Home Improvement Projects That Will Increase Your House's Value

If your kids have recently moved out of their childhood home, you are planning to sell in the near future, or you are looking for some projects to embark on, perhaps it is time to get started on a home improvement project or two that will increase your house's value. You can choose to work on many of these projects yourself, or you can hire a professional to attend to needs outside of your comfort zone.

Consider a Garage Door Replacement

How old is your garage door? Is it getting rusty, is it not working properly, or is its color outdated or covered in dirt? Perhaps it's time to consider a garage door replacement. With diligence, this project can take only one day to complete. You can purchase a garage door, a garage door kit, and other materials you will need to complete the project at a home improvement store. Be sure to enlist some help with removing the old door and installing the new one so you don't get hurt.

This project can cost up to $2,000 if you do it yourself, and you will likely get most of that back when you go to sell your home down the road. You can also choose a nice color for your new garage door that complements the colors, ambiance, and style of your home.

Finish Your Basement

Another project you can work on yourself is finishing your basement. If you use it as a space for storage, you can still do so once it's finished. For prospective buyers in the future, having a finished basement that allows a family to choose how it's used is a wonderful benefit that is highly sought in the real estate market.

Before you get to work, you may want to invest in a proper professional inspection for mold, moisture issues, and water issues. You don't want your basement to be contaminated or unable to hold in moisture after redoing it. Finishing your basement includes sealing the walls, installing foam board sheets, building the walls, and much more. Alongside research, you can find videos online to help you through this process. Since videos are growing to become one of the most popular ways of consuming content, with YouTube having over 2 billion visitors every month, there are dozens of basement DIY videos to follow. This project will take some time, so be prepared and perhaps enlist some help from a handy family member or friend.

Consider Building a Deck

Do you have extra space in your backyard? Consider building a deck to increase your home's value. Surely you and your family will enjoy time relaxing on it, too.

Building a deck can take anywhere from one week to one month depending on how big you want it, how much time you have each day to work on it, and how much help you can get building it. This job is labor-intensive and will require much attention to detail. The average cost of building a deck is between $5,000 and $10,000, depending on how large it is. However, you will gain much of it back when your home is sold in the future. Get an excellent and reliable concrete contractor in Orange County CA or somewhere near you to get it done beautifully. Many families seek decks for pools and for extra sitting space outside, so this project is well worth it.

Embark On a Minor Kitchen Remodel

14% of homeowners planned to make improvements to their kitchens in 2018. Are you next? A minor kitchen remodel costs a fraction of a full remodel, around $20,000, and will help increase your home's value. You can also expect to recoup about 70% of that cost after you sell your home in the future, making it a worthy investment.

First, consider repainting the walls and cabinets in your kitchen. This low-cost task can brighten the room and completely transform its look. If your kitchen cabinets are old, consider entirely replacing them. A new set will make your kitchen look great. Then, look into purchasing new, energy-efficient appliances for your kitchen. These simple projects will increase your home's value and transform the overall look of your kitchen for the better.

Deep Clean Your Home

A simpler project you can easily embark on is deep cleaning your home. This includes sweeping, mopping, vacuuming, dusting, and utilizing tools to reach and clean every corner of your house.

Another aspect of this project may include deep cleaning systems and appliances in your home, such as your oven, chimney, fireplace, and heat exchanger. If your oven isn't self-cleaning, it should be cleaned once every three months or so. Manufacturers suggest cleaning chimneys and fireplaces once a year and heat exchangers a minimum of once every five years. These pieces in your home are important to clean for the safety of your family and the overall health of your home.

Consider taking on one or two of these projects if you would like to increase the value of your home. Whether you plan on selling your house in the near or distant future, it's not a bad idea to get a head start on improving and adding onto parts of your home. Not only will future prospective buyers appreciate what these projects have to offer, but you will be able to enjoy them, too.

The Most Profitable Home Remodel Projects

If you’re looking to raise your home’s value, it’s not a bad idea to invest some money into a few simple remodeling projects. By making smart, informed design choices, you can turn your initial investment into a major return. When you sell your home, you’ll end up with a few thousand dollars extra, if not more. This money can go toward your new home or even a much-needed vacation.

Not sure which areas of your home you should focus on? Keep on reading to discover some of the most profitable home remodel projects.

The Kitchen Is King

It’s the heart of your home, and it’s arguably the most important room if you’re looking for a return on your investment. One of the easiest ways to improve your home’s value is to go all-out in the kitchen. Most kitchen remodels cost, on average, $20,000. If you make smart, high-quality design choices, you can expect an impressive return on your investment.

There are plenty of ways to beautify your kitchen. A new coat of paint on either the walls or cabinetry can transform the entire space. Try including functional, upgraded appliances and furniture, like quartz or granite countertops, stainless steel fixtures, or an eye-catching backsplash.

