When the New York City real estate market undergoes the kind of wide changes we’ve seen recently, you would expect changes in how prospective buyers approach their choices. No surprise there.
With lending tight and larger deposits often being sought by lenders, many of this spring’s local homebuyers are seeking ‘move-in ready’ properties…homes that require little or no out-of-pocket cash before moving in. That growing segment of the buying public has grown weary of bargain-hunting, are tired of viewing REO’s and short sales — and just want to be able to settle into their new home as-is. They want a bottom line cost that’s nailed down.
Automatically qualified to interest such homebuyers are today’s local luxury homes: homes with features that bring a higher-end “feel” — even if their size or location would seem to indicate otherwise. Adding some of these features can send the ‘luxury’ message…and adding some of those features can cost less than you’d think!
Luxury homes almost always have a well-planned, open kitchen. One step in the right direction is to simply remove everything from counters to create the look of more space. The current tendency is to value kitchens with a multitude of storage and counter space. Where that’s not possible, actually more important will be adding new appliances with a modern feel: go for stainless steel to create the feel of luxury – possible even in modest spaces.
Another feature qualifying luxury homes is at least one luxury bathroom. Here, it is hard to get past the need to provide ample space for comfort, though spa-style baths are one item that can do the trick. You may also consider a tile mosaic backsplash: that kind of tasteful design touch goes far toward creating a feel of luxury. More simply (and economically), just changing out the faucets to a brushed nickel or other metal surface (please – not gold!) can do the trick. Add fluffy white towels, an orchid or two, and great smelling candle and voila! Instant luxury. Depending on the layout of your bathroom, changes can be pleasingly inexpensive.
Luxury homes may also include green features. New windows, added insulation, and solar heating are prime examples, but without the budget for major improvements, it’s also possible to take a more modest approach. New energy-efficient LED light bulbs can be one minor feature that can add appeal to today’s luxury homebuyers. You may also consider getting your home LEED rated through a national or local institution. Not only will your family benefit from installing green features, but it will encourage most buyers to consider your home a notch above the local competition.
Of course, there is no substitution for good old-fashioned personal advice. If you’re mulling over your own home sale this spring or summer, contact me anytime for a custom consultation about practical ways you can maximize your prospects.
Explaining that the commercial real estate sector closely follows the national economy, National Association of Realtor Chief Economist, Lawrence Yun, expressed a positive outlook for the commercial market. Speaking at the Commercial Business Trends Forum during its Midyear Legislative Meetings & Trade Expo in Washington, D.C., he clarified that commercial markets lag behind the overall economic recovery by about 12 to 24 months.
Improvements in the overall economic picture, with stock markets regaining almost all of 2008 and 2009’s loses and the corporate sector looking to invest its substantial cash reserves, commercial real estate should pickup even more this year.
Of course, some negatives still may overshadow financial markets: Greece may yet default, and the states of California and Illinois are in danger of reneging on their debts as well. Unemployment, while appearing to have improved, most likely will remain high for some time to come. Financing for commercial real estate continues to be problematic, however, so lack of cash may prevent smaller companies or companies without cash reserves from making investments in new property.
According to Yun, the most promising sectors are multi-family properties and office space. Leasing rates are up in New York City. In robust markets like the nation’s capital, vacancies continue to fill. According to John Sikaitis, Senior Vice President of Research at Jones Lang LaSalle, believes that both of these markets may stagnate due to the uncertain political and undetermined changes in financial regulations.
Even slower to improve are industrial and retail space sales, but they are expected to continue to improve. Due to the expansions in the energy sector, Sikaitis anticipates more vigorous growth in Houston. He also expects limited continued market tightening in the Denver area resulting from the emergence of the natural gas industry. In Los Angeles, increased recovery in the first quarter appears propelled by both the gaming and entertainment industries.
He explains that different areas of the markets, while continuing to recover throughout the year to come, will do so at differing rates of speed. The assumption is that across all markets, overall rents will continue slow growth.
The Commercial Real Estate 2012 Lending Survey reveals that commercial lending standards have tightened for smaller businesses. Many transactions for smaller businesses and investors fell through due to lack of funding even while larger transactions were completed. Many long-time investors continue to be unable to get loans. Until the current lending climate changes, growth in the commercial real estate sector remains hampered.
