How to Make Your Income Go Further in NYC

Everybody seems to have at least an inkling of a dream to move to the city that never sleeps, and why wouldn’t you? There are so many amazing things about New York that can make it feel like home — or the best adventure you can take. 

However, it’s no secret that NYC is one of the most expensive cities to live in the United States, rivaled only by San Francisco. The Big Apple is one of the priciest places you can choose, but still, it has a sense of magic that keeps people coming — and staying.

While you may find a gem of an apartment, a coffee shop with the cheapest lattes and a bar where you can worry a bit less about the tab, that won’t always be the case. If you’re looking for overall tips to stretch your dollars in NYC, here are a few things you can remember — whether you’re a newbie or a local.

1. Can You Afford the “Trendy” Neighborhood?

Yes, we’re looking at you, Williamsburg, Dumbo, Chelsea, Tribeca and any of the other trendy places you can think of. There’s a chance you can find a gem in any of these neighborhoods, but you can also research less flashy areas where all kinds of people and communities exist. 

Maybe you go for Bushwick instead of Williamsburg — it may even lead to a more authentic experience. Plus, these less-trendy neighborhoods are seeing lots of new real estate options. Take the new construction of Denizen Bushwick, featuring over 900 apartments to house NYC residents who seek great design and comfortable living.

2. Remember the Cost of Living Adjustment

This is something people often forget about, but it’s important. If you move to New York and start working a job in the city, your paycheck will likely increase due to the cost of living adjustment. 

When your taxable income increases, you may even make your way into a new tax bracket. However, this doesn’t necessarily mean lifestyle inflation, as the higher cost of living will keep you in check.

3. Kiss Your Car Goodbye

With the exception of very specific circumstances — which we’ll get to later — you don’t need a car in NYC. The subway is a part of the experience, so embrace it. You can always get a vehicle if you choose to leave the city someday.

4. Don’t Knock the Other Boroughs

You may be able to keep your car if you consider living in some other parts of the city. New York is called the Five Boroughs for a reason. You don’t necessarily need to write off Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx and Staten Island. From stunning single-family homes to new luxury condos, boroughs like Queens have a lot to offer for a NYC resident.

The city has a lot to offer, and if you don’t mind a slightly longer commute, you can find much cheaper rent and still hop a train to the Upper East Side whenever you feel like it. 

5. Purchase Your Apartment if You Plan to Stick Around

If you want to stay in New York for a while, you can look into buying your apartment or condo instead of renting. It’s a lot less expensive than renting — plus, you’ll own property. While this option isn’t for everyone, it is something to think about.

You’ll need to prepare to purchase a property for the first time, getting your financials in order and making decisions about where and how you want to live. With a comfortable income and an aggressive plan, apartment ownership can be a reality for you, even in NYC.

6. Bring Snacks With You

Do you really need those chips or chocolates from the bodega? In a city where you can get anything at any time, having some almonds or crackers in your bag can save you from impulse snacking.

7. Drink at Home

Drinks in NYC can be gasp-worthy. Sometimes, it’s best not to bother. Instead, pregame with friends and have one drink out for the fun of it.

8. Find a Side Hustle

If you work from home or have a slow-paced job, getting a side hustle is a great way to bring in extra cash. From retail to barista jobs, the city has no shortage of open positions, so it’s the perfect time to jump right in.

9. Thrift in the ‘Burbs

If you love vintage, I’m sorry to tell you that New York actually isn’t the best place to find cheap threads. Even chain thrift shops often get marked up significantly in the city. If you’re itching to thrift, check out the local shops when you travel, visit your hometown or take a day trip Upstate.

10. Ditch Starbucks for Bodega Coffee

If you’re a coffee-on-the-go person, don’t bother with Starbucks or Dunkin. Support your local bodega and go for a more affordable cup of joe. This puts money back into your community and is easier on your wallet.

Doing the Most With Your Income in NYC

Living in NYC is expensive, but it’s far from impossible. When you learn little tips and tricks, you can save money on everything from drinks to rent — and you’ll be living like a local in no time at all.

About the Author:

Evelyn Long is a real estate writer and editor. She manages Renovated, a web magazine for renters, buyers and professionals. She’s also contributed to Rental Housing Journal, National Association of REALTORS®, and other online publications.

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5 (Non-Penthouse!) Listings With Terraces Larger Than a Studio Apartment

It’s no secret that having access to outdoor space is a luxury for many New Yorkers. After all, if you look at most of the city’s residential buildings, the most spacious private spaces are typically reserved for sprawling penthouses or other high-floor homes, leaving the remaining inventory with smaller balconies at best.

