APPRAISAL BANKING RULES NEED MODIFICATION

Posted by Leonard Steinberg on May 12, 2011 New banking laws prevent a buyer from having an appraisal ordered prior to a fully executed contract: I think this is just stupid. Here is what I propose and why: With many Sellers reluctant to provide financing contingencies, and certainly appraisal contingencies, the ability to have an… [Read More]

CHELSEA MARKET ADDITION GOSSIP

Posted by Leonard Steinberg on May 11, 2011 We have heard a rumor through the grapevine that Jamestown, who is seeking funding for the rather grotesque, monstrously scaled Chelsea Market Addition, may not be doing exactly as they say…. as part of the due diligence the lender supposedly asked if Jamestown planned to actually build this addition or just… [Read More]

DEAR SELLERS: PLEASE TAKE A LOOK AT THOSE PHOTOS…..

Posted by Leonard Steinberg on May 10, 2011 I received an e-mail to-day from a broker at NESTSEEKERS showcasing a very attractive property in a strong location that was quite well priced…..the only problem is the photos would give even the most astute eye a hard time identifying that this is indeed a good apartment…. [Read More]

SULLIVAN STREET BAKERY COMES TO WEST CHELSEA

Posted by Leonard Steinberg on April 26, 2011 It appears Sullivan Street Bakery is coming to West Chelsea….a sign popped up recently just a few doors down from their restaurant venture COMPANY on Ninth Avenue between 24th and 25th Streets. This bakery, known for its exceptional baked products especially its breads and pizza’s will be… [Read More]

THE ERA OF TRIMMING FAT

Posted by Leonard Steinberg on April 22, 2011 I have noticed all around us a distinct trend: fat is being trimmed in the biggest way in all arenas of our lives, including real estate. Here are my observations: 1)    The New York Times reported yesterday how the desire for less bloated homes across the country… [Read More]

HIGHLINE CONDO SELLING PRICE BREAKS ALL RECORDS

Posted by Leonard Steinberg on April 21, 2011 We have heard through the grapevine that a non-penthouse, full floor unit at HL-23, the Neil Denari designed building that hovers over the Highline Park at 23rd Street in West Chelsea, just went to contract for over $ 2,600/sf without any outdoor space…..that would have to be… [Read More]

ENERGY SAVING NOW: DON'T WAIT FOR THE GOVERNMENT!

Posted by Leonard Steinberg on April17, 2011 New York City is a city large enough to showcase how smart business, common sense and critical mass can impact huge shifts in our daily lives: and now the focus turns to energy savings. While the world waits for ‘government’ to come up with some new invention to… [Read More]

UNREALITY REAL ESTATE

Posted by Leonard Steinberg on April 17, 2011 This week I was again shocked and amused by the power of a Reality TV show over the mind of a seller: Does a TV appearance really double the value of an apartment? I had met with an owner several months ago after a meeting a year… [Read More]