8 Candles for Fall Inspired by Downtown New Development

Just as we change out our wardrobes with the season, so, too, do we change out our home decor. Home fragrance is a key component of decor, and scents make the home more inviting. If you have your home staged to sell, take this time to look at the decor the stager has in your home- does it match the season? Details are important when it comes to staging and selling a home, and scent has a big impact on memory. What candles are you burning at open houses on a chilly fall Sunday? Switch out your candles to warm, inviting, rich scents that match the season and make your property memorable! 

Downtown New Development

The Victoria Shtainer Team recently previewed two of the hottest new developments in downtown Manhattan. Downtown (SoHo and TriBeCa) have always been desirable areas, however, the desirability is spreading even lower to areas such as lower TriBeCa and Financial District. Now, all of Downtown is the place to be with the hottest restaurants, shops, and destinations arriving to this locale, and many dubbing it "The New Downtown." We previewed the residences at the new Beekman Hotel and the West Village project, The Shephard. Both projects have beautiful model units open, and both were burning the best in fall home fragrance from Ambre by Diptyque to Ambre Japonais by Byredo. These units inspired us and reminded us how much scent can transform the home!

The Beekman

The private residences at The Beekman are attached to the newly opened Beekman Hotel which is operated by Thompson Hotels. The Beekman is steeped in history, with its famous Temple Court 9-story atrium that dates back to 1890. The hotel is in the original structure along with the restaurant and bar, and the residences are in a brand new, glass tower directly adjacent to the original structure.

Residences at The Beekman offer hotel-style living similar to other new developments such as 30 Park Place. With that being said, living in a building such as this offers a full suite of amenities, including in-room dining. 

The Beekman offers one, two, three bedroom and Penthouse residences starting 170 feet in the sky. The views from the apartments are spectacular. The floor-to-ceiling windows allow residents to take in sweeping views of the rivers, downtown skyline, and midtown on north facing units. Interiors are designed by Thomas Juul-Hansen with finishes including Madreperola Quartzite Stone countertops, Miele appliances, and marble flooring in the bathrooms. 

Living in a hotel certainly has its perks. Residents at The Beekman will enjoy their own private entrance and lobby and have access to the integrated luxury hotel amenities, preferred rates at Thompson Hotels worldwide, in-room dining from hotel restaurant Fowler & Wells run by Tom Colicchio and Keith McNally, as well as access to à la carte housekeeping services. Other amenities include a fitness center with access to personal training, roof terrace, and a media room.  The location, at the heart of downtown is convenient to downtown neighborhoods, and all the new arrivals such as The Oculus.

Current availability starting at $1.5M for a 1 Bed, 1 Bath up to a 3 Bed, 2.5 Bath offered at $4.15M. Contact Us for exact availability and pricing.

The Shephard

Situated in the quaint West Village, the Shepard feels like it has been a long-time neighborhood resident, utilizing the original facade of the building and welcoming guests with its carriage house lobby. The residences have a coziness about them with vaulted ceilings and unique arched windows. 

The residences feature warm and rich finishes that blend both modern and old-world styles including brass hardware and custom Gachot solid wood floors. Kitchens feature brass and satin nickel finishes with a full Miele appliance package. Bathrooms are luxurious with heated floors by Lefroy Brooks and custom Mahogany vanities. 

The Shephard will offer residents a full amenities package which includes a private garden, library curated by Assouline, spa, wood-paneled gym, and recreation room. 

Currently, The Shephard has residences available starting with a 3 Bed, 3.5 Bath Maisionette offered at $6.9675M all the way up to unique penthouses starting at $24.5M. If you are interested in becoming a part of this special West Village project, contact us.

Fill Your Home With The Best Fall Scents:

The season's most popular scents are based in natural elements and materials- think woods, leathers, and spices. Below are 8 candles with fall scents to make your home smell wonderful. You know what we will be burning this season!

1. Byredo Bibliothèque: A cozy library filled with rich leather chairs and old books, an ideal fall setting and this inspiration behind this scent. A leather base with vanilla has notes of peach and plum for a teach of sweetness - $80 Neiman Marcus

2. NEST Cashmere Suede: A truly warm and rich fragrance. Cashmere woods with notes of tobacco leaves, black amber, and suede. Bergamot and fig finish the scent. - $40 NEST

3. Maison Margiela Jazz Club: The Margiela fragrance line is inspired by settings and time periods, each candle with a unique location on the label. Jazz evokes the cozy, warm atmosphere of a private club with notes of tobacco leaf, vanilla bean, pink pepper, and neroli oil.- $60 Nordstrom

4. Diptyque Feu de Bois: A scent that will transform any room into a crackling fire. The perfect accompaniment to chilly fall days. -$62 Diptyque

