Wines You Can't Miss Out On This Month

Each month we scour the world for some new wines that we can’t wait to share with you. From Long Island to New Zealand, no wine is off-limit. Perfect for a night in, or a collector’s piece for your top shelf, here are our favorite wines for September.

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First Look: Introducing New UES Condominium The Matteo - Woods Bagot, Nest Seekers International & Boomerang Development Group

A first look at The Matteo, a 15-story luxury condominium rising at 323 East 79th Street by Boomerang Development Group. The Matteo marks the developers first foray into the Manhattan residential market and brings a boutique property, comprised of full-floor homes, each with direct elevator access and one duplex residence, to a neighborhood where this is surprisingly a challenge to find.

With architecture and interior design by Woods Bagot, the property will offer 14 new residences. The design team created The Matteo as an ode to the Upper East Side, resonating with the neighborhood’s rich history. The subtle gray masonry façade’s brickwork is meticulously arranged in distinctive patterns which imbue a contemporary feel. Inside, residences are comprised of three- to four-bedroom homes, each with private outdoor space, and interiors expertly tailored in neutral palettes that lend a luxe aesthetic, including plank and chevron patterned engineered hardwood flooring and Carrara marble surfaces throughout.

Know for trend-setting new construction properties within the Tri-State Area, as well as and Brooklyn’s most fashionable neighborhoods, Boomerang possesses a deep understanding of the intricacies affecting the city’s residential real estate landscape. The team recognized the demand for more refined and spacious offerings within a boutique-style property on the Upper East Side.

Selling The Hamptons star, Bianca D’Alessio of Nest Seekers International, along with her team The Masters Division, are leading exclusive sales and marketing efforts for the property.

Homes are priced from $3,750,000.

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Condo vs. Co-op: Guide to NYC Ownership

If you’re looking to jump from renting to owning in New York City, you’ll likely need to choose between a condo or co-op. Many people combine the two types of homes in the discussion, but the truth is that they’re very different experiences with distinct advantages and disadvantages. 

Many people enjoy the relative ease of buying either a condo or co-op. The prices for these properties are significantly lower than a house and give young professionals less to take care of throughout the year. People also enjoy co-ops and condos due to their proximity to everything — multifamily buildings are the best bet for enjoying life in a densely populated city.

There are many things to consider before selecting the best option for you.

The Difference Between Condos and Co-ops

Condo and co-op aren’t interchangeable terms. Condos are private residences in a multifamily building that includes ownership of any commonly used space. Co-ops have owners that share an interest in the property instead of the individual unit.

They do have similarities, of course. Both are typically managed by associations — condo associations and co-op boards — but the latter have far more power over things like applications and community living standards. 

Similarly, both offer the convenience of living in a multifamily building versus your own private property. You will not be held responsible for the street removal of snow in the winter, for example, which often requires the use of contracted services with heavy equipment and careful removal in NYC. You may also get access to helpful amenities like a doorman, package receptacle and more.

Finally, one stark difference is availbility. There’s a more significant number of co-ops in NYC than condos, but there tend to be more condos on the market at once. Consider the advantages of both home types to help you decide which to buy. 

Buying a Condo

Condos are more straightforward to finance than co-ops since you aren’t as involved in the building. Due to this, you also can keep greater privacy since no one will be deciding on whether you can live there or not.

Condo boards do exist, but they tend to be much less strict than co-op boards, which can take months to approve and will likely require an interview. Co-ops also tend to involve other community residents in the decision. 

Owning the unit means you have fewer fees to worry about than if you lived in a co-op, where you have a stake in the whole property. You will have to pay for utilities and will likely have “common charges” to help take care of the building, but you won’t have the same stake in the entire property that you would in a co-op.

Co-ops tend to have more rules than condos, making condos an excellent choice for you if you want more flexibility. If you decide to lease out your condo, you’re more likely to succeed than trying to do so with a co-op. 

Buying a Co-Op

One of the most significant benefits of living in a co-op is a sense of belonging, with you becoming an investor in the entire community. Many people like co-ops because they provide a sense of permanence they might not feel in other parts of the city. 

