4 Reasons Your Home Needs a Decor Update

Are you considering upgrading your home décor and furniture? At the moment, you may feel as if there are so many more essential needs to invest in. You may have been putting off updating your home for a while.

A refurbishing often takes time and creativity, both of which can seem like a great luxury. The good news is that for anyone willing to put in the time, DIY Home décor is fairly easy to make. With all the available resources at your fingertips, you can find endless inspiration online to create your own personalized home décor.

But if you still need convincing, here are 4 great reasons to plan a home décor update today.

Your personal needs have changed

 Perhaps you have had children, changed location, or even started to work from home during the pandemic. Your personal needs now reflect your décor needs. Every now and then, step back to reassess where you are in your personal journey and ask yourself if your environment supports the needs you have.

 For example, do you now school your children at home, at least sometimes? Have you or your spouse had to switch to working from home? And do you find it harder and harder to stay productive when so many activities happen in the same place? Updating your home décor to reflect the life changes you are going through is one way to deal with the challenges and overcome them.

Your values have shifted

 As we move through life, the different stages will be as varied as your home's special needs. It is important that when you are financially capable of investing, that you do so in a way that reflects your values. For people who want to place higher importance on their living space, investing in beautiful and good quality furniture is key.

 DIY Tip: If you want to invest in DIY options, do something that reflects your personal style. Showcase your signature DIY pieces.

Your family has grown

If you are parenting young ones, then you know how swiftly time changes everything. As your children grow, they will need their own space to thrive as individuals. Personal changes and family growth is a good reason as any to give your home an upgrade and try some DIY décor.

Teenagers are a class all on their own, so if you have one or a couple at home, do take their needs into consideration when planning a home update. If they need more personal space, a simple DIY partition can create that feeling of individuality. Little details like this make your home a happier, more harmonious place for everyone in your family. 

Pure Joy is now Your Priority

 We’ve all heard of Marie Kondo’s method of getting rid of anything that does not spark joy in our lives. If you want more joy and peace to flow through your home, then this is an important point when considering a renovation or upgrade.

Perhaps you have been looking at the walls of your home for so long, that they no longer bring you a sense of peace and calm. Well, it’s up to you to change that, start today with small DIY steps, and see if you don’t get inspired to improve your home in greater ways.

 DIY TIP: Scan your own artwork and upload them to a digital platform that produces home accessories. Add a DIY touch by hand-painting your frames.

Staycations Make You Smile

 Now that we cannot yet travel as freely as before, you may be planning a Staycation. Make it a little more luxurious by upgrading your space. Look at magazine inspiration for cozy bedrooms; turn your bath into a delightful spa you want to come home to; make every room in your house welcoming.

You might spruce up whenever guests arrive, but now is the perfect time to do yourself a favor. Remember that caring for the place where you thrive best is a form of self-care. Change up your beddings if you need to encourage yourself to get sleep more at night. Buy some comfy throw pillows or DIY your own rugs to make your house feel more like home.

Even if you try just one of these tips today, it will make a world of difference in your inner mood, and your sense well-being. Did any of the suggestions above ring a bell for you? Remember that it does not take a lot of budget to make your home feel like a safer, more beautiful space to live in.

For more inspiration to create a calmer, kinder space in your home, have a look at our curated post of beautiful listings.

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.

Four Compromises Homebuyers Should Never Make, Even in a Seller's Market

Ryan Dibble

Buying a home, whether it’s your first or your fifth, is all about compromise. You start with a wishlist that includes every amenity you’ve ever wanted. Then you whittle down that list until you have your “must-haves.” Even then—because no home is perfect—you edit that list down further.

Compromise is the name of the game when it comes to buying a home, but there are certain areas where you should never budge. Here are the four things you should hold sacred while buying your home.

Your (and your partner's) goals

When buying a home, sometimes you’re buying an asset, and sometimes you’re buying a lifestyle. Either way, knowing your goals will help you decide what to invest in and what to avoid. 

If you're buying with a partner, it's crucial to make sure your goals are aligned before starting the homebuying journey. It's a much harder conversation to have at an open house or in front of your mortgage lender. 

Sticking to your goals is all about being intentional. Before you start house hunting, write your goals down, ground yourself, and come back to them regularly. The most successful homebuyers are intentional about what they want.

Budget 

It may be tempting to buy above your budget if you find a home you love, but doing so can lead to long-term problems. Getting in over your head can quickly turn a dream house into a nightmare.

Want to make sure your budget is realistic? Get pre-underwritten, not just pre-approved, by your mortgage lender. With pre-underwriting, the lender carefully reviews your ability to pay back the loan before a property is involved. Put simply, pre-underwriting is the only reliable answer to a big question: “how much can I spend on a home?” It’s a written commitment from a mortgage lender confirming the loan amount and program you’re qualified for.

