Your guide to New York real estate and more
Off The MRKT - Where New York's, Real Estate, Life Style, and Culture Converge
Step inside the luxurious West Village duplex of Bravo's Andy Cohen, now on the market for $14M, and discover the impeccable design and sweeping Manhattan views that make this home a true New York City gem.
Read MoreAs a New Yorker, deciding between a condo and a co-op is a significant choice when buying a home. Condos and co-ops offer different lifestyles, financial benefits, and purchase processes. Understanding these differences can help you make an informed decision that best suits your needs.
Condos and co-ops both provide distinct forms of ownership and living arrangements. When we purchase a condo, we own the individual unit along with a shared interest in the common areas of the property. This gives us the freedom to make changes to our unit, like renovating the kitchen or updating the bathroom, without needing approval from a board.
In contrast, buying into a co-op means acquiring shares in a corporation that owns the building. We don’t own our specific unit outright, but rather a share that entitles us to live in a specific apartment. This setup often requires us to follow stricter rules and obtain approval for alterations or subleasing the unit. Co-ops typically have more rigorous application processes, including board interviews and financial disclosures.
Another crucial distinction is the level of control and flexibility. Condos usually offer more autonomy, allowing us to rent out our unit more easily if we choose. Co-ops often restrict this, with many requiring board approval for any potential renter. Understanding these key differences helps us determine which type of ownership aligns best with our lifestyle and financial goals.
Condos generally offer more favorable financial benefits compared to co-ops. One of the primary advantages is that condos often appreciate in value at a faster rate. This makes them a potentially stronger investment option. We can also find that condos typically have more straightforward financing options. Lenders are usually more willing to finance condos because they see them as less risky than co-ops.
When it comes to monthly expenses, condo fees tend to cover more tangible benefits like maintenance of common areas and amenities, while co-op fees might include the mortgage for the entire building and other less transparent costs. This can make condo fees feel more predictable and easier to manage.
Additionally, buying a condo requires a smaller down payment compared to many co-ops. Co-ops often demand higher down payments, sometimes up to 50%, whereas condos typically need about 10-20%. This lower barrier to entry can make condos more accessible for first-time buyers. Overall, the financial benefits of choosing a condo can make it a more appealing option for many New Yorkers.
When choosing between condos and co-ops, lifestyle and convenience play a significant role. Condos often come with a variety of amenities that enhance our living experience. Many condo buildings offer features like gyms, swimming pools, and communal lounges. These amenities make daily life more enjoyable and can help us save on memberships and subscriptions elsewhere.
Condos also provide a level of flexibility and convenience that co-ops typically do not. We can rent out our condo more easily, which is great if we need to relocate temporarily or want to generate rental income. Co-ops, on the other hand, usually have strict subletting rules. The ability to make decisions about our property without seeking approval is a major lifestyle benefit of owning a condo.
Moreover, condos often have 24-hour security and maintenance services, ensuring our safety and addressing any issues promptly. This not only adds convenience but also peace of mind, knowing that help is readily available when needed.
Buying a condo is generally a more straightforward and quicker process compared to purchasing a co-op. One key factor is the absence of a board approval process. When we buy a co-op, we often have to go through a rigorous application and interview process with the co-op board. This can be time-consuming and stressful. Condos do not have this requirement, so the buying process moves much faster.
Lender financing is also easier to obtain for condos. Banks and other financial institutions are more willing to offer mortgages for condos because they perceive them as a safer investment. This can make securing a loan simpler and less stressful for us.
Additionally, the overall paperwork involved in purchasing a condo is typically less extensive. Without the need for board approvals and with more transparent financial requirements, we can complete the purchase more efficiently. This ease and simplicity can make condos a more appealing option for many buyers.
Choosing between a condo and a co-op in New York requires careful consideration of various factors. We’ve explored the essential differences, financial benefits, lifestyle advantages, and the simplified buying process of condos. Each of these aspects highlights why condos might be the more attractive option for many New Yorkers, especially in 2024.
Condos offer more flexibility, freedom, and financial sense, along with community living that doesn't burden us with excessive rules. The simplified buying process and better access to financing make it easier to secure our dream home. As New Yorkers look to make informed decisions about their next home, condos provide compelling reasons to choose them over co-ops.
If you’re ready to explore the possibilities of condo living in New York, connect with us at Off The MRKT. We’re here to guide you through the process and help you find the perfect condo that fits your lifestyle and needs. Subscribe to stay updated on the latest New York real estate news.
When guests enter a Hilton Hotel, they are welcomed by a classy and warm environment. The emphasis on the quality is immediately apparent as soon as the visitor steps into the luxurious reception area with the marble floor and modern furniture. Each aspect of the design is carefully chosen to provide a level of comfort that is as opulent as it is inviting. The trip starts with an easy check-in process, which lays the foundation for a vacation in which the guest’s desires are foreseen and their expectations surpassed.