5. Tom Ford Tobacco Vanille: From his newly launched candle line, the famous tobacco vanille scent from the maison is reminiscent of an old English gentleman's club. A spice-infused blend of tobacco and vanilla. -$250 Bergdorf Goodman

6. Molton Brown Black Peppercorn: An iconic blend of ginger, amber, and bergamot to spice up your home. -$74 Barneys

7. Cire Trudon Ernesto: A candle inspired by the Cuban revolution- leather and cigar smoke set stage. Based in leather, tobacco, and amber with notes of bergamot, grapefruit, and rhum. - $95 Cire Trudon

8. Volupsa Maison Holiday: A great blend for the holidays to come with cinnamon ceylon and copal blended with resin and amber. -$16 Nordstrom

10 Ways to Save for a Down Payment

Photo: ALAMY

Saving for a down payment for a home purchase can be one of the biggest obstacles for many in the home buying process. There are many factors that can determine which way of saving may be appropriate for you. If you have a longer time horizon for saving, perhaps getting into the markets may be a very viable option for example. It is always best discuss your savings and financial portfolio with a certified financial planner, however, there are many, easy way to save that you can implement in your daily routine to get you started on the path to home ownership. We aren't saying these methods will give you a $50,000 down payment overnight, but, if implemented, can certainly chip away at it over time.

Ways to Save for a Down Payment

1. Reduce Your Rent: If you are currently renting, review what you are currently paying and see what options you may have. If you have been a good tenant, use this as leverage to negotiate with your landlord for a better rate or no increase in rate. If it is feasible, have you considered living with parents or friends while you are trying to save?

2. Track Your Spending: In a so-called "cashless economy" it is easy to lose sight of how much you are spending, when most transactions are done on credit cards and Apple Pay. Consider making a spreadsheet to track expenses or using a tool such as Mint to keep track of your spending. You might be surprised at how much you are spending on Taxis or Ubers in a month's time. It is a great way to find areas to cut down on spending.

3. Make It Automatic: Take advantage of automatic savings that may be offered by your bank. Look into options such an auto transfer of X amount of dollar each month to savings or programs that round up each purchase to the nearest dollar and transfer that to your savings. Additionally, utilize your employer's direct deposit option and add your savings account as one of the accounts to receive the pay. You can specify the dollar amount to be deposited to your savings from each paycheck. This aligns perfectly with the old saying, "Out of Sight Out of Mind"

4. Tap Your IRA: If you have been saving for years in an IRA account, you may consider taking a withdrawal as part of your down payment. The IRS has an exception which allows first-time homebuyers to withdrawal up to $10,000 without facing the normal early withdrawal penalty for people under age 59 1/2. Your withdrawal from a Traditional IRA will be subject to income tax while a withdrawal from a Roth IRA will come out tax free (assuming the account has been established for 5 years). If you are considering an IRA withdrawal, speak to a qualified tax professional for your unique situation. 

5. Use Work Bonuses: If you receive an annual bonus at work, consider putting that into your down payment savings account each year. While it is important to have fun and celebrate your success, the wealth that owning a home generates will pay off more than that night out at the club.

6. Reduce Happy Hours: Everyone loves a good happy hour to help get through a tough week. If you are making it a habit 2 times a week it is costing you. Consider the average happy hour drink costing $7 with tax and tip. At twice a week, thats $728 a year on happy hour....assuming you only get one drink at each of those happy hours!

7. Check Monthly Bills: What monthly bills are you paying that might have areas to reduce the cost? Cable and cell phone bills are great places to dig deeper at the features you are paying for. Do you really need HBO at $12 a month PLUS Netflix for another $10 month in addition to the hundreds of cable channels you are getting? 

8. Don't Forget Family & Friends: Discussing money with anyone is always a sour subject, especially with family and friends. However, they can be an excellent source for help with your down payment. Consider asking parents for help as an early inheritance or as your wedding gift now in exchange for not receiving a a gift at the time of marriage. Instead of dinners from friends for your birthday or gift cards, let them know you are working towards purchasing a home and cash would be the best thing you could receive right now! True friends will understand. 

9. Gym Membership: Your gym membership is a great opportunity to cut down on monthly expenses. With so many fitness apps such as ClassPass, YouTube Videos, and equipment, exercising at home has never been easier. If you are an avid gym user, this option is probably not for you, but if you use your gym occasionally, it is something worth considering. Your $250/month Equinox membership is costing you $3,000 a year...that is a lot of money! If you cannot give up your memberships, look into options such as corporate discounts or special incentives that your gym or workout venue of choice offers. 