Co-ops tend to be in older buildings, providing a more centralized location than most condos. Many are remodeled with luxury amenities you won’t find in condos, including pools, gyms and green spaces. 

While fees in a condo are generally lower, co-op purchase prices tend to be cheaper. There’s also a stricter purchasing process, with the board approving you after a series of reviews and an interview.

Living in a co-ops has both advantages and potential disadvantages. Co-ops tend to have stricter rules than condos, limiting noise and outer decor to certain times of the day or year. Operating like homeowners associations to those less familiar, co-op boards are enabled to oversee aspects of communal living and set standards that may or may not contribute to every resident’s quality of life.

For this reason, co-op purchases can be rife with uncertainty. While co-ops make up 74% of the housing stock in NYC, they are not subject to the same scrutiny in regards to application transparency and fairness that rentals and private homes are. Many applicants have experienced unexplained rejections or, once they moved in, experienced board members and neighbors eager to exercise control over their living situations.

Co-ops can involve tradeoffs. Many beautiful, well-located buildings in the city are co-ops, so purchasing one opens up amazing properties for residents. Some may enjoy the sense of community and input a well-managed co-ops creates, while others may chafe from the influence of their neighbors.

What’s the Difference Between a Condo and a Co-Op?

In general terms, condos offer freedom while co-ops provide community. Still, the experience depends on the individual group that controls the building and the culture established there. 

Deciding to purchase a residence in New York City means you’ll never be far from all the action, but it gives you the freedom and sense of permanency that renting fails to provide. Once you move into your ideal place, you’ll feel right at home.

Author

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

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6 Things to Know Before Moving to Texas

If you're considering buying a new home in Texas, there are many things to consider before moving to the Lone Star state. Below are many laws, activities, and things to know before transitioning to Texas. Research and brush up on these pointers before purchasing a home in this state.

1. Consider Texas Home Prices (Which are Currently Rising)

Texas home prices will also differ depending on location - home values in Houston have increased by almost 8% in the last year alone. With so many people moving to Texas, it's essential to familiarize yourself with the different home prices in Texas and choose a neighborhood where home prices are affordable and not at their peak. Being smart about your Texas home purchase can help you find a home that builds equity fast and is worth the investment.

2. Texas Crime Rates Differ By Location

Crime in Texas will differ depending on which part of the state you move to. For instance, in the first five months of 2019, almost 91,000 crimes were reported to the Houston Police Department. However, Trophy Club and Fulshear are considered some of Texas's safest cities with low crime rates. Suburban areas and rural towns often report fewer incidents, making them attractive to families or individuals seeking a quieter, safer lifestyle. Thoroughly research the area of Texas you will move to and consider the crime rates in order to get an idea of the safest cities in Texas. Tools like online crime maps, local law enforcement reports, and community reviews can offer valuable insights. Additionally, consider factors such as neighborhood watch programs, the presence of nearby law enforcement agencies, and the overall community atmosphere to ensure your new home aligns with your safety expectations.

3. The Weather in Texas Varies Greatly By Region

Texas is a vast state with many different climate regions. For example, the Gulf Coast region has hot and humid summers with mild winters, while West Texas is arid with temperatures ranging from below freezing in the winter to over 100 degrees Fahrenheit in the summer. Keep this in mind when buying a home, and prepare your home so you can save on energy bills during the peak of summer and winter. According to Rpsc.energy.gov, upgrading your HVAC unit is one of the best ways to improve your energy use: almost 50% for electric and 10% for gas. Use Energy Savings to compare electricity plans in Texas.

4. There Are Lots of Unique Things to Do in Texas

Whether you love the outdoors, want to experience world-class museums, or enjoy live music, there's something for everyone in Texas. For instance, Houston is home to the Museum of Fine Arts and the Johnson Space Center, while Austin is known for its live music scene and annual festivals like SXSW. There are also many state parks and natural attractions to explore in Texas. Big Bend National Park, for instance, is a huge park that covers over 800,000 acres and features beautiful desert landscapes.

5. There Are Many Different Types of Homes Available in Texas

From ranches and country homes to urban apartments and condos, a wide range of housing options are available in Texas. If you’re considering the Houston area, you might want to Find an apartment in Woodland Houston TX to enjoy a blend of urban and suburban living. It's essential to figure out what type of home you're looking for and where you want to live before beginning your home search.