Location, location, location 

You can change almost anything about a home, but you can’t change a neighborhood. No amenity matters if you're miles from where you want to live – even if it is the perfect house otherwise. 

Yes, it's true that you may not be able to afford the hottest neighborhoods, but that doesn't mean you can't find a more affordable area you love. Identify your favorites, then widen the circle. Before locking in on any location, go one step further and explore each neighborhood you're considering in person to make sure it has what's most important to you, whether it be good schools, walkability, or social life.

Fixer-upper vs. Turnkey. 

Consider your appetite for big renovations, and the costs associated, when buying a home. If you've never swung a hammer or don't have the patience to live in a less-than-desirable home for a lengthy period, you could end up regretting taking on a fixer-upper because of a lower price tag. 

About the author:

Ryan Dibble is Chief Operating Officer of real estate startup, Flyhomes and an early employee of the company. Over the past five years, Ryan has built several core functions at Flyhomes, including both the Mortgage and Title & Escrow divisions, and ushered thousands of customers through the homebuying process. 

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.

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 week. 

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

35 East 63rd Street

Stephanie Kanner of Fox Residential has just listed the prized duplex Penthouse at 35 East 63rd Street. Asking $45,000 per month, the 6,312 square foot home epitomizes indoor+outdoor living, offering 4,000 square feet of private outdoor space – complete with outdoor kitchen, grill, hot tub and TV.

Enter under a beautiful skylight as you behold 6,312 square feet of this gorgeous, renovated light filled home. Total light, air and outdoor access welcome you in every room. You will find stunning wide plank hardwood floors, extra tall ceilings, four (4) wood-burning fireplaces and private terraces from all sides. A wall of glass doors sits at the end of the 39 foot wide living room with wood-burning fireplace, leading to a long south facing terrace, an environment made for indoor/outdoor entertaining at its best. The eat-in kitchen is stainless steel perfection, with flawless cabinetry, two sinks and professional grade appliances, including a six burner gas range, vented hood and three dishwashers. Off of the kitchen is a formal dining room, also with a wood-burning fireplace. The library is tucked away behind the study which opens to yet another perfect outdoor space. A full bathroom, powder room and plentiful closets make this top floor the total package.

The bedroom quarters are on the lower level for privacy and quiet time. The primary suite is massive and has two oversized marble bathrooms and two enormous walk in closets. There are three more bedrooms, all with en-suite bathrooms and walk-in closets, 2 of which have private terraces. A large family room with a wood-burning fireplace and powder room is the perfect gathering place for family fun. A convenient laundry room with utility sink and two sets of large washer-dryers complete this perfect, luxurious, livable home.

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85 Chichester Rd., Huntington, NY

Courtesy Douglas Elliman

Dating back to 1705, this historic, colonial home on Long Island was built and lived in by the ancestors of famed poet Walt Whitman.

Located in Huntington, his great-grandfather Nehemiah Whitman lived in the house and his grandfather, Jesse Whitman, was born there. Known as “The Whitman-Rome” house, just four families have owned this special home over the course of its storied 300-plus year history. It was last sold to its current owners in 1995.

It is certain that the poet himself visited the site of this early Whitman homestead and trod these rustic paths through West Hills.  On the grounds of the property, towards the back and up a hill, is a private cemetery, where Walt Whitman is said to have visited in July of 1881 and composed a lament on the graves of his ancestors.

Inside the historic house, little has changed on the main floor. The wide old pine-floorboards are original and the mantles on the four fireplaces range from plain (in the summer kitchen) to elaborate (in the living room). Each door on the main floor is different in design.

Monica McMahon is the listing agent.

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150 East 69th Street, 8DE

Yoo Jean Han for Sotheby’s International Realty

4 bedroom/3.5 bath home by renowned designer, Michelle Gerson. Every detail of this glamourous triple mint home was thoughtfully designed to perfection.

The gracious entry has a custom marble floor that opens to a huge sun-filled Kitchen, Dining Room and Living Room expanse with an attached Sunroom. The centerpiece of the Living Room is a wall with antiqued mirror and dark stained cerused oak surrounding the TV.

The top-of-the-line custom chef’s windowed kitchen boasts Neolith stone island counters and backsplash, white gloss shop painted wall cabinets, walnut veneers, Miele dishwasher and pullout range hood, Wolf oven and range cooktop, Franke sink, Dornbracht custom black faucet with matching instant hot/cold dispenser and an LG stacked Washer and Gas Dryer. Completing the entertaining space is a magnificent Sunroom with banquette seating and a custom lacquered green bar with brass inlays and black marble top.

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212 W. 93rd Street Launches Sales

Sales are launching today at 212 W. 93rd Street, a highly anticipated new condo that embodies precisely what people want coming out of the pandemic: a bigger home in a smaller, low-contact building with tons of private outdoor space. 

