Balcony Decor Ideas for Your NYC Apartment

When you live in an urban setting like New York, having your little slice of nature can feel like a far stretch. It does not have to be – more apartments have terraces and private outdoor space than you may expect. Moreover, this is also one of the home features New Yorkers are likely to pay extra for if you ever decide to sell your place.

We are sharing some balcony decor ideas for your NYC apartment so that you can make the most out of your little outdoor oasis. 

Matching your home with your personal lifestyle is what having your own NYC apartment is all about. If you are looking for inspiration on how to do so, here are a few interesting suggestions. 

Incorporate Accent Lighting

One of the perks of having a balcony in New York City is that you can arrange it as your own relaxing oasis. Some New Yorkers even have a secluded reading nook on their balconies where they can enjoy their favorite books in the evenings. And what better way to do this than with lots of lighting to set the mood? All you need to do is get a few strings of fairy lights at a nearby store to transform your balcony into a magical purple, blue, or red oasis. And if you already have a balcony garden, the shadowplay will be extraordinary. 

Plant a Garden

Of course, the most natural way to decorate your NYC balcony is to bring in a lot of plants. There is this minimalistic tendency that has swept NYC balconies where people like to keep furniture at the bare minimum so that they can make way for their plants, pots, and vines. If the air quality in your neighborhood allows it, you can even grow your own food and herbs right there on your terrace. Tomatoes, peppers, and coriander thrive in urban conditions, which means you have no excuse not to green up your balcony.

 Cozy seating 

Ditch the uncomfortable metal chairs to make your balcony as inviting as possible. Treat your outdoor space as an extension of your indoor living space by bringing in some cozy patio furniture. A small sofa and padded armchairs will make your terrace much more enjoyable and cozy.

 If you are just moving into your NYC home, consider reupholstering old furniture pieces you would otherwise throw away. It is much more affordable to relocate these pieces than buy new ones as it is a relatively hassle-free process when you hire professional residential movers to help you out. Also, our advice is to go for a synthetic material instead of natural ones to make the upholstering resistant to the sun and elements it will be exposed to on the balcony. 

For those that want a more traditional outdoor feel, opt for a hammock or swing if your space permits. You will be able to untie the hammock whenever you please in case you ever need the space for something else. 

Add a Small Outdoor Dining Area

A balcony can serve a practical purpose aside from being your favorite spot for unwinding. If your kitchen is connected to the outdoor area in your apartment, you can add a counter or countertop area that can serve as a makeshift bar or table where you can prepare and eat food or drink your morning coffee. So, you can host both unforgettable parties and moonlit dinners on your balcony overlooking New York City. You just need a few barstools, and voila - you have your own little NYC bar right on your terrace. 

Protect your privacy 

After you have finished decorating or repurposing your balcony area, it is time to think about your privacy. Curious gazes from the street might easily interrupt your fresh-air yoga session or morning stretch. So, no matter how much you get along with your neighbors, consider privacy screening.

If you have a green thumb, this is the perfect opportunity to do a little bit of gardening. You can place outdoor plants to keep your balcony out of sight. In addition, your little terrace jungle will also create shade in the summertime. Otherwise, you can opt for something such as bamboo fencing or a small hedge.

We hope you have drawn inspiration from our favorite balcony decor ideas for your NYC apartment. Enjoy beautifying your balcony!

How Millennials are Changing the Luxury Real Estate Market

Some people associate Millennials with incompetency and inertia, imagining that most people born between 1985-1996 are not business-savvy enough to impact the economy significantly. The reality is, the stigma that culture placed around Millennials could not be further from the truth, and Millennials have become one of the most influential and important demographic segments within the housing market.

Millennials are far from being superficial, naive real estate buyers hunting for the most Instagrammable Manhattan view out there. In actuality, the Millennials' purchasing habits and real estate preferences greatly impact the industry, and have been becoming more and more a key influence is more of this generation looks to become homeowners. Millennials are changing the luxury real estate market as we speak.

Naturally, if you want to sell or buy a luxury property, you want to know which home features people pay extra for. It is always better to introduce home updates that will appeal to serious buyers if you decide to move out. And Millennials have positioned themselves as buyers who are willing to invest in real estate. So much so they are de facto dictating the luxury real estate market trends. In fact, 38% of home buyers belong to this demographic group.