10. Get Your Caffeine Dose at Home: Sometimes a morning cup of coffee (or 3) feels like it is the only thing that will get you moving...trust us we know! However, your daily trip to Starbucks during the week for a grande nonfat latte at $4.78 is costing you $1,243. Save that money and drink your coffee at home and imagine how good coffee will taste in your new home!

When you make the decision to start saving for a home, speak to a real estate agent about what you are considering purchasing. They will be able to connect you with a mortgage broker so you have a full understanding of what you can afford, and, thus, how much you have to save.

Lifestyle Showcase Held at Lincoln Center

The Best in Fashion, Jewelry, Nutrition, and Real Estate Come Together

To welcome the fall season and learn about the newest trends in a variety of lifestyle categories, The Victoria Shtainer Team hosted a lifestyle showcase for an exclusive audience. The event was held at a $6.9 million apartment overlooking Lincoln Center to the West and Central Park and the 57th Street skyline to the East.  The apartment, 20 W. 64th Street Apt. 28DE, is currently on the market and being offered by The Victoria Shtainer Team. 

Guests mingled throughout the apartment, enjoying a selection of hors d'oeuvres and Wolffer Estates Rosé. Ramy Brook New York, Jennifer Goodman of Groovy Goods, and Tanya Zuckerbrot of The F-Factor Diet were in attendance to showcase their products and get attendees ready for the fall season!

Ramy Brook New York

New York based fashion design Ramy Brook hosted a trunk show with curated pieces from the Fall 2016 collection. Ramy's clothing has becoming widely popular, loved for its modern silhouettes and versatility. The trunk show gave guests the opportunity to have access to fall collection, which is selling out rapidly. The "fitting room" was ideal- a corner bedroom with western and southern exposures, affording it with abundant natural light.

Victoria Shtainer & Tanya Zuckerbrot

F-Factor

Tanya Zuckerbrot, MS, RD, founder and creator of the F-Factor™ Diet was on-hand to discuss her revolutionary diet, F-Factor. She gave insightful information during a Q&A session about her unique approach to nutrition that allows you to live normally- go out to eat, enjoy a glass of wine, and eat normal foods. Sounds like an ideal diet to us! 

Tanya held her Q&A in the media room of apartment 28DE. The natural light and views of Central Park made it a great setting to be inspired by the F-Factor methodology and spark a willingness to think about nutrition habits. Guests received a copy of The F-Factor Diet: Discover the Secret to Permanent Weight Loss, Tanya's latest book.

Groovy Goods Jewelry

Jennifer Goodman of Groovy Goods was the perfect compliment to the fall fashion pieces from Ramy Brook. Jennifer had an array of her gorgeously designed jewelry on display from elegant earrings to unique diamond and leather chokers. Jennifer was able to demonstrate how she is able to differentiate herself from other jewelry designers because of her ability to work closely with clients and customize any piece to their desire and specifications. The jewelry certainly brought a sparkle to the event! 

Between shopping and learning, guests strolled through the expansive 5 bedroom apartment. Enjoying the beautiful setting and the light, views, and space it offers. 20 W. 64th Street, Apt. 28DE is a truly unique opportunity to live in the center of it all nearby Columbus Circle, Lincoln Center, and Central Park!

Related Group Unveils 15 Hudson Yards

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The Related Group unveiled 15 Hudson Yards, one of the residential towers that is apart of their Hudson Yards project which is transforming the far west side of Manhattan. Industry leaders and celebrities alike attended the exclusive debut at 10 Hudson Yards to see this beautiful new construction and to hear remarks from Related chair Stephen M. Ross.

Related Hosted Industry Insiders & Experts to a Debut Party for Hudson Yards

Hudson Yards Transforming Manhattan's West Side

The Hudson Yards project is a 28 acre destination that is transforming the skyline and dynamic of the west side of Manhattan, from office space to luxury residential condominiums. The development of this area brings with it the arrival of art, architecture, culture, fashion, dining, and parks all with Hudson River views and sunsets. 

Many are referring to all the new development at Hudson Yards as: 

“The New Heart of New York”

Hudson Yards is becoming the new go-to area of town for art, architecture, dining, and shopping. Hudson Yards is located within proximity to the myriad of West Chelsea galleries, but will also be home to interesting installations itself such as The Shed and The Vessel. The Vessel is a $150 million installation  by Heatherwick Studio that many believe will be the next significant landmark in the city.

