• What You’ll Get in NYC for $900,000,Allyson Waddell

    What You’ll Get in NYC for $900,000

    New York City still hosts the country’s fourth least affordable housing market, and buyers must carefully asses their budget and search criteria during the purchasing process. Buyers looking for larger apartments with multiple bedrooms can still find appealing options. The following units under $900,000 include in-unit laundry, private outdoor space, and stainless steel appliances. 120 Riverside Boulevard #4J Manhattan, NYPRICE$899,000BED1BATH1TYPECondoNEIGHBORHOODUpper West SideBOROUGHManhattanUpper West Side buyers can consider this spacious one-bedroom condo with floor-to-ceiling windows. Upon entering the unit, owners will find the galley kitchen with stainless steel appliances, a dishwasher, and light wood cabinetry. The large living room includes a coat closet and a hidden in-unit washer and dryer. Residents will appreciate additional storage in the bedroom and modern finishes, including a full bathtub in the bathroom. The building boasts multiple attractive amenities, including a state-of-the-art fitness center with a steam room and sauna, a media lounge with a projection screen, and a furnished rooftop with sweeping views of the Hudson River. Owners will appreciate their proximity to Lincoln Center, Riverside Park, and Upper West Side restaurants.27 Dodworth Street #4F Brooklyn, NYPRICE$895,000BED2BATH2TYPECondoNEIGHBORHOODBushwickBOROUGHBrooklynCouples and small families will enjoy the natural light and private outdoor space in this two-bedroom, two-bathroom condo. The main floor includes a living room with access to the private balcony and the smaller of the two bedrooms, which could convert into a home office. In the kitchen, stainless steel appliances, including a dishwasher, and a closet with the unit’s washer and dryer. Residents will walk upstairs to the primary suite, complete with a walk-in closet, private bathroom, and access to the private outdoor terrace. This outdoor space fits multiple pieces of furniture and provides city views. The penthouse unit is one of five condos in the building, offering a small and quiet community settled near Bushwick’s vibrant restaurants, nightlife, and entertainment. This unit just dropped in price and is available for under $900,000.110-38 64 Avenue #3635 Queens, NYPRICE$879,000BED3BATH2TYPECo-opNEIGHBORHOODForest HillsBOROUGHQueensFamilies can sprawl out in this two-story townhouse with lofted space. The large living and dining area offers space for plenty of furniture and receives natural light through six windows. Owners will appreciate the features of the contemporary kitchen, including stainless steel appliances, multiple cabinets, and an island with room for seating. The unit’s three bedrooms reside on the first floor, and the primary suite includes a private bathroom and two closets. Upstairs, owners can take advantage of plenty of storage space and use the home’s fourth room as an office, playroom, or other recreational area. This floor also includes a sitting room, three more closets, and a half bathroom. Throughout the home, residents will appreciate in-unit laundry, central air conditioning, and hardwood floors. This unit has a low cap rate of 2.79%.155 E 73rd Street #9B Manhattan, NYPRICE$850,000BED2BATH1TYPECo-opNEIGHBORHOODUpper East SideBOROUGHManhattanThis bright and expansive two-bedroom receives plenty of natural light that shines off the dark hardwood floors. The oversized living room in this unit stands out with plenty of windows, a fireplace, and a full wall of built-in storage. Multiple cooks can make a meal in the kitchen with stainless steel appliances, a dishwasher, and white cabinetry. Each bedroom offers two windows and storage space, with the primary bedroom boasting a walk-in closet. This pet-friendly unit resides in a 34-unit building with a part-time doorman, laundry room, and bike storage. Residents will live near Central Park, Upper East Side shopping opportunities, and restaurants.75 Henry Street #2F Brooklyn, NYPRICE$835,000BED1BATH1TYPECo-opNEIGHBORHOODBrooklyn HeightsBOROUGHBrooklynThe oversized kitchen in this co-op makes it appealing to cooking enthusiasts. When owners enter the unit, they’ll find the kitchen directly on their left, featuring stainless steel appliances, a pantry, and plenty of counter space with room for barstool seats. Off the other side of the foyer rests two closets. The open-concept living area includes large windows and a door onto the private balcony, which includes enough room for chairs and a small table. Owners can place a king-size bed in the bedroom and will appreciate the spacious walk-in closet. Throughout the unit, they’ll see hardwood floors and feel the central air conditioning. This unit resides in 75 Henry, a full-service building with a gym, indoor garage, and a planted terrace.The post What You’ll Get in NYC for $900,000 appeared first on RealtyHop Blog.