Developed by national publicly traded homebuilder Landsea Homes (their first NYC development) in partnership with Leyton Properties, 212 W. 93rd Street was envisioned as a vertical collection of individual residences with timeless interiors by GRADE New York. The building was designed from the outside in to maximize outdoor space, natural light and interior volume, creating a unique layout for each home that is flexible to support daily needs and daily life. Oversized beveled windows seamlessly combine indoor and outdoor spaces to create a true indoor/outdoor living experience. 

“We are thrilled to unveil 212 West 93rd Street,” said Jed Lowry, Division Vice President at Landsea Homes. “New Yorkers today want a home that is optimized for their daily needs, they want a flexible layout that integrates with the outdoors and a more intimate, private setting. 212 West 93rd Street embodies this new luxury paradigm.”

The building also includes an outside amenities package, including a rooftop terrace, a children’s playroom, and a futuristic fitness studio with the latest high-tech equipment like The Mirror, which everyone is talking about these days. 

“If I were to describe 212 West 93rd Street in one word it would be: seamless. It was incredibly exciting for me to work on a project that called for so much equilibrium – between new and old, indoors and outdoors, luxury and functionality,” said Eran Chen, founding principal and CEO of ODA. “With the launch of sales, I am excited for New Yorkers to discover this unique property that lends a new perspective on living on the Upper West Side.” 

The Lindsey Stokes Team at Compass Development Marketing Group is the exclusive sales and marketing agent for the project. Construction is well underway with completion anticipated in 2021. Pricing begins at $1.875M.

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.

Douglas Elliman Parent Company Vector Group Launches PropTech Investment Venture

Vector Group Ltd. announced the launch of New Valley Ventures, an investment vehicle seeking opportunities in next-generation technologies in the property technology (PropTech) space. New Valley Ventures will invest in promising PropTech startups committed to supporting rapid transformation of the real estate industry for the benefit of the agent experience.

In connection with the launch, Vector Group also announced New Valley Ventures has acquired an ownership stake in Rechat, a lead-to-close fully-mobile technology dashboard for real estate agents. New Valley Ventures’ affiliate, Douglas Elliman “We are incredibly excited to introduce New Valley Ventures to the PropTech industry,” said Richard J. Lampen, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Vector Group.

New Valley Ventures will consider companies of all sizes, supporting their development with in-depth real estate expertise and helping them enter prime domestic real estate markets. New Valley Ventures has also invested in Camber Creek, a venture capital firm whose portfolio includes startups such as Notarize, Curbio, Flex and Darwin Homes, and MetaProp, a venture capital firm with investments in startups such as Milo Credit and Skipp.

“I am thrilled about this initiative and confident it will further enhance agent productivity,” said Scott Durkin, President and COO of Douglas Elliman. “In partnership with New Valley Ventures, our agents will now be at the forefront of emerging technologies that will make them better, faster, more productive and ultimately, more successful.”

New Valley Ventures is being spearheaded by Dan Sachar, who serves as its Managing Director as well as Vice President of Enterprise Innovation for Vector Group. Sachar works in partnership with both Vector Group’s Chief Technology Officer David Ballard and with Douglas Elliman’s Chief Information Officer Connie Mui-Reilly.

“We are witnessing a generational shift in how real estate professionals work, and with that comes a new set of expectations for innovation and experiences that provide ease, mobility and nimbleness. Our objective is to free agents to do what they do best, which is to sell real estate,” said Sachar. Ballard added, “It is not just about us being innovators, it is about being able to identify emerging technologies early and benefit from them. In turn, we provide start-ups with invaluable intelligence from Douglas Elliman’s 7,000 agents across the United States."

“When we identify a service from an early stage business that we believe agents can benefit from, we are willing to  invest in them, aligning our interests with those of our agents, while helping these companies to innovate at start-up speed,” said Ballard. 

“We are grateful for our new partnership with New Valley Ventures and Douglas Elliman and their confidence in our transformational product,” said Shayan Hamidi, Founder and CEO of Rechat. “I look forward to welcoming them to the Rechat family.”

Rechat will revolutionize the way real estate agents and managers work and includes a robust customer relationship management (CRM) system that helps real estate professionals organize their client rosters, manage communications and prioritize responses, syncing with Google Mail and Outlook. It also allows for marketing automation for social media, email blasts and digital and printed collateral materials.

Other important features include a modern open house experience, helping agents save time and effort on scheduling, designing marketing templates, managing listings and capturing leads. Its online and offline registration pages allow attendees to simply flow into a database, maximizing outreach and offering automated responses.

Also important is the real-time MLS search and alerts feature allowing users of Rechat to provide fast, accurate and consistent data to share with clients more efficiently. Additionally, Rechat’s fully-mobile platform allows for easier listing and transaction management operations, streamlining the process of completing forms, managing documents, updating pricing and chasing down signatures.

Rechat will be strategically rolled out to all Douglas Elliman agents during the first half of 2021.

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.