Hudson Yards Highlights:

• 14 acres of new parks
• The Restaurant Collection curated by Thomas Keller of Per Se and French Laundry with 16 dining options arriving including ventures from famed chefs José Andrés of Think Food Group and Costas Spiliadis of Milos
• 7 levels of world-class shopping with the first Neiman Marcus in the city (think shops at Columbus Circle)
• Resident benefits such as priority access to reservations and exclusive events
• Equinox branded Hotel & Spa

15 Hudson Yards Residential Tower Debuted

15 Hudson Yards, one of the luxury residential towers in the project, was debuted to an exclusive audience. The sales gallery is officially opened, giving a unique look at the new development. Guests enjoyed browsing the sales gallery and celebrating the project with food and drinks from restaurants arriving to the Restaurant Collection by Thomas Keller.

15 Hudson Yards, an innovative design by Diller Scofidio + Renfro in collaboration with the Rockwell Group, will stand 88 stories tall with 285 condominiums. The building will bring a new level of luxury-living to the far west side of Manhattan. 

Spectacular Hudson River Views from 15 Hudson Yards Residences

Residents will have access to all the amazing benefits of the Hudson Yards project. The building will feature a unique 2-level lobby with soaring ceilings and offer spectacular views of the Hudson, Manhattan skyline, and center piece by Heatherwick Studio. Residents will also be steps away from the new 14 acres of parks that are being constructed. 

About 15 Hudson Yards: 

• Residences ranging in size from 1-4 bedrooms with duplex penthouses
• Pricing from approximately $2 million to $32 million
• Floor-to-ceiling windows offering unparalleled views
• 5 distinct residence types with two interior design palette options
• 2 full floors of amenity space with a Skytop indoor/outdoor event space. Amenities include 12,00 sq feet of spa, salon, and fitness facilities with a 75-foot pool

If you are interested in learning all the details of this exciting new development and project, please contact vshtainer@compass.com to schedule an appointment.

The Victoria Shtainer Team Celebrates Hudson Yards

4 Reasons Why You Should Stage Your Home

We often get asked the importance of home staging and, more specifically, if it is something a seller should do. As a team of real estate brokers, we have not only seen the importance of staging, but also the value it brings to a property as well. We like to think of it as “Staged and Sold”

Staging a home is certainly an investment, but it is an investment that has driven results for sellers all across the country. Many home sellers are hesitant to stage their home because they think it is too costly, too much effort, and won’t yield results.

Get all these reasons out of your head because staging your home is an extremely effective tool that can reduce your home’s time on the market and increase its value, both of which are money in your pocket. Additionally, in a highly competitive real estate market, staging can be a tool that gives your home a competitive edge.

So, you are probably wondering, why should I stage my home?

1. A Powerful Marketing Tool:

A sound marketing strategy is necessary for any listing, from social media campaigns to open houses, and yes, staging, marketing is a key component of selling a home. Staging is, in fact, a form of marketing and an effective one at that as it allows the buyer to mentally move in to your home and visualize the space.

• Make photographs more appealing for use on web, social, and digital campaigns
• Staging makes your home memorable and can serve as a differentiator
• Position your home as appropriate for the target audience through the lifestyle you portray with the staging

Imagine a buyer that has tirelessly been looking at properties, perhaps empty apartment after empty apartment. In the mind of the buyer, they all start looking the same and nothing notable can quickly be recalled from memory. In this instance, staging would make your home “stand out from the crowd” and be more memorable to prospective buyers.

2. Increase the Value of Your Home:

A staged home looks appealing and inviting, and also allows the buyer to more easily see his or herself in the space. All of these aspects help to evoke a sense of desire in prospective buyers. As a result, a buyer is more willing to pay a premium for something he or she deems as desirable and valuable to him or her.

In fact, the National Association of Realtors conducted research that reported that for 32% of buyers the value the buyer was willing to offer for a staged home was 1-5% higher than an unstaged home, and even went as high as a 10% premium!

3. Your Home Will Sell Faster:

The Real Estate Staging Association reports that homes staged prior to listing spend on average 76% less time on the market. Their research concluded that staging did, in fact, work to reduce time spent on market.

Less time on the market means savings for you. Many sellers forget that the longer their home sits on the market, the longer they are responsible for mortgage payments, maintenance costs, etc. which all add up and can sometimes be more than the cost of staging!

4.  First Impressions Are Everything:

The old saying you have been hearing since childhood comes into play with staging and selling your home as well. Today, the majority of buyers start their home search online, and the power of images has never been more important.

• Staging will make your home stand out in online searches, increasing the chances of attracting prospective buyers right out of the gate.
• Staging often involves decluttering and depersonalizing the space, two important factors for appealing to a wide audience
• If you do not stage your home properly from the beginning you risk making a bad first impression and face the costs of lost time.

 

An Example:

20 West 64th Street, Unit 28DE represented by The Victoria Shtainer Team exemplifies effective staging. The apartment, an expansive 3,045 square foot home by Lincoln Center, offers ample space and stunning views. Living in this home offers a true lifestyle, being located right in the heart of Lincoln Center with some of the best the city has to offer at your finger tips.

