Ryan Serhant Plays Director In New Short Film The Westly

This morning Ryan Serhant unveiled a new video for The Westly where he plays the director in this comical film showcasing the properties highlights. The new film titled, "BTW - Behind the Westly" offers a behind-the-scenes look inside The Westly, a boutique, 20-story condo development located at 251 West 91st Street. The film stars Ryan Serhant, founder of the multidimensional real estate brokerage firm SERHANT. and star of Bravo’s Million Dollar Listing New York. The film was produced by SERHANT. Studios.

The Westly, developed by Adam America Real Estate and Northlink Capital, consists of two- to five-bedroom homes, with select homes offering private outdoor terraces. The residences range in size from approximately 1,252 to 3,524 square feet, with asking prices starting at approximately $2.625 million for a two-bedroom to $13.5 million for a five-bedroom home. SERHANT. New Development is managing the marketing and sales for The Westly.

Have a listing you think should be featured contact us or submit here to tell us more! Follow Off The MRKT on Twitter and Instagram, and like us on Facebook.

Our Favorite Open Houses 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!

Boerum Hill

WHERE: 610 Warren Street #2D, Brooklyn

CCOST: $1,245,000

WHEN: Saturday, February 5th and Sunday, February 6th from 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM

Description: 610 Warren Street offers the opportunity to own a spacious convertible 1 Bedroom that features a spacious den and over 800 square feet of private outdoor space that instantly greets you upon arrival.

This southern-facing home features a flexible and spacious floor plan. The entrance leads to an open kitchen and living room with 7.5 white oak floors. The open island layout is ideal for entertaining and includes ample amounts of storage space. The home also features an LG washer and dryer.

Designed by Paris Forino, the custom kitchen features Brazilian Arabescato honed countertops are paired with ceramic white tile backsplash for simple elegance. The integrated Liebherr refrigerator blends seamlessly into the background, while the built-in cutting board and in-island blackened-steel storage niche call to attention the thoughtful design found at every turn. The kitchen appliances include all stainless steel Bosch appliance suites, including, cooktop, oven, dishwasher, and microwave drawer.

The bathroom exudes a spa-like demeanor, with Sivec marble wall tile, tundra grey honed marble floor in a custom pattern, and a built-in soaking tub with Sivec marble surround is paired with chrome Waterworks fixtures and accessories.

Amenities include a 24-hour concierge, landscaped roof deck, children’s playroom, resident’s lounge, and fitness center.

Bedroom : 1

Bathroom: 1

West Village

WHERE: 345 West 13th Street, 2A

COST: $4.750,000

WHEN: Sunday, February 6th, 1 pm -2:30 pm.

Description: Loft living at it's finest in this West Village gem! Spanning almost 2,400 square feet, residence 2A affords optimal comfort for your needs with generous, versatile interiors that are quiet, elegant, light filled and richly appointed. The gracious apartment boasts beautiful finishes and exudes character with airy 10-foot ceilings, tall columns, lovely hardwood floors, painted exposed brick, open archways, steel I-beams and chic lighting reflecting modern industrial style. Generous living and dining rooms brightened by oversized windows enjoy a seamless flow for hosting guests. An opaque glass wall with tri-fold door gives way to a handsome library/office. With the main living space so expansive, it would be easy to reconfigure the current 2 bedroom + library layout into 3 full windowed bedrooms + a library/office if desired. The sunny high-end eat-in kitchen styled with wood cabinetry, black granite counters and premium stainless steel appliance is accessed by a unique greenhouse passageway, which overlooks the lush courtyard of a historic neighboring church. Your primary suite is a soothing retreat presenting an oversized custom-fitted walk in closet, and opulent spa bath with radiant heated floors. A deep soaking tub, separate shower, dual-sink vanity with custom-fabricated countertops, and private water closet create a sense of calm. A wall of built-in shelving and a huge walk-in closet enhance the 2nd bedroom. Other highlights include 2 full baths, a laundry room, through-wall AC, massive closets, and a deeded storage bin in the basement located next to the bike storage.

Built in 1920 by John Jacob Astor as a former manufacturing site, 345 West 13th Street is a stunning 7-story condo conversion with 46 lofts and a grand restored facade. The full-time elevator building has a doorman, live-in super, and landscaped common roof terrace. Set at the corner of Hudson Street in the heart of the West Village, close to the High Line, trendy restaurants, boutiques, museums, Chelsea Market, public transportation and other conveniences. There are currently two assessments in place totaling $1258/ month.