6. Texas Has a Diverse Population

Texas is a culturally diverse area where you can feel at home with a rich melting pot of people. One thing that makes Texas so unique is its diverse population. According to the most recent census data, over 28% of Texans are Hispanic or Latino, and almost 13% of the population is African American. According to new Census data, nearly 31 million people moved to the United States in 2019, many of whom moved to Texas due to its friendly immigration laws. There are also significant populations of Asian Americans, Native Americans, and people of European descent living in Texas.

Now that you know a little bit more about what to expect when moving to Texas, you can start researching different areas of the state and begin looking for your new home. Remember to take your time, ask lots of questions, and thoroughly explore any area you're considering moving to. Once you've found the perfect place to call home, you can start enjoying all Texas offers.

One One Eight Launches in East Village

One One Eight features a collection of four townhouse-style duplexes with direct, keyed elevator access and private outdoor space in New York City’s East Village neighborhood. The penthouse residence is a stunning triplex with massive outdoor space on the roof – providing the perfect balance for indoor-outdoor living in one of the most vibrant corners of Manhattan.


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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 won’t want to miss out for this week. 

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The best of the Beresford! One of the most magnificent corners and best layouts on Central Park West. Rarely available, this immaculate D line is a grand corner 10 room, 4-5 bedroom home with views and light coming into nearly every room. Spanning approximately 4300 square feet, the floorplan is inviting and open, and all bedrooms are well proportioned and appropriately placed. The grand corner living room has a wood-burning fireplace and faces South and East with full views of Central Park, the Museum of Natural History and Midtown. The adjacent almost-square dining room faces the Park as well, which is an unusual treat. Next to the living room is the library, which can be converted into a fifth bedroom. Represented by Lisa K. Lippman, Brown Harris Stevens. Asking $11,995,000.


Dangling high in the sky, this pristinely renovated prewar home represents a well-thought-out separation of public and private spaces with exceptional lighting and West End Avenue views. Upon entering from the semi-private elevator vestibule, one experiences a proper architecturally appointed entry foyer, followed by the unique mudroom with spectacular custom built-ins, curated for urban living. This sets the stage for a grand and gracious entry to the expansive open-concept living, dining, and kitchen. All 18 windows face outward with Northern and Eastern exposures to soak up the sun all day long. The 3 spacious bedrooms are located separately from the main living area offering serene privacy with street and skyline views. The extra room off of the living space, which contains a full bathroom, can be used for an office or fourth bedroom. Represented by Louise Phillips Forbes of Brown Harris Stevens. Asking $3,995,000.


This private and tranquil two-bedroom home is on the raised first floor of the Alexandria House, a prewar cooperative between West End Avenue and Broadway. Arrive into the perfect combination of Prewar detail and modern, loft-like living. Features include 10' ceilings and hardwood floors throughout. The large kitchen was updated with cabinetry and storage all the way to the ceiling, tile backsplash, and true cooking counterspace, opens to the well-sized dining and living room. The bedroom hall leads to a renovated bath, airy North-facing primary bedroom with a wall of closets, and second bedroom. The apartment also enjoys features a stacking washer/dryer, thru-wall A/C, energy-efficient windows, and low maintenance charges. Represented by Scott Harris, Brown Harris Stevens. Asking $875,000.


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Krug Champagne Presents Composer Ryuichi Sakamoto’s ‘Suite For Krug In 2008’ With a Special Orchestral Performance at The Brooklyn Museum

Tuesday Night Krug Champagne celebration of composer Ryuichi Sakamoto tribute to the House of Krug with a unique symphony that translates into music three creations from one single year, 2008. To mark the momentous occasion, the centuries-old Champagne House and Ryuichi Sakamoto hosted a multisensory immersion with a three-part symphony inspired by the creations of the year, opening new gateways to the senses.