An Extravagant Master Bath

For busy parents, stressed-out workers, or fans of all that’s good in life, an extravagant master bathroom makes for the perfect retreat. The average remodel should cost around $10,000, depending on the bathroom’s size and the extent of your renovations. While that might sound like a hefty sum for a teeny-tiny bathroom, it actually makes a big difference in the value of your home.

Re-caulking or re-glazing the tub is a simple, inexpensive way to give it new life. Shower doors are easy to replace, and installing new storage solutions can add functionality to the space without a huge investment.

A Finished Basement

Another one of the most profitable home remodel projects is to finish the basement. When we think of basements, our minds tend to jump to a dark, drab space. When properly finished, a basement can add significant value to your home. It increases the home’s square footage, giving buyers the ability to squeeze in an extra living room or treat themselves with a game room, craft room, or man cave. A basement remodel can set you back anywhere from $5,000 to $50,000. The amount you’ll spend depends on the extravagance of your project. Including high-end finishes or a home theater will cost a lot more than simply adding brand-new floors and a fresh coat of paint.

Where To Eat Out (or In) This Thanksgiving

It’s that time of year again! Thanksgiving is here we understand the pressure that comes along with preparing for this day. This year, instead of worrying about cooking the turkey and baking the pumpkin pie, treat yourself, your friends, and your family to a special Thanksgiving dinner at one of these restaurants.

La Goulue (NYC – Dine-in & Carry-Out Available) - $82 Three-Course Dinner

La Goulue is offering a three-course dinner available from 12 PM until 7:30 pm for $82 and $41 for children under the age of 12. First course selections include Butternut Squash Soup, Ravioli de Homard, Le Tartare de Thon Japonais and Salade Folle. Main course selections feature Roasted Organic Turkey, Steak Au Poivre and Pavé de Saumon. Desserts include Pecan Mascarpone Napoleon, Pumpkin Tart and Profiterolles Croquantes. For guests looking for carry-out, orders must be placed by Friday, November 20th by calling (212) 988-8169.

Elegant Affairs Caterers (NYC/Long Island/The Hamptons – Carry-Out & Delivery) – 45+ Thanksgiving Dishes Available for Carry-Out & Delivery

Elegant Affairs is offering everything from Baked Brie ($65.00 – feeds 8-12) to a whole roasted Thanksgiving Turkey (20 to 28 lbs., starting at $130) and even Cranberry Citrus Compote ($12). Interested parties can hand select from more than 45 dishes offered by Elegant Affairs that cover appetizers, entrees, sides and dessert. Pick-up is available in Long Island and delivery is also available for Long Island, NYC and The Hamptons. Deliveries and pick-ups can be scheduled up until seven days prior to Thanksgiving and picked up any time from 10 AM to 4 PM on 11/25 OR Thanksgiving Day from 9 AM – 12 PM.

Related: Food & Wine Pairings To Try This Thanksgiving

Bubby's Tribeca

Thanksgiving Dinner: Bubby's will serve a traditional prefix Thanksgiving Day dinner from 11:45 AM – 9 PM ($65 for adults, $40 for children under 10). Bubby's turkeys come from Pallman Farms in upstate NY and all sides, fixins and pies are made from scratch. Limited reservations available for indoor dining here. Depending on the weather, reservations may open for outdoor dining closer to the time.

Bubby's Thanksgiving Dinner at Home: Let Bubby's do the work! This year we will be offering ready to eat take out packages for local pick up on Thanksgiving Day. All orders must be placed by end of day Thursday, November 19th for pick up on Thanksgiving Day during business hours. ($100 for 2 people; $200 for 4 people; $300 for 6 people). Place your orders and view the full menu here.

Paisley

The upscale Indian restaurant in Tribeca, will be open for Thanksgiving with specials and a la carte options from Michelin-starred Executive Chef Peter Beck.

 The Thanksgiving special featured will be a Turkey Kabob, and additional menu items include: Appetizers: Nadir Monji with lotus root, sweet potato, fennel, ginger and spiced lotus chips; Crab Koli, jumbo lump crab, coconut milk, tomato sauce, crab tikki, Madras curry powder and naan chips.

Main Dishes: Aggari Lobster with mango, bor chili and melon seed sauce; Kerelan, duck breast, black pepper, ginger, garlic and tamarind.

Dessert: Double Ka Meetha, a rich bread pudding with saffron, caramelized apricot and chenna; Chai Chocolate Mousse with Parle-G cookie crumbs, strawberry, blackberry, orange whipped cream and roasted chai spice.

Paisley is open for indoor and outdoor seating, and reservations can be made through OpenTable. The restaurant is located at 429 Greenwich Street, New York, NY 10013, and select images can be found here.

Celebrate Thanksgiving with a Turkey Truffle Pie at MIFUNE New York

the Michelin-recognized progressive and innovative Japanese restaurant in Midtown East, Thanksgiving Eve and Day prix fixe menu, which will be priced at $180 per person and plate seven-courses with an optional $70 wine or sake pairing. 