Millennials prefer their starter home to be a luxury property

The dominant rhetoric in recent years has labelled Millennials as hesitant to leave their parent’s homes. However, it is not the case that Millennials do not want or cannot afford their own homes. The latter has especially been bolstered by COVID as many Millennials were able to temporarily live with their parents, saving significant money for down payments. Because of the impact of witnessing the Great Financial Crisis, Millennials have taken, perhaps, a more cautious approach to buying, waiting longer to invest in their first property. This demographic group has strong buying power thanks to high incomes from salaries in industries such as Tech and Finance, particularly in the large, coastal metro areas around the country.

As a result, Millennials do not shy away from having their first purchase be a luxury home. This tendency makes them a true force of nature in the world of luxury real estate. The slight delay of their dominance in real estate has enabled them to invest in properties or rent luxury homes in some of the best areas of metropolises, such as New York. Of course, some NYC neighbourhoods are more welcoming to the Millennial's lifestyles and living preferences.

Millennials’ backgrounds and attitudes are changing the luxury real estate market

It is not just the choice of neighborhoods that affects the change in the luxury real estate market. As a generation, Millennials tend to be better educated, have better earnings, and inherit more than people in the past. All of this makes for a demographic group that has strong buyer power, and is investing its assets into luxury homes that are more functional and more energy-efficient.

Furthermore, Millennials grew up amid the technological revolution that has changed how the world works. As a result, the technical savviness of Millennials also dictates how luxury homes will be furnished, making the concept of smart homes synonymous with luxury homes.

Today, smart home features are a must in luxury homes.

Millennials increasingly work from their homes

The Covid-19 pandemic has influenced luxury real estate trends and predictions in upscale locations such as New York and the way most Millennials do business. So, a recent switch to remote working allows many Millennials to work from their home office. And what's better than basing your home office in a luxury home that is your “vision board” in real life - in a fantastic location at that.

Millennial homebuyers prefer to buy luxury homes with home offices.

Given this trend, luxury homes in sunnier, suburban, and remote locations surrounded by nature and other stimulating perks are in demand. In addition, Millennials are moving to luxury estates in more affordable cities as they no longer have to commute to work. However, it is not just luxury real estate that is catching up to these changes. According to  Tik Tok Moving and Storage, moving companies are also enhancing their range of offers and services, thus enabling their clients to prepare and execute a long-distance move in the shortest amount of time possible. 

Sustainability is becoming the norm in the world of luxury real estate

Another significant milestone in the world of luxury homes has to be the recent turn to sustainable and environmentally-friendly home features. Sustainable living has finally become a priority for eco-conscious homebuyers who want to reduce their carbon footprint by turning to green energy. And it is no coincidence this is happening right now. As they become older, people born in the Millennial generation tend to be more aware, outspoken, and fervent regarding these noble agendas.

Hence, experts in the luxury real estate market respond to these consumer preferences. As a result, energy-efficient HVAC systems, solar panels, green roofs, Tesla chargers, and other such sustainable home features are becoming a necessity rather than an exception in the world of luxury real estate. Since such technological advances in luxury real estate have the potential to set the bar for other real estate markets, soon enough, we are likely to see similar developments sweeping the industry.

Millennials are changing the luxury real estate market for the better

In sum, Millennials are changing the luxury real estate market mainly toward a more self-conscious, environmentally friendly, and data driven industry. Given the strong purchasing power and cultural impact of this demographic, it is likely that they will continue to shape market trends and dynamics in the near future.

Why You Do Not Want to be the Buyer Walking into an Open House Without a Broker

It comes as no newsflash that the housing market has been incredibly strong, particularly as the Pandemic turned a corner and pent up demand began to be released. Buyers have been lured to the housing market by low interest rates, strong equity market returns, and often times, a desire for a new or larger space thanks to new requirements for what home means from a work and personal perspective.

As activity picked up, so, too, has competition. Buyers are having to submit very competitive, informed offers if they want to win their dream property.  Because of the increase activity and competition, Pandemic pricing has come to an end in Manhattan as prices reached record highs last year. In fact, 2022 has been the busiest start to any year since 2006 for the Manhattan Luxury Market.