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 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!

Greenwich Village

WHERE: 67 East 11th Street Apt. 323

SIZE: 1 Beds | 1 Baths

COST: $1,199,000

About: Located on the coveted 3rd floor of the famous Cast Iron Building, unit 323 boasts over 15" foot ceilings on the main floor with 7.5” foot ceilings on the second floor … making this a true 2 floor apartment. No detail was left untouched in this meticulously renovated, formerly 2 bedroom turned duplex lovers dream! Exposed brick, massive windows with morning eastern light, an original detailed Corinthian column and a floating staircase greet you as you enter this beautiful gem. An impeccably designed mint condition kitchen featuring Unique Calcatta countertops, a Thermador Professional sized gas range oven, built-in Wolf microwave, Liebherr refrigerator, Fisher Paykel dishwasher and built in wine fridge maximize the spaces’ perfection. Closets and storage are abundant, as thoughtful built-ins were added throughout the unit in addition to an entry closet on the first floor and a huge walk-in closet on the second floor.

For more information click here

Hamptons Bay

WHERE: 27 Realnautic Court

SIZE: 5 Beds | 5 Baths

COST: $2,850,000

About: Tranquility awaits at this peaceful 2.34-acre estate. Featuring two large parcels at the end of its own exclusive cul-du-sac, the sizable property comprises a spacious 6,000-square-foot contemporary home, complete with sprawling lawns, oversized 25-foot-by-65-foot Gunite pool, spa, outdoor kitchen, Zen water garden and access to nature trails and parkland. Impeccably built, the open and inviting two-story manse features five bedrooms and four-and-a half baths, including an expansive owners suite with marble bath, sitting room, dressing area, study and fireplace; a 2,000-square-foot great room with soaring ceilings, walls of windows, fireplace and a sunken living room; a 550-square-foot family room with nearly 20-foot ceilings and stone fireplace; chefs kitchen; dining room; Finnish sauna; and three-zone heating, cooling and sound. This is an unusual opportunity to own a significant Southampton estate situated in a true country (rather than suburban) setting. Adjacent to and nearby Southampton Town preserved and County parkland, the properties are formally within a Southampton Town country residential zone. *The residential plot is 1.28 acres and the accompanying parcel at 23 Realnautic Court, which is fully separate and buildable, is 1.06 acres.

For more information click here.

Brooklyn Heights

credit: Travis Mark

WHERE:  50 Hicks Street, TH

SIZE: 5 Bedroom | 4 Bath, 3 Half-Bath

COST: $8,875,000

About:  50 Hicks is a private home with five bedrooms, two home offices, two outdoor spaces and an elevator.  The red brick home is 21-feet wide behind original storefront windows with custom shutters and features a large paved rear patio with fencing and planter boxes. Offering state-of-the-art security and safety, the home’s owner's suite can act as an impenetrable safe room with blast/ballistic-resistant walls and doors!

Rybak Development underwent a thorough renovation after they purchased the site. The firm, with a strong footprint in Brooklyn and NYC, erected a new concrete-reinforced superstructure within a historic façade. The result is taller ceilings (now recessed with designer light fixtures), outstanding stability and unmatched sound attenuation. The elevator is an oversized commercial-grade model with a double sliding-door (versus cumbersome hinged inner and outer doors), a rarity in private residences. 

For more information click here

5 Key Features to Check for When Hunting for a New Apartment

When you're looking for a new apartment, it's easy to get overwhelmed by all of your options. Unfortunately, that means you might overlook a few key features during your search for the perfect abode. Whether this is your first apartment or your fifth, here are a few key features you need to look for during your search.

Location

While this feature isn't inside the apartment itself, it's still one of the first things you need to look at when you decide to tour a unit you like. When you're looking at location, you need to consider more than being in an ideal neighborhood. First, consider what's important to you. If you use public transportation every day, check whether or not there's a bus stop within walking distance. Hate driving long distances to get groceries? Make sure there's a supermarket or local grocery store within five minutes of the place you're touring. Location is about more than being in the next up and coming neighborhood!

Storage

Storage space is a crucial feature to look for when you're apartment hunting. The apartment you're touring might have enough space for you and your larger pieces of furniture, but will it have enough space for your kitchen equipment, knick-knacks, plants, bins, and other extraneous belongings? Before you commit to any of the apartments you're looking at, make sure you ask about storage space and make a point to look at it during your tour. Not only can this help you make a better decision for yourself space-wise, but it can save you a lot of trouble in the long run when you need to organize your belongings.

Appliances

Some appliances might not be essential, but if they're important to you then you should absolutely make a point to ask about them. If you, like 62% of millennial homebuyers, care about granite countertops, you'd ask about them. The same goes for appliances like dishwashers and laundry machines. If you hate washing dishes by hand, then ask about whether there are any available units with that appliance. Can't carry laundry to the nearest laundromat? Ask about in-building or in-unit laundry appliances. It might seem forward to ask about these things, but you'll thank yourself later.

