Japandi Design Ideas for Your NYC Apartment

The Scandinavian interior design style started in northern Europe but quickly spread worldwide. It's famous for its neutral colors and simplicity. On the other side of the globe, the Japanese also developed their distinct interior design style. Minimalism and practicality are the main ideas it tries to convey. The similarities between the two inspired a unique fusion of styles that focuses on functionality, purposefulness, and appreciation of natural materials. And thus, Japandi was born. The clean, soothing aesthetic and the mindful usage of space make it very popular in NYC apartments. Take a look at this list of Japandi design ideas to see if this style is the right fit for you.

Warm Neutral Color Palette

Both Scandinavian and Japanese interior design styles use a neutral palette of colors. However, they often differ in shade and tone. Light colors such as white and grey and typical for nordic houses. On the contrary, Japanese color palettes are typically darker and warmer, leaning more toward earth tones. The perfect fusion of those two is the main palette of Japandi: light warm neutrals. You can never go wrong with combining warm off-white walls with light browns and beiges in the furniture. If you're looking to make your place pet-friendly, try leaning towards darker but still neutral, earthy tones. It will still look just as nice and won't get dirty as quickly.

Wall Texture

A concept that comes up in many Japandi design ideas is using some sort of texture on the walls. This idea stems from Japanese interior design, where wood and bamboo paneling are very common. A good way to include this in a Japandi-themed apartment is by using thin wooden strips laid vertically on the wall. It gives the space more dimension, and it can also be used to visually separate different areas. If wooden strips are not something you like, consider shoji screens. These are screens made from wooden frames with paper panels. They're an exciting addition to any room and completely fit the overall style.

Wall panels are one of the most common Japandi design ideas via

Minimalistic approach

One of the main characteristics of Japandi is the clean and streamlined space. In order to achieve that, getting rid of all unnecessary things in your home is an absolute must. There's simply no place for furniture and pieces of decor that serve no purpose. While minimalism isn't for everyone, getting rid of some things can feel quite refreshing. If you're not ready to part with your belongings completely, you can move them to another location. Experts from consumeropinion.org suggest taking a look into a variety of services that can help you with that. Doing this will create a serene and grounded atmosphere in your Japandi home.

Natural materials

Craftsmanship appreciation is one of the key values of both Scandinavian and Japanese design styles. One of the best ways to honor this profession is by using natural materials. When looking at Japandi design ideas, you'll notice that absolutely all of them include wood in some form. Hand-crafted wooden furniture is an absolute must in a Japandi home. There are many woodwork shops in NYC and the surrounding area. Whether it's a bed or furniture for your home office, you'll almost certainly find what you're looking for. If you want to go a step further, you can get some of your wooden furniture custom-made to your liking.

Even though it's the most popular, wood is not the only natural material there is. Any other are also more than welcome in a Japandi-themed room. You can have fun with different combinations of paper, bamboo, and rattan, including natural fabrics such as linen or wool, which is also a great idea.

Wooden furniture is both good-looking and durable

Plants

Establishing a connection with nature in interior design can be tricky. However, it should be pretty straightforward if you're going for the Japandi design style. Going one step further from using natural materials is incorporating plants into your living space. If there's a balcony in your NYC home, this will be very easy for you. Even if you don't have a balcony, don't worry - you can still create your zen garden inside. The key here is to not overdo it. It's easy to get carried away when buying plants. While there is nothing inherently wrong with that, it doesn't go well with the Japandi philosophy. Instead of 10 different plants, try getting a few that make an impression. This works so much better with the ideas of simplicity and elegance you want to convey.

Well-incorporated plants can bring life to any room

Multifunctional furniture

As we already mentioned, less is more when it comes to Japandi. When you don't have many pieces of furniture, you want to ensure that the ones you own are multifunctional. This complements one of the main ideas of Japandi: everything needs to have a purpose. Of course, this doesn't work with everything: a dining chair can hardly double as storage space. Still, working around this idea is worth it, especially if you're new to more minimalistic styles. It will give you more room to adapt while maintaining the desired aesthetic.