Bedroom : 2

Bathroom: 2

Upper West Side

WHERE: 2373 Broadway #1027

COST: $915,000

WHEN: By Appointment Only

Description: This sunny and spacious one-bedroom in the prestigious Boulevard Condop is now available for sale.
In pristine condition, Unit 1027 boasts a spacious living room with ample space for a dining area, a California-style pass-through kitchen with upgraded appliances, an oversize bedroom, and three amazing closets, one a walk-in.
Further features include an all-white Carrera marble tiled bathroom, mint condition Brazilian cherry wood floors throughout the unit, and gentle north light throughout the day.
This is a classic and beautiful one-bedroom living space, perfect for those seeking the same!

The Boulevard is an Extraordinary Full-Service Condop located at West 86th Street & Broadway.
Complimentary amenities here include a State of the Art Health Club with a spacious terrace, a full range of cardio equipment and free weights, a 75’ lap pool, basketball, squash, and racquetball courts, and newly renovated men and women’s dressing rooms with showers, steam rooms, and saunas.

Bedroom : 1

Bathroom: 1

Inside The (Almost) $35 Million Dollar Home Where Dreams Are Made Of

Looking to escape New York without going too far and having a a dream home to call your own is now possible. Located in mid-country, 15 Dairy Road in Greenwich has been listed for $34,990,000 by Brown Harris Stevens agent Rob Johnson, Robjohnson@bhsusa.com, 203-979-2360.

Built in 2008, the 16,359-square-foot mansion with 7-bedrooms and 9 ½ bathrooms on 5+ gated acres is known for its classic design, hilltop views of Long Island Sound, and underground tunnel which takes you to a sleek and modern pool house.

Enter the tree lined gravel driveway to one of the most elevated lots in Greenwich, with views of Long Island Sound from multiple rooms. A light filled first floor features a grand entry hall leading to a superb office with bathroom, bar, and exterior door leading to wonderful wildflower gardens and lawns designed by Reed Hilderbrand.

Grand scale formal living room. Large, bright, fully equipped kitchen with dramatic onyx counter tops and expansive metal framed windows overlooking the rear gardens. Beautiful pocket doors can screen all catering areas for more formal entertaining.

Large family office / homework area, family room. Sun filled hallway connects to mudroom, parking, 4 car garage and staff office, complete with shower, kitchenette and laundry. Master suite with large deck, his and hers bathroom areas, and large, separate WIC's.

4 further bedrooms on the second floor, all ensuite and oversized laundry area. Third floor features a billiard room / entertaining area with views of the water and NYC. Large 6th bedroom suite, with views, which could also be used for a very private office area.

Lower level includes media room, large gym with natural light, library and a connecting underground

Photo’s courtesy of Brown Harris Stevens

Have a listing you think should be featured contact us or submit here to tell us more! Follow Off The MRKT on Twitter and Instagram, and like us on Facebook.

Real Estate Moves: McKenzie Ryan Joins Douglas Elliman

McKenzie Ryan

Douglas Elliman Realty, has announced that McKenzie Ryan has joined the brokerage’s flagship office located at 575 Madison Avenue in Manhattan. From here, McKenzie will leverage Elliman’s culture of connectivity to network and work with agents in the Hamptons, Westchester, Connecticut, South Florida and California. 

“McKenzie is one to watch. Not only is she highly regarded in the industry for her impeccable work ethic, but she is also a branding and marketing machine,” said Scott Durkin, CEO of Douglas Elliman Realty, LLC. “We are confident she will thrive with us at Elliman.”

In the last 12 months, McKenzie heavily utilized her social media presence to market and sell her client’s properties and successfully transacted $10,666,000 in volume from Instagram alone. In fact, her listings spent an average of 18 days on the market and 66.7% of her listings sold above the asking price.

“I am thrilled to join such a powerhouse firm,” said McKenzie. “I am drawn to Douglas Elliman’s first-class resources in technology, marketing and public relations. I look forward to collaborating with the industry’s top talent to expand my business outside of New York City to the Hamptons and Westchester.”

