Warburg Blog

A few weeks ago,I got a message from a friend  (who also happens to be an Upper East Side resident and broker) telling me one of my favorite local places had shut down. How did she know to mention ? Well,I tend to check in on Foursquare when I stop in for drinks or dinner. A few days (or maybe a week later) she send me a message and said NO they had not closed down,but had I checked out Maison Kayser yet….

Then,I read about Maison Kayser in a few blogs around their opening a few weeks ago,earlier this month August. And I thought to myself,sure…I’m going to stop in there one of these days,maybe for breakfast,or lunch…

And then today,as it turns out yesterday evening, somewhat last minute,I agreed to help a colleague out and show a listing for them on the Friday before Labor Day. And it was,right around the corner. And I thought to myself,well wouldn’t this afternoon be a perfect time to treat myself to lunch.

I stepped into the bakery,and I was immediately drawn to ,well..everything. I not only love desserts,I love carbs,in general (I compensate by feverishly walking around New York City every opportunity I get ,in addition to working out,but I digress…) .My original intent was to grab something and walk home. But I had this desire to stop,sit and luxuriate in the pleasure of taking time to have lunch versus what normally happens (Eat and run ,if you remember to eat at all).

Best. Decision. Made. The staff was warm and welcoming, friendly. Sometimes when you are dining alone,you can feel isolated or alienated,especially as they clear away extra place settings. Extra points to Maison Kayser for having a few tables already set for one. I was shown to a corner banquette and I immediately wondered what would I order. I did not think I was terribly hungry,but one of the appetizers caught my attention. And boy am I glad that it did ! My waitress Andrea was terrific,particularly when it came to helping me decide on dessert !

I started with Crabe & Guacamole. Shrimp,lump crab meat served over guacamole. Perfect late summer starter. And,I can rarely resist croque madame. Lots of fond memories associated with eating this…and could I EVER pass up dessert. I have been known to alter my eating habits to be sure I have room for dessert,and the Mi-cuit did not disappoint.

Maison Kayser’s Upper East Side location is at the moment the only one in the US,but never fear,as they ALREADY are planning to open a location near Bryant Park and in the Flatiron district. If you can’t wait,I assure you,it is worth the trip to the Upper East Side,don’t wait !

Maison Kayser is located at 1294 Third Avenue, NY NY 10021 www.maisonkayserusa.com . Open 7 days a week from 7A-11PM. Shall I see you there this fall ?

You can’t help but notice,if you’ve been anywhere on the East Side near Second Avenue,that there’s some MAJOR construction going on for the 2^nd Avenue subway.

What may be escaping you (if you don’t live anywhere on the East Side where you routinely are near Second Avenue) is that there are a plethora of businesses ,many of which have been on or just off the avenue for decades,that are suffering- not just because of the economic malaise in general,but the construction process.

With barriers,closed sidewalks,and signs obstructing their view from the street-it can be hard to remember there are many once vibrant businesses that are not so much anymore.

I love the Shop 2^ndAvenue campaign,and I’ve tried to at least a few times per month,patronize local business along the avenue. Whether its stopping for a light dinner at Ricardo’s Steakhouse after a broker’s open house (111^th and Second Avenue) ,getting my hair done at Eddie’s Jr Hair Salon (110 ^thand Second Avenue) , a mani/pedi at Pretty Nail No 1 ( 102^nd and Second Avenue) , brunch at Don Pedro’s (96^th and Second Avenue) ,groceries at  Key Food (93^rd and Second Avenue)  or the new  Fairway (86^th Street off Second Avenue), breakfast meetings at Viand Coffee Shop (86^th and Second Avenue), new keys for my listings at Umbrella Locksmith (68^th and Second Avenue) –well you get the picture ! It is incredibly important to support your neighborhood businesses.

The Second Avenue Subway,once completed,will be terrific. It will ease many transportation deficiencies east of Third. Using myself as an example,it can take me approximately 10-15 minutes to walk to or from the train station,if I’m not speed walking (and yes,I know that we New Yorkers tend to be speedy- I prefer to look at it as goal oriented focus). The new Select Bus Service on First and Second Avenues,which replaced the limited M15, can be terrific. Additionally the bus does leave me closer to my apartment than taking the subway,but it sure would be great to have a subway on Second Avenue !