Parking

If you own a car, parking should be one of the first features you ask about when you're looking at a new apartment. The last thing you want is to sign a lease and only have metered parking for miles in all directions. Since almost 85% of the nation's homes were built before 1980, it's not far off to imagine the state of some of the nation's apartment complexes. If off-street parking really matters to you, it's possible to ask whether your rent will include fees for garage parking or if there's a parking garage nearby.

Security

Security should be top of mind at all times when you're looking at an apartment. There are a few key things to check for when you want to know about apartment security.

• Are there locks on the windows?

• Is the entrance to your building locked?

• Does your apartment door lock?

• Who has access to your apartment?

Checking on these things can help you make sure that the place you're looking at to live is truly secure and safe from intrusion. In addition, it's a good idea to check the landlord's policy on apartment entry. Will they contact you in advance when they need to come in and check on something or make a repair? That's just as much a matter of security as anything else.

When over 90% of real estate transactions happen via the MLS, finding apartments to look at isn't the problem. Rather, knowing what to look for once you arrive for your tour is the bigger issue. Don't forget to check for these features the next time you move.

Corcoran Sunshine's Norma Jean Callahan Shifts To Residential Sales

Richard Hottinger & Norma Jean Callahan

The Corcoran Group announced that leading real estate professional Norma Jean Callahan is joining veteran Corcoran agent Richard Hottinger - to create the Hottinger-Callahan Team. Norma Jean and Richard are supported by a dedicated team of nine agents and will serve both the New York and Miami markets.

“This powerhouse team will be unstoppable,” said Pamela Liebman, President and CEO of The Corcoran Group.  “N.J. and Richard have exceptional expertise in both existing residential and new development sales.  Together, they have mastered all facets of the market.”

Norma Jean is moving to her new role after 13 years at Corcoran Sunshine Marketing Group, where she most recently held the title of Senior Sales Director.  Among top echelon of New York’s new development brokers, she successfully helped launch and market the luxurious Baccarat Hotel and Residences and the iconic 220 Central Park South, as well as the stunning 3-tower community of Waterline Square on Manhattan’s West Side.  In total, sales at these premier sites have topped $5 billion.

Her industry experience spans more than two decades.  Prior to Joining Corcoran Sunshine, Norma Jean sold single-family homes at Coldwell Banker - and was ranked in the top 98th percentile of agents nationwide after her first year in the business.  Well-versed in working with both domestic and international ultra-luxury buyers, she has the instinctive ability to match individuals and properties.

“We are proud that Norma Jean is staying a part of our Corcoran family,” explained Kelly Kennedy Mack, President of Corcoran Sunshine Marketing Group. “She is a consummate professional and we all look forward to what this next chapter in her real estate career holds.”

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.

Wake Up to a World-Class View: Forbes Global Properties

From serene seascapes to opulent landscapes, majestic mountains and dazzling city skylines, below please find a selection of properties with unparalleled views to start your day.

 Each home is represented by a member of Forbes Global Properties, a curated consumer marketplace that connects discerning buyers directly to the world’s finest homes and the best-in-class agents that represent them.

Looking to move to these great properties today? Be sure to visit Moving and Storage Services for an easy move.

Jávea, Alicante, Spain -- US $2,861,490

Represented by Immobiliaria Rimontgo, founding member of Forbes Global Properties

This modern 4 bedroom villa offers panoramic views and is located in Jávea's Port, minutes away from the beach, the Port and the Yacht Club.

Brittany 35500, Vitre, Brittany, France – US $1,826,865

Represented by Groupe Mercure, founding member of Forbes Global Properties

This 8,072.93 square foot Gothic-style chateau was built in 1860 and superbly restored in 2004 and 2016. Comprised of 3 floors plus a basement, home offers 12 rooms including 9 bedrooms, architectural elements, and modern comfort features. The home is set on 12 acres with pleasant English-style park and French garden with ponds, secular trees, orchard and garage.

11 East 29th Street, 48A, New York, NY – US $2,950,000

Represented by Warburg Realty, founding member of Forbes Global Properties

Move right into this sprawling corner mint condition 2 bedroom, 2.5 bathroom apartment perched high up in one of Manhattan’s premier condominiums. Located on the 48th floor of the Sky House Condominium, Apt. 48A has 360-degree breathtaking views of countless iconic landmarks including the Empire State Building, One World Trade Center, and both the East and Hudson Rivers.

5651 W Camino Cielo, Santa Barbara, CA – US $4,795,000

Represented by Village Properties, founding member of Forbes Global Properties

Unparalleled privacy and mesmerizing views abound on this enchanting 6.29 acre (+/-) property. Bordered by the Windemere Ranch and Los Padres National Forest, this property is truly embedded in nature. Thoughtfully sited to maximize the views, the main residence showcases disappearing glass doors, creating a true indoor/outdoor living experience. The second residence enjoys views of the ocean and bucolic setting, and offers luxurious space for guests and family, or valuable work from home space.