In 2019, Forbes named McKenzie the top New York Power Broker – making her the youngest broker ever to earn this title. Her ability to achieve record prices for her sellers and manage complex negotiations has also earned her industry-wide recognition in Business Insider as well as Crain’s New York. She specializes in both resale and new development in the luxury condo and townhouse sectors, bringing an impressive portfolio of clientele ranging from high-profile entertainers, athletes, and artists to globally recognized executives and investors to the firm.

“McKenzie is the perfect addition to the Douglas Elliman family,” said Richard Ferrari, President and CEO of Douglas Elliman New York City and Northeast Region. “She has quickly grown to become a force in New York real estate. Her experience in social media, design and architecture in addition to her successful track record in high-end sales and rentals makes her a natural fit for our brokerage.”

McKenzie regularly appears in top-tier publications such as The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, CNN, Business insider, The New York Post and more. She specializes in digital and social media, selling numerous properties through her social media channels and has impressively amassed a following of nearly 58,000 people on Instagram.

McKenzie dedicates her time to historic preservation in New York City, photographing and writing about historic buildings in addition to channeling her passion for dance into a mentoring program for young gymnasts and ballerinas from the Wendy Hilliard Foundation and Dance Theater of Harlem. Here, McKenzie teaches youth on how to harness their talents in the arts to transition into other industries and build successful careers.

Have a listing you think should be featured contact us or submit here to tell us more! Follow Off The MRKT on Twitter and Instagram, and like us on Facebook.

Our Favorite Listings For The Week Inside John Legend & Chrissy Teigen List $18M NYC

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! And be sure to view our new Listings Calendar

---

Brewster Carriage House, 374 BROOME ST , PHN/PHS | $18,000,000 | Agents: Noble Black, David Son, Jennifer Stillman and Corinne (Cory) Cahlon of Douglas Elliman

Located at 374 Broome Street, a landmarked, 19th-century building known as the Brewster Carriage House, the two contiguous penthouses span nearly 6,200 square feet with six bedrooms.

Mr. Legend told The Wall Street Journal that, “We’ve realized that because of work and everything, we’re really mostly going to be in Los Angeles, so we’re going to focus our home-building energy and renovation energy on what we’re doing in L.A.”

For background, Mr. Legend is known for hits such as “All of Me” and “Love Me Now” and recently sold his songwriting catalog to KKR & Co. and BMG. Ms. Teigen’s cookbook “Cravings: All Together” was published last fall.

The combination would allow for the ultimate level of privacy occupying half of the 5th floor and the entire 6th floor with triple exposures to the south, east and north. Entering directly off the elevator leads to the stunning corner great room with soaring 12-foot ceilings filled with natural light. The fully reimagined open kitchen has been upgraded with a luxe Miele appliance package, Amuneal bespoke custom cabinets and anchored by a central island clad in Cristallo natural white quartz. In its current configuration, the great room comes complete with a gas fireplace, integrated sound system with a 133" projector screen, custom wine cellar underneath the stairs and eight oversized windows - three of which open to Juliet balconies. The combination could allow for further expansion of the great room to almost 1,200 square feet of entertaining space.

Under the proposed plan, the remainder of the 6th floor would allow for three secondary bedrooms and a beautiful primary suite that offers a plethora of opportunities to create the ultimate sanctuary - furnished with a skylight, gas fireplace, a generous dressing room and a sublime primary bath. The existing secondary bedrooms are oversized and the home's additional baths are finished in classic white Bianco Dolomiti marble, Mutina Bark stone tiles, walnut vanities and radiant heat flooring.

The home continues on to the 5th floor with another living area that could be transformed into a media room or separate guest suite. Two additional bedrooms with en-suite baths complete the combination. The penthouse features in-house amenities such as home alarm and integrated sound systems, motorized shades, in-unit washer/dryer and central heat and air.

The Brewster Carriage House is a 9-unit boutique condominium conversion complete in 2012. Originally built in 1900, 374 Broome Street was home to Brewster and Co. - a premier horse carriage maker. Located in Nolita, the building sits at the cusp of many surrounding dynamic neighborhoods with easy access to shopping, eateries and transportation.

---

Have a listing you think should be featured contact us or submit here to tell us more! Follow Off The MRKT on Twitter and Instagram, and like us on Facebook.

Real Estate Moves: Ian Ament Joins The Field Team

Ian Ament

The Field Team at Sotheby's International Realty, led by Nikki Field, is pleased to formally announce the appointment of Ian Ament as Operations Manager. Ament brings nearly ten years of experience to The Field Team at Sotheby's International Realty, who holds the longstanding status as the #1 team at the renowned brokerage. 