But that’s starting to change. As homebuyers continue to prioritize outdoor space, especially in the wake of the pandemic, developers are responding by creating more units with bigger and better outdoor spaces—regardless of the size of the apartment or its location within the building. In fact, some of these terraces are larger than the average Manhattan studio apartment, which clock in around 450 to 500 square feet!

The developers of 212 West 93rd Street—a 14-story condominium building with just 20 residences on the Upper West Side—realized the need for more homes with more outdoor space long ago. In fact, 70% of the residences in the ODA-designed building offer outdoor space. Residence 11 (images here and here) has four bedrooms, 3.5 baths and a 489-square-foot terrace with multiple exposures, which is accessible from both the living room and the kitchen—the home’s prime entertaining areas. It’s on the market for $6.59 million (listing here).

Waterline Square's residence 24F offers a private terrace spanning more than 2,300 square feet, providing plenty of room to relax, dine and entertain outside. The sweeping terrace accommodates multiple seating areas, including a full dining area and lounge chairs, and showcases endless views of the city skyline. It's available for $6.6 million. 

FÖRENA, the new Scandinavia-inspired condominium development designed by Morris Adjmi Architects and located at the intersection of 14th Street and Sixth Avenue, offers residence 8B which boasts 513 square feet of exterior space. The L-shaped terrace wraps around the corner of the unit, creating separate areas for lounging, dining and sunbathing, and is accessible from the home's main living and dining areas via two separate entrances. It's priced at $5.75 million.

(Credit: BRDAR)

200 East 59th Street embodies the quintessential Miami condo tower with its 35 floors of wraparound terraces and white exterior columns that are uplit at night, but the only catch is, this stunning building is located in the middle of Manhattan. All 67 homes are corner units that take advantage of continuous terraces, including residence 19E, a two-bedroom, 2.5-bath residence with a 571-square-foot wrap-around terrace with North and West facing views. It's on the market for $4.729 million. 

(Credit: Joshua McHugh)

At Dumbo’s Front & York, residence 8X features an 845-square-foot rooftop terrace with a grill, which lends itself to extraordinary outdoor entertaining. The space can accommodate a large dining table and a row of daybeds for catching some rays, along with a separate lounge area. There’s also an additional 216 square feet of outdoor space off the home's main living area. It's priced at $3.65 million. 

Images here. (Credit: Williams New York)

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The Best Wines To Drink This Summer

Summer has officially started, we can finally invite friends over again, and what’s better than a nice glass of wine. Rosé is often touted as the summer drink — sometime you need a variety when it comes to what wines you can enjoy in warmer months.

In fact, there’s a whole slew of delicious options to choose from for any occasion, whether you’re lounging by the beach, picnicking with friends, or just staying in after a long day. So, we scoured our favorite wines for you to drink all Summer long.

Kim Crawford Illuminate is a lower in alcohol and lower in calorie take on Kim Crawford’s core Sauvignon Blanc and Rosé expressions, with only 7% ABV and 70 calories per glass.

Perfect for all occasions, particularly delicious with fresh seafood and vegetables. Elegant yet full flavored, its crisp acidity is highlighted with a refreshing herbal and citrus finish.

Avaline Rosé (SRP: $24.99) 13% ABV

Avaline Rosé is a new, clean and vegan-friendly wine by Cameron Diaz and Katherine Power, offering a light and fresh mouthfeel with flavors of melon and zest to bring the wine’s light pink hues to life. Made with organic grapes and free of unnecessary extras like sugars, colors, and concentrates, this fruit-forward French wine ideal for any time, whether it is cozying up inside or spending an afternoon in the sun with your best friend. Available for purchase on wine.com

2017 Stags’ Leap Winey Napa Valley Petite Sirah ($47.00) Notes of blackberry, blueberry, and black cherry fruits seamlessly integrate with the more floral musky notes of violet and jasmine in this robust Petite Sirah. On the palate, you are met with macerated blackberry, cherry kirsch, peppered plum, and black licorice. This Petite Sirah is a wonderful companion for a hearty and flavorful burger or BBQ ribs, straight off the grill.

2019 Banfi La Pettegola Vermentino Toscana IGT (SRP: $19.99)

Recommendation: For seaside or beach sipping, enhanced by an ocean breeze and fresh caught seafood

La Pettegola’s translation has double meaning: it refers to coastal seabirds and is also a term for a gossiper. Delightfully fresh, La Pettegola Vermentino is the talk of the town for the quality-for-value it offers. The Vermentino grapes are sourced from around Maremma, and fermentation takes place in stainless-steel tanks to preserve the purity of this wine. Fruit-forward with notes of exotic fruits, a hint of spice, and touch of salinity from the proximity to the Mediterranean coast.