Open-space plan

Having separate spaces for different activities can be convenient at times. However, you may want to avoid that in order to convey a true Japandi vibe in your home. Sharp walls and separations go against the free-flowing concept that is crucial to Japandi. Instead, an open space concept for the living room-dining room-kitchen area is a much better option. If you have a possibility do to so, removing structural obstacles would significantly open up the space. This will make your space seem much more luxurious and will allow a free flow of natural light and air all throughout.

Overcrowded living spaces are becoming a thing of the past. Instead, a mindful approach with an appreciation of free-flowing space and natural materials is taking over NYC. Taking the best of both Scandinavian and Japanese interior design styles and combining them offers exactly that. While there are many Japandi design ideas to choose from, they are all based on the same principles. If simplicity and functionality are something you appreciate, consider giving Japandi a shot. 

2022 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?”

Building staff in Residential New York City buildings have been essential to all residents throughout the evolving 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 the inflation being experienced in 2022. Giving additional this year will be appreciated by workers bearing the brunt of increased prices. 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.

---

Tipping Guidelines

---

Super: $175-$225
Doorman/Concierge: $150-$200
Package Room: $75-$100 per individual*
Housekeeper: 1 Week Salary
Dog Walker: 1 Week Salary
Garage Attendant: $75-$125
Personal Trainer: $125
Personal Assistant: 1 Week Salary
Hairdresser: $80-$120

*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.

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, most recently from 2021

Unexpected Costs to Prepare for When Buying a Home in NYC

Whether you are just beginning your home search in NYC, or you have conducted multiple real estate transactions in the Big Apple, it is important to be aware of or reminded of what costs to expect when buying a home in New York City that may have been glossed over when determining your budget.

Down Payments in NYC On the Rise

The initial investment or down payment is often the largest cost for homebuyers. How much of a down payment you'll need to make is determined by the property's value and the loan's terms. The standard down payment required by banks is typically 20%, however, this number is a guideline today as many lenders offer various mortgage products that have lower (or higher) down payment requirements. Because interest rates have climbed throughout most of 2022, some buyers are opting to put a larger down payment on their purchase than they might have when rates were 2-3% in order to reduce their monthly mortgage cost.

All over the country, the typical down payment is much below 10%. You may buy a home in New York City with as little as 0% down (with a VA loan) or as much as 50% down (for the most competitive co-ops).

Ensure to work with both your Real Estate Advisor and Lender as you work to set your budget, factoring in the type of building at which you are looking as well as current interest rates.

 Charges at the Start of a Loan

Most of the NYC buyers chose a mortgage as a way to finance their desired property. Mortgage rates have been fluctuating in recent years because of the Pandemic followed by high inflation. Mortgage loan origination fees typically range from 1% to 2% of the loan amount, with the higher number covering the higher costs associated with in-house processing and underwriting. If your financial standing is solid, you may be able to bargain (or shop about). If the seller wants to attract buyers in a competitive market, they could offer to cover the origination fee.

Tax on mortgage recordings

Mortgage recording taxes are assessed according to the loan amount, not the purchase price. 1.8% for loans under half a million dollars and 1.925% for loans above it apply to condominiums and one- to three-family residences, respectively. Since cooperatives do not qualify as "real property," they are excluded from this regulation.

Calculating taxes can be a daunting project, and you can easily get lost in the numbers. via

Reserves as unexpected costs to prepare for when buying a home in NYC

Liquidity needs after closure are another name for reserves. Cash, cryptocurrency, equities, and bonds are all examples of liquid assets. To convince the board of a New York City co-op that you won't have any trouble making your mortgage or maintenance payments after closing, you should have two years' worth of living expenses in liquid assets.

You can fund an escrow account with your savings as well. Non-mortgage costs, including:

• real estate tax

• common charges/monthly maintenance

• insurance premium
  

  The mortgage servicer may add these costs to the monthly mortgage payment. All of these charges will be included in your one monthly mortgage payment. Since just one payment is required, the procedure is simplified. The lender will separate the charges and pay them as appropriate. This way, you will know in advance what to prepare for when buying a home in NYC.