The menu will spotlight their annual Thanksgiving signature organic Turkey Truffle Foie Gras Pie with Foie Gras Gravy, from Chef Yuu Shimano (previously of Guy Savoy’s eponymous three Michelin-starred restaurant in Paris) and Chef Tomohiro Urata (previously of three Michelin-starred La Maison Troisgros in Roanne, France). 

You can view the menu and an image of the Turkey Truffle Pie here: MIFUNE New York. The restaurant will have two seatings at 5:30pm and 8pm with limited indoor seating and 4 semi-private outdoor bubble tents, which can seat up to 6 people per table.

The restaurant’s number one priority is the safety of their diners, so masks and gloves will be worn by the staff with tables set six feet apart. Temperatures will be checked upon arrival and hand sanitizer will be readily available. Guests can make reservations at MifuneReservation@gmail.com.

Related: Cocktails To Sip On This Thanksgiving

Oceana

This year, Oceana will still be serving up its Thanksgiving feast in the newly redesigned restaurant! The three-course prix fixe menu ($95; $60 for children under 12) will include seasonal selections and traditional dishes, from turkey to trimmings. Reservations for groups of 10 or less can be made via the website or by calling Oceana directly.

For those who prefer spending the holiday at home, Oceana is also offering a large and small Thanksgiving Takeout Package with all of the festive fixings. Pre-orders are available through 11:59p on November 16th (until supplies last) for pick-up between 11am-4pm on November 25th and 26th. To place an order, guests should call Oceana directly at 212.759.5941.

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.

NYC Residential Buildings That Are Actually Benefitting From COVID

According to a recent study, 62% of respondents report that the pandemic has caused a shift in what they value in a home, and most are now looking for larger outdoor areas. While we may be nearing the end of COVID below are just a few examples of buildings benefitting and how trends may stay for the future.

Townhouse on The Park

Just steps from Murray Park in Long Island City, Townhouse on The Park is a brand new, tech forward, luxury rental development offering 75 3-bedroom triplex apartments. “Not only does Townhouse on The Park offer private outdoor space for all units, but it’s also just steps from Murray Park, LIC’s largest green space not situated along the East River. This is a huge draw for residents looking to remain in the city, as the park essentially serves as an extension of the building’s green space and allows residents to feel safe without being cooped up indoors.” – Andres Emilio Soto, agent at Modern Spaces whois exclusively handling marketing and leasing.

The building offers a  private outdoor space for almost every unit via a private garden or rooftop balcony; wellness amenities like in-unit MIRROR home gym systems; “bonus” rooms aka home office, nursery or gym; and ample space, with apartments ranging from 1,583-2,288 square feet (more than twice the size of the average NYC apartment).

567 Ocean

A Sloan Kettering Registered Nurse, who currently lives in Astoria, purchased at 567 Ocean sight unseen due to her hectic schedule. The proximity to the iconic Prospect Park (less than half a mile away) was what heavily influenced her to move forward – she also plans to have a dog once she moves in, who she’ll be able to share the enjoyment of living by the park with. This represents an overall increase in activity in the mid-range condo market (specifically within the $500k to $1M range), as first-time homebuyers take advantage of low interest rates.

“People have been stuck inside their homes for 8 months now and they’re realizing the importance of outdoor space – both as a condo amenity, and as a neighborhood amenity. The proximity to Prospect Park has obviously been a huge driver for buyers, but also with the current interest rates, it’s never been a better time to invest at 567 Ocean.” – Tamar Krasnow, VP of New Development, MNS

Bloom on Forty Fifth

Located in the heart of Hell’s Kitchen on 10th Avenue and 45th Street, luxury condominium, Bloom on Forty Fifth, is situated closely to both Hudson River Park and Central Park. In addition to being in close proximity to both public parks, Bloom also features its own private green space, a 8,000 square-foot landscaped courtyard. The condo building has seen strong interest thus far from buyers being attracted to both the public and private green spaces that Bloom offers.

“We have seen buyers' priorities shift during the pandemic with a greater desire for outdoor space than ever before. Buyers not only want access to private outdoor spaces, but also proximity to parks as an extension of their home.” – David Chang, Sales Director at Bloom on Forty Fifth.

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 The Sanctuary Inside ODA Interior’s Brooklyn Grove

Step inside Brooklyn Grove, the 27-story, 184-unit building offers studio to three-bedroom residences, creating a true sense of home with layers of organic materials and lush textures. Tucked into the crossroads of Fort Greene, Boerum Hill, and Brooklyn Heights, ODA’s head of interior design, Ryoko Okada, created a refuge from the busy city streets. The transition begins in the lobby, with its organic pallet of slatted wood details, textured hand-plastered walls, and greenery bring the outdoors in, a common design theme amongst ODA’s projects. The lobby connects to the alleyway behind the building, Grove Place, creating a visual thruway and passageway over the sunken residents’ lounge.