“We are thrilled to welcome Ian to the team,” said Nikki Field, Founder of The Field Team. “He brings a keen eye for value and analytical approach that further enhances our offering, allowing us to deliver even greater service to our clients.”

Ament is an expert in luxury real estate analysis and will provide valuable guidance as well as technical macro and micro viewpoints to buyers and sellers to help them make informed decisions. His daily market analysis of trends and comparable properties are tailored to the needs of each client, so they are afforded a deep understanding of the facts, figures, and ideal options. Prior to joining The Field Team, Ament worked with several top New York City-based real estate brokerages, specializing in ultra-high-end sales and rentals in neighborhoods including Midtown, Northern and Lower Manhattan and Brooklyn. 

“I am honored to be joining this prestigious and top-producing team,” said Ament. “My passion for real estate, coupled with my experience in finance and economics, has given me the ability to be a strategic sales advisor.  I look forward to implementing those practices here to best support the team and our clients throughout all stages of the real estate process.”

Ms. Field has been a dynamic presence with Sotheby’s International Realty since 1998 and pioneered the team sales model in Manhattan. With an unrivaled specialty in Manhattan's luxury co-op, condo, townhouse, and new development markets, The Field Team has set numerous record-breaking prices and transacted over $3.5 billion in sales to date.

Have a listing you think should be featured contact us or submit here to tell us more! Follow Off The MRKT on Twitter and Instagram, and like us on Facebook.

Your Guide to Vacation Rental Properties in Monaco

The Principality of Monaco is a small country located on the French Riviera, south of France. It has an area covering just about two square kilometers. Monaco is one of the smallest independent states in the world. Located in street Monte Carlo and near the Port Hercules, this guide will introduce you to choosing the best luxurious Monaco vacation rental properties during your travel.

Think About Affordability

When you travel as a tourist, one thing that makes your travel experience as pleasant as it can be is finding an affordable travel package. Traveling is not enough to have a good time for your travel experience. You also need to find the right place to stay and the best travel packages that fit your budget. Not everyone has the same price range when it comes to travel packages. You might be a student, a young professional, or a retired person still looking for a place to travel to. This is precisely the reason why travel packages are available in different budgets. It all depends on what you want to travel to and where you plan to go. Just make sure you properly research where you're booking as internet crime is on the rise. This kind of crime is when people use the Internet to make false or fraudulent claims to customers.

How Convenient Is the Property?

Many people travel for business and travel during long holidays with their family and kids. When traveling, especially if your travel is for more than a day or two, you need the property close enough to places of interest. If you travel for business, travel is convenient when you stay in a vacation rental property in the city. When you travel for business, your time is very limited. Being close enough to work reduces travel time and thus increases travel convenience.

Consider a Spacious Facility

One of the most important factors determining your sleeping quality is the room size when you travel. How big or small your room size will greatly impact sleep quality. When choosing a property for rent, look at the sleeping arrangements of the whole house. This will give you an idea of what types of rooms are available in the property you want to rent. If there are only single rooms in the house, you might consider renting a property with large rooms. On the other hand, if there are some double rooms, you may want to go for smaller sized rooms so that your travel costs can be cut down.

Consider the Amenities of a Facility

When you travel and stay in a place with great amenities, rental vacation properties make travel convenient. Such properties offer all the travel essentials needed for traveling with your family. Vacation rental properties are available globally. People travel from one country to another to stay at these accommodations. As popular as it may be, choosing a vacation rental property is not easy. Some properties have simple amenities. Others have more advanced ones, such as Universal property insurance. Before booking a vacation property, you may want to visit the place and look at its features. The choice will depend on your travel, location, and how many people are traveling with you. For Monaco, you may want to stay at a property with a view of the F1 city circuit that crawls through the streets. In races, there are shorter tracks and speedways that usually are about 0.5 to 2.5 miles long. The Monaco track falls in this category, as it is about 2 miles long.

Choose a Property That Is Close to Nature

As more people choose to live without screens and close contact with nature, many investors and developers see the opportunity to provide these homes. Vacation rentals that include hiking trails, natural beauty, and clean air are highly demanded. In today's modern world, many people appreciate the natural world. Some choose to live in houses surrounded by trees and grass. Others prefer a more modern style of living. However, everyone agrees it is important to spend time outside in nature. With this in mind, people should settle for properties that provide their guests with access to nature.