Tenuta Luce Toscana

Luce is a singular and irresistible expression of Montalcino, a Super Tuscan with an exotic side, and above all full of pleasure. The spectacular estate’s diversity of soils, expositions and biodiversity of olive groves and forests come together in a wine as vibrant and exciting as the landscape.

The Merlot and Sangiovese grapes are harvested and fermented separately in multiple harvests, with rigorous fruit selection during picking and meticulous hand sorting. Fermentation is spontaneous with no added yeasts. Blending takes place immediately after fermentation and maceration and prior to barrel aging.Aging takes place exclusively in French oak in order to develop the wine’s potential and achieve a perfect balance of flavors while respecting and reflecting the characteristics of the vintage. Luce 2018 has a dark ruby red color. The nose is a prelude of aromas of black fruits, blackberries and violets, with marzipan and black pepper that further enrich the bouquet. In the mouth, the wine is soft and voluminous, balanced by a solid tannic structure, before closing with a persistent crisp finish.

Montecucco Parmoleto Riserva

With a distinguished and intense red ruby color, Parmoleto Riserva has an aromatic nose of red cherry, red plum, rosehip, and strawberry and a spiced taste that reminds of myrrh and amber. On the palate this dry, medium bodied sangiovese that is aged for two years in big oak barrels, has a somewhat-tart, red-fruit flavors supported by medium acidity and medium tannin. Perfect if paired with grilled meat and game.

SIMI Sonoma County 2019 Sauvignon Blanc (SRP $15) offers bright notes of lime zest, Meyer lemon, pink grapefruit, lemongrass, honeysuckle and a hint of wet stone. SIMI’s Executive Chef, Kolin Vazzoler, would recommend pairing the wine with pesto pasta, goat cheese with olives, barbequed shrimp, vegetable stir fry and roast chicken. The 2019 vintage is also available in a mini 375ml bottle, perfect for toting to picnics, boat outings or outdoor movies.

Vera Wang PARTY is a premium Italian prosecco made for celebrating life’s moments, big and small. Vera Wang's attention to detail has shaped every step of PARTY from grape to bottle. Designed to look chic on any table, the bottle is a sleek matte silver with "PARTY" in bold neon yellow letters exuding a modern, easy sensibility. The back of the bottle features an invitation to PARTY from Vera.To craft the prosecco Vera Wang looked to find a winemaker with both heritage and pedigree. She turned to the top winemaking region Piemonte, known for its sparkling wines, and to Araldica, producer of the best-selling Moscato in America. Vera Wang PARTY is crafted from 100% Glera grapes and boasts aromas of apple and stone fruit, citrus notes and fresh acidity on the palate, with a soft and fruity finish. This new prosecco offers a fresh perspective in the sparkling wine category with its crisp effervescence, coupled with a bold aesthetic and playful voice.

2016 Castello Banfi Magna Cum Laude Toscana IGT (SRP: $39.99)

Recommendation: Toast to a graduate with this aptly named wine, whether you celebrate them with a fun, casual barbecue or an intimate dinner party.

Latin for “high honors,” Castello Banfi’s Magna Cum Laude combines Montalcino’s historic Sangiovese Brunello clone with international grape varieties of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Syrah. Bottled unfiltered, this wine is full-bodied with notes of blackberries, plums, licorice, black olives, and pipe-tobacco. Its supple tannins and layered complexity makes for an ideal match for rustic bean soups such as the Tuscan classic Ribollita and grilled meats such as hangar steak.

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We're Obsessed With These Hampton Homes

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. This week we’re taking you out to the Hamptons to show some of our favorite homes.

Have a listing you think should be featured? Submit your open house or contact us to tell us more! And be sure to view our new Listings Calendar

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65 Toilsome Ln, East Hampton

Impeccably restored and renovated to perfection, this 1880s designer farmhouse on coveted Toilsome Lane is a dream come true. Masterminded by renowned local architect Amado Ortiz, the 5 bedroom main house plus guest cottage / artist studio exude a chic, comfortable and whimsically modern sensibility while maintaining the home's original integrity. Enter through the front covered porch to a large inviting living room - the focal point being a gorgeous lacquered wall of book shelves, while a white marble mantelpiece above the wood burning fireplace anchors the room.