Extending the warm slatted wood details into the double-height residents' lounge, ODA created a space for gathering and relaxation. The lounge's skylight allows for natural sunshine, while the swirling marbled wall and fireplace add warmth and texture to the space.

The full range of amenities designed by ODA includes a 40’ heated indoor pool with a skylight, a fitness center with a gym and yoga studio, and a kids’ room with games, toys, and computer stations perfect for at-home learning. Residents can also enjoy the conference room and furnished roof deck with grills.

The Brooklyn Grove makes a statement on bustling Nevins Street. Its facade features glazed brick and distinctive double-high windows framed by custom metal surrounds that draw the eye upwards. The design creates a sense of depth and drama that lives comfortably amongst the neighboring brownstones.

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.

Food & Wine Pairings To Try This Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is the time of the year where you surround yourselves with the ones you love. This Thanksgiving, why not surround yourselves with the ones you love and a bottle of these wines to share with the table? Not sure what to drink or how to pair it with? Don’t worry we’ve got you covered with a food and wine guide is guaranteed to make your guests think you’re secretly a sommelier.

For Roasted Turkey | Rioja Reserva (2014 Burgo Viejo Rioja Reserva)

Unlike so many other meats, Turkey does not traditionally dominate a plate of food flavor-wise and has a lower fat content. With this in mind, the wine pairing should ideally be either a full bodied white wine or a medium bodied red, with low to medium tannin and relatively high acidity, such as a Rioja Reserva.

For Honey Glazed Ham | Spanish Chardonnay (Enate Chardonnay 234)

Ham, with its sweet-and-salty richness, pairs best with wines that have a touch of sweetness, nice acidity and bold fruit. This Chardonnay has complex and intense varietal aromas reveal green apple, ripe peach, fennel and exotic fruit (guava and passion fruit) against a subtle mineral background. Full and unctuous on the palate yet clean and fresh due to lively acidity. A lightly honeyed finish leaves a lingering impression.

To Go With Cranberyy Sauce Cellier des Dauphins 2019 Cotes Du Rhone Reserve Rosé (SRP: $10.99; purchase here)

This French Rhône Valley Rosé offers indulgent notes on the palate of red berry fruit, redcurrants and fresh floral notes that linger on the finish. Enjoy this wine as an aperitif or with salads containing fruits and green veggies.

To Pair With A FIlet Mignon Bonterra Organic Vineyards The Butler 2014 $50

A Syrah blend with hints of Mourvedre, Grenache and Zinfandel, The Butler 2014 exudes aromas of ripe plum and dark cherries with a hint of violets. It is a rich, velvety wine with good structure, well-integrated tannins and flavors of sweet oak and licorice spice.

INTRINSIC Red Blend ($25/ bottle) w/ Chewy Dark Chocolate Peppermint Cookies

A strong flavor like peppermint can easily be overwhelmed unless the wine also has a similar taste like Intrinsic Red Blend. For a good pairing, a minty cookie with a full-bodied red blend like this wine will create an equal balance of spice, sweet, and savory. Red wines can be a tricky match with chocolate and it truly depends on the wine. INTRINSIC red blend is a good match with its herbal mint flavors, to balance out these decadent dark chocolate mint cookies.

Erath Oregon Pinot Noir ($19/bottle) Noir w/ Linzer cookies

A light to medium bodied pinot noir like Erath takes on red fruit flavors of the jam-based cookie such as raspberry, cranberry, or even strawberry. The sweet, vanilla tones that come from the oak barrels will complement the not-so-sweet cookie base from the tart fruit filling creating a perfect balance between tart and sweet.

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

Our Favorite Listings For The Week

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

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

17 East 89th street #9C

17 East 89th street #9C is a beautiful two-bedroom home with open views tons of natural light. Classic meets contemporary in this exceptionally redone kitchen and open loft-like living room, perfect for entertaining or relaxing. The residence also features a privately secluded bedroom wing and enlarged, ensuite baths. The European-style architectural framework is complimented by downtown chic details throughout the whole interiors.

The listing is priced at $4,950,000 and is represented by Joanne Greene and Nada Rizk of Brown Harris Stevens.

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231 West 16th Street #5WF

Residence 5WF is a gut-renovated, architectural Penthouse-level triplex masterpiece replete with 16 foot ceilings, a private terrace and state of the art kitchen appliances. The entrance gallery welcomes you to the stunning glass staircase and main living area. The south facing sunlight shines throughout the entire apartment, leaving every room gleaming with natural sun all day long.

The kitchen features state of the art appliances coupled with custom cabinetry to blend into the design aesthetic flawlessly. Upstairs you will find the master bedroom, which is incredibly bright and airy. On the other side of the top floor is the lounge area with an incredible private terrace overlooking all of downtown Manhattan. Homes like this are rare to come by at this price-point, creating an acquisition opportunity very hard to come by.