Where you travel to can make all the difference in your travel experience. Traveling to Monaco means that you will be surrounded by beautiful beaches, castles, and other monuments. Visiting the beautiful city isn't something you should put off, as over 1 million Americans will live in senior communities by 2030, research suggests. Take advantage of your youth and visit Monaco today!

What You Need to Know Before Selling Homes Outside the City

Working in real estate can be rewarding when you find the right path and learn the ways of the trade. If you've been selling homes in the city and want to venture and try selling outside of the city, there are a few things you will need to keep in mind. Here are some of them to give you an easy time when you start.

Work With Local Agents

If you haven't put up many houses for sale in the area before, you may not be aware of the right protocols and methods. For this reason, you need to work with local agents so they can help guide you. If you're working with a firm, find out if they have an intranet on which you can communicate with fellow agents. This will be helpful as they may already have buyers who want to move into the area and so your job will become a bit easier. With 70% of all business partnerships failing according to statistics, you want to make sure you partner up with the right agents so it's a beneficial relationship.

Social Media Can Be Helpful

In the current age where a large population is on different social medial platforms, your best method to reach potential buyers is by looking for them on social media. Create accounts on different platforms and start to work with them to reach new potential buyers. You will also benefit from learning catchy techniques to get people's attention, like attaching relevant hashtags, posting at the right times, and more. You will have an easy time reaching more people if you use geotagging in your posts, so try it out and you will have a better reach than you would have had.

Know the Most Important Amenities

In different areas, people will have different needs and as such, they will value different features and amenities more in certain areas than in others. Take time to know your market base and find out what they want the most. This will help you know what you need to focus on when looking for houses to sell as well as the features to play up when you're marketing and staging your houses. For instance, if you are selling houses in one of the over 13 million households in the United States that rely on private wells for their drinking water, you will have an easier time selling a house with a functional well than one without it.

Hosting Open Houses is Important

People like having a feel of the type of house they're buying before they make a commitment. In different locations, especially outside of the city where it's a lot more easy-going and relaxed, it will be important for people looking to buy a house to have access to it and look around. Make this opportunity for your clients so that you don't miss out on a sale just because a buyer who may have been interested in it was unable to view it in detail.

Staging Can Make a Big Difference

Finally, while you host open houses, remember to stage the homes you're trying to sell. Find the right balance of cozy warmth and professional personalization so that you appeal to buyers. Don't push them away by creating an air that's more like having them in someone's home rather than in a home they should picture as their own. While you're playing up the good features of a house, remember that landscaping can add up to 14% to a home's resale value and also work on it.

These considerations will make it easier for you to sell homes outside the city successfully. You will enjoy catering to a different niche of clients and will find that all you need to do is understand their needs better.

Sales At Flatiron House Begins

NYC-based real estate development firm Anbau, together with Corcoran Sunshine Marketing Group, today announced the launch of sales at Flatiron House, a new luxury condominium located at 39 West 23rd Street in the heart of the Flatiron District, moments away from Madison Square Park. With architecture and interiors by COOKFOX Architects, a leader in biophilic design, the development utilizes a number of guiding principles that promote health, wellbeing, and indoor-outdoor living.

Flatiron House comprises two distinct buildings connected by a shared interior garden with a total of 44 residences. The Tower features 37 one-to four-bedroom residences with a separate entrance on 23rd Street, while the Loft offers a collection of seven one- to five-bedroom residences and an entrance on 24th Street, many of which are full-floors with direct elevator entry. Sitting at the center of both structures is the lush garden, which provides a verdant focal point and a tranquil outdoor gathering space landscaped with native flowering plants and trees.

Many residences offer Juliet balconies and terraces that feature a unique, decorative railing design and a self-watering irrigation system, allowing plants to bloom and grow through the balconies’ latticework. Designed in collaboration with Brooklyn based landscape architect Future Green Studio, plant species include Periwinkle, Thyme, Oregano, Lavender, alpine strawberries, and lowbush blueberries. 

“We worked closely with COOKFOX Architects to ensure the residences at Flatiron House featured spacious floor plans with a direct connection to the outdoors and nature. Our collaboration resulted in a wide array of serene landscaped spaces that are both an extension of the home and a visual amenity as well” said Stephen Glascock, Chairman of Anbau.