Without staging, the apartment feels very expansive and it is hard for prospective buyers to actually visualize waking up in the master with Central Park views or imagine their family watching TV in the media room. The staging brings the apartment to life and the buyer can mentally move in, understanding what makes the apartment truly special. The photographs speak for themselves.

We successfully transformed our listing at 166 Perry Street (which has sold) with the power of staging. The apartment had a personal touch, as the layout was to the owner's specification. The staging decluttered and depersonalized the spaces into functional rooms that appeal to any audience. Below is an example of just one room in the expansive 5 bedroom apartment showing the before and after:

What to do for Labor Day in New York & The Hamptons

If you are like us, you are probably in disbelief that summer is almost over and it is time to think about what to do for Labor Day to send summer out with a bang. It seems like only moments ago we were planning to kick off summer with Memorial Day celebrations. 

Check out top picks of what to do in New York City and The Hamptons for Labor Day. From art shows to opera screening, The Victoria Shtainer Team has curated a selection that is sure to keep you busy before you fire up your barbecue for the last time and say farewell to Summer 2016. 

U.S. Open: 

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The U.S. Open is one of the most, if not the most, popular sporting events in New York. The event draws a celebrity crowd so do not be surprised if you spot one. Enjoy food trucks and live music on the grounds, as well as shops including Ralph Lauren who offers their special U.S. Open collection. There is a Heineken Café and Moet & Chandon Bar onsite for enjoyment. 

The tournament will run through September 11th with Ticketmaster being the best bet to snatch up tickets. Prices starting around $68.

Riis Park Beach Bazaar:

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The Riis Park Beach Bazaar has been going on all summer long, and has brought food, drinks, shopping, and entertainment to one of New York's best beaches. Catch the final series of of the Get Summered DJ Series on September 5th.  Food and drinks are available at concession stand Bay 9 East as well as pop-up food trucks like Coney Shack, Lizzmonade, and Trop Pops. What better way to wave goodbye to summer than a day on the beach?

16702 Rockaway Beach Boulevard, Queens

Met Opera Summer HD Series:

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The summer series at the Met Opera will be returning for its eighth season this year. Spectators can enjoy performances presented from the acclaimed "Live in HD" series outdoor on Lincoln Center Plaza. Showings begin at 8pm, but plan on getting there much earlier if you want to grab a seat for the screening. Screenings will run in the evening through September 5th. 

Looking for a bite pre-screening? Try Bar Boulud directly across from the plaza for a relaxing glass of wine and charcuterie. 

Lincoln Center Plaza. Admission: Free

Hampton Classic Horse Show:

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The Hampton Classic is one of the "it" events on the Hamptons circuit. The show, well into its third decade, is well respected from locals and equestrian-lovers alike. Because of its stature, the Hampton Classic has recevied the status of "Heritage Competition" by the United States Equestrian Federation, making it only the second horse show ever to receive this designation. The event will be running through September 4th.

240 Snake Hollow Road, Bridgehampton. General Admission: $10/person. Under 6, free.

Westhampton Beach Festival of The Arts:

The Great Lawn of Westhampton Beach will once again be transformed into an outdoor arts and crafts gallery. The event, in its 8th year, will have an array of handmade pieces including paintings, jewelry, sculpture, photography, and mixed-media on display. Pieces will be available for purchase, so you might just find that perfect piece you have been looking for to fill a blank space on your wall! The festival will be held September 3-4th. 

After browsing through the art, try Dockers located right along the water for a relaxing meal.

Great Lawn- 35 Main Street, Westhampton Beach. Free admission and parking.

Holiday House Hamptons by Hamptons Cottages & Gardens:

The Hamptons is known for its beautiful homes and estates, and this year's holiday house is a must-see. More than 20 designers transformed the 13,000 square-foot home into a showcase of the latest interior design trends and lifestyle concepts. It serves as a great source of inspiration! If you visit on a sunny day, revel in the rays by the stunning outdoor pool that features water views. Ticket sales benefit the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. The home will be open Thursday-Sunday until September 4th.

100 Crescent Avenue, Watermill. Admission: $35.

5 Things to Know When Moving to New York City

So you decided to move from your quaint suburban home to the hustle and bustle of a large city. Perhaps its for that dream job or it has always simply been a dream to experience life in a big city, either way the move is highly stressful for many. What can you expect and what should you know to make your move a little easier? 

1. Plan on Downsizing

Life in a big city is more crammed, from your actual living space to the packed subway cars. When searching for your apartment, do not be shocked by the size of what your broker shows you. Unless you have a very high budget that affords you a spacious apartment with multiple beds, baths, and closets, space will be at a premium.