Paying duties on transfers

The seller is typically responsible for paying the New York City Real Property Transfer Tax. However, the transfer tax is the buyer's obligation when newly constructed condominiums or sponsor units are sold for the first time. If the purchase price is more than $500,000, you may expect to pay a tax of 1.425%, but if it's less, you can expect to pay 1%.

Moving expenses

Most people leave thinking about moving costs at the very last minute. So, moving expenses can come rather unexpectedly to them. Even more so because if you don't plan and end up moving on short notice, you'll have less choice in terms of moving companies and more bills to pay. If you're moving long distance to New York, make sure to look for affordable help, meaning, start searching for reliable movers as soon as possible.

Renovation Costs Can Add up Quickly

Depending on how well the actual property goes with your end vision, you'll need to adjust and invest in some renovations. Of course, you expect the major ones, but it's important to put on paper how much money you will put into them. Also, minor things like pet-proofing your apartment can come to mind at the very last minute, and you might end up costing you more than expected.

 Legal costs

When purchasing a home in New York City, you must hire a real estate attorney. The purchasing procedure in New York City is more complicated than in other markets, making the assistance of an attorney essential. A real estate lawyer's fees are often structured differently from those of an hourly rate law firm. You may expect to spend between $1,500 and $4,000. The most you should ever pay is $5,000. Avoid anybody who offers to act on your behalf for a few hundred dollars.

A good lawyer can help you with all the unexpected costs to prepare for when buying a home in NYC.

Warranty on title

Title insurance shields you against any financial obligations the previous owner may have left on actual property, such as a condo or townhouse. You must set aside a few thousand dollars to guarantee a clear title. In other words, less than 1% of the buying price). On a $1,000,000 property, this may cost upwards of $4,000. But your peace of mind is worth much more than that.

Final thoughts

As you see, there are a lot of unexpected costs to prepare for when buying a home in NYC. You need to consider all of these to avoid any unpleasant surprises. You can always call a reliable real estate agent and ask for help when in doubt.

How to Pet-Proof Your New Manhattan Apartment

How to Pet-Proof Your New Manhattan Apartment?

Finding an apartment in a pet-friendly building in Manhattan can be challenging. So, if you managed to find one, you are lucky. Whether you own or rent, protecting your home from damage is important, and this includes damage caused by your furry family member. That is important because any damage can reduce property value or cause you to lose your deposit. Here are some tips on how to pet-proof your new Manhattan apartment.

Tips on how to pet-proof your new Manhattan apartment

Anyone that has had a puppy or kitten knows that pets are very similar to toddlers. They are very curious and love to explore any new place. Unfortunately, just like toddlers, they can also be unintentionally destructive. It is natural to scratch all surfaces and chew on various items. Not to mention that pets can also be pretty clumsy, like toddlers. A dog might accidentally break things with its tail, while a cat might break something while jumping on furnishings. At the same time, they can also get injured in the process. So, here are some tips on how to pet-proof your new Manhattan apartment.

Choose the right flooring

If you own a pet, flooring is the first thing you should address in your new Manhattan apartment. You need floors that won't scratch, stain or retain odors, so you must analyze your options and decide which would work best. Here are some of your best options:

●      Laminate floors are one of the best solutions for pet owners because they are easy to clean and water resistant. Plus, even if they scratch, it’s not that noticeable. However, they can become slippery when wet, which can be uncomfortable and dangerous for your pets. Therefore, make sure you keep them dry while your pet is around.

●      Vinyl floors are efficient since they can withstand clawing and are easy to clean. Furthermore, one of the best parts about this material is its quietness. That means it will reduce clawing and jumping noises. But once again, you must keep them dry. Otherwise, they can lift and produce mildew.

●      Carpets are a great solution, particularly for tenants. Since you cannot redo the entire flooring in your rented apartment, you can at least protect it. One of the most significant advantages of carpets is that they are much more comfortable for you and your pet. However, the downside is that they quickly absorb fluids, thus retaining odors and staining.