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88 Bedford Street

88 Bedford Street is a 25ft wide 4-story Federal style brick townhouse in the heart of West Greenwich Village's Historic District which has recently been reconverted into a single family home with the highest-end materials, finishes and modern amenities. The house has 5+ bedrooms, 4 baths, kitchen with custom millwork and polished nickel Baldwin hardware on doors and cabinets. There is a rear garden and rooftop terrace with an outdoor kitchen for entertaining. There is a separate entrance to the basement which can serve as a guest apartment or home office with access to the rear garden.

The house has an alarm system and is wired throughout for sound with in-wall speakers. This exceptional home has been featured in Domino Magazine and Townhouses of Greenwich Village.Built in 1850 by James Phalen, Designed by Meyer Davis Architects, the home has been published in such publications as Domino Magazine and the Townhouses of Greenwich Village. 88 Bedford is practically the only townhouse in the Village with a doggy bath.

Cocktails To Sip On This Thanksgiving

It’s no secret that there are specific signature flavors that people look forward to in their annual thanksgiving meal – from stuffing to cranberry sauce to mash potatoes, the traditional flavors of a thanksgiving feast are second to none. This Thanksgiving, serve an accompanying cocktail that enhances these beloved flavors with fresh and inventive additions, elevating the sensory experience of the meal as a whole. While you may not know what to cook for the meal, you can be the mixologist of the night with these approved cocktails.

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Kim Crawford Vanilla La La Cocktail

• 1 egg white

• 1 tsp vanilla sugar

• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

• 1/4 cup Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc

• Vanilla flowers for garnish
  

  Method: Place egg white, vanilla sugar and extract, along with the wine in a martini shaker with ice. Shake vigorously and strain into glass of choice. Garnish with flower

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Eastern Orchard – Drink Specific Rocks Glass

• ¾ oz. Fresh lemon juice

• ½ oz. Fresh orange juice

•  .75 oz. Orgeat

•  2 oz. Bourbon
  

  Method: Dry shake and pour into a chilled double rocks glass over crushed ice. Garnish with dried orange wheel and grated nutmeg. (Adapted from Trader Vic, circa 1950’s)

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The Family Dinner

• 1 ounce Artingstall’s Brilliant London Dry Gin

• 1 ounce apple brandy

• 1/2 ounce cherry heering

• 1/4 ounce Allspice Dram

• 1/2 ounce fresh lemon juice

• 1/4 ounce maple syrup

• 8 dashes cranberry bitters
  

  Method: Stir all the ingredients in a shaker without ice to dissolve the maple syrup. Add ice and shake. Empty drink and ice into a collins or highball glass. Add extra ice to fill, garnish with some frozen cranberries and enjoy!

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Fireside Spice

• 3 parts Chai-spiced apple cider*

• 2 parts Patrón Añejo

• 2 parts ginger beer

  Combine all ingredients over ice and garnish with cinnamon and star anise. 

• *Chai-spiced Apple Cider

  2 cups apple cider, 2 cinnamon sticks, 4 cardamom pods, 4 cloves, ½ teaspoon fennel seeds, 3 star anise.  

  In a small saucepan, add the ingredients for the chai apple cider and heat over medium heat.  Once it starts to simmer, remove from heat and let it cool.  Once cooled, strain the spices out to discard and keep the spiced apple cider for the cocktail.

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Velvet White Espresso Martini

• 1.5 oz Disaronno Velvet

• .5 oz Tia Maria Coffee Liqueur

• .5 oz Vodka

• Chocolate Flakes or Coffee Beans

Method: Shake and strain ingredients over ice. Garnish with chocolate flakes or coffee beans.

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The Flippin' Egg

• 2 oz vanilla infused Broken Shed Vodka

• 1 oz sweetened condensed milk

• 1 whole egg

Method: Shake with ice, strain back into shaker and dry shake to get frothy. Fine strain into a chilled glass and grate fresh nutmeg over the cup.

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Spice on Ice

• 1 ¾ oz. Wemyss Spice King Whisky

• 1 ¾ oz. Apple Cider

• 1 ¾ oz. Fever Tree Ginger Ale

Method: In the glass build over broken block ice and stir with a swizzle. Garnish: Caramelized apple crisp and straw

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Apple Cider Ginger Beer

•    4 oz. of Apple Cider

•   1.5 oz. Vodka

• Reed's Extra Ginger Beer

• Cinnamon sticks and Apple Slices          

Method: Apple Cider Ginger Beer Cocktail Recipe: Add Apple Cider and Vodka into glass and stir, do not shake. Pour over ice in a copper mule mug and top off with Reed’s Extra Ginger Beer. Garnish with cinnamon sticks and apple slices.