• Closets can be hard to come by, even some of the largest apartments in NYC have smaller closets than you might currently have.
• Go through your belongings before the move- this is a great opportunity to declutter and get rid of things that you no longer need or use.
• Consider placing items in storage that will not fit into your new space.

Interested in moving to New York City? Contact Us and we can created a customized offering list tailored to your unique needs.

2. Visit Your Building Before the Move

After you officially secured your apartment, visit the building before the move to get acquainted with the location of freight elevators, loading docks, etc. This is also a great time to find out about building cable and internet options.

• Introduce yourself to doormen, supers, and maintenance staff before the move. A smile can go a long way, and you will come to find that these individuals can be very helpful!
• The friendlier you are to building staff, the more likely they will be give you “inside information” about move-ins in regards to elevator reservations, fees, etc. Knowledge is king in big cities!
• Find out what cable companies your buildings support as well as if these companies offer preferred rates for building residents. Once you have made a selection, schedule an installation as soon as you know your move-in date as many companies are booked afew weeks out.

3. Fees

Big cities and luxury condo buildings seem to have a fee associated with everything. Try to understand what fees you may run into during your move so you can be better prepared.

• If you are renting, ensure you have enough money in your checking account before you start your apartment search to cover things such as 1st month’s rent, security deposit, and broker’s fee. Do not be scrambling at the last minute to transfer money and get certified bank checks….you will need these!
• Be aware of building fees associated with elevators if your move runs over schedule or outside of normal elevator operation hours
• Have cash on hand at all times during your move for tipping

4. Known Your Building’s Moving Requirements & Be Prepared

Buildings have different requirements for moving in as well as logistics for move-ins. Be sure to review all this information so you can pass it along to your movers. Additionally, make your move less stressful by having an inventory system in place for your belongings and your valuables.

Check your building’s elevator schedule and schedule a move with them based on available timeslots. As soon as you have your date and time, pass this along to your movers so they can schedule their route accordingly to ensure timely arrival.

• Verify if your building requires a Certificate of Insurance (COI) from the moving company as well as the amount. If required, ensure your moving company can provide this document. Insurance amounts vary from building to building.
• Consider using a box numbering system for your belongings, so you can easily take inventory once your items arrive to the apartment.
• Take caution with valuables! Keep all jewelry, watches, etc. on your person. Ladies- consider using your expensive bags rather than packing them and leaving them with the movers.

Have You Seen the Oculus in Downtown Manhattan?

New Mall Opens Inside The Oculus

The anticipated Westfield Mall in downtown Manhattan has finally arrived in is open business. The mall, located at the Oculus at the World Trade Center site, arrives at a time when lower Manhattan is seeing a revitalization with many new stores, restaurants, and developments coming to the area. 

The mall was a project by real estate developer Westfield which invested $1.4 billion on the project. The space is certainly a modern interpretation on the classic shopping mall, a category that has been struggling in the retail space as they compete with online retailers. 

The Oculus, home to the subterranean mall, is a creation of architect Santiago Calatrava. Calatrava is largely known for his work designing railway stations and bridges, and later in his career, began to work on high-rise design with his Turning Torso in Sweden serving as an example. At heart, the Oculus serves as a transportation connecting New Jersey Path trains with lower Manhattan. The terminal is used by 300,000 commuters daily, providing a large amount of foot traffic past the retails that are calling Westfield home.

More than 100 stores will arrive with 60 having opened during the grand opening on Tuesday, August, 16th.

A Dining and Shopping Destination

Where to Shop

A small selection of some of the retailers which spans mid-range to luxury brands includes:

• Apple
• Breitling
• Ford Hub which will be an interactive showcase of new models for the auto manufacturer
• Smythson of Bond Street
• John Varvatos
• Kate Spade
• Lacoste
• Mont Blanc
• Roberto Coin

Where to Eat

The arrival of various eateries from coffee stops to Italian markets will be refreshing for the area. A sample of eateries includes:

• Eataly
• Epicerie Boulud
• Lady M
• Irving Farm Coffee
• Pressed Juicery

And, if you were thinking of stopping at the newly opened Sugarfina, creator of the rosé gummy bears, get in line, as there is a waitlist. They are proud to share that this is the only candy with a waitlist. At last check, Sugarfina stated the waitlist was 18,000 long!

The new shopping and dining destination is located near the 9/11 memorial, museum, and 1 World Trade Center, home to the observation deck. Additionally, the location is moments from TriBeCa and the newly completed 30 Park Place, home to our new listing. For now, it looks like this is as close as you can get to the much talked about gummy bears.