●      You can invest in a waterproof carpet if you’re worried about frequent peeing incidents. Of course, this is not as soft and comfy as a traditional carpet, but it’s practical in cases like this.

Carpets help protect your floors and are more comfortable for your pet and yourself.

Pet-proof your furniture

Both cats and dogs love sofas and comfy chairs. The problem is that they cover them in pet hair and sometimes even potty stains. Not to mention that cats enjoy scratching your furniture. So, how can you protect your furnishings? Firstly, make sure that you groom and brush your pets regularly. Do not forget to trim their nails as well. Secondly, use lots of washable blankets and slipcovers. Thirdly, spread lots of scratching posts or chew toys around the house to provide an alternative for your pets.

Remove fragile items from your new Manhattan apartment

If you have valuable and fragile furnishings and home accessories, removing them from your apartment might be the best option. Because accidents happen, no matter how many safety precautions you take. So, you should consider renting some storage to ensure the safety of your belonging. Plus, you never have enough storage space when you live in an apartment. So, if your home is getting smaller by the day and you can never find what you need, that’s a clear sign that you need some extra storage.

Protect your pets from electricity

Electrical wires and cables are hazardous. On the one hand, they represent a tripping hazard for your pets. Because, just like toddlers, when pets get excited, they don’t pay attention to these things. On the other hand, they love chewing on and playing with everything that isn’t a toy, so they risk getting electrocuted. Therefore, you should use floor cord covers or hide wires and cables behind baseboards.

Hide or remove anything that might be toxic

We all love decorating our apartments with plants because they brighten up the place, look great, and can increase oxygen levels. However, our furry friends also enjoy chewing on them. The problem is that many indoor plants are toxic for pets. So, you should do some thorough research before buying plants. Of course, if you have a dog, you can also solve this problem by positioning the plants out of reach. Unfortunately, this doesn’t work for cats since they are good climbers.

Make sure you decorate your new Manhattan apartment with indoor plants that are not toxic for pets.

Moreover, it’s not just plants that you have to worry about. Cleaning products are just as toxic for animals as they are for humans. So, you should keep them under lock and key. Furthermore, you should hide away food as well. Anything left out in the open can become a target for your pets. And it’s not just that they will gain some weight, but some human food can harm pets. Therefore, if your Manhattan apartment has ample storage space, you should use it.

Conclusion

As you’ve seen, pet-proofing isn’t all that different from child-proofing.  When it comes to how to pet-proof your new Manhattan apartment, you have to consider the safety of your pet and your belongings. However, be advised that no matter how many safety measures you take, accidents can still occur.

Mortgage Rates 2022: How High are Mortgage Rates? [INFOGRAPHIC]

The housing market in 2022 has certainly been characterized by higher mortgage rates as the Fed continues to increase its benchmark Federal Funds rate in an effort to combat inflation. With the Fed making its third 75 basis-point increase at its recent September policy meeting, what does that mean for mortgage rates?

It is important to note that the Fed does not control or set mortgage rates, however, it greatly influences them via monetary policy. Mortgage Rates typically tend to track the 10-year Treasury yield, so when yields rise, mortgage rates tend to go up as well.

 Are Mortgage Rates High Today?

While mortgage rates are currently the highest they have been since approximately 2008, the average rate for 30-year fixed mortgage according to Freddie Mac’s historical data shows that rates have been much higher than they currently are as well. Rates were in excess of 10% for most of the 1980s.

---

 Today’s Average 30-year Fixed Rate: 6.43%

---

via bankrate

While nobody wants to pay higher rates as it can erode home purchasing power, it is not all bad news. Interest Rates are still relatively low compared to historical standards. There are always benefits to homeownership and the predictability in monthly costs that a fixed-rate mortgage provides compared to renting.

Additionally, higher rates have impacted demanded which means there is less competition at certain price points and property types compared to the height of the busy 2021 market. This means that serious Buyers can still find opportunity and value in the market as the regain some of their negotiating power.

