Trophy Properties in NYC Pt 1

There is no shortage of quality property in this city. The surrounding areas may be suffering, but the prime areas are only just beginning to see real returns to glory. Properties that were temporarily off of the market (T.O.M) have now made returns and have even higher asking prices than originally. To satisfy your thirst for some apartment debauchery after a bit of a layoff, take a gander at this wonderful home which I recently visited, currently on the market in Tribeca for $16M. It is a truly one of a kind home with multiple private roof-top decks, automated dinner table, master bed, Crestron control system, movie projection and all sorts of other bells and whistles to numerous to list.

There are not many penthouses like this in the entire city right now. Stay tuned and I'll find something else to try and top this!

Brooklyn's Finest

So you want to be near the city, but don't want all of the congestion and drama? Do you need more space and the feeling of a real neighborhood? Are there not enough trees on Park Avenue for your tastes? This is the best of Brooklyn.

There are many places and then there are exceptional spaces. This is indeed quite an exceptional space. Situated on scenic Hicks Street just steps from the Brooklyn Promenade, this is a rare opportunity for one of the entire city's best neighborhoods and a fantastic amount of space.

This is where Park Avenue meets Brooklyn Heights. There are magical river views from the fifty foot long loft style Living Room. You are located in Brooklyn Heights premier Co-op residence. Of course there is a 24-hour manned elevator in beautiful prewar building steps from Montague Street. The owners have spared no expense renovating this three bedroom, three bathroom home complete with wood burning fireplace. The kitchen is totally state of the art with the finest of finishes throughout.

Please inquire for pricing or for a viewing with at least 24 hours notice.

It's Free to Look: Intelligent Design | The New York Observer

Take a glimpse at the link below after you read for a complete slideshow.

The above apartment is in the heart of Lincoln Center and is a magnificent sanctuary in the city.

I have a nose for great spaces and perhaps because I lived on 63rd Street and also went to Fiorello LaGuardia HS of Performing Arts on 66th Street, I have always loved this area of the city. There is Lincoln Center, Central Park, great places to eat and most of all, some of the most wonderful homes in the entire city.

I will tell you that nothing has been spared in the configuration of this space. This apartment knows just how to tempt you, beginning from the floor-to-ceiling windows that overlook Central Park, the midtown skyline, the Statue of Liberty and the Hudson River. It's almost as if I designed it to satisfy your taste for technology, because the customized kitchen "takes full advantage of space and light" along with state-of-the-art lighting, cabinetry, granite counter tops and appliances.
If you mosey over to the master suite, and you'll experience a "clever" office wired for sound, cable, fax and telephone, as well as an ensuite bathroom with a Whirlpool bath. The second and third bedrooms are also fully equipped for wall-mounted entertainment systems. Other "thoughtful" additions include a Lutron lighting system, integrated surround sound and automated window treatments. Even the layout is intelligent, as each room "flows seamlessly" into the next for floorplan perfection.
The condo also has direct access to the Lincoln Center Promenade, and is "perfectly situated to take advantage of the city's finest entertainment and cultural destinations." Offering "every conceivable amenity"—private swimming pool, sauna, steam room, gym, reception room, catering kitchen—and a prime location to boot, 160 West 66th Street takes the idea of a "smart home" to a whole new level.
This is by far, one of the premier properties in the city and I am glad to share it with you.

It's Free to Look: Intelligent Design | The New York Observer

Do make suggestions if there is an area you would like me to target for my next post.

Who do you work with?

Take a pause from running around and seeing places you don't even like with novice "salespeople" who clearly don't listen. Why use a broker to sell if they are not actively working to market your property as if it were as important to them as it is to you?

There are many apartments, brokers and properties.

This doesn't mean that they are all a good fit for your needs.

Work with the professionals who know ALL of the inventory available.

Work with the professionals who listen to your needs.

Work with someone who shows that they care!

Take time to contact us with your list of requirements.

We will send you ours.

Perhaps we can work together for a mutually rewarding experience!

Excelsior!