Landscaping in areas with limited space can be daunting since every section of the garden will have a huge impact on its productivity as a whole. Individuals living in city environments with small amounts of space for gardening have developed some resourceful ways to maintain gardens. Most of these gardens are located in spaces that have limited access to proper sunlight and have a smaller plot of land to work with. Operating a fruitful garden in areas that share similar characteristics will require sound planting advice and educated placement.
Underrated benefits of vines and natural vegetation
Vines fall into a category of plants that offer plenty of benefits, but are often overlooked by gardeners. Vines offer many solutions to common issues faced by gardeners when it comes to space constraints and other issues. Using vines to make the most out of your vertical garden area is extremely effective since vines will grow regardless of the surrounding areas. Vines will coil themselves around any object they touch and will continue to grow vertically as much as the environment will allow.
Many gardeners use vines to cover walls, fences, and similar elements to create a visual effect unlike any other plant.
Various Species of Vines
Some of the most fasting growing seasonal vines like the Bottle Gourd, Moonflower and Hyacinth Bean vines are known to grow pretty much anywhere as long as there in an adequate amount of water and sun. These species can grow up to 20 feet within a growing annually.
Some vines take longer to grow like the trumpet vines that will take multiple years for it to begin to grow. Once these perennial vines have began their growing cycle, they can become as active as annual vines and will continue to grow for years to come.
Most species of vines will only grow horizontally if that’s the only place for them to grow. This technique has been utilized to create vine covers on the ground and on pergolas. One of the most unique growing techniques that some vines offer is that when they have grown to their fullest extent vertically, they will coil back towards the ground which offers a great look.
Location, Location, Location
Some vines are known as aggressive growers and have the ability of growing into powerful braids of vines that may prove detrimental to surrounding to surrounding trees and plants if allowed to. These aggressive growing vines have the ability of outgrowing surrounding trees or plants to the extent of blocking nutrients from reaching them. The successfulness of your vines can rely on what other plants you have growing around it.
Many gardeners that have learned to adapt to the urban city environment has learned to compensate for the limited amount of horizontal space with the decent amount of vertical space typically offered. Vines have proven to be ideal plants for areas where there is more vertical space offered than horizontal space. Before you decide to plant vines in your small garden, do some research on the growing qualities of the plats. Make sure that you don’t mix aggressive growing vines with less dominant growers as they will be overcome and may die.
Trinity Wall Street Church
74 Trinity Place
New York, NY 10006
Trinity Wall Street Church is an Episcopal church located in Lower Manhattan in New York City. Part of New York’s Episcopal Diocese, Trinity is located at intersection on Broadway, at the Wall Street intersection that leads to the financial distric. A historic church with a history spanning just over three centuries, Trinity has endured through three incarnations.
The original Trinity Church was granted its charter in 1697 from England’s King William III and the initial service was held there the following year. Over the next half-century, it expanded to include Trinity School and King’s College, which later became Columbia University. During the War of Independence, though many parishioners were revolutionaries, the clergy were forced to remain loyal to the Crown.
The church burned to the ground during the war, but was rebuilt and became the second Trinity in the late 1780s, after which then-President George Washington regularly attended services at St. Paul Chapised its stel. The second version of Trinity survived until the late 1830s, when heavy snows compromructure and it was torn down.
The present church is the third incarnation. It was designed in 1846 by Richard Upjohn and its spire was the highest point in New York City for nearly fifty years. Another of the Trinity’s distinctive features is a set of huge bronze doors designed after the doors of a European church. Richard Morris Hunt designed them based on the original design at the Baptistery in Florence, Italy.
Another notable landmark in front of the church is Trinity Root. Created by Steven Tobin from the roots of the famed sycamore tree buried in debris from the fallout of the World Trade Center Tower One collapse on 9/11, it stands in front of Trinity Church today.
Scores of famous people are buried in Trinity Cemetery. Two of the more prominent names are Alexander Hamilton and Robert Fulton. Founding Father and first Secretary of the Treasury, Hamilton lies under a white stone pyramid located on the lot’s graveyard. The man who invented the steamboat, Fulton lies buried in a nearby family vault with his wife.
Trinity Church was unwittingly involved in the Wall Street protests that occupied parts of the city in the latter part of 2011. While the clergy offered spiritual support to the protesters, they declined when the demonstrators asked to use land adjacent to church-owned property as a place to camp.