Easy Home Office Ideas for Small NYC Apartments

The last few years have turned working from home into the new normal. And many people enjoy it because of the more relaxed work environment. Not to mention that they can save a lot of time and money by avoiding those long commutes. However, many people struggle with staying productive at home because of all the distractions. Kids are running around the house and house chores are calling your name. Therefore, a good solution is to set up a dedicated space to conduct your work. But while you can find great luxury building amenities in NYC, most apartments were not designed to incorporate a home office. Thus, it can be hard to make room for one. So, here are some easy home office ideas for small NYC apartments.

 Finding the right location is key

If you want to stay productive, working from the sofa or the kitchen counter is not an option. You need dedicated office space, no matter how small it is. Having a defined space for work within your home can help you compartmentalize work vs. “home”. Go through every room of the apartment to identify areas that could fit a small desk. Here are a few ideas that could work:

• Convert a closet into your office space. Of course, storage space is important, but so is your work. So, make a compromise, and transform one of your closets into your office. And if you have nowhere to move the stuff in there, you should consider renting storage. Explore this solution because it can help you maximize the space in the entire apartment.

• Find an empty corner. Many apartments have empty corners, which is a waste of space. You can easily fit a small corner desk in there.

• Use the under-stair space. If your apartment has indoor stairs, the space underneath is probably empty. So, why not turn it into an office? Just make sure that your family members don’t use it as a dumping ground for their stuff.

• Create a nook or convert an existing one. One of the top easy home office ideas for small NYC apartments is to carve out a nook. For example, you can sacrifice a small part of your wardrobes to create a nook between them. Or, you can transform your reading nook into an office nook.

Make sure you have enough light

While the above-mentioned ideas are great, they lack proper lighting. And this constitutes a problem for your work productivity. Therefore, making room for a small desk in front of a window would be best. Natural light helps you stay focused and improves your mood, so you should have plenty of it. Nevertheless, this isn’t always possible. So, if the office area you choose is dark, make sure you add enough artificial lights.

Your home office should benefit from a lot of natural light, so, if possible, place your desk in front of a window.

One of the best easy home office ideas for small NYC apartments is creating a multi-functional area

If you’re not willing to sacrifice any part of your NYC apartment, the best option is to create a multi-functional area. And the best way to do that is by investing in transformable furniture. These pieces of furniture help you save space and hide your office whenever you have guests. Or you can simply get creative and identify furnishings around the apartment that can become multi-functional. For example, a bedroom vanity can be used both as a makeup table and as a work desk.

Create office storage space

For most jobs, you need more than just your laptop. You might need printed documents, stationery, and more. Therefore, you’ll need some space to store all of this. When space is a valuable resource, you need to take advantage of every inch. To do this, you might want to consider the option of a floating desk that leaves room underneath for storage cabinets and drawers.

Another great option is to use all the available vertical space. You can install cabinets and shelves on the wall. And you can even get creative by hanging pots and spice racks to use as storage. Nevertheless, if you want to make the most out of your vertical space, then custom built-ins are the way to go.

When you have a small office space, it can easily look messy and overcrowded. And this, in turn, makes you less productive. So, keep your desk tidy at all times by keeping everything stored away in cabinets and drawers. And make sure you declutter your office space regularly. Plus, according to the consultants from divinemoving.com, you should declutter your entire NYC apartment regularly to maximize the space.

One of the best home office ideas for small NYC apartments is to regularly declutter your office area to maximize the space.

Don’t go overboard when you decorate

When you decorate your small home office, you should keep it simple. Don’t go overboard because it will look cluttered and will distract your attention. So, leave the decorative home accessories for other parts of the room. Instead, opt for one or more beautiful indoor plants. This solution is great because it looks good and it also improves air quality. And according to the research, good air quality increases productivity.

Decorate your home office with indoor plants that are both beautiful, and improve air quality.

