Gea Elika's Blog, page 168
August 3, 2015
For Aspiring Downtowners: Where You’ll Get More for Your Money
Admittedly, I still dream of living in Downtown Manhattan. As an Upper West Sider, while I appreciate walking on quiet streets and living near a vast amount of green space in Riverside Park and Central Park, I definitely dig the vibe south of 23rd Street.
Back in 2008 when we were searching for an apartment to buy, my husband and I aimed to live in Chelsea. As a matter of fact, we came pretty close to buying a co-op on 24th between Seventh and Eighth Avenues, but we couldn’t pull the trigger because the price was higher, and the space required more work than comparable apartments farther uptown. Disappointed, we figured everything happens for a reason, so we started to focus our search on the Upper West Side. I guess Chelsea wasn’t meant to be, because here we are, six years later, living in the heart of the Upper West.
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July 27, 2015
Nolita’s Hottest New Addresses: 34 Prince and 152 Elizabeth
Everything’s coming up condos in New York City, or so it seems. Two of downtown’s latest creations lie in the chic Nolita neighborhood.
Hamlin Ventures and Time Equities are the developers behind 34 Prince, which is expected to include seven loft-style condos and two sprawling 9,000-square-foot townhouses, one of which will be constructed of glass. The duo paid just over $30 million for the Federal-style building –– the former home St. Patrick’s Old Cathedral School.
The post Nolita’s Hottest New Addresses: 34 Prince and 152 Elizabeth appeared first on | Elika Real Estate.
July 23, 2015
Neighborhood Spotlight: Battery Park City
You may not realize it, but Battery Park City is a 92-acre planned community. The neighborhood was created from three million cubic yards of excavated soil and rock from the World Trade Center’s construction, as well as sand dug up from the New York Harbor. BPC is located at the tip of Lower Manhattan and adjacent to Battery Park. The area extends from West Street on the east, and the Hudson River surrounds the enclave on the north, south, and west. Tribeca and the Financial District are next-door neighbors to BPC.
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July 20, 2015
6 Reasons You Should Think About Buying Instead of Renting in New York City
For the most part, being a renter vs. being a buyer is a personal choice, and often dictated by individual circumstances, such as the real estate market, the payment amount you can afford per month, and how long you plan to live in a particular place. Have a look at this online calculator from the New York Times, which tells you how long you’ll have to live in a home for your investment to start paying off.
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July 14, 2015
Neighborhood Spotlight: Dumbo
Jerry Seinfeld says, “Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass” got the abbreviated name, Dumbo because New Yorkers didn’t want to live in any neighborhood called “Dumb”. The reality is that residents coined the acronym back in 1978 because they assumed real estate moguls would hesitate to develop the neighborhood if it had an ugly name. Obviously, that assumption didn’t pan out since Dumbo is now one of New York’s priciest areas in which to live.
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July 13, 2015
Furnish Your New Pad: 5 Stylish Home Furnishings Shops in NYC
Scoring a New York apartment can be thrilling, and one of the most memorable occasions of your life. But let’s not kid ourselves, unless you’re a pro, decorating a new space can be a chore, especially if you don’t know where to shop. In a city where you have unlimited options when it comes to stylish paraphernalia, learning where to peruse home furnishings will save you time and money, making the process all the more efficient and enjoyable.
The post Furnish Your New Pad: 5 Stylish Home Furnishings Shops in NYC appeared first on | Elika Real Estate.
July 8, 2015
5 Addresses with Killer Outdoor Spaces
If you ask any New Yorker about his or her real estate wish list, I often wonder how many would say an outdoor space. Let’s face it –– it’s easy to get cabin fever when dwelling year after year in a city apartment, even if you’re fortunate enough to live in a two or three-bedroom.
It shouldn’t come as a surprise, but outdoor space isn’t exactly readily available in New York City. Millions of residents live without a smidge of greenery, but they are fortunate to have access to some of the finest public parks anywhere. There are, however, a selection of NYC apartment buildings that come with significant outdoor spaces. Here are five to leave you green with envy, or at least dreaming of swimming a lap or soaking up the sun without ever leaving home.
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July 3, 2015
Best Streets: Fifth Avenue and Park Avenue on the Upper East Side
Recognized for its posh apartment buildings and magnificent mansions, the Upper East Side is home to several streets brimming with history and wealth. Two of the most significant stretches of housing in Manhattan lie on Fifth Avenue and Park Avenue in the Upper East Side.
Both streets boast proximity to Central Park, as well as luxury addresses for a plethora of public figures and celebrities. But, if you’re not familiar with the NYC real estate market, you might ask, what distinguishes one street from the other?
The post Best Streets: Fifth Avenue and Park Avenue on the Upper East Side appeared first on | Elika Real Estate.
July 2, 2015
101 Wall
With a total of 52 residences spanning over 27 stories, 101 Wall is a gorgeous building that offers an excellent living experience.
Architecture
Why has the phrase “architectural gem” been used to describe 101 Wall? A big part of this building’s appeal is the texture and depth that it brings to the intimately scaled streets in lower Manhattan. Because the building was originally constructed in 1931, it has Art Deco features that make it a wonderful sight to behold. These details are extended into the building’s lobby and beyond.
The post 101 Wall appeared first on | Elika Real Estate.
July 1, 2015
How to Do a Successful Walkthrough Before Closing
Being prepared is essential for a successful walkthrough. When you leave for your walkthrough appointment, you’ll want to be sure that you bring a camera, notepad, pen and tape measure. This will allow you to document any issues and ensure that all of the furniture you plan to bring in will fit.
The post How to Do a Successful Walkthrough Before Closing appeared first on | Elika Real Estate.