On arrival, the guests are welcomed by the friendly staff who help them to complete formalities of registration and check-in. The Hilton Hotel is not just a hotel but an experience that starts even before one checks into a room. For those who frequently visit the hotel, the digital check-in service enables them not to go to the front desk, instead, choose their room and even set the lighting and temperature of the room before they arrive. This service is a perfect example of how the Hilton brand combines modern technology and classic hospitality.
When booking one of the amazing Hilton Hotel offers, guests can be assured their room will be a comfortable and elegant haven. Regardless of whether one books a basic room or a suite, the room is designed with comfort and work in mind. Luxurious and comfortable furnishing, fine fabrics and a variety of pillows guarantee a good night’s sleep. Even the bathroom is not left behind in the design; the walls and floor are done in marble; there are expensive shampoos, soaps, and lotions; and there are large soft towels. Each piece of furniture, the paintings, everything is selected to depict the culture of the place but at the same time the standard of luxury is kept intact.
Eating at Hilton Hotels is not just a meal but a dining experience that presents a rich blend of local and global dishes. The hotels have restaurants that are managed by some of the best chefs in the world who prepare meals that suit everyone’s taste. Regardless of whether one feels like grabbing a quick bite in the morning, sitting down for lunch, or enjoying a fancy dinner, the choice is simply limitless. The focus on getting the best quality of food and complementing it with a good list of wines guarantees that every meal is exceptional. There is also room service that operates round the clock and provides a variety of meals that are as good as those served in the hotel’s restaurants.
Hilton Hotels appreciate the need for a healthy lifestyle, and so their spas and gymnasiums are meant to help the body and soul. Modern fitness centers with up-to-date exercise equipment enable the guests to continue exercising during their stay. For leisure, the spa has a variety of services including massage, facial, and other treatments that are delivered by professional therapists. The calm and quiet nature of the area, complemented by additional facilities such as steam rooms and saunas, means that guests leave feeling rejuvenated.
What truly sets the Hilton experience apart are the exclusive amenities and services available to guests. The Executive Lounge for those who are booked in suites or have gold/ platinum status, is a place where one can relax and have free drinks and snacks during the day. There are professional concierge services that are available to help with any needs ranging from transportation to theater tickets. For the business travelers, the meeting and conference facilities as well as the event venues are fully equipped and designed to meet all the requirements so that work does not hinder the experience of the lavish hotel amenities.
Like the check-in process, check-out at Hilton hotel is also very efficient and seamless. Conveniently, guests can check out through the Hilton app, which makes it possible for them to go through the express check out process. The staff bids guests a warm farewell and guests are more than willing to come back because of the wonderful experience. Each second spent in the Hilton Hotel is a proof of Hilton’s dedication to luxury, comfort and excellent service, thus, every stay is unique.
Hilton luxury is a journey of indulgence, comfort and service from the moment you check-in to the time you check-out. Each and every detail is crafted to provide not only comfort to the guests but also an unforgettable experience. Whether on business or for pleasure, the Hilton Hotel is one that leaves a lasting impression, even when the luggage has been packed and the journey home commenced.
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.
Raise a glass to Labor Day with wines that are sure to impress, whether you're grilling in the backyard or soaking up the sun at the beach.
Read MoreAce your style at the US Open this year with Aperol’s vibrant tenniscore collection, perfectly modeled by Emily in Paris star Ashley Park.
Read MoreAs Miami's skyline continues to evolve, Edgewater is emerging as the city's newest luxury living destination, combining breathtaking bayfront views with world-class amenities.
Read MoreOff The MRKT’s favorite items for the month from luxury living featuring the hottest products, exclusive events, and more.
Read More
Offered at $7.5M, this stunning duplex penthouse at 81 White St in Tribeca, listed by Lance Gillette, Brandon Bogard, and Mallory Bogard of SERHANT, combines historic charm with modern luxury. Situated in a boutique condominium with just 11 units, this 3,200 sqft residence features a soaring 27-ft high entry, a custom steel-and-wood staircase, and a chef's kitchen with high-end appliances. With 720 sqft of private terraces, this exclusive home is located next to the iconic Mudd Club, offering a unique piece of New York's cultural history.
photo credit: Kate Glicksberg
Introducing Residence PHA, a luxurious 4-bedroom, 4-bath penthouse listed by Pamela D’Arc of Compass. This impressive home features 11’ ceilings, a 1,160 sqft private roof deck with an outdoor kitchen, and sweeping south views of the Manhattan skyline and partial Hudson River views. The expansive living area boasts a marble-clad gas fireplace and floor-to-ceiling windows. The top-tier kitchen is equipped with custom Italian cabinets, Brazilian quartzite countertops, and high-end appliances. The building offers extraordinary amenities, including a 75-foot saltwater lap pool, fitness center, and landscaped rooftop with outdoor cinema.