30 Park Place as viewed from the Oculus

Our new rental exclusive, 30 Park Place unit 44E, consists of 3 Beds and 2.5 bath in the Robert A.M. Stern designed building. 30 Park Place is the first private residences by The Four Seasons in New York. By living in the building, residents get to take advantage of 5-star hotel-style living and all of the amenities that come with it such as in-room dining, car services, and a full concierge. View the full details of the listing here. If you are interested in living at 30 Park Place, contact Victoria.

3 Reasons to Consider Buying or Renting a Condo in a New York Hotel

The luxury real estate market has seen a shift in consumer preferences as tastes and needs evolve. In the past, wealthy buyers desired things like high-end kitchen appliances. Today, buyers in the luxury real estate market in New York consider amenities and the convenience they bring to their daily lives. This is why hotel-style living is appealing to a large segment of luxury buyers. Of course kitchens are equipped with the top appliance brands in these residences, but, here, residents are exchanging the use of their appliances for in-room dining prepared by celebrity chefs at the push of a button. We also take a look at the price of some suites at various hotel/condos in the city to compare what it would cost per-night to stay vs. monthly renting.

Why Consider Hotel-Style Living

Building Amenities

Perhaps the most attractive feature of hotel-style living is the amenities that come along with it. Being attached to a hotel gives residents access to the hotel's features. Concierge services have become very desirable because they allow the resident to have more time to do what matters to him or her. Just like hotel concierge, they will help residents do things such as make reservations, find gifts, or acquire event tickets. Another amenity that attracts interest is the access to restaurants by celebrity chefs...in your own room! At 30 Park Place, residents will enjoy options from Wolfgang Puck's CUT, while residents at The Mark can get dishes by Jean Georges delivered to their apartment. Additionally, residents have access to state-of-the-art fitness centers, housekeeping services, and valets.

Rental Options

From an investment standpoint, these buildings can be more advantageous than other condos and co-ops. If you are looking to purchase and then subsequently rent out the unit, hotel-style buildings generally have more relaxed leasing terms. This means that something like a 6 month lease is generally allowed while they are often prohibited in many other buildings. Tenants will also have access to all the great amenities that a typical condo will not have, a big appeal to prospective renters. 

Brand Recognition

Brand recognition is also appealing from an investment standpoint. An international buyer can rely on brand recognition to help their investment. For example, buying into 30 Park Place means buying into the Four Seasons, a brand recognized globally for their standard of excellence. Brand recognition can also be helpful for owners looking to use the unit for rental income. Renters in the luxury market can feel confident about their selection with the hotel name behind the building. Additionally, it is appealing to rent an entire apartment inside the hotel for the same price as one of the best suites the hotel offers directly. Corporate renters are attracted to these brands, and generally pay top-dollar for rent while looking for the flexibility of shorter-term leases.

Hotel-Style Living in New York

The Mark

via Mark Hotel

The residences at The Mark take advantage of all the 5-star hotel has to offer. Residents can order room service from the Mark Restaurant by Jean Georges and have a Frederick Fekkai Salon located downstairs. The Mark is located on Madison Avenue on the Upper East Side, moments from world-class shopping, Central Park, and many museums. 

At last check a 2 Bedroom suite was $3,995/night

The Plaza

The Plaza is one of New York's icons, steeped in a rich history. The private residences, many which have wonderful park views, are decorated in the grandeur of the Plaza, with ornate finishes. Living in The Plaza comes with its perks such as access to Les Clefs d'Or concierge, daily house keeping, and valet parking. Other New York favorites are located just below such as Palm Court and the Food Hall which has an oyster bar by Todd English. 

At last check a 2 bedroom suite started at $3,340/night

Baccarat Hotel & Residences

via Baccarat Hotels

The residences at the Baccarat Hotel set a standard for luxury. Everything from the marble and Zircote wood resident's lobby to the grand salon exude luxury. Residents at the Midtown hotel have access to an exclusive list of amenities including a La Mer spa, 24-hour room service, and personal shopping. If you are looking for a nightcap, step down to the signature bar where drinks are served in Baccarat crystal. 

At last check a 2 bedroom was $8,138/night

30 Park Place

30 Park Place is the first private residences in New York by the Four Seasons brand. Residents will experience the standard of excellence for which the brand is known the world over. The homes are beautifully designed by Robert A.M. Stern Architects and have captivating views of Manhattan. Looking for an in-room meal at the push of a button? No problem. Wolfgang Puck and his steakhouse, CUT, will be located right downstairs. 

At last check, large suites were offered by price upon request only

 

Currently on the Market

Below are 2 listings currently on the market that exemplify hotel-style living in New York.