…but take a look beyond the construction. Haven’t you noticed,when you look for someplace to live-whether purchasing or renting,very often the closer you are to transportation,the more expensive it becomes ? In New York City,this is very often the case.In Manhattan,on the East Side,you have ‘east of Third’ and ‘west of Third’,and that’s WITHOUT taking into account the inherent cachet of being on or off some of the avenues.

Is there a hidden opportunity ? Maybe…if you can look past the construction,and the increased traffic as a result,and see out perhaps less than ten years from now,when all of this is gone,and you are three minutes from the second avenue subway-wouldn’t that be terrific ? If you’re thinking of buying,wouldn’t it not be worth considering buying in this area,and being able to see some what will likely be inevitable appreciation in the value of your property over time-this may be the opportunity for value purchases.

While you’re contemplating that…start by patronizing some of the local merchants let’s  Shop 2^nd Avenue !

via yournycrealestateresource.com

No,that is most certainly NOT a typo. Despite my never-ending adoration of my beloved hometown and home borough,I have been known to depart,for short periods,and visits. But how might you ask,did I end up heading to Westport…

…Well it all started with Twitter,which lead to an RE Bar Camp,which lead to deepening of a connection and building a friendship,that ultimately resulted in a message in my Facebook inbox a few weeks ago.

Would you come to Westport and share your perspective on mobility and technology for real estate agents with my agents.

My answer,sure,why not -let’s put it on the calendar !

A relatively quick (and painless) ride-the heels I wore notwithstanding.And realizing (again) that there are many people who live in NYC and are reverse commuting using Metro-North. I am a huge fan of the commuter rail roads,as when I do need to pop out for a meeting,it is far more productive as I am able to work,whether its using my Blackberry,iPad or MacBook Air. I don’t ‘lose’ any time.

In fact,on the way to Westport,created a keynote for the talk,booked two showings,and worked on comps for a listing presentation..and the train ride was ONLY an hour !

I was met by  Melissa Riley (@melissariley) at the station,and my return trip , Marilyn Katz (@westportmoves) was kind enough to refresh my memories of Westport,showing me some highlights and we stopped for a quick lunch.

The office meeting was terrific,not so much about talking AT a somewhat captive audience,but talking with colleagues,and learning about some of their challenges,with technology,with their market,and how we are all trying to keep up and not fall behind.

You may ask ,why would I take a chunk out of my day to travel to do this ? The same reason I give time by volunteering at REBNY (where I’m on the Education Committee and enjoy the Residential Sales Council),the same reason I have attended and helped to put together bar camps .Besides enjoying sharing knowledge and expertise with others,it is fantastic to broaden one’s sphere. And now,next time I have clients who are considering leaving Manhattan (or coming back),I will have some information to share with them,including the length of the commute- I will have recommendations that weren’t generated by pulling a name out of a hat.

NYC is a mecca of sorts,and I love being able to combine my native’s perspective on living here with helping people to find the perfect home. But I also realize that there are reasons that bring people to and from this great city I call home,and I find that its important to be able to help facilitate a transition into NYC as well as out of.

That said,best get back to working on those comps for that listing discussion later this week. And if you are thinking of moving in,out ,down or up- let’s chat first,and chart out your plan !

Many thanks to the great agents I met ,and I look forward to seeing you all again very soon !

via yournycrealestateresource.com

I am fortunate enough to be able  contribute to several blogs about real estate,technology and social media,in addition to keeping up my own personal blog about NYC life and its real estate. (Yes,this means I don’t always get a lot of sleep) Weekly I publish reflections on what I am seeing in the Manhattan Market for RealEstateandWomen.net, this week,I reflect on what may be hidden opportunities for those considering alternative long term investments given the recent turmoil with the stock market.

Much is written (and lamented) about how this time of year things slow down here in New York City.

An excellent post this week,from my friend Noah Rosenblatt @ Urban Digs ,  ( The Slowest Part of the Calendar Year for Manhattan ) takes a look at the ‘hard data’,in as much as our data issues exist here in Manhattan,as to the how and why.I can’t say that I agree or disagree wholeheartedly,but there are some finer points ….