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Scotch Apple Cocktail

Ingredients

• 2 oz of SIA Blended Scotch Whisky

• 2oz of Apple Juice

• 1oz Fresh Lemon Juice

• ¾ oz Rosemary Simple Syrup*

Method: Fill rocks glass with ice, In the following order add ingredients to glass; Scotch, Apple Juice, Rosemary Simple Syrup and Lemon Juice. Stir

* Mix sugar, water, and rosemary in a saucepan. Over medium heat, bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 15 minutes. Let cool overnight at room temperature. Strain out the rosemary. Syrup can be stored in refrigerator for up to four weeks. 

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Rome with a View

Ingredients:

• 1 oz Cinzano Extra Dry

• 1 oz Campari 

• 1 oz Lime Juice

• 3/4 oz Simple Syrup

• Top with Soda Water

Garnish: 1 slice of orange

Glass: Highball

Shake all the ingredients except the soda and strain into a glass with fresh ice. Add the Soda, stir and top with a slice of orange Created by Michael McIlroy, from Attaboy in New York.

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The Moët & Chandon Impérial 1869

• 15ml Agave Syrup

• 2 Dashes Grapefruit Bitters

• 1 Dash Orange Flower Water

• 100ml Moët & Chandon Impérial Brut

Method: Pour all the ingredients into the Moët Impérial 150th anniversary Coupe and top with Champagne. Garnish with a sprig of “Queen Anne’s Lace” (also known as “wild carrot”)

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Corcoran Heads West

Corcoran Global Living, an affiliate of The Corcoran Group, LLC, announced that it has further expanded its presence in the California luxury real estate market by establishing operations in Los Angeles to be led by Peter Lorimer, formerly owner/CEO of PLG Estates. Adding more than 200 associates into its family of real estate professionals, Corcoran Global Living continues to broaden its market share and consumer reach across the West Coast. The firm now has more than 1,000 affiliated real estate agents across 34 offices, with annual combined sales of nearly $5 billion.

"This is a milestone we are incredibly excited to reach, and we're very proud to finally establish ourselves in the dynamic L.A. region," commented Michael Mahon, CEO and Founder of Corcoran Global Living. "We've accomplished truly significant expansion in this first year as Corcoran Global Living, particularly in California, and I can't wait to see how our newest associates work with our wider network to deliver the best possible client service."

Today's announcement advances Corcoran Global Living's broad footing across California and in the broader region. As part of CGL, associates will now have access to a variety of resources, support, technology, referral opportunities, and wide brand recognition among both industry peers and the public. In further supporting Lorimer's vision for growth across the Los Angeles market, district office managers include well-known industry leaders: Nick Spirtos, District Manager for Beverly Hills, and Tom Swanson and Sherry Sada, District Managers for the L.A. beach cities.

"We've really been looking forward to establishing Corcoran in the Los Angeles region, and I'm so pleased that our network now extends to such a vital city on the West Coast," said Pamela Liebman, President & CEO of Corcoran. "We've prided ourselves on our East Coast footprint since our inception, so it's a natural and very important next step for us to make this mark in the west."

"We are a fiercely driven company with a very defined and progressive culture. Aligning with CGL has allowed our ship to become part of a fleet of fellow freethinkers where expression and creativity is encouraged," said Peter Lorimer, CEO of PLG Estates, now partner and Vice President of Sales at Corcoran Global Living.

Los Angeles, as the bedrock of "creative commerce", has attracted some of the most talented and successful individuals from all industries. From Downtown to the beach, and from the Valley to the Hills, the region is a top destination for the luxury and seasonal vacation home market. The wider California and west coast connection is bolstered by Corcoran Global Living's market reach in the region and is a powerful benefit to their clientele.

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.

Interior Design Ideas You Need to Try in Your Apartment This Winter

If you love apartment life but you're not sure how to decorate your space for winter, you're not alone. It's tough to figure out how to decorate for the season when you don't have a ton of storage space or much license to make changes to your living space. If you want to learn how to create a cozy winter wonderland in your apartment this season, here are a few tips to help you out.

Hang Some Decorative Lights

Strings of twinkling lights are the perfect display of winter cheer. And it's relatively easy to place them in your apartment without damaging any of the walls or other fixtures, too. For instance, if you want to line an archway in your apartment with twinkling lights, all you'll need is a step stool and a few good stick-on wall hooks. These hooks don't require any drilling or hammering, so you can rest easy knowing that your security deposit will still be coming your way. And if you're feeling really festive, you could even invest in lights that blink or lights in colors that complement the rest of your decor. Just make sure that if you're one of the 38% of people who own a dog that you hang your lights out of their reach! Regardless of what color you choose, lights are an excellent way to bring some cozy winter vibes into your apartment.