With stiff competition in the market, one of the questions that is most top of mind as a Buyer is – how do I remain competitive and get my offer accepted?

Working with a Buyer’s Broker is key to setting yourself up for success as a Buyer in any market, however, it is becoming evermore crucial to work with a Buyer’s Agent in the competitive market environment we are currently experiencing. In today’s market, you do not want to be the Buyer walking into an Open House without a Broker

Why You Need to Work with a Buyer’s Agent in a Competitive Market

In the era of easy access to information, there has been an uptick in individuals that attempt to take on the home buying process solo, without working with an experienced agent. We have always preached Agent not algorithm, however, the competitive market is bringing to light just how important that mindset is.

A real estate agent provides immense personal value that an algorithm cannot

One group of Buyers in particular is losing out on landing their dream properties, Millennials. This younger generation that is typically technologically savvy feels they have access to sufficient information to manage the buying process themselves. Additionally, this group typically tends to be financing their purchase as opposed to being all cash Buyers.

Buyers that attempt to take on the process themselves are quickly realizing there is much more to getting your offer accepted than simply searching Zillow or Streeteasy in your desired price range and attending an open house.

A Buyer’s Agent helps You Get Your Offer Accepted:

• Relationships: Your Broker will bring years of experience to the transaction, and through that experience is deep industry relationships. In real estate, relationships are key, and something an algorithm cannot provide. In a competitive market, your Broker can help get your offer accepted over the competition by leveraging relationships they may have with the listing agent. This can be critical when trying to beat all-cash offers which have become more common.

• Access: Many make the mistake of thinking that their self-service searches on Streeteasy and Zillow provide the full picture of inventory that is available. This is not the case as not all listings are on the market. Your Broker has access to off-market inventory and listings that are not consumer searchable.

• Negotiating Expertise: Your Broker understands the current market and knows what it takes to get your offer accepted and get the deal done. Their negotiating experience helps you prepare and put forward a strong offer from the start, so you can remain competitive if the property is experience Multiples.

A Buyer’s Agent with take a consultative approach to understanding your unique needs in finding a home

Remember: Working with a Buyer’s Broker does not cost you any money! There is only upside. The Commission is paid for by the Seller, so not out of pocket commission expense is paid for by the Buyer to have representation. Of course, once you decide you embark on the home buying journey, it is important to ensure you are working with the right agent.

Top Luxury Real Estate Trends to expect in 2022

The US luxury real estate markets are in a state of perpetual change. That is why keeping an eye out for dominant trends can be a genuine make-it-or-break-it factor that will make selling or buying a home so much easier. These changes frequently result from global shifts and events that influence spending behavior. In that sense, the year 2021 was a surprisingly lucrative year for all stakeholders for several reasons. Consequently, there are many top luxury real estate trends to expect in 2022. 

Trends from 2021 that will influence luxury real estate in 2022

In 2021, the Covid-19 pandemic affected the global economy in that many people sought ways to invest capital in foolproof equity. Namely, luxury real estate saw significant buying activity since the appearance of the virus in 2020. This resulted in a widespread reduction of luxury real estate inventory in the US, given the increased demand for properties that provide space for work, play, and relaxation all at once. In addition to this, big-time wealth growth stemming from cryptocurrency gave way to increases in stock markets, housing prices, and widespread investments all across the board. 

Demand for large and comfortable luxury real estate has been on the rise since 2020. The trend is likely to continue into 2022.

 Interestingly, the heightened purchasing activity that started in 2020 did not subside in 2021, but the areas of interest changed. In 2020, buyers moved to rural and suburban areas due to restrictive lockdowns and other preventive measures. In contrast, 2021 marked a comeback to urban real estate markets and major commuter towns. 

Based on this, it is highly likely that 2022 will also be a big year for luxury real estate in New York City and other centers of major economic activity and trade. On the other hand, luxury real estate in the countryside should also retain its appeal in 2022. Let’s take a closer look at the luxury real estate trends we can expect in 2022.