Primary bedroom suite/wing. The Primary bath is generously sized with Waterworks furnishings, a soaking tub and steam shower. The Primary bedroom has a stunning white marble gas fireplace, as well as a very large walk in custom built dressing room. A windowed door with stained glass above, leads out to an oversized deck with two lounge chairs overlooking the sparking saltwater Gunite pool and guest cottage. The lower level of the home is completely outfitted with a family room, and a large playroom with pool table, leading to another sitting area. There is a guest bedroom and full bath as well as secondary laundry room.

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98 Peters Ln, Westhampton Beach Village

$15,000 August | $18,000 Aug - Labor Day | Beds: 3 | Baths: 2

Escape the crowds and feel at home in this super cute three-bedroom, two-full-bath cottage that's just 1.5 miles from Main Street and 2.5 miles from the beach. Amenities at the half-acre property include a backyard deck with outdoor shower; en suite master that looks out onto the spacious backyard; brand-new kitchen appliances; and lower level with elliptical trainer, spin bike, rowing machine and treadmill, plus laundry. Fully furnished and ready to enjoy. Just bring your toothbrush.

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367 Jobs LnWater Mill, South Hampton

This designer home sits on just over 1 Acre of beautiful landscaping, which simultaneously assists in added privacy. The upper level offers six ensuite bedrooms, and two private balconies ideal for watching the sun rise or set. With large windows and several pairs of French and sliding glass doors, the amount of natural light flowing through this house is unmatched. A spacious living/family room is situated in between the formal dining area and another living area which could easily be used as a study or office. The gourmet chef’s kitchen offers plenty of seating options with the island seating and breakfast area. A sliding glass door in the kitchen leads to a partially enclosed covered porch that can be utilized year round. Perfect for entertaining the porch has a mini outdoor kitchen with a custom built-in grill, sink, and mini fridge- overlooking the expansive backyard and heated gunite pool.

The added luxury of an outdoor shower makes rinsing off after the pool so much easier and eliminates unwanted sand from being tracked throughout the house after those sunny beach days the Hamptons are known for. This stunning traditional offers a prime location in Bridgehampton South, within close distance to Mecox Beach. You don’t want to miss out on this incredible opportunity!

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Celeb Sighting: LaQuan Smith Celebrates The Opening Of Equinox x Hamptons

LaQuan Smith celebrates the opening of Equinox x Hamptons with a launch party in Bridgehampton on July 1, 2021. (photo credit: BFA)

Last Thursday (7/1), Equinox celebrated the opening of Equinox x Hamptons, their newest boutique location in Bridgehampton. Hamptons’ and fashion notable, LaQuan Smith, gathered alongside Sailor Brinkley-Cook and Kelly Bensimon for an evening of cocktails and a DJ set by Brendan Fallis to toast Equinox’s expansion out East.

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No Beach House, No Problem. Host a July 4th BBQ at These NYC Developments

With the 4th of July rapidly approaching and New Yorkers comfortable enough to gather again, we’ve compiled some of our favorite residential developments with the best outdoor kitchens and entertaining spaces. While many people flock to the beach for this holiday, these buildings rival any beach house with landscaped sundecks and state-of-the-art grilling stations, making them the perfect place to host a July 4th barbeque with friends and family. As many people look to celebrate this holiday outside and together, these spaces are sure to be in high demand!

The Beach

Located in Jersey City's vibrant Newport neighborhood, The Beach is a brand-new residential development pairing 336 high-quality rental homes with the most sought-after amenities. Designed with a focus on the importance of access to outdoor space, The Beach offers several spaces that capitalize on the picturesque waterfront and skyline views and connect residents with nature, including a sprawling landscaped waterfront courtyard with an outdoor pool and sun deck. Complete with seating areas, grilling stations and fire pits, and showcasing picture-perfect views of the Manhattan skyline, The Beach's courtyard is the best place to host a July 4th BBQ this year. (Credit: Newport Leasing Office).

Waterline Square

Located along the Hudson River where Midtown meets the Upper West Side, GID Development Group's Waterline Square represents an unprecedented approach to urban living. The three-building luxury residential development features beautifully designed homes and an unmatched amenity offering, including a shared 100,000-square-foot amenity center designed by Rockwell Group and private amenities in each building. Residents enjoy access to fully furnished and landscaped sundecks with outdoor kitchens, perfect for hosting a cook-out this 4th of July. (Credit: Noe & Associates with The Boundary).