Another idea that can be both esthetical and practical is defining your work area. On the one hand, you can use room dividers that will make your workspace more private. They represent a great solution for hiding your home office when you have guests. And at the same time, they create a more professional background for video meetings. On the other hand, you can define your work area by painting the strip of the wall in front of your desk. In this case, you should use a contrasting color to the rest of the wall. This will make it stand out.

Final thoughts

Working from home has many benefits. Nevertheless, it can be hard to stay focused and productive in such a relaxed environment. Therefore, you should consider setting up a home office. But sometimes, finding room for one can be very hard. It doesn’t  matter if your NYC apartment is big or small because it is likely it was not designed with a home office in mind. Thus, you need to get creative and maximize the space you have. So, use these easy home office ideas for small NYC apartments.

Features to Look for in Luxury Homes for Families

What is a luxury home? Or, in other words, what makes a home feel luxurious? Is it a home with facilities that make the owner feel pampered or indulged? When the word luxury is mentioned, large pools, indoor gyms, game rooms, backyard tennis courts, and home theaters come to mind. But what are the most desired features to look for in luxury homes for families?

An Open Floor Plan

The open floor plan concept has become so popular in luxury homes because it emphasizes the size of the home and is a compliment to the modern lifestyle many luxury buyers lead today. Instead of many smaller, copped-up rooms with an open floor concept, you get a huge living area that feels rich. Furthermore, having larger, open spaces in your home will make entertaining groups of people much more effortless. Having the right amount of space, whether in your kitchen, dining room, living room, or outdoor space, provides a more comfortable party or get-together. Plus, it gives you increased flexibility when it comes to designing your spaces. You can create a quiet corner in your living room, just for your indoor plants, that feels more like an indoor garden.

Plenty of Outdoor Space

When considering features to look for in luxury homes for families, the second thing that comes to mind is outdoor space. If you are a family with kids, you probably want your kids to have more than enough space to run around and enjoy their time outside. Since the pandemic, outdoor space has become an incredibly desired amenity. A large yard with enough space for a pool, a garden, an outdoor kitchen with a grill, and a shady relaxation spot is a must. Moreover, if your kids are still little, consider leaving space in the backyard for a jungle gym or swing set.

When looking at luxury houses, the amount of outdoor space is very important.

Smart Technology

Technology has advanced to levels that most of us cannot even comprehend in the last several years. As a result, it is no surprise that smart houses are becoming more popular. Smart homes were one of the top luxury home trends last year, and it does not appear that things have changed much since then. As technology advances, smart appliances are becoming an increasingly crucial feature for luxury home buyers. Smart home technology may be integrated into any home, starting with a smart thermostat, fridge, home security system, doorbell, and even an electronic home personal assistant.

Extensive Storage Space is a Must in Luxury Homes for Families

For some people, a walk-in closet is a true sign of wealth, for families, having thoughtful and functional storage throughout the entire home is also a must. According to experts at benhur.com, huge storing options such as walk-in closets have always been a popular sign of wealth among the general public. In part, this could be due to the number of reality shows that feature huge walk-in closets filled with expensive things.

We have never heard a Buyer say they regret having a large walk-in closet in their primary suite….sometimes even two!

A walk-in closet is an excellent way to both store and showcase your luxury belongings.

If the Kardashian-style “boutique” closet in the master bedroom is not for you, you will never regret having large closets in all bedrooms and common high-traffic areas such as the foyer and off the garage.
Game & Theater Rooms

When it comes to opulent living for the entire family, gaming and movie rooms have been popular for decades. For years now, an in-home theater and game room have become standard features in most million-dollar homes. Moreover, wealthy property owners are attempting to push this trend even further by installing amenities like indoor basketball courts and expensive sports bar setups with televisions and indoor bars. The main objective is to create an environment where a homeowner of this luxury property never needs to leave the comforts of their own home because everything they need is within their reach.

A Home Gym

Having to drive to go to the gym filled with other people? The focus on home gyms has skyrocket since the pandemic for a number of reasons including convenience and privacy. Home gyms at their pinnacle would have plenty of space for equipment, machines, and weights, as well as additional amenities like built-in wireless speakers and TVs. Like a cherry on top, luxury homes should also have a private sauna and an indoor pool as places to relax after a hard workout.