Low inventory

In September 2021, 36% more luxury homes were sold than listed for sale. Only one month later, this figure jumped to a staggering 55%. This indicates that luxury properties are in high demand. Industry experts predict this trend is unlikely to change in 2022. As a result, the coming year will be a year of very competitive, high stakes, and high priced luxury properties. 

A more competitive luxury real estate market

As we mentioned, the inventory of luxury real estate properties has diminished due to growing demand. As a result, interest in luxury real estate has never been more pronounced. Interestingly, this is seen even in real estate markets dealing with ‘specialty’ properties such as properties in private communities, spacious and well-preserved historical properties, properties outside city centers, and even second properties. 

Low inventory due to high demand equals lots of competition in the world of luxury properties.

Furthermore, the pandemic has also influenced building activity, thus impacting the luxury property supply chain. Mandatory lockdowns and infections have slowed down construction due to the unavailability of skilled workers and comprehensive hygienic regulations. What’s more, this has affected the time and costs of constructing new luxury homes. With postponed construction timelines, soaring cost estimates, and pronounced competition, it will be much more challenging to acquire a luxury home in 2022.

As a solution to these problems, some homebuyers interested in buying luxury real estate decide to remodel their current homes while they’re searching for their new luxury home. Aside from increasing the market value of their old home, this decision allows them to prepare for moving into their new home. So, until you close the sale, you can take care of your designer furniture by renting a storage unit that will help you manage the remodel and relocation.

Relocations across the country will continue well into 2022

As the government urged people to stay at home whenever possible, many families began to see the benefits of owning larger properties offering a range of features. However, finding spacious properties in larger cities has always been formidable. 

In light of this, most homebuyers express interest in luxury properties in up-and-coming areas far from urban centers. In fact, the majority of purchases of luxury real estate are likely to come from residents of major US cities such as LA, Miami, and New York City as they are willing to pay extra for luxury home features. Not to mention that buying in less saturated real estate markets allows the buyer to get more square footage in addition to luxurious features. 
The migration from large cities to the country subsided in 2021, but in terms of large luxury properties, it is likely to continue well into 2022. Of course, until you manage to score the luxury property of adequate size and price, there are ways to compensate for the lack of space. Renting a storage unit and other storage solutions offered by the likes of nycministorage.com can help you solve your problems before and after you relocate.

The pricing of luxury real estate is likely to increase in 2022

The price thresholds should skyrocket in 2022 as current luxury inventory cannot satisfy demand. Median prices at which luxury properties were being sold in October 2021 increased by 23% for single-family homes and 14% for attached homes compared to 2020.

Although this may not seem like a significant change, consider that the statistics for homes sold in the price range from $1-5 million showed a 68.9% increase in the first ten months of 2021 in comparison to 2019. As a result, the pricing thresholds for luxury real estate increased all across the country.

Accordingly, it is not unreasonable to expect the continuation of this trend in 2022 precisely because of factors such as low inventory of luxury homes and other luxury real estate trends to expect in 2022.

2022 Predictions for New York City Luxury Real Estate Market

2021 was a record-breaking year for the New York City luxury real estate market. In fact, Manhattan had an impressive $30 Billion on sales last year. With each New Year we receive the golden question of “what’s in store for the year ahead?”. While we do not have a crystal ball, we do have some key themes based on last year’s activity that help inform how the landscape of the 2022 NYC Luxury Market may shape up. In short, while there may be some slowdown relative to 2021, we do not see any signs of the pandemic recovery stopping in 2022.

Heading into 2022, we expect continued strength across the housing market. The start to the new year has already been a strong one for Manhattan luxury, marking the best start to a year since 2006. The week between Christmas and New Year saw 22 contracts signed on properties priced $4M and up.

We expect the following themes to rise to the top: Rising Prices, Rising Rates, Rising Investment in New York.

Rising Prices:

Prices have already begun to recover in the New York market, particularly in the luxury sector. Strong demand and shrinking supply has been placing upward pressure on pricing. This is likely to continue as inventory shortages may increase in certain pockets of the market, and we expect to demand to remain persistent. Price appreciation may not be as rapid as the past year, but we expect an upward trajectory. Additionally, supply disruptions that have increased input and replacement costs are contributing to rising prices.