The Mark -255 East 74th Street, Unit 1204
$7,995,000   
This is a beautiful 3 Bed, 3.5 Bath at The Mark Hotel represented by our colleague Oliver Brown. Custom designed by Jacques Grange this home is impeccably finished with coffered ceilings and custom solid white oak floors. Features include an expansive sunny corner living room with open southern views. The windowed eat-in kitchen was designed by Piero Lissoni for Boffi, with Sub-Zero refrigerator, Gaggenau cooktop and oven and Meile dishwasher. The luxurious master bath features floor to ceiling white marble slab walls and Lefroy Brooks fixtures. There are two additional bedrooms both with en-suite marble baths. In addition there is climate control and power window shades in each room. Meile washer and dryer, state-of-the-art Crestron system and 24 hour room service, full-service gym onsite, Fredric Fekkai salon and The Mark Restaurant by Jean-Georges.

This unit would rent for $55,000 the entire month or $70,000 with room service vs a 2 Bedroom suite for $3,995 a night at The Mark.

The Four Seasons New York Downtown- 30 Park Place

Unit 44E- 3 Bed, 2.5 Bath. $19,995/MO

AVAILABLE IMMEDIATELY. Be the first to live in this pristine 3 bedroom, 2.5 bathroom home at the newly constructed Robert A.M. Stern designed Four Seasons Residence in TriBeCa. This forty-fourth floor apartment of the building offers stunning views of One World Trade, the incredible Oculus Terminal, and the downtown city skyline, as well as western views to the Hudson River. High ceilings and large windows allow plenty of sunlight throughout the day. The master bedroom has a western exposure, large walk-in closet and gracious en suite marble bathroom with deep-soaking tub and custom vanities. The kitchen is outfitted with top-of-the-line appliances including Gaggenau stovetop and oven, Miele vent, and U-line wine cooler, and ample pantry space. The Four Seasons Residences offers 5-Star living and a private full amenity suite for residents, including a fitness center, spa and salon, 75 ft.indoor pool, children's playroom, screening room, landscaped public plaza, parking garage, resident lounge, a la carte hotel services, a coming Wolfgang Puck restaurant, CUT, and full-time doorman and concierge. Nearby to the Financial District, Brookfield Place shopping and dining, and extensive public transportation access.

Interested in hotel-style living in New York? To learn more about buying or renting in a New York hotel, please reach out to use with any questions. We are happy to help!

Why White is Trending

Why Everyone is Loving White

In 2016, white is making trends year-round, not just between Memorial Day and Labor Day. Out are the days where it is a faux-pas to wear or utilize the crisp color in your interiors and accents past Labor Day. In interior design, all-white is a strong trend for 2016. 

White feels especially refreshing in the summer, but many are enjoying the crisp, minimal, feeling as many look to decrease clutter throughout their homes. We are seeing the trend carried out throughout entire homes, with the newest luxury kitchens and baths featuring tonal white countertops and appliances, as well as luxurious marble and stone finishes in baths. 

Many are attracted to white because of its simplicity. It serves as a great background for interesting art, patterned interior accents and more. The color also evokes a sense of airiness that can make a space feel open and revitalized. This can be something to consider if you are thinking about listing your home. 

Design Trend of 2016

In luxury real estate, we are always seeing cutting-edge design trends, being the first set of eyes on designer showcase houses and by working closely with top staging agencies. From lush white rugs in living spaces to novel white accents, the refreshing white color palette is transforming spaces. Not only is white being utilized in interior designs, it is also trending in The Hamptons as an exterior color of choice. New homes are being constructed in classic hamptons style with wooden shingle sides done in clean white rather than tan tones. 

The Victoria Shtainer Team has curated a selection of "it" white design pieces to inspire you to add a little touch of this trend throughout your home.

Bubble Lamp- George Nelson
Ceramic Elephant Bank- Jonathan Adler
Positano Candle- Cire Trudon
A9 Speaker System- Beoplay
Maestria Espresso Machine- Nespresso
Cashmere Throw- Barney's
Grand Baxter Couch- Jonathan Adler

Looking for some white inspiration in luxury real estate? We have got you covered. We are loving the kitchen at our exclusive listing at 117 Bridies Path in Southampton. The brand new construction features a kitchen that is just waiting to be enjoyed with its pristine white calcutta marble counter tops and fresh custom designed white cabinets. Dinner party prep anyone?

And, perhaps the most lust-worthy luxury real estate? This jaw-dropping bathroom at the exclusive 432 Park Avenue. The white backdrop is the perfect frame for the stunning views across Central Park and upper Manhattan. Get a look inside the luxurious 432 Park Avenue condominium here.

And you thought white was boring?