Add Some New Throw Pillows

Throw pillows are an excellent way to add color and texture to your living space. And the best part? You can have as many as you want and your landlord can't tell you otherwise. If you're really short on space, it's possible to switch out your throw pillow covers instead of purchasing additional throw pillows to add to your collection. And since 44% of people use the internet to look for homes and home goods, a simple search online should help you find what you're looking for. If you're not sure what kinds of throw pillows will help you create a cozy feeling in your place, consider things like color and texture. A big, fuzzy throw pillow might look great paired with a smaller patterned pillow or a pillow with some nice texture on it. The key is to group your pillows together in a way that creates a variety of textures and colors that complement each other.

Invest in Some Decorative Candles

If you, like most Americans, move every five to seven years, it's likely that you don't have a lot of accessories to place around your home. But there's nothing wrong with picking up a few things here and there! Decorative candles and candle holders are a timeless piece of decor that can help any space feel cozy and luxurious during the holiday season. And one of the best things about these decorative candles is that they're typically not meant to be burned, which means no fire hazards for you. If you're feeling really creative, you can even purchase some candle-making equipment and create your own decorative candles. This way, you can make sure your candles are perfectly suited to your holiday style.

Decorating for the holidays is an awesome way to express yourself and make your space truly feel like your own. And even with a rented apartment, you can create a cozy winter wonderland.

INC-Designed Saint Marks Place Rises in Boerum Hill

Avdoo & Partners Development announced this week the topping out of Saint Marks Place, a hand crafted 100-residence condominium project in the quintessential brownstone neighborhood of Boerum Hill. With a comprehensive design vision by INCArchitecture & Design, a series of lush, landscaped gardens by Terrain, and a 360-degree holistic wellness and fitness environment curated by The WrightFit — Saint Marks Place combines modern design intelligence with a historic sense of place.

@Grain_London

Topping out 125 feet tall with 12 floors, Saint Marks Place is designed with an intentional nod to the neighborhood that surrounds it. The building echoes the scale of the brownstones nearby, with an elevated, sculpted façade inspired by the proportions of the classic brownstone exterior. The façade is modernized by 8,000 bold, vertical modules in custom Agrob Buchtal-manufactured terra cotta, a classic component of New York architecture. The building boasts 338 windows, which were thoughtfully designed to emphasize natural light and access to fresh air.

“Our cities are on the verge of an unprecedented rebirth,” said Adam Rolston, partner of INC Architecture & Design. “How we live, work and play in the urban environment will be transformed. In addition to boasting beautiful private residences with a connection to the natural light and outdoors we all crave, Saint Marks Place will constitute a village within a borough that can support meaningful social connections to enhance both the physical and emotional health of new kind of urban life.”

Nineteen thousand square feet of full-service amenities at Saint Marks Place are thoughtfully planned around an outdoor Central Garden – designed by Terrain and featuring 55 species of plants and trees – with plenty of exposure to natural light and abundant access to outdoor space. Saint Marks Place will offer 39 unique residence types of studios to four-bedrooms. Nearly 80 percent of all residences have private outdoor space.

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.

Look Inside The Model Residence Of The Smile by BIG-Bjarke Ingels Group

Inspired by its unique curved architecture and playful amenity programming, The Smile is a one-of-a-kind new rental development from the internationally known Danish architecture firm BIG-Bjarke Ingels Group, whose architecture emerges out of a careful analysis of how contemporary life constantly evolves.

Designed inside and out by the Copenhagen-founded firm, the curved shape of The Smile’s façade gently curves inwards as it rises upwards, deviating from the hard, linear street edge while keeping the building form contained within the allowable zoning envelope. Now nearly complete, The Smile hugs 126th Street and resembles the welcoming grin of a smile. The curved gesture also provides the apartments and the street below with an abundance of direct sunlight. An interlocking checkerboard pattern dots the façade, making each home a bright pop of activity and life, while creating floor-to-ceiling windows in each unit for maximum views and natural light.

Photo courtesy of NOISE

Inside, the lobby’s rainbow colors and Harlem-inspired murals lead to studio, one- and two-bedroom homes that play with industrial and minimalist design with modern comforts. Within the apartments, white monolithic floors and exposed concrete details create a unique backdrop for custom open kitchens with Italian stainless steel cabinetry. Every home features touchless Latch smart entry locks, a washer and dryer, oversized closets rare for NYC apartments and floor-to-ceiling windows that ensure each room feels full of sun and air.

The Smile provides residents with a robust amenity package including complete spa, fitness and work-from-home experience, that will adhere to all CDC guidelines and enhanced occupancy, maintenance and cleaning measures. The list includes The Smile Rooftop Club, with swimming pool, three whirlpools, grilling and dining areas and open-air movie theater all in a beautiful landscaped setting with panoramic views of the Harlem River and Manhattan skyline. The building also boasts The Smile Fitness Club, a state-of-the-art fitness center that includes yoga and personal training rooms and The Smile Spa, a facility on par with the city’s leading spas and featuring a Hamam, sauna and steam rooms, color-changing LED Himalayan salt room, cold room and private treatment rooms. Additionally, the building includes a spacious co-working studio, lounge and game room with wet bar, commercial kitchen, 24-hour attended lobby and virtual concierge services.