Turn-Key:

Stemming off of the last point above, whether looking to buy or looking for a New York City luxury apartment for rent we expect a strong preference to remain for turn-key or renovated units. Challenges with labor costs as well as sources furniture, etc. has made a renovation a much larger and time consuming project that many individuals no longer want to do.

Rising Rates:

The Fed has given a confident signal that multiple interest rates are nearly certain this year. The most recent guidance from the Fed signaled 3 rates for 2022. Buyers have been enjoying historically low interest rates for years, so the initial rate hikes may cause an upfront “shock” to the market. Savvy Buyers that have been contemplating purchasing are moving to lock in rates and make the purchase before rates rise. 

Rising Investment in New York:

The city is incredibly excited to welcome a new Mayor and administration that has promised to shift the narrative of the city toward one of economic recovery and pro-business. A new Mayor could peak investors that were avoiding de Blasio’s New York. With the return of foreign buyers to New York City luxury real estate, rising inflation, and a strong rental market, we see a favorable environment for investors to consider New York for their investment.

Best Luxury Building Amenities in NYC

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Real estate agencies and home sellers are constantly upping their game, given the almost insatiable interest for New York City properties. As a result, developers use various luxury amenities and home features to raise the value of NYC’s luxury residential properties. And since luxury building amenities in NYC are becoming almost a precondition to enter the market in the face of increased demand, we share some of the most wanted luxury amenities in NYC residential buildings.  In fact, a recent survey has shown that as much as 87% of renters belonging to NYC high-end communities decide to extend their lease solely based on the amenities in the luxury building complex.

Pet-friendly

Given the hectic NYC streets and sparse green areas, many people are drawn to the idea of having access to a private dog park close to their homes. And let’s face it. Most NYC homeowners think of their dogs as members of their family. 

Hence, having an area where your furry friends can roam free is more than alluring. In light of this, living in a pet-friendly building is a must for any dog owners. And in many cases, the pet facilities can be both indoor and outdoor. There are even pet spas and grooming salons on-site for maximum convenience. Nowadays, advances in luxury living no longer focus solely on the particular needs and preferences of the homeowners, as many New Yorkers conflate the needs of their pets with their own needs.  

Room Service and Resident-only Restaurants

If you aim to live in a luxury building that focuses on exclusivity, you should consider purchasing a home in a building access that offers hotel-style services. Third-party food delivery has changed the way people order food. This makes collaborations with these services one of the high-class perks currently in vogue in NYC. 

 In addition, some luxury apartment complexes even have resident-only restaurants on offer. Let’s face it - it is hard to get more luxurious than this? If you opt for living in an ‘all needs satisfied at all times’ type of building, then fine dining should be one of the services you have access to any time of the day. 

 Aside from being able to order food round-the-clock, many luxury buildings extend this motto to anything else the residents might need. For instance, moving into your NYC luxury home should be quick and convenient with the help of professional third-party moving services recommended by the luxury building staff. An experienced moving company will cover everything you might need to ensure the relocation goes smoothly. 

Electric Vehicle Charging

Electric vehicles are the future, even though it will take a couple of years until people switch to them entirely. Some estimates predict that by 2030, the number of electric cars will grow from 3 million to 125 million. Many NYC apartment managers and homebuyers are seeing the potential of aligning with this trend.

 Consequently, one of the best luxury building amenities in NYC is electric vehicle charging stations. In fact, the installation of one charging station is relatively inexpensive as the costs range from $450 to $1000. Comparatively, this is a small price to pay for the benefits it provides in the long run. Hence, purchasing a home in a luxury building that contributes to the cause in this way allows you to give your contribution to the green living movement as well.

Co-working Space

The world of work is changing rapidly. And with it, going to an office to work is slowly becoming a thing of the past. What’s more, tech industry experts are becoming the nouveau riche. And where does an IT whizz or a CEO like to work from and socialize? If you aim to do work from home, why not do it alongside other successful and highly-competent individuals? Hence, having an outstandingly stimulating co-working space with high-speed internet in your building is greatly appreciated in NYC. 