That said,what I am noticing is that this is also a time of year,where because *maybe* its a bit slower,its a good time to regroup,refocus and explore opportunities. Working on new business for the fall,but not checking out entirely,there are people to help with their real estate needs year round,even in the doldrums of summer.

My observations thus far,to say that the rental market,is sizzling this summer,far beyond the record heat waves we’ve had,is an understatement.

I had a rental exclusive in Kips Bay Towers,that literally had a dozen appointments within the first day it came onto the market,and one of the first applicants,is now the happy tenant and my clients the owners are thrilled.

People are moving to NYC,for all sorts of reasons, school,new employment. There are new companies opening in NYC,and there are companies moving TO NYC. They need places to live- its not a OH maybe I’ll look and see if I can find something,its ,I’m arriving on x day,at y time ,and need to find a home ,like yesterday.

There are properties  for sale that perhaps may be languishing on the market in certain areas of town,whether its because there are too many similar types of properties,or its not the current ‘in’ spot,or of course,how could one overlook the Second Avenue Subway.But for someone looking as a long term buy or hold,or considering the possibility of leasing out apartments,there’s amazing potential.

As a native New Yorker,I am biased,and blessed-having had the opportunity not only to grow up in one of the best cities in the world-but to live here as an adult. Rarely a day goes by where I fail to have this conversation with someone who is visiting NYC (yes, there are many nice New Yorkers, many of us enjoy meeting many of the tourists around town,and giving them tips on what things are musts),or who is contemplating moving here.

Opportunity ?

With all the market turmoil,and if you’re thinking what might be a good thing to do,as a long term investment.You may want to seriously consider New York City.

I am glad to share with you what I am seeing personally,as well as what my colleagues around town are seeing-yes we aren’t all on vacation. There’s work to be done,there are people arriving everyday,looking for a place to live-whether they be buyers or tenants.

Is it an opportunity for you ? Contact me for a consultation and discussion about your goals,and let’s hit the ground running !

Sometimes…opportunity only knocks once. Are you at the door ?

via yournycrealestateresource.com

 

At any event,I thought I would write a quick blog post on my experiences with the iPad. As time went by,using the device,I found more ways to use it,to become untethered from the need to carry a laptop-or to squint to view my emails on my small handheld devices of choice.

I write blogs from my iPad, I use remote connection software to connect to my office environment,I use it with clients,to give listing presentations,word games, create presentations for clients and seminars (while I am ON the way to the seminars no less).

I do not have an external keyboard,I have gone an entire week at a conference just using my iPad to do everything from email,to social media,to taking notes (my typing at this point on it is almost to the speed of typing on a regular keyboard). With my handy wireless hotspot-I can work ANYWHERE,and do it routinely !

Here are some blog posts about how I use my iPad (many of my posts are written on it-including this one !)

New Yorkers have many passions-but one thing that I have found over the years that always creates lots of animated discussion-food ! (and shopping of course). When I am out and about with friends or clients,on the quest for their perfect NYC home,our discussions often turn to dining options,or local options for shopping. My friends who travel to NYC often also will ask me for suggestions in particular neighborhoods,simulatneously to consulting their Zagat’s guide. One of my favorite things about living in NYC is the ability to find so many different types of cuisine-without having to board a plane. Have metrocard,will travel !

Here are a few of my personal uptown favorites (some of which I’ve been to as recently as this week!)

I’ve been delighted with the Manhattan location,besides the fact that I can easily get there using public transportation or on foot (I like to joke that the SBS15 on First and Second Avenue could more accurately be called the Costco/Target express!). They do have some items that are exclusive to this location,including a selection of designer handbags. Not only is there a Costco in Manhattan at East River Plaza,but it is also home to Manhattan’s ONLY Target !  There’s also a Pathmark on Lexington Avenue and 125th Street, and many supermarkets along the avenues as well.

Don Pedro’s has a fabulous weekend brunch, with bottom less Sangria. They are located on 97th Street and Second Avenue. Additionally they do periodically have live music as well. A great ambiance, wonderful food-and did I mention the Sangria?

