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On a serene block in Manhattan’s Upper East Side, where tradition is measured in limestone and symmetry, designer Vicente Wolf has rewritten the rules of what it means to live beautifully.
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By Louise Phillips Forbes, Brown Harris Stevens
With 35 years of experience in residential real estate and exceeding $6 billion in career sales, I’ve learned that timing the New York City market is never about waiting—it’s about acting strategically. My team had a strong third quarter, and as interest rates begin to pull back, I believe we need to challenge the idea of “pausing” until after the mayoral elections.
I remain forever bullish on New York. It continues to be one of the most resilient and dynamic markets in the world. Every cycle and every challenge ultimately reaffirms the strength and diversity of the city and the enduring desire to own a piece of the rock.
Louise Phillips Forbes
For educated buyers and sellers alike, my advice is simple: if you’re looking to buy and sell in the same market, lean into October. To navigate effectively, stay true to the fundamentals: Preparation, Presentation, and Pricing.
For buyers, success in this market requires both planning and precision. Financing should be secured at the onset of your search so you can act decisively when the right property appears. Include a personalized letter with your offer—often, it’s the emotional connection that helps you stand out. Be fully board-ready; thorough preparation demonstrates strength and inspires confidence from sellers. And whenever possible, work with an attorney who knows the building to streamline due diligence and keep your transaction moving efficiently.
For sellers, remember that today’s buyers have access to an endless amount of information and are not inclined to overpay. Introducing a home at an unrealistic price costs valuable time, and the ticking days on market can harm the perception of an otherwise perfect property. Price accurately, present beautifully, and be responsive when offers come in—the first offer is often the best offer.
October is a month of opportunity for those ready to move.
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Florida welcomed 34.2 million visitors in Q2 2024—its busiest spring on record—but an influx of new listings is already chipping away at occupancy. flgov.com
According to GQ Management, Fort Lauderdale now fines unlicensed hosts up to $15,000 per day.
If you own a short-term rental, teaming up with a Florida vacation-rental management company can help you clear the red tape and keep bookings strong. Meet six firms that excel in 2025.
Prioritize hyper-local expertise. A manager who lives in Anna Maria Island or Kissimmee can quote the exact permit code your home needs and the school-break dates that raise rates by up to 18 percent in those ZIP codes. According to AirDNA, this local know-how adds 10–15 extra booked nights per year compared with statewide operators.
Match the service tier to your lifestyle.
Full-service (18–35 percent of gross rent): marketing, dynamic pricing, 24/7 guest support, turnovers, and maintenance.
Marketing-only (flat 10 percent booking fee): you arrange cleaning and repairs but keep more cash. Research from Hostfully finds most Florida firms fall between 10 percent and 40 percent, with price rising as scope widens.
Probe fee transparency. Ask each firm for a side-by-side breakdown of what the commission covers (professional photos, smart-lock installs, linens, license renewals) and which add-ons cost extra. Paying a slightly higher cut can be worth it if it removes surprise fees for mid-stay cleans or after-hours lockouts.
Inspect their distribution and tech stack. Your shortlist should syndicate listings to Airbnb, Vrbo, and Booking.com; add a direct-booking site for commission-free stays. Managers who refresh rates daily deliver outsized gains; after SkyRun rolled out the PriceLabs engine across its Florida portfolio in 2024, its homes were booked 2.4 times more often than comparable listings. Along with frequent repricing, insist on an owner dashboard for real-time earnings and smart-home integrations that trim utility costs.
Demand verifiable proof. Years in business, average occupancy, and review scores tell you more than slick slide decks. Call an existing owner to confirm they enjoyed at least a 10 percent revenue lift after switching; reputable firms will gladly share that contact.
Below are six management firms, ranked alphabetically, that Florida owners mention most when they want stronger revenue and fewer late-night calls.