As for services, Trinity offers daily worship and is often used for baptisms and weddings, as well. Trinity Churchyard is open to the public, weather permitting, every day. Trinity Cemetery and Mausoleum, however, are only open Monday through Friday. A tour of Trinity’s grounds starts every day at 2 pm and the church is easily accessible by each of the city’s subway lines. Also available are nearby hotels and parking for Sunday services. There’s even a gift shop selling learning materials for children, devotionals for churchgoers, hymnals, prayer books, jewelry, and music CDs. Finally, there is Trinity Preschool and Nursery, which offers daycare services for children up to five years of age.
Cars have been part of people’s subconscious for decades. We use them for many things: basic commuting to work or school, traveling for vacation, and transporting cargo or people. Sometimes we even use them just for showing off. Cars can make our hearts race and pulses pound. Exotic ones, the ones priced so far out of the average person’s realm of possibility, hold an even greater appeal. They are a symbol of wealth, excess, and success. They turn heads when seen rumbling down a city street or gliding down the freeway. Often, the exotic car is more famous or more desirable than the celebrity or wealthy person driving it.
Here are several incredible cars and the rich, famous people who drive them. Each person is well-known, as is the car. The question is, of course, which is more famous: the person or the car?
Larry Ellison’s McLaren F1
Larry Ellison is the co-founder and CEO of Oracle, the world-famous computer technology company. But Ellison’s 1995 McLaren F1 is arguably more famous to those in the know. At the time of its creation, the McLaren F1 was considered a revolutionary invention and, in 1998, it was proclaimed the fastest street legal car ever. Silver with black interior and one of only a hundred built, the F1 was reportedly purchased by Ellison for just under $800,000. If you have the means to buy one now, it would probably set you back at least $3.75 million, as that was the price it fetched at an auction in 2010. To the consternation of car lovers everywhere, production on the car stopped in 1998.
Phil Knight’s Audi R8
Phil Knight, Nike founder and University of Oregon super fan and benefactor, is one of the most recognizable people in the world. The Audi R8 he drives, which retails for $120,000, is quite well known, too. However, never content to do anything mundane, Knight not only has a shiny black R8, but he also acquired one with a contrasting silver sideblade just behind the doors over the rear wheelwell, which gives a bolder look to a car that already turns heads on general principles.
The Gates 959
Bill Gates is also one of the most famous people in the world. Co-founder and head of Microsoft, you know he has to drive something outlandish, given his living in a huge compound on Lake Washington in the state of Washington. His car is even more well-known by auto enthusiasts the world over. Dubbed the “Gates 959”, his Porsche 959 Coupe is an incredible car because it’s only one of 230 in the world.
When imported into the U.S. during the mid-1980s, the car had no crash-test rating. This meant it wasn’t approved by the Environmental Protection Agency or the Department of Transportation. So, it was stored for nearly fifteen years at the Port of Seattle by Customs. Gates wasn’t able to drive it until then-President Bill Clinton signed the “Show and Display” law in 1999. This allowed Gates to finally drive this incredible car, though according to the bill’s stipulations, with severe limitations. Priced at $225,000 new, it now is worth north of $400,000.
20 W 64th St
(between W Central Park & Broadway)
Manhattan, NY 10023
Neighborhood: Upper West Side
(212) 595-1313
CLICK HERE FOR THE MENU
About Boulud Sud
The Upper West Side has its share of swanky restaurants for fine dining. There are many to choose from, but a lot of them have the same tricks. If you’re looking for something different and a breath of fresh air in fine dining, check out Boulud Sud. This fantastic restaurant is a Mediterranean hot spot known for its super fresh seafood and exotic flavors. If you’ve ever wanted to jump into an episode of Anthony Bourdain when he’s sailing the Mediterranean seas, Boulud Sud is definitely a place worth exploring. The flavors are exotic, but not spicy. Even the less venturous restaurant goer will find something on the menu to suit his or her palette. The restaurant is also connected to Bar Boulud, which can be found in the basement. If you have a hankering for some after dinner drinks, be sure to pay the bar a visit downstairs.
What to Order
It’s all about seafood at Boulud Sud. After all, we’re mimicking the amazing dishes found at restaurants along the Mediterranean coast! Sea scallops, urchin, crab tartines and grilled octopus are just a few of the favorites at this place. For sides, think brussel sprouts, arugula and spinach, which are all just as fresh as the sea food. There’s also quail for those who aren’t into seafood. The meal is big, but it’s a light meal.
