Gea Elika's Blog, page 170

Terrace Time: 10 Party Planning Tips for an Outdoor Space in the City

Milder temperatures bring plenty of opportunities for outdoor fun in New York City. Locals picnic in Central Park or Prospect Park, hang out on stoops and sip cocktails, and dine with their besties in charming sidewalk cafes.

For New Yorkers lucky enough to have private outdoor space, terrace parties are a fantastic way to take in the sights and sounds of the city while entertaining friends and family. Before you begin staging your seasonal shindig, however, note these ten tips to make your event run smoother, and keep your guests talking for months about what an elegant host you are and fab party you throw.

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To Prepay or Not? That is the Question

Most people’s initial reaction is to eliminate their mortgage debt. Living in your home free and clear can give you a wonderful sense of accomplishment. After all, the bank will not be able repossess your home, and the entire value will count towards your net worth.

However, before throwing yourself a mortgage burning party, there are other considerations. Financially, it may not be in our best interest to prepay the principal on your mortgage under current conditions.

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7 Tips to Make Moving in Manhattan a Breeze

Relocating to New York City is probably one of the more difficult long distance moves any individual could take on, but what about moving within the city? Honestly, that’s not so easy either. Within Manhattan, moving from one apartment to another presents a variety of logistical issues, not to mention spatial challenges and time constraints. When I moved across town from the Upper East Side to the Upper West Side, I had no idea how tough it would be to haul my belongings a few short miles. But just as real estate is a different world in NYC, other mundane tasks such as moving come with their own set of rules as well.

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8 Reasons You Should Work with an Exclusive Buyer’s Agent in New York

Investing in real estate in any community requires a major commitment, but in New York City, potential buyers will probably be required to fork over their life’s savings, spend countless hours viewing apartments that they’ll never live in, and possibly even run into a bidding war.

The city’s market is incredibly competitive and comes with its own set of rules, which is all the more reason a buyer should not attempt to tackle the buying process alone. When it comes to NYC real estate –– regardless of know-how and budget, working with an exclusive buyer’s agent to purchase a slice of the Big Apple might be well worth someone’s while. And here’s why.

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Neighborhood Spotlight: Washington Heights

Bordered by Harlem and Inwood and situated between the Hudson and Harlem Rivers, Washington Heights or “The Heights” has kept a strong Dominican influence over the years despite its ongoing urban renewal. Home to more than 150,000 New Yorkers, the area sits 256 feet above sea level, making it the highest point on the island of Manhattan.

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5 Factors That Could Affect an Apartment’s Selling Price

Pulling comps is a given when you decide to sell your apartment, but a host of other factors come into play when you’re pricing your unit. Any competent buyer’s agent should do his or her due diligence and research the history of your building and apartment, as well as know the ins and outs of the neighborhood in which you live. It wouldn’t hurt for you, as the seller, to do a little legwork as well.

The post 5 Factors That Could Affect an Apartment’s Selling Price appeared first on | Elika Real Estate.

Neighborhood Spotlight: Greenpoint, Brooklyn

Greenpoint, Brooklyn is located in the borough’s northernmost corner. Trendy Williamsburg lies next door, and Long Island City, Queens, is north of the area. This section of Brooklyn feels more like a small town than part of bustling New York City, but development and growing popularity won’t keep it a quaint enclave for long.

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Are New York City Apartments No Fee a Good Deal?

Whether they’re moving to New York for the first time or are moving from an apartment somewhere else in the city, no fee apartments often catch the attention of renters who are looking for a new place. While it’s easy to understand why this type of apartment initially seems attractive, it’s important to be aware of why they’re not necessarily the best deal. Since we want you to be able to get the absolute best apartment for your budget, we’ve put together the following information about New York City apartments no fee and several other questions that renters often have about this process.

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Checklist: 11 Tips to Host a Successful Open House in Your Apartment

If you’ve decided to pull the trigger and sell yobur apartment, you or your broker will more than likely be hosting open houses on a regular basis until you have a contract.  Moreover, you’ll want to make sure your home is in top-notch shape and looking its best, so you stand out above the competition.

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5 New Developments Hitting the New York City Real Estate Market

Thanks to the continued surge in the New York City real estate market, there are quite a few new developments set to become available in the coming months. Here’s our roundup of five of the most notable new developments you should know about:

Brooklyn Trust Company Building

If you’ve decided that you’re going to live outside of Manhattan, there’s a lot to like about the Brooklyn Trust Company Building. Because the building has a history that dates back to 1916, it’s the perfect choice for buyers who want a blend of modern living and historical character. With apartments ranging in size from 2,200 to 3,100 square feet, this building is also very appealing in terms of space. And with prices ranging from $3.35 to $4.35 million, it’s a great option for really making the most of a budget.

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