Residence 9E is a stunning 1,712 square-foot three-bedroom, two and a half bathroom home celebrating a gracious living room and western sunsets. Entertaining is a pleasure in the open chef's kitchen and adjacent dining room. The primary bedroom enjoys an en suite bath, a myriad of closets and serene city views. The secondary bedrooms boast bright, southern light. This magnificent home features many custom details throughout. The indoor & outdoor amenity suite includes a Great Room that offers semi-private interconnected spaces; a Club Room for dining and intimate gatherings; a Fitness Room with state-of-the-art equipment and private movement studio; a Cottage Playroom-inspired by an enchanted forest-with a dedicated porch and secret garden away from the city bustle; a lounge with gaming station; private nooks; and private courtyard with landscaped outdoor space. Represented by Louise Phillips Forbes, 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.
The popularity of GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) drugs for weight loss is skyrocketing, promising a new approach to tackling obesity. However, as more people turn to these medications, it's becoming clear that many users are not sticking with the treatment long enough to see sustained results. According to a CNN article, a significant number of individuals using GLP-1 drugs are discontinuing their use prematurely, which can undermine their weight loss efforts and overall health goals. These findings underscore the need for a comprehensive weight loss strategy that goes beyond medication.
GLP-1 drugs like semaglutide and liraglutide have become household names in the weight loss community. Marketed under brand names such as Wegovy and Saxenda, these medications were initially developed for managing type 2 diabetes but have gained attention for their effectiveness in reducing appetite and promoting weight loss. Yet, as CNN highlights, the challenge lies in maintaining the discipline to continue the treatment and integrating it into a broader lifestyle change plan.
GLP-1 drugs work by mimicking the action of the GLP-1 hormone, which is naturally produced in the gut. This hormone plays a role in regulating blood sugar levels, slowing down the emptying of the stomach, and signaling to the brain that you're full. The result is a decrease in appetite and an increase in feelings of satiety, making it easier to consume fewer calories and, ultimately, lose weight.
When GLP-1 drugs are administered, they bind to receptors in the brain that influence hunger and satiety. This action helps reduce food intake and promotes weight loss, especially when combined with a low-calorie diet and regular exercise. However, it's important to recognize that while GLP-1 drugs can be effective, they are not a magic bullet. For sustained success, they must be part of a broader weight loss strategy that includes lifestyle and behavioral changes.
To get the most out of GLP-1 drugs, it's essential to make lifestyle adjustments that complement the medication. One critical aspect is addressing habits that contribute to weight gain. For example, late-night snacking can sabotage weight loss efforts by adding unnecessary calories at a time when the body is less likely to burn them. As we discussed in a previous article, curbing late-night cravings requires mindful eating during the day, staying hydrated, and establishing a consistent sleep routine. By managing these behaviors, individuals can enhance the effectiveness of GLP-1 drugs and achieve better weight loss outcomes.
Another valuable resource for those using weight loss medications is a comprehensive GLP-1 weight loss program. These science-backed program are designed to provide users with a comprehensive support system that goes beyond just medication. It includes access to obesity specialists, behavior-change experts, and a supportive community. The program emphasizes the importance of behavior change, giving users tools and guidance to help them develop healthier habits that will last a lifetime. This holistic approach ensures that individuals are not only losing weight but also making sustainable changes to their lifestyle that will help them maintain their results long-term.
While GLP-1 drugs offer promising results, it's crucial for individuals to be aware of potential side effects and fully understand what they are getting into. As reported by HealthDay News, some users of these medications have experienced gastrointestinal side effects such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. In a study of 196,000 patients, these side effects led to about 36.5% of patients to discontinue use after a year. To avoid surprises, it's important to do thorough research, consult with healthcare providers, and be prepared for the possibility of side effects. This knowledge can help users manage expectations and stick with their treatment plan.
Although GLP-1 drugs can be a powerful tool for weight loss, they are most effective when used as part of a comprehensive strategy that includes lifestyle changes and ongoing support. By understanding how these drugs work, addressing unhealthy habits, and being aware of potential side effects, individuals can maximize the benefits of GLP-1s and achieve lasting weight loss success.
The Zweben Team, a powerhouse in NYC real estate, makes a bold move to Compass, bringing their creative flair and industry expertise to new heights.
Read MoreBy Tracy Wu, Manager, Avenue Studio
Research suggests that where a student studies is a key to their academic success. But in cities and suburbs alike where space is a cherished commodity, creating a functional, personalized, designated space for homework and studying can prove challenging.