One Manhattan Square

With 40,000 square feet of outdoor space at One Manhattan Square on the Lower East Side, there is definitely plenty of room to host a summer barbecue. In addition to several grilling stations with high top seating, all overlooking the East River and Manhattan Bridge, there is everything else imaginable on the terrace for a fun party — from an outdoor kitchen to ping-pong tables to putting green to fire pits to an adult treehouse on stilts. (Credit: Evan Joseph).

Avora

At Avora, residents can fire up the grill with a view of the Manhattan skyline as their backdrop. Situated in the heart of Weehawken in New Jersey’s coveted Gold Coast neighborhood, Avora is a full-service waterfront building featuring a contemporary design that strategically maximizes views, along with 184 lavish condo residences and a vast collection of resort-style amenities. On the third floor, a sprawling outdoor plaza is home to Avora’s landscaped courtyard, complete with grills, dining areas, cabanas, a firepit and most notably an outdoor pool overlooking the Hudson River and Midtown Manhattan. (Credit: Courtesy of Landsea Homes).

The Smile

Located in Upper Manhattan in the heart of Harlem atop the BIG-Bjarke Ingels Group-design The Smile, The Smile Rooftop Swim Club is the perfect place for residents to relax with friends and family this 4th of July holiday. In addition to a stunning rooftop plunge pool with Harlem River and Manhattan skyline views, the rooftop features barbeques and dining areas for all of your grilling and entertainment needs. (Credit: Thomas Loof and Pernille Loof).

Brooklyn Point

There is no better rooftop destination to watch Fourth of July fireworks than that of the highest infinity pool in the Western Hemisphere at Brooklyn Point, the tallest residential tower in the borough. Situated 680 feet above the ground - making it higher than the famous Marina Bay Sands Hotel pool in Singapore - the 27-foot-long pool offers nearly 360-degree views of the skyline and is surrounded by lounge chairs, al fresco dining areas and an outdoor movie screening space, as well as a stargazing observatory. All you need is some music, your patriotic decor, and your beverage of choice, and Brooklyn Point’s rooftop infinity pool is guaranteed to be the most spectacular spot to watch the fireworks against the Manhattan skyline and waterways. Should residents also want to barbecue during their Fourth of July celebrations, they can head down from the pool to the beautiful ninth floor landscaped terrace that is fully equipped with an al fresco kitchen with gas grills and dining areas. Credit Evan Joseph

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Benefits of Owning Investment Properties

In the modern-day economy, financial analysts greatly encourage individuals to take up investment opportunities. While employment offers comfort and security, there is no promise of permanence hence the need to pursue investment opportunities. 

Every company that buys houses wants to place their money in a worthwhile venture that has a greater return on investment. That said, property investment is an opportunity that could lead to financial freedom and security. When properly implemented, property investment carries with it the promise of stability, among other benefits, including:

Asset Appreciation 

Unlike automobiles, whose value depreciates with time, property investments continue to skyrocket. Infrastructure development, social activities, interest rates, inflation, and location are all factors that lead to greater value for your property. Additionally, improvements and modifications of your structure to current market standards lead to value appreciation. The exponential rise in the value of rentals continues to be a major attraction in property investment.

Tax Benefits

As a property owner, you will enjoy tax incentives that will help you retain more money in your account. Expenditures on repairs, mortgage payments, property taxes, and operating fees will lead to tax deductions. Additionally, you will enjoy lesser tax rates should your property lose its value. Moreover, you can claim back money used in maintenance and ensure your property is in good condition. Finally, you will enjoy capital gain through tax-free or tax-deferred opportunities when buying other properties.

Portfolio Diversification

It is good practice not to put all your investments in one area. Spreading your money across different investment opportunities helps you to minimize the risk of loss. Investing in property is a reliable means that will help you preserve your capital and generate good returns. Unlike other investment areas such as stocks that present high volatility, property investment is relatively stable and great for consistent returns.

Direct management of property

Owning investment property as an individual or group means that you have full control over how it runs. You administer everything, including finances, and take advantage of tools like Liveflow's marketing P&L template to track profitability. If you are the sole entrepreneur, the decisions on the property are entirely upon you to make. If it is joint ownership, there is a collective decision to make regarding how to handle the property, splitting the profits and losses. The owner takes care of the repairs and maintenance. Like any other business, the success or failure of the venture depends on how well the administration carries out its mandate.

Opportunity for Extra Cash Flow 

Depending on the kind of property that you own, there is always an opportunity to make extra money. Rental property, for instance, allows you to have more money at the end of every month. Property management may at times derail you from attending to other businesses. However, if there is proper planning, it could be a good source of passive income. The money an individual earns can be very useful in paying debts, reinvesting, or purchasing other supplies. 