NYC homebuyers are generally inclined to pay more for smart home technology features. In comparison, a co-working space where the residents can do business is definitely a step up. Since co-working spaces are akin to smaller eclectic offices, it makes sense to consult an interior designer or moving company to help you furnish the area with everything that you need to manage your business smoothly. A moving crew such as Clean Cut Moving can help with anything from packing, transportation, and assembling to the placement of desks, devices, and other equipment that makes up a state-of-the-art co-working space. 

Luxury Rooftop Areas

Rooftop areas are a real attention-grabber if done right. Rooftops can be transformed into fantastic community areas. The residents can drink their morning coffee, sunbathe, or throw parties, making the rooftop area a highly sought-after luxury amenity. What’s more, some NYC rooftops even have a pool to top it all off. Also, since winters in NYC can get quite cold, some even have built-in gas heaters that allow you to spend time on the rooftop throughout the year.

A gym is one of the most wanted luxury building amenities in NYC

As much as going to the gym is essential for your health and well-being, making the trip is sometimes too demanding. That is why many NYC luxury buildings owners choose to include state-of-the-art workout areas. These gyms offer both cardio and weight-lifting zones as well as spaces for the latest workout trends such as bouldering, calisthenics, etc. Be sure to consult a knowledgeable fitness instructor on how to use the space you have in the most efficient way possible. Note that you have to pay extra attention to your safety while using the gym equipment.

5 Holiday Scented Candles You Need for Your Home

Fragrance is one of our favorite and easiest ways to transform the feeling of a space. The power of scent transports us to another world and connects us with memories.

Whether you are looking for the smell of a freshly cut Christmas Tree or a crackling fire, these candles will add an instant touch of the Holidays to your home.

Flocon Candle Limited Edition

Each year Diptyque released a limited-edition candle for the season, and this year it is Flocon. The flacon, or snowflake, candle reveals notes of white musk mixed with honeyed accents of mimosa and winter bloom.

Available at Bluemercury

Jo Malone Glowing Embers Candle

Evoke the aura of a cozy den or library with a crackling fire, fresh log just tossed on, with this hand-poured candle from Jo Malone. Glowing Embers has very strong notes of smoke (in a good way) and woods.

Available at Bluemercury

NEST New York Holiday & Birchwood Pine Scented Candle

Perhaps the most fitting and synonymous with Holiday candles is the Birchwood Pine scent from nest. Fill your home with the aromatic scent of a freshly cut tree. This special Holliday set includes both Holiday and Birchwood scents.

Available at Nordstrom

Cire Trudon Christmas Gloria Candle

Enjoy not only a luxe seasonal fragrance, but also a beautiful blown glass vessel from what is rumored to be Marie Antoinette’s favorite candle company. Christmas Gloria from Cire Trudon is a woody-heavy scent with notes of spice throughout.

Available at Saks

Maison Francis Kurkdjian Pain D'Épices Candle

This candle will evoke all the childhood memories of building a gingerbread house filled with sweet delights. Pain d’epices has notes of orange, honey, cinnamon, and anise.

Available at Saks Fifth Avenue

Shop these candles and other Holiday fragrance picks for your home:

2021 Holiday Tipping Guide

The Holiday Season has officially kicked off. With Black Friday and Thanksgiving over, holiday decorations are going up across town. With the arrival of the Holiday Season comes the question on the mind of many - “How Much Should I Tip?”

While some traditions will be put on hold, other traditions synonymous with the Holiday Season will continue, one of which is Holiday Tipping. 

One could argue that Tipping is even more important this year than ever before - it has been a challenging year for all, and for those that are fortunate and have the ability to tip those that have helped throughout the Pandemic, this is the year to do so.

Building staff in Residential New York City buildings have been essential to all residents through the COVID-19 pandemic. Building Staff have been responsible for increased cleaning protocols, receiving and managing an exponential increase in deliveries, and checking in on vacant apartments for residents that have escaped to second homes.

We’ve adjusted our annual tipping guide to account for 2020 - some of the individuals that are key in a typical year such as your Manicurist may not have played a role in 2020 because of the Pandemic. Additionally, if you are considering giving more this year to your valued Building Staff and are concerned they will expect this amount in future years, consider stating in your note with the tip how grateful you are for all they’ve done during this challenging year to set expectations. 