SkyRun pairs local ownership with a national tech backbone: more than 1,300 homes in over 40 independently owned Florida and U.S. locations operate on the same pricing, channel-management, and reporting system.
Why it stands out
Local offices set a base commission starting at 15 percent, with no onboarding fees.
Dynamic pricing now runs on PriceLabs’ AI engine, refreshing rates daily. SkyRun says its properties are booked 2.4 times more often than the market after the switch.
Owners track real-time KPIs in an online portal and often earn up to 30 percent higher revenue after switching.
Choose SkyRun if you like a neighbor down the street answering guest calls while national-level data science maximizes your nightly rates.
Vacasa manages more than 7,000 Florida vacation rentals, the largest footprint of any operator in the state. This scale powers a pricing engine that refreshes rates at least once a day using signals like search volume, local events, and weather.
For a full-service fee of 18–35 percent, you receive one point of contact who arranges everything, including professional photography, multi-channel marketing (Airbnb, Vrbo, Booking.com, Marriott Homes & Villas), housekeeping, maintenance, and 24/7 guest support.
The results justify the cost. In 2024, Vacasa homes in Destin and Miramar Beach achieved 66 percent year-round occupancy, compared with the Gulf-Coast market average of 54 percent reported by AirDNA.
Vacasa may not suit hosts who want the same local manager every year, because teams rotate as portfolios grow. If you value national reach, data-driven pricing, and a hands-off experience, Vacasa’s track record makes a compelling case.
Evolve replaces the traditional 25–30 percent commission with a pay-as-you-book plan:
Core — ten percent of every reservation
Plus — fifteen percent, adding a dedicated performance advisor and extra damage protection
The company now supports more than 30,000 owners and 12,000 active properties and reports that listings on its platform earn 18 percent more revenue than the market average.
What you receive: professional photos, listing copy, multi-channel distribution (Airbnb, Vrbo, Booking.com), dynamic pricing, guest messaging, payment processing, and a dashboard where you can block personal dates or monitor payouts in real time.
You, or your preferred cleaner and handyman, handle the on-site work. That keeps costs low while still using Evolve’s marketing engine. If you want a service that changes every light bulb, choose a full-service competitor. For budget-minded owners who enjoy some hands-on control, Evolve offers an appealing mix of low fees and high exposure.
Founded in Orlando in 2014, Casiola now manages more than 400 homes across Orlando, Miami, and Aruba with a 100-person team. Owners choose between two pricing plans:
Revenue share: Casiola keeps 20 percent of gross rent, and you keep 80 percent.
Fixed income: receive a guaranteed monthly payment that removes revenue swings.
Why it stands out
Award-winning marketing. The VRMA Excellence Award for Best Marketing Campaign (2022) and the Destinationaire Award (October 18, 2022) recognize Casiola’s virtual-tour creativity and guest-experience focus.
Transparent tech. The myCasiola dashboard shows bookings, revenue, and utility bills in real time; you can block personal dates in two clicks.
Global distribution. Listings appear on Airbnb, Vrbo, Booking.com, Marriott Homes & Villas, and more than 100 niche channels, helping fill shoulder seasons with international travelers.
Financial strength. Casiola oversees $250 million in assets and has paid owners $100 million over the past decade, proof it can scale while maintaining service quality.
Casiola’s full-service model suits premium Orlando and South Florida homes whose owners want five-star polish without daily involvement. If you value real-time transparency and award-winning marketing at a straightforward 20-percent fee, Casiola is a strong contender.
Awning began as an analytics platform, and the data-first mindset remains. Today it manages more than 500 short-term rentals nationwide and reprices each listing up to five times a day with algorithms that consider demand curves, competitor rates, and local weather. Owners pay a 15-percent full-service commission, lower than the common 18- to 35-percent range among Florida operators.
Performance snapshot
Awning reports that clients earn 10 to 30 percent more gross revenue than self-managed hosts, based on 2024 portfolio data.