Krug Champagne hosted a night of synesthesia with Chloe Flower, Paul Rudd, Questlove, Karen Elson, Dev Hynes, and Jeremy O. Harris as they gathered at the Brooklyn Museum to celebrate composer Ryuichi Sakamoto’s musical tribute to the champagne house

Paul Rudd courtesy Reach Media/ Pascal Perich

Those to experience the premier performance of the ‘Suite for Krug in 2008’ – were a maverick group of Krug lovers, musicians, and creators including Paul Rudd, Chloe Flower, Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson, Jeremy O. Harris, Joshua Bell, Kilo Kish, Karen Elson, Dev Hynes and PJ Mattan, among others, who joined Krug for a performance, tasting, and dinner – a sensorial trifecta.

 An unprecedented expression of the sensation of taste through sound, ‘Suite for Krug in 2008’ is a three-movement symphony by Ryuichi Sakamoto inspired by the unforgettable 2008 harvest in Champagne.

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Veteran Agent Raquel Lomonico Joins Top Compass Brooklyn Team

Raquel Lomonico

Lior Barak and Christine Blackburn Lior Barak and Christine Blackburn announce that local Brooklyn new development specialist and resale agent Raquel Lomonico has joined their high-flying team. The Barak Blackburn Team has sold $2 billion in property and $50 million in land and development in Brooklyn and Manhattan. With the support of Ms. Lomonico, the team looks to continue its perforation of northern Brooklyn and its omnipresence in new development.

"I could not think of a better fit than working with Christine and Lior," said Ms. Lomonico. "I was getting calls from agents wanting a Brooklyn specialist while they focused on Manhattan, but I run around Brooklyn in sneakers and wanted to be on a team that matches my personality and prioritizes business here." 

Ms. Lomonico started her career at Douglas Elliman 14 years ago before moving to Corcoran. She was most recently at Nest Seekers, where she managed sales at 510 Driggs, the luxury-defining new development condominium in Williamsburg. Throughout her storied career, she has established herself as a local agent with insightful market knowledge and an extensive referral neighborhood client base.

Raquel's pivot to Compass comes at a time when the tech-enabled firm has grown to be the largest residential brokerage in Brooklyn by closed sales, according to The Real Deal. 

Lomonico notes a recent surge in individuals and families looking for three-to-four bedrooms in Williamsburg and Greenpoint will drive new real estate activity. "North Brooklyn was not traditionally where you raised a family, but that has started to change," she said. 

"Raquel is a local agent who aids her clients in making smart decisions," said Christine Blackburn. "We believe she is the best cultural fit for our team and, coupled with Compass tools and services, will continue to help us elevate our business." 

Lomonico is raising awareness for animal rescue when she is not selling real estate. A self-declared animal lover, whenever possible, she uses her marketing to raise funds for that cause.

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YAGP Celebrates Susan Jaffe, next Artistic Director of ABT

Jonathan Beukelman, Larissa Saveliev, Gave Hoffman and Mazie Hoffman

"My friend Larissa Saveliev is one of the most important people in ballet today.” said Susan Jaffe, the next Artistic Director of ABT, “What she and her organization, Youth America Grand Prix (YAGP), does is vital to the future of Ballet." The occasion was a YAGP cocktail party honoring Susan, the first celebration for her new position, on Tuesday evening, September 16th, at the magnificent art-filled residence of Caroline and Ed Hyman.

Larissa returned the compliment, saying, "Susan has been a dear friend of YAGP since 1999 -- our beginning. She has inspired countless young dancers as a YAGP guest artist, adjudicator, master teacher, scholarship presenter, choreographer, and founding Trustee. We are thrilled to have Susan return to New York City as Artistic Director of American Ballet Theatre. The dance world is grateful for her and her talent."

The sentiments were echoed by YAGP Board Chair Richard Osterweil and YAGP founding board member Sergey Gordeev and followed by hoots and applause by guests including Maria-Cristina Anzola, Afsaneh Akhtari, Peter Bacanovic, Barbara Brandt with daughter Skylar Brandt, Joan Hardy Clark, Irina Dvorovenko and Maxim Beloserkovsky, Linda and Martin Fell, Joanna Fisher, Judith Hoffman, Allen London, Linda and Ed Morse, Irene Shen, Allyson Tang, Barbara Tober, and Ali Wambold as well as the new ceo of City Center, Michael S. Rosenberg.

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