Developed by Blumenfeld Development Group (BDG), The Smile will continue the firm’s dedication to investing in the surrounding community. The company has been active builders in the neighborhood since 1994 – in fact, The Smile creatively cantilevers over Gotham Plaza, a mixed-use building on 125th Street completed by BDG in 2002. BDG is also a strong patron of the arts and philanthropic causes, and will be housing neighborhood non-profit and performing arts group MAMA Foundation for the Arts on site.

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.

Amenities for Kids in Lux NYC Residences

Children’s amenities are a priority for young families shopping New York’s luxury residences. I’ve rounded up a few NYC buildings that have special spaces for their smallest residents -- everything from a butterfly garden to a giant chess set, to starchitect Bjarke Ingels’ first kids’ room.

11 Hoyt

11 Hoyt’s youngest residents can let their imaginations—and themselves—run wild in the playroom. Kids can read a book or relax in one of the tent-like hanging pods or frolic on a dynamic multi-level play structure featuring ladders, ropes, elevated walkways and slides. Connected to the playroom is a whimsical colorful outdoor play area where children can climb a giant butterfly—a nod to the migrating monarch butterflies that will flock to the lush ecologically minded native flower gardens of 11 Hoyt’s private park.

Credit: Binyan Studios  

The XI

Designed by famed starchitect Bjarke Ingels, the children’s and teen’s learning space are being offered in response to the fact that programming dedicated to the development of children is often overlooked in the wellness and luxury sectors.  It will offer an array of educational and fun activities while offering a holistic approach to children and teen development. The rooms offer private and semi-private areas for tutoring, private study, music lessons or quiet reading during the school year while providing social hangout areas as well.

The West

The West features more than 25,000 square feet of curated amenities, including an expansive indoor and outdoor children’s playroom called The Romper Room. In addition, The West will collaborate with Apple Seeds, who will operate The Romper Room and offer a  variety of additional services including on-site music classes, full-service party planning, and much more. 

Credit: VUW

One Clinton

Studio DB designed the amenities spaces for the building. As a mother of 5 kids, Britt Zunino understands firsthand what families are looking for in their home, which is why she designed the spaces for families with kids in mind. The Children’s Center will have indoor and outdoor active play areas, perfect for year round fun. There is also a music room for kids to jam out. 

Credit: Noe and Associates/The Boundary

25 Park Row

Designer Andre Mellone of Studio Mellone designed the amenities, known as the Park Row Club. Kids have their own special space that was elegantly designed by Mellone, overlooking the treetops of City Hall Park. It’s not everyone who can say that their kid’s playroom was designed by the same person who has been tapped to design some of fashion’s most important spaces, like the new Carolina Herrera Flagship.

Credit: DBOX

130 William

The children’s center at 130 William consists of unique athletic activity zones for kids to enjoy different sports, such as a trampoline room, mini basketball court, and mini soccer field.  The smallest residents here can also have fun in a playroom fit with a kitchenette.    

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 To Keep Your Basement from Flooding This Winter

A flooded basement is the absolute worst. If you’re looking for ways to completely avoid this misfortune during this winter season, you’ve come to the right place. Below are a few general tips for keeping your basement from flooding this winter that will help you ensure it indeed does not happen.

Have Your House Inspected

It’s not a bad idea to have your house inspected during the fall before the winter comes at you full-force. Having the roof and walls of your house carefully inspected will improve the overall condition of your home and strengthen it before the harshness of winter arrives. Taking care of small odd jobs, such as repairing cracks in the walls, putting a new cap over the chimney, looking at basement waterproofing southern Illinois or wherever you are located, and insulating the windows, will prevent the flooding and leaking that could possibly occur.

Ensure Drainage Works Properly

If you have any that look rusty or damaged, get them repaired. Check your gutters for leaves or additional debris, and clean them out if necessary. Once you’ve done this, double-check to make sure the water drains away from the walls of your home.

Clear Ice and Snow from Downspouts

If you get a large amount of snow or ice, going outside and checking to make sure your downspouts are clear of ice and snow is a smart decision. Identifying this situation and fixing it will decrease your chances of having a flood in your basement.

Double-Check the Sump Pump

Unfortunately, the sump pump is one of the most common causes of floods in basements. If yours isn’t working properly, get it fixed or replaced immediately. By avoiding or not paying attention to this problem, you risk a flood damaging your basement and all its contents. Be proactive and keep a close eye on your sump pump. And if the power goes out, make sure there’s a backup power source, considering the pump runs on electricity.

If you miss one of the points listed above, you could unfortunately face a flood this winter. Don’t let this be the case! Instead, keep these tips for keeping your basement from flooding this winter in the back of your mind as the cold comes your way. You’ll thank us later for these tips when you’re enjoying your dry basement during the cold winter months.