The network holds an average guest rating of 4.8 out of 5 after more than 12,000 stays.
You receive a dedicated success manager who sends monthly dashboards comparing your home with local comps and recommending tests, such as fresh photos, headline tweaks, or amenity upgrades when results dip. Vetted cleaners and maintenance pros handle onsite work, while smart locks log every entry to boost security and trim energy costs.
Choose Awning if you appreciate granular data and want strong returns without day-to-day oversight. Owners who favor long-established local brands may look elsewhere, but if real-time dashboards and evidence-based adjustments appeal, this tech-forward model belongs on your shortlist.
RealJoy Vacations is the Emerald Coast specialist, managing more than 1,000 condos and beach homes from Destin to Panama City Beach. The company recorded 292 percent revenue growth over three years and made the Inc. 5000 list for five consecutive years (2019 through 2023), an honor achieved by only 3.5 percent of applicants.
What sets it apart
Local pricing smarts. Revenue managers track events such as Blue Angels week and adjust nightly rates in real time, helping owners beat the Gulf Coast market’s average occupancy by 12 percentage points (2024 internal data).
Panhandle-only crews. In-house cleaners and maintenance teams flip back-to-back stays in peak season, preserving review scores that average 4.7 out of 5 on Airbnb.
Guest perks. Free paddleboards, discounted dolphin cruises, and curated restaurant guides turn first-time visitors into repeat guests, fueling more than 30 percent direct bookings.
Transparent fees. Full-service commission starts at 20 percent of gross rent, with no onboarding charge, and you receive detailed monthly statements as well as proactive maintenance alerts.
If you want boots-on-the-sand expertise and a family-business touch, RealJoy offers Gulf-front results without corporate red tape.
Florida’s vacation-rental landscape is crowded yet lucrative. Professional managers such as Vacasa, SkyRun, and RealJoy give you leverage, whether you need nationwide marketing muscle or hyper-local Gulf Coast know-how.
Industry data confirm the upside. AirDNA forecasts U.S. occupancy will reach 56 percent in 2025 after bottoming out in 2024, and it expects professionally managed homes to clear 60 percent through dynamic pricing and cross-listing tools. Analysts at GQ Management add that more guests are filtering for eco-labeled properties as sustainable features shift from “nice to have” to essential booking criteria.
Here is a three-step playbook:
Request proposals from two or three finalists. Ask for their fee schedule, average occupancy, and a sample performance dashboard. For owners who want to boost visibility even before signing, specialized vacation-rental marketing services can audit your current listings and run targeted media outreach that complements a manager’s distribution channels.
Interview current owners. Verify occupancy claims, fee transparency, and responsiveness.
Align on upgrades. Approve smart-home tech or green amenities early; managers who invest here already win bookings and repeat stays.
After you sign, stay engaged. Review monthly statements, approve rate experiments, and schedule an annual strategy call. Treat the manager as a partner, not a vendor, and 2025 can still become your most profitable year yet.
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.
From bright coastal whites to moody California reds, these are the bottles turning October into a celebration of everything worth uncorking.
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Read MoreThe “best interest of the beneficiary” principle guides estate planning and trust management decisions.
Executors and trustees must act with loyalty, fairness, and accountability to protect beneficiaries’ assets.
Courts evaluate intent, fiduciary conduct, and financial transparency when resolving estate disputes.
This legal standard balances the wishes of the deceased with the financial well-being of heirs.
Consulting an estate attorney ensures wills and trusts comply with fiduciary duty laws.
In estate planning and probate law, the term “best interest of the beneficiary” defines how executors, trustees, and fiduciaries must act when managing someone else’s estate. It ensures that all decisions made on behalf of beneficiaries align with fairness, honesty, and the intentions of the deceased. According to the American Bar Association, this principle protects heirs and trust beneficiaries from mismanagement or self-dealing by those in charge of administering assets. It represents a cornerstone of trust and estate law nationwide.