You won’t find massive portions or heavy butters, creams or pasta. This is how the Mediterranean eat every meal, which is why they’re some of the most heart healthy people on the planet. The food focuses on flavor. There’s minimal use of hefty, filler food such as pasta, rice or bread. It’s primarily fresh seafood, poultry and….did we mention seafood? The olive oil used for the breads (which are given in small quantities) at Boulud Sud is a light, fruity olive oil. It’s from Spain and doesn’t pack the depth of an Italian olive oil, but it’s delicious nonetheless. Expect spices and lemon notes throughout each dish for optimal flavor. Boulud Sud focuses on grilling nearly every animal that comes through its doors, which makes for amazing dishes that are flavorful, yet light. There’s no after dinner sluggish feel when you’ve eaten at Boulud Sud.
How Much?
Boulud Sud is definitely for a celebration or special night out. Entrees are $35 and up. Before dinner time there’s a pre-theater prix fixe meal that costs $55 per person and includes three courses, including an appetizer and dessert. This is the more budget savvy route to go if you’re a tourist who’s already spending a bundle at other fabulous restaurants throughout Manhattan. The reservations add up quickly, so if you’re going to New York City or have plans to see a show at Lincoln Center, definitely call about a week in advance to snag a table. During the week, you may be able to walk in and get a seat quickly, but why chance it?
Some people find the erotic novel “Fifty Shades of Grey” offensive, while for others the book is a genuine masterpiece. However, it’s just a matter of personal taste. E. L. James, a British author, posted the book online and it was meant to be a fictional material for “Twilight” fans. In 2011, a small Australian publisher picked up the trilogy. In March 2012, the manuscript was bought with a huge sum by the publishing group “Vintage Books of Knopf Doubleday”. Recently, the book gained filming rights after it was bought with $5 million by Universal Pictures.
“Fifty Shades of Grey” has a graphic sexual content and it was parodied, embraced, and even banned in some parts. The novel makes Washington state famous again. The same happened when “Twilight” appeared and a tiny town called Forks became one of the world’s most famous movie locations. On the other hand, “Fifty Shades” is filmed in Seattle inside a structure called Escala, a luxury condominium building. The top notch penthouse is the perfect set for the submissive sexual relationship between Anastasia Steele, a college student, and Christian Grey, a billionaire.
The book has some creative liberties taken by James. Still, some parts of the book cannot be recreated, like for example landing a helicopter on the roof of the penthouse. Erik Mehr, the director of sales from Escala says that this is not possible. Yet, he admits that the billionaire Grey would have loved to live in a building like Escala.
Mehr states that this is the perfect building for something as opulent as described in the book. Escala is a unique luxury condo building located in Seattle’s neighborhood Belltown. Its overall size is impressive and it features various amenities such as dog run, private spa, theater room, yoga studio, dining area, a gym, a full catering kitchen, and a private dining room. At first sight, Escala does not look like a condo building, but like a 5-star hotel. Mehr declares that all these make perfect sense. For example, a company that serves luxurious hotels such as Four Seasons and Salish Lodge also provides concierge staff for the condo building. Hence, it’s the perfect condo building for a billionaire bachelor.
Also, there are numerous “Fifty Shades” fans out there who want to find out more about the structure. Mehr claims that last year there were a lot of individuals who contacted the Escala staff to find out more details about the condos and the penthouse. Something was going on. Escala opened its gate for visitors and most of them were “Fifty Shades” fans. They were looking at the floor models and the amenities. However, daily tours are available only with appointment because most of units have been sold. People need pre-qualification to see a penthouse that’s private and customizable, and that measures 5,200 square feet.
Such a penthouse costs up to $6 million. The base models can be bought for almost $400,000 each. Only one penthouse was sold until date. Tim Lincecum, a Seattle native and a pitcher for the San Francisco Giants, lives in Escala but he opted for a “sub-penthouse” that was $1.5 million.
Washington, D.C. is one city that has continued to strive even throughout the economic crisis in the United States. Washington’s local economy has grown exponentially by 17% between 2007 and 2012. One of the main causes of this massive growth has been the transfer of vocation opportunities from public organizations to private corporations.
Shift from Public to Private Sectors
The amount of jobs that have gone to private organizations surpassed the amount contracted to public companies which has been a surprise to some. . Private sector employment job opportunities increased almost 1.5% and the government and public sector suffered declines in job opportunities. Major growth in the United States economy has shifted from government jobs to the manufacturing, energy and technology industries.