Home Office

In the years since the pandemic started, millennial homeowners popularized home offices among the general population, not just the wealthy. However, a beautifully decorated and well–organized home office is another feature you should look for in a luxury home for your family.

In recent years, home offices have become an essential part of luxury homes.

Final Thoughts

When it comes to luxury homes, everyone has their own preferences, however, we covered some of the most popular and requested features that luxury buyers look for in family homes.

In a competitive market, it is important to partner with professionals across the entire home buying process from purchase to moving. That starts with working with real estate agents that are knowledgeable about the neighborhoods in which you are interested. When it is time to move into your new home, we highly recommend higher professionals to help take some of the burden off of this typically stressful process. If you are moving within the NYC area, get all the help you need and hire reputable local movers to take care of and transport your belongings.

Key Trends to Watch in NYC Real Estate During the Second Half of 2022

The NYC Luxury Real Estate Market enters the second half of the year after a strong first half of 2022

We are officially halfway through 2022! The NYC market experienced additional records during the first half of 2022. As we enter the back half, market dynamics have begun to shift. While markets grapple with record high inflation and rising interest rates, signed contract activity has slowed and we have also seen an uptick in inventory. In the sales market, leverage is beginning to shift toward Buyers while the Rental market continues to remain highly competitive and hot.

The New York market has had a stellar past few years, but we have not seen the lofty price appreciation levels of 20%+ that some markets around the country experienced. Coming out of Covid, we saw elevated activity metrics, given the low amount of transactions that occurred throughout most of 2020. Additionally, inventory shortages are not new to the New York market.

 Heading into the back half, the shift in pace and market dynamics can likely be viewed as a return to normal from the frenzied pace observed throughout 2021 and the beginning of 2022. Mixed economic signals have deterred some luxury buyers, but there are many that are still motivated by a deal. It is important to remember that most transactions in the Manhattan luxury market are cash transactions, so a softening of the market surfaces opportunities for these buyers.

Buyers flocked to luxury properties during the first half of 2022. Pricing will be key as we enter the back half.

 Key Trends to Watch in the Second Half of 2022:

• Consumer Sentiment: likely to remain uncertain until we see positive economic data as well as a turnaround in equity markets

• Price Sensitivity: record high inflation that has raised prices across nearly every sector is weighing on consumer psychology…Buyers are motivated by a deal so accurate pricing will be key

• Construction Costs: we do not anticipate that construction costs will drastically drop in the near future, so the opportunity cost of waiting is still something Buyers need to assess.

• Rental Prices: rents rise in both economic booms and recessions so while a slight softening of activity in the white hot NYC rental market is reasonable, we do not expect prices to see a sharp decline.

 In times like these, it is very important to partner with the right real estate professional that truly understands the local market - in New York, that can be as local as down to a specific building! Media headlines can often be misleading and inaccurate in the narrative they are telling - a professional is your best asset heading into the second half of the year!

Guide: Celebrate Father's Day in NYC & The Hamptons

Father’s Day is Sunday June 19th this year, and whether you are in New York City or The Hamptons, here are a few ways to celebrate Dad.

Enjoy an NYC Beer Garden

via Grimm Ales Instagram

Many are surprised at the number of beer gardens located throughout the city. Enjoy the June weather and some brews with Dad. Grimm Artisanal Ales in East Williamsburg is a cool spot that mixes up experimental flavors with a unique setting that features graphic art. You’ll also find work of different graffiti artists on their cans. They also have 160 oak barrels for aging sour beer…truly a unique find in NYC!

990 Metropolitan Avenue

Shou Sugi Ban House

via Shou Sugi Ban House Instagram

Give dad the gift and experience of relaxation at The Hamptons go-to wellness destination. The wellness program is inspired by the principles of Wabi-sabi and traditions that value simple beauty and healing properties found within the natural world. Shou Sugi Ban House’s spa and wellness offerings include massages and hydrotherapy.