The concept of acting in a beneficiary’s best interest stems from the fiduciary duty doctrine—an obligation requiring trustees and executors to place the needs of beneficiaries above their own. Historically rooted in English common law, this principle evolved to govern how estates are managed and distributed. In modern estate planning, fiduciaries must follow a strict standard of care when handling property, investments, and inheritance to ensure equitable treatment of all heirs.
Executors and trustees are legally bound by several duties that collectively uphold the “best interest” standard. These include:
Duty of Loyalty: Acting solely in the beneficiary’s interest without personal gain.
Duty of Prudence: Managing assets carefully and responsibly, as a reasonable person would with their own property.
Duty of Impartiality: Treating multiple beneficiaries fairly and avoiding favoritism.
Duty of Accounting: Maintaining detailed financial records and providing regular reports to the court or heirs.
Violating any of these obligations can result in legal action or removal from fiduciary duties.
The “best interest” principle does not override the decedent’s wishes but ensures they are carried out in a manner that benefits the rightful heirs. For example, if a will grants discretionary power to the trustee, that discretion must still serve the beneficiaries’ welfare. Courts balance two considerations: the testator’s expressed intent and the fiduciary’s responsibility to manage assets effectively. Misinterpreting either can lead to disputes and judicial intervention.
Courts determine what constitutes a beneficiary’s “best interest” by assessing several factors:
The terms of the will or trust instrument
The nature and value of estate assets
The financial and personal needs of the beneficiary
Potential conflicts of interest involving the fiduciary
Judges aim to preserve the estate’s integrity while promoting stability for beneficiaries, especially when minor children, dependents, or individuals with disabilities are involved.
Disputes often arise when beneficiaries believe a fiduciary has breached their duty. Common examples include delayed distributions, poor investment management, unequal treatment among heirs, or questionable expenses paid from the estate. If a trustee invests recklessly or fails to communicate openly, beneficiaries can petition the court for removal or demand a formal accounting. The “best interest” principle ensures transparency and accountability throughout the probate process.
Managing estate finances responsibly is one of the most critical aspects of acting in a beneficiary’s best interest. Fiduciaries must preserve and grow assets prudently while avoiding unnecessary risk. They may need to liquidate property, settle debts, or distribute funds while balancing competing needs among heirs. Financial mismanagement—even if unintentional—can lead to liability. Courts emphasize that trustees and executors must demonstrate diligence, accuracy, and good faith in all transactions.
Estate administration often involves family emotions and interpersonal tension. Acting in the best interest of the beneficiary sometimes requires navigating difficult relationships diplomatically. Trustees must remain neutral, communicate regularly, and uphold the integrity of the will or trust. When family conflicts arise, transparency and documentation help prevent misunderstandings. Mediation or arbitration can also resolve disputes without resorting to lengthy court battles.
IIf a fiduciary fails to act in the beneficiary’s best interest, legal remedies are available. Courts can order restitution, remove the fiduciary, or impose personal liability for financial losses. In some cases, criminal charges may apply for deliberate fraud or embezzlement. Beneficiaries have the right to demand full transparency, seek court oversight, or challenge estate accountings that appear misleading or incomplete.
When beneficiaries are minors or individuals with limited capacity, the fiduciary’s responsibility increases. Courts may appoint guardians or special trustees to safeguard their interests. Decisions must reflect both the decedent’s instructions and the beneficiary’s welfare. For example, a trustee managing a trust for a child must balance long-term growth with accessibility for education and medical expenses. Failure to plan for these needs violates the core intent of the “best interest” doctrine.
The best way to avoid conflicts over beneficiary rights is through clear and thorough estate planning. Detailed wills, transparent communication with heirs, and professional drafting help reduce misunderstandings. Naming a trustworthy executor or corporate fiduciary also limits potential conflicts. Regularly reviewing estate documents ensures they remain current with changing family and financial circumstances. Proactive planning protects all parties and upholds the decedent’s legacy with dignity.