High-quality millwork and truly personalized concepts do not need to be financially out-of-reach. Both homeowners and urban dwellers should enlist the services of professional designers, fabricators and installers to turn any thought into a reality.
Tracy Wu is the manager of Avenue Studio, New York’s leading custom interior design and home organization solution provider. She and her team have a deep understanding of the nuances required to create highly individualized solutions that enhance client’s homes and apartments in the country’s busiest metropolitan area.
Together, they offer the following advice on how to craft a personalized homework area that will both maximize space and set students up for success this upcoming school year:
Create a separation between workspace and living space. Student’s designated study space should be just that: a place to study. No matter the size, having a space that is solely dedicated to homework and doesn’t share functions, such as a kitchen table or couch, can increase motivation and limit distraction.
Use the right lighting. Studies have shown that studying in dim lighting can increase eye strain and make it harder to retain information. Finding just the right amount of light through both overhead fixtures and lamps can create a calming atmosphere and encourage productivity.
Organization is key. The less time and energy spent looking for something at their desk, the more time and energy a student spends on their work. Research proves that having an accessible system, no matter how simple, to store everything and reduce clutter will make homework time a lot easier, less frustrating, and more productive.
Limit distraction. Workspaces should be clear and free of anything that could capture attention, especially electronics. The use of neutral colors, a removed spot to store phones or electronics, and white noise machines are all proven to help keep students on track and make deadlines.
Tracy Wu is the manager of Avenue Studio, a one-stop luxury home brand offering custom interior design and home organization systems. With a keen understanding of the importance of space and the challenges of our modern lifestyle, Avenue Studio works directly with clients to design bespoke closets, pantries, kitchens, home offices, and furniture that enhances the home and elevates daily experiences. The team embraces a holistic approach, offering on-site measuring, collaborative design, custom millwork and production, professional installation, and after-sales services to ensure each distinctive need is met. Avenue Studio hosts over 50 product lines with a variety of classic, luxury, and modern design styles that amplify personal flair and deliver an optimal home furnishing experience.
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.
Uncover the luxurious side of Mykonos, where stunning beaches, high-end hotels, and world-class dining meet the vibrant energy of Greece’s most glamorous island.
Read MorePhillip Salem brings joy and hope to adoptable pups with a splashy Puppy Pool Party in SoHo—check out the heartwarming moments!
Read MoreStep inside 816 Lafayette Avenue, where history and modern luxury come together in one of Brooklyn's most beautifully restored brownstones.
Read More
photo credit Oleg Davidoff Photographer Co.
Astoria, Queens, has long been celebrated for its vibrant community, diverse culture, and rich history, but it's now making waves in the luxury real estate market with the introduction of boutique residential buildings like Orion Astoria. As the demand for unique, high-end living spaces continues to grow, Orion Astoria emerges as a prime example of how modern design and intimate, community-focused living can come together in one of New York City's most desirable neighborhoods.
photo credit Oleg Davidoff Photographer Co.
Orion Astoria, a newly constructed condominium on a leafy residential street, redefines boutique living with its meticulously designed one- and two-bedroom residences. Developed by local visionaries Konstandinos "Gus" Vorillas, Thomas Ballis, and Chris Giannikouros, this seven-unit building offers residents the best of both worlds: the upscale modernity of a luxury development and the privacy and charm of a smaller, more intimate residence. With features like private outdoor spaces, floor-to-ceiling windows, and state-of-the-art amenities, Orion Astoria sets a new standard for luxury living in Queens.
photo credit Oleg Davidoff Photographer Co.
What truly sets Orion Astoria apart in the bustling Queens real estate market is its thoughtful approach to design and community integration. The building’s contemporary facade, designed by Harriet Nikakis of HCN Architects, combines elegance with durability, making a bold architectural statement while seamlessly blending into the surrounding streetscape. Inside, residents enjoy the latest in smart home technology, luxurious finishes, and an abundance of natural light, all while being steps away from the eclectic shops, parks, and acclaimed restaurants that make Astoria such a sought-after neighborhood.
photo credit Oleg Davidoff Photographer Co.
As the trend toward boutique living gains momentum, Orion Astoria stands out not just for its design but for its commitment to fostering a sense of community among its residents. By offering the design sensibility of a larger building while maintaining the privacy and personal touch of a boutique residence, Orion Astoria is a testament to the evolving landscape of luxury real estate in Queens. Whether you're a first-time buyer or looking for a new home with a sense of community and modern amenities, Orion Astoria is setting the bar for what boutique living can be.
The Patrick Smith Team from Corcoran is exclusively handling sales.
photo credit Oleg Davidoff Photographer Co.
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.
