,000 to $500,000 dollars,” he said, “that’s middle America.” Glen realizes that most people can afford a home within that range, and when you start to exceed that price point it’s an entirely different market. “Holding costs are higher, you get more finicky buyers.” If you can’t meet the expectations of home seekers or sell the property quickly, it’s going to sit and it’s going to cost. “We have a lot of people from Brooklyn that come into the New Jersey market. We have a lot of people from Manhattan. They’re not buying and flipping condos in Manhattan.” 

Glen with the Peak Private Lending Team

It doesn’t matter where you choose to invest, how much money you have (or don’t have) to invest or the investment strategy you take. If you want to succeed as a real estate investor, it seems that second to knowing the numbers is surrounding yourself with other people in the industry. Glen suggests hooking up with your local real estate investment club or association, which he states can be found through Meetup.com, “You will find every type of investing meeting on meetup.com. Twenty years ago, you didn’t have this. It was all about who you knew, who your parents knew, who your coworker knew.” These meetings will also give you the opportunity to connect with other industry professionals that you’ll need to get the deal done, such as real estate agents, attorneys, appraisers and contractors. In particular, Glen speaks to how important investor friendly real estate agents are and to keep them at the top of your list.

There are two additional things that Glen mentions first time investors need to do. Always get a title search done on the property and always get a home inspection. The title search will ensure that you obtain “clear and equitable title” and if anything pops up, have the seller satisfy it or see if you can figure it into your numbers. For the home inspection, Glen says “don’t take anyone’s opinion, even your contractor’s, about the condition” of the property and to get it inspected. Doing so will make you aware of any major issues with the property, such as structural defects, and offer you a complete overview of all of the things that need to be renovated. 

What’s the take away? “Stay in your local area, stay in the meat and potato market, and absolutely adhere to that 70% rule. Do not violate that. Work with knowledgeable, investor friendly realtors and the last thing- get educated.” 

To find more information out about Glen Galluci, how to invest in real estate, or his real estate investment group you can visit www.peakpropertiesllc.com and www.peakprivatelending.com. 

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Homes You Need To Make Appointments For This Weekend

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

Have a listing you think should be featured? Submit your open house or contact us to tell us more!

Lower East Side

WHERE: 196 Orchard Street #4Q

SIZE: 1 Beds | 1 Baths

COST: $1,600,000

About: A stunning Lower East Side condo saturated with natural light and a massive private courtyard, this furnished 1-bedroom, 1-bathroom home is beautifully designed by acclaimed interior designer Alex P. White – admired for his provocative, unconventional style. White uses finishes and decor in neutral tones to create a calm and elegant atmosphere.

Features of this 686 sq. ft. apartment include designer-selected wide plank white oak flooring, unique concrete ceilings, oversized casement windows with southern exposure, warm color tones and textures, high-end fixtures and finishes, and a convenient in-home washer/dryer. There is also a 451 sq. ft. private courtyard equipped with a bbq grill and spacious dining table.

196 Orchard is a full-service condominium situated at the nexus of the Lower East Side and the East Village. The building, designed by NYC-based firm, Incorporated Architecture & Design, has a 24-hour attended lobby, private storage, a bicycle room, and a furnished 4,300 sq. ft. rooftop terrace with two outdoor kitchens, dedicated dining and entertaining areas, and incredible city views. Ryan Serhant, Nathan Frank and Jennifer Alese of Nest Seekers International are the listing agents.

For more information click here

Wayne, NJ

74 Hubbardton Rd, Wayne, NJ, 07470, USA.

WHERE:  74 Hubbardton Rd

SIZE: 5 Bed | 4 Bath

COST: $724,000

About:  True elegance in this 5 bdrm 3.5 bath immaculate beauty. Grand entry foyer.. Meticulously kept! Ample master bdrm suite w/ luxurious heated floors.Of course, central vacuum and Jenn-air appliances. Skylights enhance the great room that incorporates an excellent flow for all your entertaining. Large deck off the kitchen overlooking the lush backyard is ready for summer grilling.