Power of Property Investing

When owning an investment property, an individual has exposure to certain advantages or privileges. Such may include below market value, in which case one can buy and acquire a property below the market price and resell it. One can also improve the value of the property and rent it out for extra money. When working with a cash home buyer, the real estate process is usually very easy. 

Conclusion

Owning investment property is a risky venture. However, it also has high returns. Additionally, individuals can take appropriate measures to mitigate loss and ensure they reap maximum profit.

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Re-Opened and Restriction-Free: These Listings Are Perfect For The New York Foodie

On June 15, Gov. Cuomo announced that nearly all of New York’s COVID-19 restrictions will be lifted now that 70 percent of the adult population has been vaccinated. The Manhattan real estate market has already been picking up for the past several months as the restrictions began to ease, but with a fully-reopened city buzzing to life, now is the prime opportunity for buyers to maximize their New York City experience by taking advantage of listings located right near iconic, restaurant that truly make Manhattan the greatest city in the world. The city awaits—so check out these listings boasting the best Manhattan has to offer right at your fingertips!

210 Lafayette Street, Apt 4E

210 Lafayette Street, Apt 4E, $925,000, by Tania Isacoff Friedland, Allison Chiaramonte, and Sarah Minton of Warburg Realty
This under-a-million steal is located just around the corner from the highly-praised Soho staple Balthazar. Also on the edge of Nolita, a few blocks in the opposite direction is the legendary Lombardi’s, New York’s “first pizzeria,” which opened in 1905.

16 West 16th Street, Apt 2WN

16 West 16th Street, Apt 2WN, $885,000, by Alan Levy of Warburg Realty
This unit is just blocks from Jean-Georges’ chic and coveted farm-to-table restaurant ABC Kitchen. Foodies will also enjoy this listing’s ideal location one block from the Union Square Greenmarket.

415 East 52nd Street, Apt 6JC

415 East 52nd, Apt. 6JC, $599,000, by Svetlana Choi of Warburg Realty
As broker Svetlana Choi puts it, “I’m not sure what it is about the restaurants along two blocks of E 53rd from Lexington to First Avenue, but you could eat a completely different cuisine each day of the week.” and this listing is ideally situated right in the heart of it. From New York City classics such as Ess-a-bagel, to upscale eateries such as Avra Estiatorio, to the hottest new international restaurants including the Yara and and Au Za’atar, buyers looking to embrace the city’s world-famous food scene will love this primely located listing.

How to Tenant-proof Your Investment Property

Are you worried that tenants could damage and destroy your new investment property? Tenant proofing ensures that you protect your property from damage. 

Not all tenants are bad. However, over time, damage can naturally occur. It is not always intentional or the tenants’ fault. If your tenant has children, household items can get damaged while they play in the house. Or maybe you own student housing rentals, which are known to have high maintenance costs from college students. 

Either way, you can use these actionable tips to tenant-proof your next investment property and save yourself money down the road. If you decide to sell your house in the future, these upgrades will even increase its value. Invest in your asset today, to give it a brighter future tomorrow.

Stronger Walls

The best way to protect your walls from dirt build-up is to use glossy paint or finish. It is a better alternative to water paints because it allows wiping without coming off which is the opposite of the former. It will initially cost you more compared to other painting alternatives, but in the end, it saves you money because you will not have to repaint every time a new tenant wants to move in.

Aside from painting, you can install door stoppers behind every door to prevent damage to specific points on your property walls resulting from the doors swinging open.

Lastly, let’s focus on the wall itself. If you are renovating this house before renting it out, consider putting it thinker drywall throughout the property. This will help prevent large dings and holes from occurring as easily. For student housing rentals, this is extremely helpful when tenant-proofing a home.

Upgrade Your Floors

When installing flooring, have in mind that spills from all kinds of liquids are unpreventable. Carpets typically don’t age well after multiple rounds of tenants. Aside from spills, scratches are hard to avoid as well. 

To prevent scratches and dings throughout your property, include in the rental agreement that all tenants should have felt pads on all furniture. If you include furniture as part of the rental deal with your tenants, this will help protect your items. You can note in the lease that tenants are responsible for any scratches and that repair costs will come from their deposit. You can direct them to shops that sell felt pads.