3882 Daybreak Ridge, Avon, CO – US $10,800,000

Represented by Slifer Smith & Frampton Real Estate, founding member of Forbes Global Properties

Attention to detail, quality and craftsmanship are a true reflection of this extraordinary 5 bedroom home. The 10,787 square foot home offers spectacular views of the Gore Range, and direct ski access in and out to Beaver Ski area via Strawberry Park.

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.

6 great ideas for a luxury open house

There’s an art to holding a successful open house. When it is a luxury property that’s involved, the expectations can be even higher. Those who take the time and money to get it right can fill their contacts up with many promising leads. 

Partner with influencers

Luxury real estate agents are like catnip to influencers. There are huge numbers of social media accounts and YouTube videos dedicated to how to build a custom home of luxury listings. Their reach is probably much greater than yours, so utilize it. Get them on board at a specialist ‘influencer open house’ prior to the main event. Wine and dine them and let them have full run of the place. They’ll create priceless content and promote it all over the internet. 

Try and find a ‘hook’ to entice them, such as live music or a mini-fashion show. 

Staging the Property

Staging is crucial for luxury homes. Use professional staging services to highlight the property's best features. Consider incorporating office cubicle designs that appeal to a home office setup, making it easier for buyers to envision themselves in the space.

Use virtual staging techniques

If the house you’re showing is empty or has unusual decor, it might be difficult for people to imagine their own furniture in it. Find someone with graphics experience and create a series of images that show the property with different styles of decor and furniture. You can even hire a company that specializes in real estate virtual staging to get the best results. You can use these on the property website listing and email them to people who have shown an interest. What’s more, you can also get some professional help from someone from a real estate agent directory to help you stage the house in the most appealing way possible.

Create a walkthrough video

A simple walkthrough video can do what a thousand photos can’t. Not only is video content becoming much more popular, but it will give a much better feel for the property than a plain image. You can create something simple like mutli family inspections to go all out with production values and drone footage.

Create an online sign-in sheet

Rather than have a guest book at the door, create an online sign-in sheet that people use instead. This can be done on a laptop or tablet. This will let you collect accurate contact details for follow-up after the open house. 

Invite the neighbors

It’s always a good idea to get on the best side of the neighbors. By inviting them in for a private viewing before the open house, they can invite any friends or family that might want to move into the area. 

Also, they’ll probably want to move home in the future and need someone to sell their homes too. This will put you at the front of their minds. 

Get up to speed with social media promotion

Luxury home listings are a huge pull on social media. So either get to know how to use it to the best advantage or hire someone who does. Using Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, and Facebook to promote images and video content. Tag and engage influencers who can help you push your content out further. 

Key takeaways

The open house isn’t dead, it just needs a bit of creativity. Rather than sticking to all of the traditional promos you’ve always done, expand your skillset into video, social, and influencer marketing. If you haven’t the time or skills to do it yourself, then there are many freelancers or agencies that can help you. 

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.

Kirsten Jordan Returns to Douglas Elliman

Kirsten Jordan

Last week on February 18th, Douglas Elliman announced that top producing New York City agent Kirsten Jordan has returned to the firm. With over 13 years of experience in the real estate industry, Kirsten is a seasoned professional and avid property investor. Kirsten and her team will be working out of the brokerage’s flagship office located at 575 Madison Avenue in Manhattan.

“Kirsten is one of the leading agents working in our industry and we are thrilled to have her back at Douglas Elliman,” said Howard M. Lorber, Executive Chairman, Douglas Elliman Realty, LLC. “Kirsten’s strong client relationships and business and marketing acumen will make her a great addition to our firm. We look forward to her continued success utilizing our global marketing and sales platforms.”

“I am excited to be returning to Douglas Elliman, the company where I first started my real estate career,” said Jordan. “Elliman is a powerhouse firm and with their global network, technology, marketing and public relations prowess, I am certain that I will be able to service my clients and customers even further.”

Since 2008, Jordan has brokered sales and rentals for Fortune 500 executives, Oscar-winning actors and mega-influencers with millions of followers. She has sold out three new developments in the city, for a total of $100M in new development sales and was the head of sales at the Upper West Side condominium, 175 West 95th Street and at a 14-unit condo, Gramercy North.

Jordan’s largest past sale transactions include The Penthouse at 403 Greenwich Street for $8.035MM the Penthouse at 174 Duane Street for $10.847MM and the 15th Floor at 812 Fifth Avenue for $9.95MM. 

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.

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 week. 