“Flatiron House allows us to rethink how people interact with urban buildings and nature. We wanted to balance contemporary design with hallmarks that speak to the distinctive character of the nearby landmarked buildings, while also promoting wellness through biophilic and sustainable design,” explained Rick Cook, Founding Partner of COOKFOX Architects.

Each residence features lofty ceilings, wide-plank oak floors, custom millwork, and floor-to-ceiling windows that fill residences with abundant light and frame views of cast iron landmarks, the Empire State Building, The Clocktower, the Flatiron Building, and beyond. Residents enter their homes through an American Walnut residential entrance door with Hamilton Sinkler hardware in an antique bronze finish. All residences include custom kitchens featuring a suite of Gaggenau and Thermador appliances, sleek Dornbracht fixtures, and generous storage spaces. Kitchens also feature timeless rift oak and white lacquer cabinetry accented with textural ribbed glass and bronze metal hardware. Primary bathrooms are outfitted with Arabescato marble and walnut vanities against a backdrop of Greek Naxos marble and also feature mosaic marble flooring and cast iron tubs. Select residences feature expansive terraces and offer 360-degree views sweeping from Midtown to the expanse of Downtown Manhattan

Residents will have access to the COOKFOX-designed amenity spaces surrounding The Garden, which provides a verdant focal point and a tranquil gathering space landscaped with native flowering plants and trees. Amenities including a 24/7 attended lobby featuring dramatic full-height bronzed metal doors and a patterned canopy, clad in American Walnut and handsome limestone; a second level wellness suite includes The Gym with a yoga and stretching studio and adjoining landscaped terrace; The Game Room featuring billiards, a film screen, and space for private dining and entertainment; and The Lounge which offers a space for intimate gatherings. Onsite parking and storage are available for purchase, and residents will also have access to bicycle storage and a commercial size laundry room for oversized items.

Flatiron House is moments from Madison Square Park and exists at the nexus of Michelin-starred restaurants, Italian food and wine emporium Eataly, boutiques and specialty shops, and cultural institutions. The High Line, the Whitney Museum of American Art, and Chelsea’s art galleries are only a few blocks west.

Corcoran Sunshine Marketing Group is the exclusive sales and marketing agent for the building. For an onsite tour of the building, contact 212-221-3923. Prices range from $1.98M to over $13M. For more information, please visit the website at flatironhousenyc.com, and follow @FlatironHouseNYC for project updates.

Have a listing you think should be featured contact us or submit here to tell us more! Follow Off The MRKT on Twitter and Instagram, and like us on Facebook.

How to Deck Out Your Apartment for Entertaining

When you have a place built for entertaining, you create the chance to fill your life with fun and excitement. Even small spaces have abundant functionality when you take a certain approach to design. After all, living in smaller urban homes has never stopped New Yorkers from enjoying a good party.

To make the most of your apartment for friendly entertainment, here are a few ideas to take with you.

Maximize Seating for Dinner Parties

You may not have the room for a large dining table that seats eight people. Instead, take what you have and create seating for everyone throughout the entire apartment. 

Many apartment dwellers stick to the stand-and-mingle party arrangement. However, you can still set up a dinner party with seating arrangements in the living room and the kitchen. Rely on your kitchen island, existing tables and other surfaces to provide creative eating space for guests.

Then, set up other party stations away from eating areas to free up room for plates. Create a makeshift bar area with stools for endless drink options. And if you have an outdoor space available, be sure to place a table on the deck so guests can get a breathtaking view.

Decorate for Comfort and Drama

You'll want to create the perfect entertainment space for all types of guest activities, including sitting, standing, and conversing. If you’re a major entertainer, you’re probably looking to impress your guests with your design chops — so combine functionality with drama in your furnishing and decorating choices.

Make your space more inviting by using leather sofa seating to create a comfortable seating area for an upscale cocktail lounge. Vegan leather couches are easy to keep clean and provide various prints for a classy look.

Consider layering options with lighting. Decorative chandeliers and modern wall sconces can add functionality and dimension to the overall space.

Optimize Counter Space

Tiered trays and cake stands are your best bet when it comes to maximizing countertop space. They're perfect for serving up your favorite finger foods and making your countertops feel bigger.

Another way you can accommodate guests is to try cocktails and hor d'oeuvres instead of a full, formal dinner. Think about offering fine wine and staple liquors or beers for entertainment. Once guests arrive, you can create an accessible self-serving area for refreshing drinks and light bites.