Windows and Blinds

Replacing windows can go a long way with tenants. Windows are used often, and can easily get damaged over time through active use. It will save you tons of time and money by not needing to repair windows often. Similarly, installing reliable blinds can help avoid damages made by tenants. Cheap blinds can get messy fast. Don’t skimp out when investing in these household items.

Conclusion

As much as wear and tear is inevitable with time, you can prolong the wellness of your property by implementing the above measures. Make it a habit to check your property every six months to ensure tenants are abiding by the lease agreement. Accountability and trust are two of the most difficult things to instill within a landlord-tenant relationship. By providing a quality place to live, you start things off on the right foot. 

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A Look Inside This Park Avenue Duplex That Just Hit The Market

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. This week our favorite listing is 799 Park Avenue, 19/20B, currently listed with Lauren Muss and Michael Orme of Douglas Elliman for $12 million.

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Exquisitely renovated by renowned designer S. Russell Groves and featured in Architectural Digest, this 5,200 square foot 10-room duplex residence offers an additional 705 square feet of private terraces with gorgeous views of the city, Park Avenue and beyond to Central Park and the city skyline.

The home has a sprawling double-living room with open south and west exposures and access to a decked terrace with views of Park Acenue and Central Park. There is a large formal dining room, also with access to its own planted terrace – which has an automated irrigation system – and flows seamlessly into a media room and an oversized Boffi chef’s kitchen with a spacious breakfast room and a wall of windows with open north exposures. The kitchen features top-of-the-line finishes and appliances, including Calacatta marble counters, custom-built lacquered cabinetry, Gaggenau refrigerator, two side-by-side Sub-Zero wine coolers, two Miele dishwashers, Miele double-oven, a six burning Gaggenau cooktop with ceiling-mounted canopy and a large walk-in pantry with a second refrigerator, Sub-Zero icemaker and abundant storage.

There is a separate bedroom wing with two generously proportioned west-facing bedrooms with open city views, one with an en suite bathroom decked in Travertine stone floors and vanity, and a large glass-enclosed rain-shower stall. The other bathroom also has Travertine stone floors and vanity, and a glass-enclosed soaking tub. In addition, there is a large laundry room with motion-activated lighting, Miele washer and dryer, sink, and storage cabinets.

An architecturally designed cantilevered staircase with bamboo wood steps, spot lighting for every step, and tasteful cove-lit Walnut wood handrails lead to the upper level, which can be directly accessed from the 20th floor. The upper level features a den with access to a large south-facing terrace, and a home office paneled with Bamboo wood and lacquered walls, which can be converted into a fourth bedroom. It has a wet bar and a powder room that could also be a full bath.

A hallway with a second laundry closet leads to the lavish primary bedroom suite, which features an open-concept bathroom with radiant-heated floors - including the shower stall - three sinks, a private room with smart lavatory and sink, a free-standing soaking tub, and a glass-enclosed windowed rain-shower stall. There are also several towel warmers throughout. The bathroom is flanked by two large walk-in closets beautifully outfitted with Walnut wood shelves and drawers, built-in mirror with back lighting, and a dedicated vanity desk area. The spacious bedroom has its own planted west-facing terrace.

This gorgeous home’s other features include Lucifer custom recessed lighting throughout, multi-zone central air conditioning, smart Crestron system for easy control of the home's lighting, climate, and audio-visual. There are also electronic shades in every window.

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Sales launch at conversion project The Library at 61 Rivington

SERHANT.,recently announced that it's New Development division, in partnership with developer The Horizon Group, has launched sales at The Library, a residential conversion with a contemporary glass addition located at 61 Rivington Street in Manhattan's Lower East Side.  

Originally built in 1905 by architects McKim, Mead & White, who also designed the original Pennsylvania Station, the Brooklyn Museum, the Washington Square Arch, and the campus of Columbia University, the building served as the downtown branch of the New York Public Library until 1950 when it became a dance hall and restaurant, and later the Church of Nazarene.  The recent residential conversion of the property was led by Brittany Marom Interior Design and Issac & Stern Architects.

“When planning the transformation of 61 Rivington Street, we wanted to create a one-of-a-kind, timeless residential building in the heart of the Lower East Side. The former New York Public Library’s rich history was the inspiration behind our old-meets-new design style reflected throughout the facade and interiors,” said Jillian Forman, director, marketing and operations of The Horizon Group. “The Library offers homeowners the opportunity to live in the crown jewel of the neighborhood and we look forward to launching sales with SERHANT. New Development.”