Our friends at Brick Underground publish a go-to holiday tipping guide, which has been circulating since 2013. We condensed it, and put our take on what is appropriate as you budget for your holiday tipping. Remember, these are simply guidelines. There are many factors that can influence the tipping decision such as the size of the building (a larger staff equates to smaller individual tips), level of service, seniority, and time in building. Additionally, owning versus renting in a building can play a big factor as well.

Of course, if you live in a building with a part-time doorman, virtual doorman, or no staff at all, the below levels could be adjusted downward.

Renters: Tips do not have to equate to the dollar amount you are paying each month for rent. If you receive a lot of packages, have a stroller that is carried in and out of the building, etc., factor this into your tip. 

It is recommended that you tip in cash. Doorman, Concierge, Supers, etc. all of bills to pay like you and I- they are not looking for fruit cakes, cookies, or homemade gifts at the holidays!

Many buildings have organized drop off locations for your tips so you can safely give to your Building Staff rather than direct contact due to public health guidelines.

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TIPPING GUIDELINES

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Super: $150-$200
Doorman/Concierge: $100-$150
Package Room: $50-$75 per individual*
Housekeeper: 1 Week Salary
Dog Walker: 1 Week Salary
Garage Attendant: $50-$100
Personal Trainer: $100*
Personal Assistant: 1 Week Salary
Hairdresser: $75-100*

*In the post-pandemic world, it is important to remember all the people fielding the large increase in orders you are placing and the sheer volume of orders they are now receiving, just for you alone. From Uber Eats to Amazon and every shopping destination in-between, there is no denying that we all place significantly more online orders than prior to the pandemic. We recommend tipping Package Room staff more than previous years. In most buildings it will be the package room employees, however, Doormen/Concierge are likely fielding these requests after hours.

Additionally, if someone such as a Trainer has moved to a Virtual Model and you continued to use their service, we recommend continuing to tip these individuals.

When: Most building staff will prefer to receive their tips in early December so they can plan their own holiday spending accordingly. Tips account for a large part of building staff’s anticipated income at this time of year.

This guide was presented in 2018 and has been re-shared to include updated information

Why Buying a Home Just Became Easier

It is not a question that all of us realized the importance of home during the pandemic. The close relationship we formed with home has lead to many individuals assessing their needs as it relates to their current living situation - from renters looking to make roots and buy, to existing home owners trading up, the pandemic has spurred activity within the housing market. 

When it comes to buying a home, the 2 most common roadblocks that buyers may face are the ability to save for a down payment - something that has been typically challenging for student-debt ridden millennials, and qualifying for a mortgage at current lending standards.

Last week, the FHFA announced that it will be raising the loan limits for Confirming Loans in 2022. 

Confirming Loans are the only mortgages that meet the requirements to be acquired by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. Any loan that exceeds the confirming limit is considered a non-confirming, or Jumbo Loan.

There are quite a few differences, both pros and cons, to conforming vs. non-confirming loans, however, typically a non-confirming loan has a higher interest rate and down payment requirements because of the risk of the loan. In pricey housing markets, even purchases at the lower end of the market can force buyers into the jumbo loan territory.

The FHFA indicated in a Press Release that the Confirming Loan limit will see a significant increase to $647,200 and that approximately 100 counties will have confirming loan limits approaching $1 million.

What does the increase mean? More homes will now qualify for conforming loans which have lower down payment requirements and easier lending standards. For example, a home that you could afford with 10% down but would result in a non-confirming loan that required 20% down, may now fall into the confirming loan limit allowing for 10% down.

That dream home that you thought was out of reach, may just have become a little bit closer!

Connect with us today to discuss these changes and how they may impact your purchase consideration.

7 Smart Home Features Luxury Buyers Want

Today’s luxury buyers are more and more interested in smart homes. And it’s no surprise when you think of the comfort and security such a home can offer. But with the expanding possibilities of technology, it might be hard to choose what features are worth investing in when you want to put a home on the market. As a result, we conducted some research to determine which smart home features luxury buyers want in their houses.