You could also consider adding a moving cart when you need additional counter space. While this creates the added space, it also adds class to your apartment. Plus, bar carts are practical for any situation because they're compact and roll away easily for storage.

Declutter With Storage

Entertaining guests can get messy, especially when people have a good time. In that case, it's always a great idea to incorporate stackable storage units for keeping areas neat and making more room.

Multifunctional furniture and storage spaces help you keep the entertainment stuff – like games and magazines – out of the way, so guests have a spot to set their drinks. Having everything in its proper place keeps your apartment organized. Plus, it makes it easy to clean up afterward.

Rearrange Your Furniture

The more floor space you have, the better it is for entertaining guests. You can move your furniture to suit guests for mingling when holding a cocktail party. Consider moving furniture up against the walls and removing bar stools for the evening.

Place the extra seating in your bedroom or ask your neighbor to keep them for you overnight.

You can also swap furniture if you're hosting a dinner party. By moving the dining table into your living room – and shifting living room lounge chairs in the dining area – you can make the table the focal point of your apartment. This creates more space and a better flow for a great party.

Create an Overall Ambiance

A successful party can entirely depend on the mood you create for your guests. So, when you don't have room for a ton of décor, try getting creative. Add scented candles around the room and hang up color-changing LED strip lights for a fun effect.

Make the music quiet enough that people can talk over it but also hear it simultaneously. When the party mood evolves, switch up the music from time to time so guests can stay engaged.

Also, if you want to keep the noise from disturbing your neighbors, consider adding paneling, carpets, and thick curtains. This will keep the noise to a minimum and provide great sound quality throughout your apartment.

Choose a Place for Hanging Coats and Bags

The colder months mean you'll need a space to hang heavy coats, boots, and bags. Try to pick a spot so guests won't have to carry their stuff or wonder where to set their things.

To make the most room, consider using your bedroom. Or, clear out a space in the front closet so guests can hang their things.

Decorate Your Apartment for Entertaining Guests

Be sure to set aside time so you can plan everything out carefully. When you plan, you get more done before the party. And once it starts, you get to relax more as the host. Once you've successfully decorated your apartment, it's time for the fun to begin.

Author

Evelyn Long is the editor-in-chief of Renovated. Her real estate work has been published by the National Association of REALTORS®, Rental Housing Journal, and other online publications.

Have a listing you think should be featured contact us or submit here to tell us more! Follow Off The MRKT on Twitter and Instagram, and like us on Facebook.

How to Extend the Life of Your Home

Keeping your home well-maintained is the easiest way in which you can have it age well, keeping its value over time. If you want to find out how you can get more use out of your home and the appliances and spaces you have in it, read on to see what to do to extend its life.

Never Skip Regular Maintenance

While you may feel like your appliances and equipment are all functioning well, this is not a reason to have you skip having them maintained if they're due for maintenance. Regular maintenance is what will ensure that they keep working that way, as there are components that may need changing every now and then. To keep enjoying them for a long time to come, always follow the manufacturer's timelines on how often to have them maintained and keep in mind the procedure needed for the maintenance. Doing this will keep them in good shape for a long time and will have them working well for the entirety of their lifespans. Take an example of a tank water heater which typically lasts from 10 to 13 years, and imagine the joy and savings of keeping the same water heater for this duration that you can experience when you simply maintain it regularly.

Make Repairs as Soon as They're Necessary

Another tip to help you get the most out of your home is to work on repairs as soon as they become necessary. When you wait for a long time before working on repairs, they worsen and end up needing more time and resources to restore. They may also end up affecting their surroundings and calling for more extensive work to be done, which may have a domino effect over time. Things like the roof are especially important to keep in good condition and be repaired whenever there's an issue like a leak, given the sheer scale of the investment that they are. If you have a flat one, you can keep it for more than 20 years if you perform proper maintenance on it.

Work With Professionals

Whenever you need to have something done, you should work with professionals who have experience in the area. This will help you avoid guesswork that may leave the job you're trying to have done in a worse state than it was to begin with, costing you more time and money. Always do your research on the necessary procedure for a given job and shop around for the right expert rather than settling for the first one you come across. When you have a good idea of what you need to have done, you will be better placed to make a good call when interviewing the person to do it, and you will know the right questions to ask as well as the expectations you need to have. The bigger the job, the more important it is to find a qualified person or company to do it, and you will get great results that will be worth every penny.

