Why are important projects now unaffordable? This morning the New York Times reports how earlier in the 20th century, when the federal and state governments were much smaller, they had the means to undertake gigantic new projects, like the Interstate Highway System and the space program. But now, when governments are bigger, they don’t. These… [Read More]
BRACE YOURSELF: 2010 WALL STREET BONUS BONANZA COMING!
2010 Bonus pay on Wall Street is on pace to break a record high for a second consecutive year, according to a study conducted by The Wall Street Journal……so brace yourself for a real estate boost this coming Winter in New York. About three dozen of the top publicly held securities and investment-services firms—which include… [Read More]
WASHER/TREADMILL/DRYER: THE LATEST BUILDING AMENITY?
For all those body-perfect-obsessed, O.C.D.-a-la-Joan-Crawford-clean-freaks, how about a treadmill sandwiched between the washer and the dryer? This perfect example of a combination gym/laundry in Brooklyn either talks to a lack of space in New York, or New Yorkers obsessive compulsive behavior. The perfect new building amenity for a real estate market desperate for something new… [Read More]
THE MOST EXPENSIVE DOOR IN THE WORLD?
Yes, this door, a simple door located in THE CALEDONIA fronting onto The High Line Park, could very well be the most expensive door in the world….. Reliable sources have told us that negotiations between the building and the Parks department have broken down after the building was asked to pay an annual fee of… [Read More]
RACY REAL ESTATE: THE STANDARD HOTEL INSPIRES BAD BEHAVIOR?
Does real estate with a racy image expose you to potential legal hazzards? Does it inspire bad behaviour? An Australian businessman acquitted of trying to rape a maid at The Standard is suing the Meatpacking District boutique hotel for $10 million, charging that its racy atmosphere contributed to the false charges filed against Matthew Moorhouse, 42,… [Read More]
WEEKEND HOMES: NEW THINKING? NEW LOCATIONS?
The Financial Times reports that weekenders are becoming more adventurous in their quest for a second home. Where once a cottage in the countryside was de rigueur, today’s budget airlines mean that a new breed of buyer can get to the house of their dreams quickly and cheaply. “In the UK,” says Georgina Richards of… [Read More]
BANK OF AMERICA EXITS RESIDENTIAL MORTGAGE MARKET
As first reported on LUXURYBLURB a few days ago, Bank of America has exited the wholesale residential lending market, cutting off its business with mortgage brokers, the bank announced yesterday. “After receiving $ 45 BILLION in TARP funding from the US Governemnt/taxpayers, BOFA was one of the first banks to re-pay this debt,” says Leonard… [Read More]
"WE ARE CHIMPANZEES WITH NO MEMORY"- QUOTE OF THE DAY
Ken Fisher, head of Fisher investments, made what we think to be the most defining comment of our time to-day: “WE ARE CHIMPANZEE’S WITH NO MEMORY” How apt. While power-hungry, self-serving politicians, panicked individuals, self-serving commentators, ratings starved media, and generally paranoid humans exploit this moment in the current cycle, constantly over-analyzing the current conditions,… [Read More]
NEW YORK: BEST CITY IN USA FOR HIRING
In CRAINS, a report on the strength of the New York for hiring…..certainly a good thing for real estate when the strength of the employee pool is best in the country…. Whats good for business, is good for real estate values. SEEN IN CRAINS: Here’s a bit of good news for New York businesses: The… [Read More]
REAL ESTATE RUSH
Real estate sales in Manhattan generally pick up after Labor day, although in the past 3 years, the pick up was rather tepid. This year however, the pick up is certain, and aggressive. “We are seeing a level of activity and bidding that we have not seen in many, many months,” says Leonard Steinberg, managing… [Read More]