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

389 12th Street, Park Slope

Bathed in natural light throughout, discover in this dreamy residence a myriad of unique details: at the entryway find the colorful stained-glass front door, a gorgeously restored telephone-pole column from Staten Island and a handmade steel railing inspired by the Brooklyn Bridge. Enjoy the subtle angularity of the herringbone patterned living room floor, that bridges the gap between older and contemporary design: from the black and white cookie-inspired fireplace and the decorative pillar from a factory in Detroit, to the modern designer chandelier and the Gucci cranes wallpaper. Nothing is predictable and yet the artisan's vision flows smoothly into the massive chef's delight of a kitchen. Here the professional Viking stove perfectly blends with the restored 1940's Bronx Bakery cabinetry and everything is glued together by the huge kitchen island made of four pieces of thick Carrara marble, arranged in a mirrored design. Enjoy the serene views of the backyard, paved with rare original NYC Chelsea Piers cobblestones.

The owner's eclectic vision and wanderlust sensibility are greatly portrayed on the top floor of this intriguing home. The American flag room, with its classic notes and outstanding Caribou elk head over the fireplace, calls to mind Theodore Roosevelt's historic Sagamore Hill. Mahogany ceilings over 10 feet high, two skylights and the evocative decorative wall painting, lend this fascinating space a modern bohemian spirit. The adjacent full bathroom, which hosts a hand-crafted collage of vintage pictures on the walls and a glorious stained-glass installation, creates a color fantasy. The top floor landing's industrial yet elegant feel, with concrete floors, iron and glass railing and a precious designer chandelier, allows a smooth transition to the other bedroom, characterized by its minimalist, Scandinavian look, warmed by a floating fireplace and a section of exposed original brick wall.

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563 Park Avenue, 8E

Photo Credit: Travis Mark for Sotheby’s International Realty

THE LANCASHIRE, is a Neo–Renaissance style building built in 1910 by Walter B. Chambers. The prime coveted Prewar co-op is a prominent and very private 13-story Park Avenue building with a total of only 18 Residences. Welcoming lobby with manned elevators and each floor with only two units have semi-private landings. Situated in Lenox Hill, a borough with awarded schools and just a few minutes distance from Midtown and Central Park this exclusive building offers privacy, security and the comfortable ambiance of quiet refined luxury living.

This gracious pre-war home has an incomparably elegant atmosphere. Large windows allow abundant light in from south/east exposures. The generously sized rooms have 10' ceilings. There is a gas fireplace with a gorgeous marble mantel in 19'x36' foot living room.

A splendid corner master bedroom has an en-suite windowed marble bathroom, a very luxurious walk-in closet, and a fireplace. There are fireplaces in other bedrooms as well. The east-facing large second bedroom features an en-suite stall shower, windowed marble bathroom, and walk-in closet. A third bedroom/den with bathroom completes the private quarters.

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322 West 88th Street Apartment 2A

This apartment has one bedroom and one bathroom. Owners will love that it can simultaneously feel cozy and expansive, thanks to soaring 11-foot ceilings, oversized, north-facing windows, and gorgeous hardwood floors. The living room can be outfitted to include a dining area or a home workspace, too. There’s also a deep coat closet and a beautiful, modern kitchen. The bedroom is flooded with natural light from a large window, and you’ll love its walk-in closet.

The building was originally built in 1890, and features additional storage options and a central laundry room. Outside, owners will be within walking distance from the subway and Riverside Park. Broadway — with all of its shopping and dining options — is also just steps away. 

This unit is listed for $595,000 by Jeremy Kamm and Robert A. Schulman of Warburg Realty.

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New Recipes To Try For National Margarita Day

When life gives you limes, celebrate National Margarita Day! National Margarita Day is on February 22nd and its important to have the quintessential margarita on hand to cheers to the day!

So pick up your tequila or try something new, we have the best margarita recipes around.

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Margarita Amore

• 1.5 oz    Patrón Reposado

• .5 oz      Patrón Citrónge Orange

• 1 oz       Apple juice

• .5 oz      Fresh lime juice

• .5 oz      Valentina-passion fruit syrup*

• +   Fresh chili pepper for garnish

Combine ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice and shake to chill. Strain into a chilled margarita glass. Garnish with a small chili pepper. *Valentina-passion fruit syrup: Combine two parts passion fruit syrup to one part Valentina hot sauce and stir to combine. Store refrigerated.

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Roasted Red Pepper & Pineapple Margarita

Pez Cantina 401 S. Grand Avenue (Downtown) Los Angeles, CA 90071

• Created by Christopher Mesa

• 1.5 oz Corralejo Silver Tequila

• 1/2 oz of Ancho Reyes Liqueur  

• 1 oz lime

• 3/4 oz agave nectar

• 2 oz of roasted pineapple and red bell pepper purée.

Add all ingredients to a shaker with ice. Shake and strain over fresh ice into a rocks glass. Garnish with a pineapple.