1.   A smart security system

Safety is something that we would all invest in without blinking. That is why installing a security system in your home has become a must. While older systems include simple functions such as burglary and fire alarms, today’s systems have more upgraded features. Not only do they have better-performing cameras with motion sensors, but they are also easy to control from your mobile phone. You can fully customize and personalize its features with just a few clicks, from the comfort of your home or from a distance. In addition, you can install smart locks, better smoke and carbon dioxide detectors, and a doorbell with a camera. The safer the house is, the higher the chances of selling it on the luxury market.

2.   Energy-efficient lighting

Besides using LED lightbulbs in your home, you can upgrade the whole lighting system and make it more energy-efficient. You can, for example, install light sources that can be controlled from a distance. These lights can detect whether or not you are at home and turn on or off. Moreover, you can even set the lighting according to your mood. Also, you can install lights with motion sensors in areas of the home that are not highly used, such as hallways. For the exterior, you can set up self-charging torches with integrated solar panels. Place them around the pool or along the pathways to transform your outdoor space into an oasis.

Modern lighting is energy efficient, and it doesn’t require switches. You can control the color, brightness, and intensity of the light in a room from your phone. via

3.   Energy-efficient heating

Another one of the smart home features luxury buyers want is an energy-efficient heating system. Besides being useful for energy saving, you can program such a system to your liking. It can heat the entire house or just one room, and the thermostats can detect when the temperature is just right. You can even program the time when the heating should turn on so that the temperature in your home is perfect when you arrive from work. Furthermore, such a heating system is safer than a traditional one. For example, if there is a gas leak, the built-in sensors will detect it and sound the alarm.

4.   A modern kitchen

The kitchen is the only room in your home that can sell the house by itself. So, if you want to impress luxury buyers, upgrade the kitchen with some smart appliances. It will help you sell your home faster and for a higher price. For example, you can get an oven that can be operated from anywhere, making it simple to preheat it or select the ideal cooking temperature without having to be present. Or a clever cooking robot that can prepare your meal in record time by pushing a single button. That is, after all, why smart appliances are so popular. They are simple to use and make your life easier. And if you need to move the appliances from one location to another, Teddy Moving and Storage specialists can provide valuable advice on safe packing and transporting.

5.   A spa-like bathroom

If you upgrade the kitchen, you should also pay attention to the bathroom. After all, it is the second most important space in your home. It’s the place where you get ready in the morning or relax with a hot bath in the evening. Therefore, making some upgrades to the bathroom is highly recommended if you want to delight your luxury home buyers. For instance, you can install a modern shower cabin with multiple functions. Controllable water pressure, a built-in thermostat that adjusts the temperature of the water, and even an internet connection so you can listen to music while showering, for example. Also, if you have the space and resources, you can install a sauna and a bathtub, where the future owners can take a load off and relax. To take it one step further, install floor heating and adjustable lights.

6.   Smart storage space

A home that has enough storage space is not just smart but is more efficient. Also, it’s a luxury to own one. So, if you have enough room in the house you want to sell, use it to your advantage. Make some walk-in dressing rooms with built-in closets. You can also add adjustable lighting and mirrors to make them more appealing. If the bedroom is large enough, make it worthy of a king and queen. Besides a wide bed with drawers or extra storage space beneath, you can bring in some large closets. In addition, you can place a chest at the end of the bed for storing blankets. And if you need help to move other luxury furniture, you can call in the experts. Professional movers can handle high-level requests with ease. Your valuables will be carefully packed and transported safely to any location.

A walk-in dressing room is one of the best home features you can invest in.

7.   Pet-friendly gadgets

Sometimes, smart home features luxury buyers want in their homes are related to their pets. Therefore, making some upgrades for pets in your home will make your potential buyers happy. You could, for example, have food and water dispensers that could be programmed to discharge their contents at specific times. Or, make a designated play area where they can spend their energy when it’s rainy outside. You can even place some toys that will pick their brain and keep them entertained for hours. A mechanical ball thrower for dogs is a great example. Furthermore, you can install self-cleaning litter boxes that are easy to use and maintain the house’s hygiene.

We all have different perspectives regarding what is considered a luxury and what is not. When it comes to house buyers, however, they must feel like their money was well spent. As a result, investing in smart home features can help you get ahead in the luxury real estate market. So, to have an easy and quick home sale, keep up with the latest luxury house trends.