NYC Union Square Loft

This is a 12,000 sf foot space between Union Square and Fifth Ave on a side street. There are many properties in this city for more money than the asking price of $9,995,000. There are 11 actually and only one is a private loft like this. I can assure you that nothing will give you this perfect blend of location, space, quality, novelty and private outdoor space.

As seen in the movie "RENT", this Flatiron Stunner was conceived by renowned architect David Howell. The Private elevator opens into 6,000 Square Feet of luxurious living on the first level, and the Penthouse roof level contains an additional 6,000 Square Feet of Sun Drenched outdoor space with unobstructed views of Manhattan that will take your breath away.

The elevator opens into a massive living/entertaining room with south-facing windows and an enormous fireplace: A sleek Boffi kitchen includes a Sub Zero fridge, Viking ovens, Gaggenau dishwasher, cook top and grill and a large Sub Zero wine cooler. There are 2 Master suites and a huge spa-bathroom with a Chromotherapy infinity tub. 4 bedrooms are easily accommodated: one room is currently a state-of-the-art recording and telecommunications center. BUILD TO SUIT! A dramatic stairway leads up to the roof with approved plans and permits to build a sensational rooftop Palace, garden, lap pool, etc, perfect for entertaining on a grand scale. With numerous skylights, central air conditioning and many other features and amenities, this penthouse is a rare and unique entity in one of Downtown's most desirable locations.

This State Of The Art Loft Sets A New Standard Of Loft Living!

CHANGE IS IN THE AIR!

This is the beginning of a new era in my blogging. I have multiple blogs online now and each will be tailored to specific needs. It is only fitting that since this was where it all started, this will get the overhaul.

Going forward, this blog will ONLY have unique massive spaces. Huge lofts, townhouses, penthouses and various other BALLER type apartments that while ANYONE can show you big price tags, only I can show you great location and value overall.

Here is a quick sample of the exact type of unique properties that will be found in An Empire Estate Of Mind going forward...ENJOY!

R$ Blessed

NYC Studio Tour: North Brooklyn Part 1

For those on the music tip. This goes out to all of the Brooklyn heads!

NYC Studio Tour: North Brooklyn Part 1

Rookie or Veteran?

You are here looking for a home. You call or email about a specific place that's the DREAM home on the perfect tree lined street, only to not get an address, hear that it's rented or if you are lucky, get taken to a box facing a brick wall.

This is the most in demand market to find a home and the busiest time of year for rentals is approaching fast. The vacancy rate is under 1% again. To put that it in perspective, for every one building with 100 apartments in it, you MAY be able to sublet a room from someone within.

To move is an important decision. Likely one of the more important ones you are likely to make in the next three to four years. To do this and not choose wisely the target of attack is like throwing dice against a wall. Is that really how to chose a home?

There are over 27,000 licensed real estate salespersons in this city. Each year there are about 10,000 transactions. The amount of new agents that actually last in this business is less than 10%. This brings to mind an interesting question.

Would you buy a car from a pizza-maker? Get a haircut from your bank teller?

That's the likely result when you put your trust in an inexperienced agent. He/She will likey be in another industry when you are looking to purchase in two or three years IF that agent can even find you and secure the right place.

If that's what you want to spend your time doing, then you can do that without a broker and save the fee if you are able to find a place. This is not the time of year to risk losing the perfect place because someone wants to show you what they want you to see and not take you to what you are telling them you want.

A broker earns the fee for much more than just how many places they show you. A good broker earns the fee for showing you less places that are ALL viable options based off of your needs. There is no way that a rookie can do this without the proper inventory knowledge. There are many managements, co-op/condo owners and developers to choose from. Too many apartments to list that turn over before they can even be listed during this time of year.

The essential functions when using a broker for a rental are to save you time in the initial search, securing the apartment by having the neccessary documentation, saving money over the course of the initial year or two by finding that gem that is NOT available to the public and PERHAPS a below market rent. This is among the many other hats (pun not intended if you know me) we wear. (Board package and interview preparation, relationships with owners/landlords/supers/porters, knowledge of areas for those relocating and other networking possibilities).

Take time to really think about your search for a home and remain open minded about the possiblities. This city is a cornucopia of experiences for you to delve into. Make sure that you are not being led by someone with no sense of the realities in this marketplace.