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Mini Margaritas Recipe from Peter Callahan

• 2 parts tequila 

• 2 parts fresh squeezed lime juice

• 1 part Grand Marnier 

• 1 part water 

Shake with ice and pour neat or over ice. Garnish with a lime and cheers to National Margarita Day!

Peter has been a caterer, food stylist and culinary innovator for more than twenty-five years. He has created stunning events for Martha Stewart, Vera Wang, Kate Spade, JP Morgan, Tory Burch, Valentino, Regis and Joy Philbin, Tony Bennett, Kelly Ripa, Google and Al Gore, among many other clients.

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La Adelita Pineapple Margarita

• 2 oz. La Adelita Tequila Blanco

• 5 chunks of Fresh Pineapple

• 2 Mint Leaves

• 1 oz Lime Juice

• 1 oz. Agave

For a salted rim, rub a juicy lime wedge around the rim of the glass, then dip in salt of choice. Muddle pineapple chunks + mint leaves inside shaker. Combine remainder ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice, and shake vigorously Strain and serve on the rocks, and garnish with pineapple chunk

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Cutwater Mango Margarita Canned Cocktail (12.5% ABV)

Release the mango! A tropical twist on the Cutwater classic. Made with real tequila and natural flavors, this fresh take on Cutwater’s margarita delivers a juicy burst of mango.

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Espolón Marigold Margarita

• 2 oz Espolón Blanco

• .5 oz Monin Hibiscus Syrup

• 1 oz orange juice

• .5 oz lime juice

Add all ingredients to a shaker with ice. Shake and strain over fresh ice into a rocks glass. Garnish with a lime wheel

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Ancho Reyes Spicy Verde Margarita

• 1 Part Ancho Reyes Verde Chile Liqueur

• 1 Part Espolón Tequila Blanco

• ¾ Part lime juice

• ½ Part agave nectar

• Salt for rim

Add all ingredients to a shaker with ice. Shake and strain over fresh ice into a rocks glass with a half salted rim. Garnish with a lime wheel.

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10-Second Margaritas by Rancho La Gloria

Rancho La Gloria bottled cocktails are made with 100% Blue Weber Agave, real lime juice and premium ingredients. Available in Original (Lime), Strawberry, Mango, Peach Watermelon and Paloma, these agave drinks can be enhanced by creating 10-second cocktails, which require one or two ingredients from the pantry.

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.

A Look At The LongHouse Reserve Winter Benefit

LongHouse Reserve held its Winter Benefit, A Love Song to Jack, on February 14, 2021. The Valentine’s Day virtual event celebrated LongHouse’s beloved founder Jack Lenor Larsen, who recently left this world at 93.

Jack Larson Photo courtesy of Shonna Valeska

The evening began with a heartfelt rendition of It Had To Be You from JoyJanJones. “Jack would have loved that” said Matko Tomicic, LongHouse Reserve Executive Director, “he was mesmerized with voice and the sounds of piano. Tonight, we have guests from all over the United States and even some tuning in from Europe, South America, and Japan. Just the way Jack would have liked it.”

Festivities included an exclusive tour of Larsen’s residence at LongHouse led by Honoree Architectural Critic, Paul Goldberger. Goldberger received the LongHouse Art Leadership Award. “LongHouse is like no other place I know. I can think of no other place in the world that is part design museum, part botanical garden, part sculpture park, part culture center. Not any one of these things, but all of them, in perfect balance” said Goldberger. LongHouse President, Dianne Benson, noted “we have been giving this award for 20 years. Each one is a little different, depending on who is being honored, but all embrace Jack’s life philosophy”. Visual Artist Shirin Neshat was honored with the LongHouse Award. “It’s very difficult to verbalize the importance of art and culture in the period that we are living in. I am extremely flattered and honored that my art has become a point of recognition in a time of crisis” said Neshat before sharing an inside look at her Brooklyn-based studio and the art she’s working on.

‘Loving Couple’ Honorary Chairs included Bill T. Jones and Bjorn Amelan, Eric Fischl and April Gornik, and Rufus Wainwright and Jörn Weisbrodt. “Our debut was at a LongHouse Winter Benefit. This wonderful place was a big part of the beginning of our love life” said Wainright and Weisbrodt. Love songs were performed throughout the evening by Laurie Anderson, Royal Khaoz, Nico Muhly, G.E. Smith and Taylor Barton-Smith, and Rufus Wainwright.

Eric Fischl and April Gornik shared, “What Jack accomplished was extraordinary. LongHouse is an absolute destination. Rare in this part of the world. It’s a treasure we have to, and will, keep going.”

The Valentine’s Day celebration came to a close with Dianne Benson echoing Eric and April with a heartfelt thank you to Jack. "We promise to love LongHouse, to keep it, and to make it better and better, just as you imagined.”

‘Love Boxes’, all including a Yoko Ono keepsake and others with cocktails, sake, champagne and sweet treats, were packaged glamorously and sent to guests as part of their ticket.

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.