If you’ve got a hankering for pizza- did you know that Patsy’s on 118th and 1st has been open since 1933! I enjoy pizza, as many of us New Yorkers do-and I truly love going to this Patsy’s .I think this is a great way to have an awesome pie for lunch before going off to shop at East River Plaza. If you’re more in a single slice kinda mood,go to Tommy’s on 96th and Madison Avenue.

Some other options, always enjoy my meals at One Fish Two Fish, on 97th and Madison Avenue-great for a meal for two…or twenty! The staff is phenomenal, warm, friendly, and very accommodating-yes even for a group of twenty!

Some local cafes I really enjoy, East Harlem Cafe, on 104th and Lexington. I don’t drink coffee, but they have wonderful sandwiches, desserts and often have community events. I know they’ve recently started a runners club, and sometimes my networking group, Las Comadres has had events there as well. Say hi to the owner Michelle if she’s there!

El Paso Taqueria is lovely; they’ve recently moved locations from one side of Lexington Avenue to the other, but a great place to have some authentic Mexican cuisine before heading over to Museum Mile (perhaps you’re off to El Museo del Barrio or the Museum of the City of New York)!

Another great cafe with options for organic dining is Spa-Ha Cafe on 116th and Lexington-just north of the train station at 116th and Lexington.

Feeling like a great steak and an atmosphere of casual elegance-try Ricardo’s some evening before or after a performance at the Poet’s Den Theatre at the Magnolia Mansion. Or -you can stop by Anthony’s, which is right next door for a quick bite to eat as well.

Lexington Social has a great happy hour-I think almost everyday of the week, and they are located just north of the station at 103rd and Lexington- I’m always reminded of being in a speakeasy (not that I was around then!)

Two of my favorite local bakeries- Savoy Bakery on 110th just west of Third Avenue, next to a branch of the NYPL and La Tropezienne-great places to stop, have a cup of coffee or tea, a chat and a pastry.

Highly recommend both El Caribeno and La Fonda Boricua- especially as winter seems to NOT want to leave us,and if you can’t get away to warm weather,at least you can enjoy some traditional dishes-and did you know that La Fonda Boricua was featured on the Food Network,in a throwdown with Bobby Flay. The Arroz con Pollo is a MUST have (PS,they won the throwdown).

Think this is a neighborhood you’d like to explore living in ? Why not start here ?

These are just a few of my must visit locations. Connect with me on the social network of your choice today for more tips on  NYC life.

via yournycrealestateresource.com

Through use of social media,I’ve been able to expand my network and reach,with professionals and industry leaders across the country,as well as internationally.I was invited to share a weekly blog post for a  recently launched national real estate website,as well as contribute to other similar venues.It is from the perspective of course of my position as an agent in Manhattan ,taking into account external factors from the national market and drilling down to the local level. Below is my most recent post-on the importance of analysis,recognizing opportunity,and working with a team when you are buying,selling,or starting to comtemplate doing either !

Is it a market of opportunity? It may well be for some buyers and sellers in some markets….

Typically, when the media reports on housing stats, they are reporting on data they gather from the National Association of Realtors, Standard & Poor’s/Case-Schiller indices. There are those who feel we are still at risk of a double dip recession, and those who think we are rallying upwards. In some markets there exists an abundance of properties, including looming shadow inventory of distressed properties-and in others, there is scarcity that leads to situations with multiple bids.

I recently read through Swanepoel’s 2011 Trends Report as well as The Real Deal’s 2011 Data Book. And it is amazing to see the vast differences –and again- real estate, at the end of the day, is local. . In some markets there exists an abundance of properties, including looming shadow inventory of distressed properties-and in others, there is scarcity in some segments of the market that leads to situations with multiple bids.

NAR’s quarterly price data is based on median sales prices, which can be skewed upwards or downwards by sales of higher or lower priced homes. And then there’s Case Schiller,which only accounts for certain markets, and in the case of New York City metro, doesn’t even take into account the bulk of our housing stock (Manhattan is still predominantly coop !)

New York is a global beacon, of finance, arts and culture. Wall Street improving is something that bodes well for us, as well as other financial centers in the Northeast. Conditions in the global market may also make New York extraordinarily attractive to purchasers from abroad.