Estate law involves complex financial and emotional issues. Experienced will and trust attorneys help clients draft clear, enforceable documents that minimize ambiguity. They also advise fiduciaries on compliance with state laws and fiduciary duties. Beneficiaries who suspect mismanagement should seek counsel immediately to protect their inheritance rights. Legal guidance ensures fairness, prevents costly litigation, and upholds the principle of acting in every beneficiary’s best interest.
The phrase “best interest of the beneficiary” captures the essence of ethical estate management. Executors and trustees carry a profound responsibility to protect and honor the legacy entrusted to them. Acting with honesty, diligence, and accountability ensures assets are distributed as intended and beneficiaries receive the stability and security they deserve. With proper legal guidance and transparency, the probate process can fulfill its true purpose—preserving trust, fairness, and family harmony across generations.
When fiduciaries fail in their duties, courts serve as the final safeguard for beneficiaries’ rights. Judges have broad discretion to investigate claims of negligence, mismanagement, or self-dealing and may compel a full accounting of estate assets. Remedies can include surcharge judgments, where fiduciaries must personally repay losses caused by their misconduct, or equitable relief, such as injunctions preventing further harm. In egregious cases, fiduciaries may also face disqualification from serving in future roles. These judicial actions underscore the legal system’s commitment to maintaining transparency and fairness in estate administration.
The most successful estate plans are those rooted in open communication and ethical management. Fiduciaries who maintain consistent documentation, seek professional advice, and act without favoritism foster lasting family harmony. Likewise, beneficiaries who stay informed and engage respectfully with executors or trustees help strengthen accountability. Estate planning, at its core, is not only about asset distribution but also about honoring intent and preserving relationships. Upholding these values transforms estate management from a legal obligation into a genuine act of stewardship—ensuring that every generation benefits from both financial security and mutual trust.
Douglas Elliman Development Marketing has announced the appointment of a new sales team to lead Malabar Residences, a striking new condominium at 126 East 57th Street designed by ODA.
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Deciding the right time to enter the real estate market is a major financial decision, and it’s even trickier if you already reside in a home. If you’re planning to sell your current residence and move into another, you have an important choice to make. You don’t want to pull the trigger too early and risk needing to move out before securing a new home. However, you also might not want to be responsible for the cost of two homes for however long it takes to sell your current place. So when it comes to this aspect of real estate, you might wonder if it’s smart to buy before you sell, or vice versa. The answer depends on your financial situation, risk tolerance, and local market conditions. Let’s explore the nuances so you can make the best choice for your situation.
Securing a new home before you sell offers clear advantages. It removes the pressure of finding a new place to live while under contract with a buyer. You can move on your own schedule, avoiding the need for temporary housing or rushing into a purchase you might later regret. It lets you take your time to find a home that truly fits your criteria. It also means you can make a strong, non-contingent offer on a property you love, which is a powerful negotiating tool in a competitive market.
The primary challenge of buying first is managing the financial load. Carrying two mortgages, even for a short period, can strain your finances. You will be responsible for property taxes, insurance, and maintenance costs on both homes.
To manage this, many people use a bridge loan. This is a short-term advance that covers the down payment on the new property until your current one sells. You can also try a Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC) on your current residence. Both options come with interest costs and require a strong credit profile and sufficient home equity. You must assess your financial capacity to handle these extra costs.
The state of the housing market plays a big role. In a seller’s market, where homes sell quickly, buying first is less risky. You can be reasonably confident your current home will sell in a timely manner.
In a buyer’s market, however, your home could sit on the market for quite a long while. This extends the financial burden of owning two properties.
A well-researched market analysis is essential before making a move. And remember that you should never list your home in a hurry; proper timing and strategy will save you many regrets down the road.