Standing six stories tall, The Library includes three floors of the original Classical Revival facade and three floors of a contemporary glass addition. Special care was taken to preserve the original terrazzo floors throughout the first floor and lobby, and the exposed bricks in select apartments.  Inspired by the property’s history and initial design, finishes throughout The Library include dark wood paneling details, dark wood cabinetry, shaker style doors, and exposed ceiling beams.  

“Given the opportunity to design the interiors of a historic building in New York City was an exciting and creative challenge for my firm,” said Brittany Marom of Brittany Marom Interior Design. “The design intent was to restore the integrity of the 115-year old building while creating a modern living environment that speaks to today's market and trends.”

The Library is a boutique building boasting 11 residences ranging from one to three bedrooms, including two garden-level duplex units with private outdoor space and two penthouse units.  Each unit features European light oak floors, oversized windows, natural stone waterfall countertop and backsplash in the kitchen with custom walnut lower cabinets and matte lacquered upper cabinets, radiant heated floors and towel warmer in the bathroom, and Bosch washer and dryer.  The building offers a fitness center, virtual doorman, bicycle storage and community Wi-Fi in amenity areas.  Paying homage to the city’s first open-air rooftop reading room that once stood atop this building, residents will also have access to a shared furnished rooftop space with BBQ.

“As New York comes back to life, we’ve seen an increased appetite for Lower East Side properties and so we’re excited to bring The Library at 61 Rivington Street to market,” said Jennifer Alese, director of new development at SERHANT.  “This is an exceptional boutique building by The Horizon Group that strikes the right balance of historic and contemporary while remaining timeless.  No detail was overlooked in this conversion and development process; buyers are going to love calling The Library home.”

Manhattan’s Lower East Side is growing in popularity and has witnessed a remarkable turnaround in the past year. According to data from SERHANT., the number of transactions in the neighborhood are up 117% year-over-year while the average number of days a unit spends on the market is down 22%. In addition, the average and median sales prices have risen 25% and 38% respectively.

Sales of The Library are being led by The McPeak Team at SERHANT.  Current available units range from $1.25 million to just over $2 million.

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How to Find an Eco-Friendly Home When You're House Hunting

When you're looking for a place to live, eco-friendliness often comes to the top of your must-have list. Here's how you can find an eco-friendly apartment to call a home.

Why Find An Eco-Friendly Home?

It is true that most houses and apartments were not built with the goal of preserving the environment in mind. Just because things are like this doesn't mean you have to follow the crowd, though. Caring about the planet is the right thing to do. After all, it is our home. The North American continent is at the forefront of absorbing the need to protect the environment. For instance, each year more than 80 million tons of steel is recycled, and that is almost 69 percent of all steel! Individual calls to be eco-friendly also relate to house hunting an eco-friendly apartment. Here's how you can get started.

Work With Your Real Estate Agent

With the average American having moved six times by the age of 30, real estate agents have risen to accommodate the everyday house hunter. Real estate agents know houses. It's their job, after all. While some prefer to save money by looking for houses themselves, real estate agents know the kind of houses in their respective areas. Your real estate agent is one of your greatest resources when looking for an eco-friendly home.

Do Your Personal Research

Thanks to technology, information is now right under your nose with the Internet and everything. The days of visiting libraries and rubbing the thick dust off the library shelves to look for books are behind us. Due to the popularity of environmental campaigns, websites dedicated to disseminating eco-friendly information have been created. Here you can find information about available eco-friendly apartments. Using this research to help your real estate agent select homes that fit your lifestyle and meet your desires can be incredibly handy.

Examine Your Lifestyle

It is habitual for house hunters to look for a house that they can afford, and that satisfies their lifestyle. Would you consider your lifestyle eco-friendly? If so, you need to find an apartment that maintains your eco-friendly peculiarities. Of course, it's possible that the eco-friendly homes you tour won't meet all of your desires. But that's okay because you can always do a little home improvement. Considering that solar power contributed only 2% towards the generation of electricity in the United States in 2017, your action contributes to more homes powered by renewable energy sources.

Consider The Location

House hunting for an eco-friendly place also involves what you use yourself in your everyday business. If you use plastic bottles to store water, that's a great way of recycling them. However, plastic is prone to fire. A burnt plastic bottle has outlived its purpose, it's thrown away. In contrast, steel containers are durable and they last longer. No wonder they have been used for more than 150 years to collect and transport water. You could move into an apartment in the vicinity of a steel product company to get easier access to steel containers. In searching for an eco-friendly place, location is key.

Finding an eco-friendly apartment is easy when you know what to look for. You just need to communicate with your real estate agent about your eco-friendly preferences that are backed by research and self scrutiny.