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  • What to Know About Living in Long Island City (Video),Isabel Galupo

    What to Know About Living in Long Island City (Video)

    Let's talk about Long Island City. This unique neighborhood - once a sea of warehouses and factories - is now turning into one of the more sought-after areas of New York City for renters and buyers alike. But what is it like to live in LIC? And how much does it cost? If you've found yourself asking these questions, you've come to the right place. We're breaking down everything you need to know about the exciting and eccentric neighborhood in this guide to Long Island City.Watch our Long Island City episode of Know the Neighborhood to learn more about the neighborhood and hear from two residents.Where is Long Island City?Long Island City is located in the diverse and dynamic borough of Queens. The neighborhood sits directly across the East River from Midtown, Manhattan. It's bordered by Astoria to the North, Sunnyside to the East, and Greenpoint, Brooklyn to the South. Served by the 7, E, F, G, M, N, R, and W trains, plus 15 bus lines, 74 CitiBike stations, and 3 different ferry ports, Long Island City is a nexus of transportation that's perfect for commuters. It's also conveniently located for travel beyond New York, with both LaGuardia and JFK airports just a quick trip away.History of Long Island CityLong Island City has long been a bustling center of manufacturing. Large factories pumped out goods such as furniture, glass, oil, and much, much more throughout the late 1800's and most of the 1900's. Remnants of this all-important history can still be seen across the neighborhood in its distinctive warehouse buildings and general industrial aesthetic. More recently, however, LIC has become home to impressive cultural landmarks and artistic touchstones, such as the MoMA PS1 contemporary art museum and the film and television production hub of Silvercup Studios. It has also undergone significant development in order to become more amenable to everyday living. But what is it really like to live in this commercial-turned-residential nabe? Keep reading to find out! Long Island City Homes Under $1M On StreetEasy Article continues below Hunters Point 27-28 Thomson Avenue $950,000 beds@1.5x Created with Sketch. 1 | bath@1.5x Created with Sketch. 1 Long Island City 37-14 34th Street $928,000 beds@1.5x Created with Sketch. 1 | bath@1.5x Created with Sketch. 1 Hunters Point 45-30 Pearson Street $840,000 beds@1.5x Created with Sketch. Studio | bath@1.5x Created with Sketch. 1 Hunters Point 27-20 42 Road $940,000 beds@1.5x Created with Sketch. 1 | bath@1.5x Created with Sketch. 1 Hunters Point 27-21 44 Drive $980,000 beds@1.5x Created with Sketch. 1 | bath@1.5x Created with Sketch. 1 Hunters Point 3 Court Square $845,000 beds@1.5x Created with Sketch. Studio | bath@1.5x Created with Sketch. 1 Hunters Point 25-19 43rd Avenue $680,000 beds@1.5x Created with Sketch. Studio | bath@1.5x Created with Sketch. 1 Hunters Point 27-28 Thomson Avenue $998,000 beds@1.5x Created with Sketch. 1 | bath@1.5x Created with Sketch. 1.5 Long Island City 27-09 40th Avenue $860,000 beds@1.5x Created with Sketch. 1 | bath@1.5x Created with Sketch. 1 Long Island City 27-09 40th Avenue $829,000 beds@1.5x Created with Sketch. 1 | bath@1.5x Created with Sketch. 1 Long Island City 27-09 40th Avenue $795,000 beds@1.5x Created with Sketch. 1 | bath@1.5x Created with Sketch. 1 Long Island City 27-09 40th Avenue $785,000 beds@1.5x Created with Sketch. 1 | bath@1.5x Created with Sketch. 1 Why is Long Island City a Great Place to Live?We spoke to Alex Antigua, a Licensed Associate Real Estate Broker with Compass and a StreetEasy Expert, to get the 4-1-1 on LIC. He's got extensive experience guiding both renters and buyers to find their dream Long Island City digs. So why does Antigua think Long Island City is such a happening place to live? In short, because "LIC has all the desired qualities a typical New Yorker wants: Nice skyscrapers, good food, good groceries, and easy transportation." Antigua continues to put the desirability of the neighborhood into perspective, pointing out that Long Island City residents have unfettered access to just about everything that the rest of Queens, Brooklyn, and especially Manhattan have to offer: "I think people should look at living in LIC as just an extra train stop," Antigua advises. "I personally see it just like any other [Manhattan] neighborhood… There’s not much of a distance difference than someone living in the Financial District and having dinner in SoHo." Learning the Nabe: Dutch Kills vs. Hunter's PointSo you know about the history of Long Island City, and why it's such an appealing place to live. The next thing to figure out is where in the neighborhood you might want to put down roots. And to figure that out, you need to be familiar with the two main