Before you decide if it’s smart to buy before you sell, speak with a financial advisor and a real estate professional. They can provide a clear picture of your financial options and what to expect from your local market. A careful evaluation with their help will indicate if you are in a strong enough position to manage the process of buying before selling. Overall, this path offers convenience and leverage but requires careful financial planning to mitigate the risks involved.
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.
Off The MRKT’s favorite items for the month from luxury living featuring the hottest products, exclusive events, and more.
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Read MoreAs autumn approaches, we’re excited to share our curated list of the best destinations for the season – travelers can experience fall foliage across the East Coast or iconic Mediterranean destinations with less crowds.
Begin your adventure at Gunstock Mountain, where hiking or riding the chairlift to the summit provides stunning views of the autumn foliage. For a deeper immersion in the fall scenery, take a leisurely drive along the Kancamagus Highway, renowned for its fairytale-like views of historic bridges and charming small towns. Next, hop on the Winnipesaukee Scenic Railroad or cruise on the M/S Mount Washington to capture the contrast of vibrant foliage against deep blue waters.
Where to stay: Mill Falls at the Lake
Nestled in the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains, Gatlinburg transforms into a vibrant tapestry of colors each fall. Visitors can enjoy scenic drives through the national park, where the changing leaves paint the landscape in hues of red, orange, and gold. Beyond the natural beauty, Gatlinburg offers charming downtown shops, cozy mountain lodges, and seasonal events that capture the essence of autumn. Whether you're looking to hike amidst the fall foliage, explore local arts and crafts, or simply savor a warm cider by the fire, Gatlinburg is the perfect destination for a quintessential fall getaway.
Where to stay: Historic Rocky Waters Inn
Immerse yourself in the magic of fall foliage with a visit to Shenandoah National Park, where the renowned Skyline Drive offers sweeping vistas of the breathtaking Shenandoah Valley and Blue Ridge Mountains, adorned in their fall finest. Nearby, the George Washington National Forest invites you to explore its wooded trails. History enthusiasts can also revel in the beauty of the past at the New Market Battlefield State Historical Park, where leaf-peeping coincides with the stories of yesteryear.
Where to stay: Endless Caverns RV Resort
Experience the best of Cape Cod's fall charm with a visit to a local winery, where you can sample autumnal wine flavors amidst the majestic fall hues of the transitioning vineyards. Alternatively, cruise down the tree-shaded Route 6A, known as Old King's Highway, passing by stone walls, cranberry bogs, and historic homes. Don't miss strolling along Cape Cod National Seashore, where scrubby evergreens, vibrant red maple, oak, and beech trees showcase their changing colors against the ocean backdrop, offering a picturesque view of the Cape's unique beauty in the fall.
Where to stay: Chatham Wayside Inn, and Greyfinch Chatham Inn,
Visiting the Amalfi Coast in the off-season offers a unique and tranquil experience as the peak summer crowds have dwindled, allowing visitors to savor the stunning coastal scenery and charming towns with a more relaxed atmosphere. The weather is still pleasantly warm, ideal for exploring the picturesque cliffside villages, enjoying leisurely walks along the Mediterranean, and sampling local cuisine without the sweltering heat or bustling crowds of peak season.
Where to stay: Casa Angelina
Sicily in the fall offers a unique blend of cultural experiences, mild weather, and fewer crowds. The olive harvest season is in full swing, offering a chance to taste freshly pressed olive oils. Travelers can also experience the Feast of Saint Martin on November 11th, celebrating the new wine season with local festivities, lively parades and delicious food.
Where to stay: The Thinking Traveller offers an unmatched selection of villas in Sicily. Consider staying at Rocca delle Tre Contrade Palazzo Alvear, or Don Arcangelo all'Olmo. These villas all feature heated pools and are in regions that remain lively yet less crowded in November.
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.
From bocce courts to pergolas and fire pits, New York rooftops are evolving into lifestyle sanctuaries designed for both relaxation and entertaining this fall.
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