Many positive signs abound, but that doesn’t mean you should be throwing caution to the wind! Unsure if this is a market that could be good for you to buy or sell in ? Deeply evaluate what your goals are. Consider cost and value if you are purchasing as well as if you are selling-as these are the things your perspective buyer will be taking into account. Additionally interest rates likely won’t remain where they are indefinitely-so the cost of borrowing money will increase as rates increase .It is essential that you  consult with your team of professionals- your financial and mortgage advisors and your real estate professional-and find your next home this spring!

via yournycrealestateresource.com

Whistle while you work. Well, in my case this is generally true, and on a gorgeous morning such as today, I can feel spring in the air!

I am not a coffee drinker, but I do enjoy having a cup of tea or hot cocoa most mornings. Recently, it  seems like I have a plethora of options, both old and new and coming soon – I stopped at one today. I can not resist things with chocolate in their name, so for the second time (at least) since they opened I went to Little Brown Chocolate Bakery & Coffee, which opened within the last month on 85^th and Lexington.  (For Nutella lovers-make sure to have that added to your cocoa).

Some of my other Upper East Side favorites include M. Rohr’s, Viand, Le Pain Quotidien (I love that there are three locations on the Upper East Side that are very local to either my home or the Warburg office on 76^th and Madison). Great places to meet for a power breakfast before I head to the office to tackle a busy day are Café Bouloud, Three Guys or Saint Ambreous. If I’ve been in midtown early in the morning, on my way north, there’s Nespresso Boutique Bar and the two other Le Pain Quotidien locations to stop in at.

Oh, and coming soon, “Untitled”, a new Danny Meyer restaurant opening at the Whitney – can’t wait to go!

So, if you live or work on the Upper East Side, what are your favorites? Or, if you want to live near any of these fantastic places, let’s chat, perhaps over a coffee sometime.

via yournycrealestateresource.com

A bit of history to start.Loosely speaking, Lenox Hill is one of the neighborhoods within the neighborhood of the Upper East Side generally agreed upon to be from 79^th street down to 60^th street, with an eastern boundary that varies and a western boundary of Fifth Avenue.Some people say Lexington Avenue is an eastern most boundary,others say Second or First Avenues or  even out to York Avenue . Lenox Hill was named for a tenant farm in the 1800s of the Scottish immigrant merchant Robert Lenox. Lenox Hill Hospital, curiously, was formerly known as German Hospital and was renamed in 1918-and is actually not on property that would have originally belonged to the Lenox family.

Lenox Library was on 70^th and Fifth Avenue, in 1871 and along with John Jacob Astor’s Library was one of the two original cornerstone libraries of the New York Public Library. It was torn down in 1911,and now the Frick Museum & Library stands where the library once was.

What’s in the neighborhood today? Well a whole host of choices, from fine dining, to bagels, to book stores, libraries, shoe stores, grocery stores and gourmet emporiums!

Some places to keep an eye out for:

Barnes & Noble, Zitomer’s,Butterfield Market (they have a great selection of Tate’s baked goods, and Payard pastries as well) ,Crumbs Bake Shop,Corrado Café & Bakery, Eli’s, Citrarella, as for those famous New York Bagels, a bit of a bagel sandwich with H&H Bagels to slightly east and  Pick-a-Bagel as you head to the IRT train on Lexington.

A few local yoga studios include New York Yoga & Bikram Yoga, there are also several gyms and fitness centers. Restaurants galore- check out Flex Mussels and Due ,two faves. In the area you also have Gracie’s Market Place, E&J Luncheonette, Bloomingdales, Gracious Home and Kate’s Paperie. Few blocks north brings you to another shopping promenade along 86^th street, with retailers such as Best Buy, PC Richard, hopefully soon to be a new Fairway, there’s a Shake Shack and Barnes & Noble. This great neighborhood has many great local shops, such as Delfino, Shoe Box,and Muska Milano.

Have a cocktail at Atlantic Grill,brunch at Le Pain Quotidien. Discover your inner Julia Child at the new Sur La Table.

Does this sound like it could be the neighborhood you call home ? We invite you to consider it-why not start here ? 201 East 77^th Street, #10D

Did I miss any of your favorite neighborhood spots ? Let me know !

via yournycrealestateresource.com