Recessed lighting throughout..3 other 2nd floor bedrooms all good sized and bonus 5th bedroom/office/playroom on the first floor. Fully finished basement with tons of style. This CH colonial shows true pride of ownership. Make this special house your home!!

For more information click here

Tribeca

WHERE:  84 Thomas St, 2

SIZE: 3 Bed | 2 Bath

COST: $4,000,000

About:  Meticulously renovated 1880 PreWar full-floor sprawling loft on the intimate street of Thomas in TriBeca, conveniently located between W. Broadway & Hudson. Just to identify a few of the rarities this loft offers: custom high-end finishes from top-to-bottom, soaring 17ft ceilings, exposed brick & solid steel beams throughout, private elevator landing and Miele appliances. Currently configured as a one-Bedroom with the ability to convert into 2-3 Bedrooms with ease.

Conveniently centered in the epicenter of prime Tribeca moments from the Hudson River Park and all public transportation, restaurants, entertainment and amenities and in close proximity to Soho and the spectacular evolving Lower Manhattan, this loft truly has it all.

Intimacy is a theme at No. 84 Thomas Street. With just five residences, the boutique scale of the building provides great personal privacy. Conveniently centered in the epicenter of prime Tribeca a dynamic, culturally fascinating, and continuously evolving neighborhood. 

For more information click here

Lenox HIll

WHERE:   16D at 181 East 65th Street

SIZE: 2 Bed | 2.5 Bath

COST: $3,750,000

About:  Between Lexington and Third Avenues on a charming tree-lined street, this two bedroom, two and a half bath sun-filled corner home offers expansive views to the South and East and beautiful skies to the West. Elegant and with attention to detail, there is an easy flow which must be seen to be appreciated.

The windowed Smallbone kitchen invites you to sit at the Caesar stone island and makes cooking a joy with state-of-the-art appliances including the Gaggenau range and oven with pizza/baking stone.

Recently upgraded and renovated, it includes all new wiring for high speed internet and adjustable cove lighting over crown moldings which accentuate the height of the 9’ ceilings. There are brand new white oak floors and the windows are slightly tinted with 3M technology to help preserve your fine art.

Luxuriate in the main bedroom with a 28’ wall of custom closets complete with full length interior mirrors, a custom built-in divine metallic silver counter over drawers, and an additional shoe and accessory closet. The windowed marble bathroom has been transformed with an electric Toto toilet, hardwired 7X Reflect magnifying mirror, crystal knobs and an exclusive 7’ tall built-in mirrored medicine cabinet.

For more information click here

Tribeca

WHERE:   311 Greenwich Street, Apt 10 AE

SIZE: 2 Bed | 2.5 Bath

COST: $2,995,000

About:  Lush, Sunny and HUGE Expansive Terrace accompanies this duplex penthouse at 311 Greenwich Street. Use your imagination and bring this canvas to life! Facing North, South and East and having 9.5ft ceilings, this apartment has wonderful, sunny open views in all directions.

The apartment is currently set up as 3 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms but can easily be 4 bedrooms with 3.5 or 4 bathrooms. Interior main floor of this penthouse is approximately 2,050 sqft with approx 1,200 sqft of terrace, which is directly off the living and dining areas. The upper portion of this duplex has approx 250 sqft of interior space and over 500 sqft of terrace as well as spectacular views in 4 directions.

For more information click here

LongHouse Reserve Celebrates Opening of Ai Weiwei's Circle of Animals/Zodiac Heads

LongHouse Reserve held a small, private outdoor celebration last Saturday for their new installation by Ai Weiwei: Circle of Animals/Zodiac Head: Bronze. 30 donors and board members gathered in the East Hampton garden wearing masks and making socially distant air kisses.