Have Regular Inspections Done

Finally, you need to schedule regular inspections of things around your home to have them stay in the best condition for as long as possible. This will enable you to spot issues long before they get out of hand and lead to irreversible damage, such as that caused by termites to about 600,000 American homes each year. Set the inspection dates and have reminders for them so that you don't forget about them. Schedule them for a time in which you will be able to have them carried out without them affecting your regular schedule too much so that you're not inconvenienced while trying to have them done.

With the four tips above, you can enjoy living in a home that's in good condition for a long time to come. Keep them in mind and it will be effortless after a while, leaving you with an enviable home that's in an amazing state for its age.

Our Favorite Open Houses 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!

Hudson Heights

WHERE: 120 Bennett Avenue, Apartment 4L

COST: $699,000

WHEN: January 23, 2022 by appointment only

Description: Meticulously gut renovated, this rare 2 Bedroom/ 1.5 Bathroom, with stunning southern light that floods the sunken living room, is perfectly situated in prime Hudson Heights. The windowed Chef's kitchen features maple cabinets, quartz countertops, GE professional series appliances, a wine fridge, and a coffee station. There is ample space for dining in either the raised entry foyer or the spacious living room.
The primary bedroom with an ensuite bath has been reconfigured to include tons of closet space. The second bedroom has direct access to the full bath and can also make for a perfect office or guest room, as it is peacefully quiet and welcoming. Top-of-the-line air conditioners and perfectly restored historic arches complete the renovation touches.
The Bennett Arms features iconic Art Deco detail, including original murals, curving forms, and smooth polished surfaces that harken to the exquisite craftsmanship and modern style of the Chrysler and Empire State buildings. This coop was built in 1939 with 84 units and boasts features and amenities including a part-time doorman, elevator, garden, bike room, storage, central laundry, and resident Superintendent.
The A train is around the corner, and the home sits between Fort Tryon Park, Bennett Park, and all the restaurants and coffee shops Washington Heights has to offer.
There is a 1% flip tax payable by the seller, and dogs, unfortunately, are not permitted, The building allows for 90% financing.

Bedroom : 2

Bathroom: 1

West Village

WHERE: 130 Jane Street #1/2B

COST: $3.095,000

WHEN: Sunday, January 23rd, 12pm -2pm.

Description: Be the first to enjoy this pristine two bedroom plus home office perfectly executed! This chic and elegant duplex offers a loft-like living/dining space adorned with an open kitchen plan with top of the line appliances, cement counters and breakfast bar that seats four comfortably! Exposed brick and beams compliment the design throughout! South-facing patio with a teak deck is awaiting your landscaper’s eye!

The inspiring stairs and burnt steel banister leads you upstairs to two bedrooms and a home office which can easily double as a guest bedroom. The primary bedroom faces south enjoying a large walk-in closet. The clever, en suite spa-like bathroom features sophisticated finishes, a double vanity and pocket doors. The other bedroom is generous in size with ample closets throughout. Central air/heat, white oak floors, and Bosch washer/dryer plus the garden patio complete this amazing home!

Bedroom : 2

Bathroom: 2.5

Upper West Side

WHERE: 200 West 109th Street #B8

COST: $650,000

WHEN: Sunday, January 23 from 11am-12:30pm

Description: Unit B8 features a head-to-toe update while still retaining the classic charm of its pre-war roots. The spacious brand new kitchen is accented with a Whirlpool stacked washer and dryer, LG Fridge, Bosch dishwasher, and Frigidaire stove. This windowed kitchen also features a gorgeous quartz marble countertop, white subway tile backsplash, and new tile flooring. The pristine bathroom houses a new standing glass shower, vanity, and toilet.

Down the hall leads you to the living room and bedroom, where you’ll find some of the original beauty of this pre-war unit. With two windows and a large closet, the living room has plenty of room for lounging or entertaining, as well as a work area. French doors open into the king-sized bedroom with beautiful bay windows that let in plenty of sun; you’ll have space for a dresser, nightstands, and there is a large bedroom closet for easy storage.

Facing west, this apartment is on the third floor of an elevator and part-time (5pm-12am) doorman condo building with a spacious entry foyer, highlighted by beautiful stained glass windows and marble. There is a live-in super and bike storage is available. Pets are welcome per board approval.

Bedroom : 1

Bathroom: 1