337 Montauk Highway, Water Mill

Dinner at Kassaki

Via Kassaki Instagram

Enjoy a sushi dinner at this Water Mill spot. Kassaki focuses on Omakase sushi and Kaiseki traditions. A 16 course tasting experience is offered which includes the chef’s choice of three appetizers, 13 pieces of nigiri and a dessert.

670 Montauk Highway, Water Mill

Explore Governor’s Island

via Governor’s Island Instagram

Hop on the ferry to Governor’s Island to enjoy the many activities and exhibits. There are multiple events occurring over Father’s Day weekend including the NYCRuns Father’s Day 5K & 10K, FAD Market Pop-up, and the NYC Lavender Festival.

Merchants Cigar Bar

via Merchant Cigar bar Instagram

What’s more classic than this Upper East Side cigar bar? Treat dad to the special Surf, Turf, and Smoke experience. This will include a choice of a MCB 1996 series cigar, a selection of spirit tastings with choices ranging from scotch to tequila, and a curated dinner.

1125 1st Avenue

The Hamptons Summer 2022 Restaurant Openings

It is time for another Summer season in The Hamptons. Each summer season brings with it highly anticipated new restaurant to Long Island’s East End. This year is no exception with new places popping up from Southampton to Montauk. We’re sharing a few of this season’s most anticipated openings.

Lobster Roll

The iconic Napeague fish shack known by its sign along Montauk Highway is expanding to a new location after 57 years.  Lobster Roll has taken over the old Princess Diner location in Southampton to offer up its cold and hot lobster roll and other favorites including fried clams and crab cakes. 32 Montauk Highway, Southampton

Sant Ambroeus

Spaghetti pomodoro via Sant Ambroeus

The famous Sant Ambroeus pink awnings will be going up on Newtown Lane in East Hampton at the former Babette space. Enjoy all your Milanese favorites will people watching. The East Hampton location is expected to serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner. 66 Newtown Lane, East Hampton

Enchanté

The empty Red Bar Brasserie will finally be home to a new restaurant after sitting empty for nearly 3 years. Heath Freeman, known from the popular East Hampton spot Si Si, has taken it over and is expected to transform it into a French bistro called Enchanté this summer. Gallic classics such as onion soup, escargots, dry-aged duck, and lobster frites will be served. 210 Hampton Road, Southampton

Sunset Harbor

Views at Sunset Harbor via East Hampton Point

The Harbor Grill on Three Mile Harbor may have a new name, but it will still offer some of the best sunsets in town. It’s been renamed Sunset Harbor, of course. The new restaurant’s menu includes selections of seafood such as shrimp scampi topped with fresh crab; mussel cazuela with coconut broth and chorizo. Sushi offerings will include local fish. 313 Three Mile Harbour Hog Creek Road, East Hampton

Little Ruby’s at Ruschmeyers

If you love the Ruby’s locations throughout the city, get ready for the all day Australian café’s pop-up that is coming to Ruschmeyers. Little Ruby’s Montauk will be serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner ,and come 10:30 the kitchen will close and they’ll switch over to table and bottle service. 161 Second House Road, Montauk.

---

Enjoy Summer in Your Dream Home - New Construction in Water Mill

1552 Deerfield Road, Water Mill

This 9300 sq. ft. transitional home (6150 above-ground plus 3150 below) is being crafted by one of the Hamptons' most dynamic build-design teams for July 1, 2022 completion. The nearly 3-acre estate parcel is just past some of the Hamptons most gorgeous open fields and horse farms, with easy access to Water Mill, Bridgehampton, Southampton or Sag Harbor. Midway through construction, there is time to coordinate with the home's expert designer team regarding finishing touches and even custom furnishings if desired.

This newly built home features:

• Kitchen with marble waterfall island, 2’ marble counters and Subzero/Wolf appliances

• Two primary suites

• Completed basement with wellness center

• 42’ heated pool with hot tub

• Pool house

• All-weather tennis court

For more information visit 1552 Deerfield Road