Founder Jack Lenor Larsen created a unique installation of the 12 large sculptural heads by burying their marble bases around the perimeter of LongHouse's outdoor Albee Amphitheater, allowing visitors to experience the sculptures at almost eye level. 

Carol Steinberg, Frank Namad, Jane Johnson

Guests included LongHouse board members Dianne Benson and Lys Marigold, Sherri Donghia and Roger Eulau, Peter Olsen, Suzanne Slesin and Michael Steinberg, Jo Ann and Lee Skolnick, Matko Tomicic, as well as Susie and Michael Gelman, Nina Gillman, Tony Ingrao and Randy Kemper, Deborah Nevins, and Ellie Warsh, to name only a few.

The enormous distances the Zodiac Heads have travelled can be compared with the experiences of the artist. In April 2011, Ai Weiwei was detained for 81 days and later released from secret captivity by Chinese Authorities, but his passport was confiscated and he remained under house arrest until July 2015. For the duration of the Zodiac Heads: Bronze exhibition in Chicago in 2014, the sculptures were hooded as a reminder that the artist was still held in China. He now resides in Berlin and Oxford.

This exhibition is the third time the celebrated Chinese artist has participated with LongHouse; in 2013, he was honored with the LongHouse Award. At the time under house arrest in Beijing, he sent a video as an acceptance speech. In 2013 Ai’s Circle of Animals/Zodiac Heads: Gold was also exhibited at LongHouse Reserve

LongHouse Reserve, a 16-acre sculpture garden, is open to the public Wednesday through Saturday from 1pm-5pm. See: https://www.longhouse.org

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Hole In The Wall Opens at Hotel Henri in Flatiron

 As the city begins to open up Australian restaurant and cafe Hole in the Wall, which has locations in FiDi and Murray Hill, opened its third location in NYC at Hotel Henri. Their newest location, just a block away from the historic Flatiron Building, can be found on the ground floor of Hotel Henri (37 W. 24th Street) with outdoor seating for 40. 

The restaurant’s interior has seating for 70 available when that phased opening is able to occur.  Hole in the Wall currently has a downtown location at 15 Cliff Street in FiDi and their flagship can be found at 626 1st Avenue at the American Copper Buildings in Murray Hill.  Hole in the Wall’s Flatiron destination will be open seven days a week, from 9am - 8pm with brunch from 9am - 3pm and dinner from 3pm - 8pm.

Parched Hospitality Group CEO Barry Dry is the force behind Hole in the Wall, which first opened as a small coffee shop in 2014.  He branched out to then open a FiDi location of Hole in the Wall in 2017 and then a much larger Murray Hill location in 2019. Hole in the Wall’s Flatiron location is his third.  Dry also opened the delivery only concept Ghost Burger in 2019 in addition to managing a private pool and social club called The Sentry, 42 floors in the sky atop the American Copper Buildings. He’s now gearing up to open The Sentry Public Bar in the penthouse of Hotel Henri this fall in addition to a fine dining Cantonese concept called Ms. Alice on W. 58th Street by the iconic Paris Theater later this year.

Executive Chef Brent Hudson’s fine-dining approach to cooking will be showcased in a casual, laid back setting. Approachable, filling entrees include his OG Burger with grilled Wagyu beef, double smoked bacon, miso onions, pickles and aged Amish cheddar on a milk bun, complete with French fries and special sauce, Shrimp Pappardelle with crab, shaved garlic, Calabrian chili, lemon, fried parsley and parmesan, Glazed Crispy Tofu with kimchi, ginger scallion relish and furikake seasoning and on the decadent side a Triple Chocolate Brownie with caramel ice cream and butterscotch for dessert. Hole in the Wall will also offer brunch daily with favorites like Chili Scrambled Eggs, Pulled Pork Benedict, Avocado Toast and a Summer Bowl with chia pudding, granola, fresh fruit and coconut yogurt.

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.