Texas is one of the best states to pursue a job in the oil or gas industry. Texas has provided more than 200,000 jobs in both of these industries within the last 10 years. Texas has also been one of the leading states when it comes to expanding job opportunities in technology and manufacturing industry. Austin, Texas leads the state in growth while cities like Houston, Dallas, and Fort Worth have also be recognized as cities that offer plenty of high priced employment opportunities in the technology and manufacturing related jobs.
Oklahoma City has become a leader in the energy industry which has provided many job opportunities in this area.
Top Growing Cities in the U.S.
- Odessa, Texas
- Midland, Texas
- Lafayette, Louisiana,
- Corpus Christi, Texas
- San Angelo, Texas
- Casper, Wyoming
Many towns that have continued to prosper throughout the recessions in the past have began to decline and essentially losing their impact on the employment market are College Station, Texas; Springfield, Illinois; and Madison, Wisconsin. These are cities that were once unaffected by the economic downfalls.
Growth in Technology Employment Opportunities
A lot of the growth in technology related occupations has been influenced by web based companies. Areas like Sunnyvale, San Jose and Santa Clara have seen an increase of over 35% in the information technology industry. San Francisco, Redwood City, and San Mateo have also seen a surplus of tech-related jobs as well. The bulk of technology related employment opportunities have been offered in areas with lower overhead costs to companies that don’t require huge operating investments.
The West Seeing Job Growth
Salt Lake City and Austin, Texas have been noted as some of the best cities for jobs since successful corporations like Apple, Twitter, EA, and Adobe have huge expansions planned. These progressions would offer a large number of technology related job opportunities for these cities and surrounding areas.
Cities like Tampa, Fl, St. Petersburg, FL, Clearwater, FL and Miami, Fl have seen an increase in job opportunities as well.
These are just a few of the best cities in the United States to find employment in throughout the decline in the economy. Make sure you continue to do your research on what organizations are hiring within these areas in order to find opportunities related to your specific skill sets.
Mitt Romney was listed in People magazine’s 50 Most Beautiful People in 2002. The current presidential candidate and former Massachusetts Governor also worked as a Mormon missionary in France. Romney owns a respectable real estate fortune in the United States. In fact, he’s owns the more homes than any other Republican Presidential candidates to date.
Despite Mitt’s public persona as a ” facts-driven, cautious, formal, socially stiff, and ‘spare with his emotions'” kind of guy (according to Wikipedia), his real estate history is far more “dynamic” than what he projects to everyone. Through the years, he and his wife had sold — and purchased — properties, and their most recent ones include the following:
Colonial House
Mitt and his wife, Ann, sold their Belmont Massachussetts home for $3.5 million. They bought the 2.5 acres colonial in 1989 for $1.25 million, which was five years after Mitt helped create the Bain Capital. This house practically grew with the family, and has seen all of his five signs grow up and attend the private day school, Belmont Hill School. They sold the 7-bedroom house (with a tennis court and a pool) in 2009. By that time, their sons have left the nest, leaving Mitt and Ann to buy a 2-bedroom townhouse condominium in Belmont a year later. The price of the property? $895,000.
Beach House
Also, in 2009, the couple sold their $5.2 million Park City, Utah ski chalet and bought a beach house in La Jolla, California. They also brought Ann’s horses along as therapy for her multiple sclerosis. They bought the 3009 square foot house for $12 million, and many speculate that they will replace it with a much larger home to add more space for their myriad relatives, friends and guests. However, it was confirmed later that the couple are just planning to add a 3,600 square foot basement together with a four-car garage, car elevator and an outdoor shower.
Six-House Compound
With all these purchasing and selling of real estate, there is, however, one house that has stood the test of time. The house, which they have had even before the last election cycle, has been their summer compound in Wolfeboro, N.H. It stands on the shores of Lake Winnipesaukee, and they are actually a combination of six properties that make up one compound — all valued at around $8 million. Despite the 30 percent reduction of property values in their area, many real estate experts believe that Romney’s house can sell at a much higher rate than the usual.
Despite being $10 million less than what they had back in 2008, Mitt and his wife have a lot to celebrate. They’ve moved into really good properties with prime value, and they still own a substantial number of houses that make good investments. And how much is the total value of the Romney’s real estate properties? A whopping $18 million, roughly.
June 1, 2012 | Source: The Real Deal Amidst a storm of hype and conflicting expectations, Facebook went public last month, allowing average investors to buy a piece of the social networking juggernaut at $38 per share…http://therealdeal.com/issues_articles/the-optimism-debate/