subsections of the area: Dutch Kills and Hunters Point. Hunters Point is probably what you're imagining when you picture LIC. This section of the neighborhood is where you'll find high rise apartment buildings, new condo developments, and the more famous LIC attractions (more on those below!). Hunter's Point is also a cornucopia of commerce and cuisine. There are two main commercial hubs in Hunters Point: The cafes and bars surrounding the Vernon Blvd 7 station, and the museums and restaurants near Court Square.Compared to Hunters Point, Dutch Kills is less populated by residential buildings - though that is rapidly changing with increased development efforts. Simply put, it's an area in transition. When it comes to restaurants and other neighborhood diversions, the main commercial strips are around 36th avenue, bordering Astoria, and near Queensborough Plaza.Because it retains more of the LIC's industrial roots compared to its counterpart, Dutch Kills also tends to be more affordable than Hunters Point. As Antigua describes, he sees "lower taxes, lower price per square foot, and [increased] lending incentives by banks" in Dutch Kills compared to Hunters Point. But if you're worried that this translates into lower quality homes, think again: Antigua assures that renters and buyers can find units "for similar quality apartment trade in the middle of LIC." He also encourages prospective buyers to consider the potential increase of property value when browsing listings in Dutch Kills. "I have heard many of my buyers say that if they decide to upgrade, they would probably keep their apartment and rent as they purchase a second property to upgrade in." A great strategy to consider when buying in the area! Speaking of… Thinking about buying in Long Island City (or anywhere in NYC)? Chat with our complimentary, licensed Concierge to learn more about the buying process.GET STARTED Buying in Long Island CityWhen it comes to available properties in Long Island City, condos are the name of the game. In fact, according to current StreetEasy® listings, nearly 90% of available homes in LIC are condos. To put that figure in perspective, around 50% of current Manhattan listings and only 30% of Queens listings are condos. Architecturally, these condos tend to pay homage to the industrial history of the neighborhood. Lawrence Hakimi, another licensed real estate agent at Compass and StreetEasy Expert, sees a lot of condo properties that are loft conversion developments with "higher ceilings, open windows and views."For his part, Antigua has seen an "equal mix of 1 and 2 bedroom buyers" during his time as a real estate agent working in Long Island City. When it comes to price, Antigua reports that his 1 bedroom buyers normally "have had budgets of up to 1 million… [and for] 2 bedrooms, buyers have a typical budget of $1.4 – 1.5 million." The StreetEasy Data Dashboard confirms these approximate numbers, reporting the median asking price in the neighborhood was $1.3 million as of April 2024. Hakimi notes that generally speaking, "the carrying costs [in LIC] are relatively lower compared to Manhattan and Brooklyn as many of the developments are still under a (now expired) 421a tax abatement program." Sweet! But what about LIC rentals? Long Island City Apartments Under $3,500 On StreetEasy Article continues below Long Island City 37-26 32nd Street $3,200 No Fee beds@1.5x Created with Sketch. Studio | bath@1.5x Created with Sketch. 1 Long Island City 37-05 30th Street $3,063 No Fee beds@1.5x Created with Sketch. Studio | bath@1.5x Created with Sketch. 1 Long Island City 38-38 32nd Street $3,450 No Fee beds@1.5x Created with Sketch. 1 | bath@1.5x Created with Sketch. 1 Hunters Point 12-07 Jackson Avenue $3,400 No Fee beds@1.5x Created with Sketch. 1 | bath@1.5x Created with Sketch. 1 Hunters Point 44-41 Purves Street $2,800 No Fee beds@1.5x Created with Sketch. Studio | bath@1.5x Created with Sketch. 1 Long Island City 27-05 41st Avenue $3,380 No Fee beds@1.5x Created with Sketch. 1 | bath@1.5x Created with Sketch. 1 Long Island City 31-07 38th Avenue $3,350 No Fee beds@1.5x Created with Sketch. 1 | bath@1.5x Created with Sketch. 1 Hunters Point 23-04 Jackson Avenue $2,600 No Fee beds@1.5x Created with Sketch. 2 | bath@1.5x Created with Sketch. 1 Long Island City 38-38 32nd Street $3,450 No Fee beds@1.5x Created with Sketch. 1 | bath@1.5x Created with Sketch. 1 Hunters Point 44-41 Purves Street $2,800 No Fee beds@1.5x Created with Sketch. Studio | bath@1.5x Created with Sketch. 1 Long Island City 37-05 30th Street $3,325 No Fee beds@1.5x Created with Sketch. 1 | bath@1.5x Created with Sketch. 1 Long Island City 34-15 37th Avenue $2,400 No Fee beds@1.5x Created with Sketch. 1 | bath@1.5x Created with Sketch. 1 Renting in Long Island CityAntigua says that the typical Long Island City renter profile is "a single professional or recent grad looking for a 1 bedroom" – Though that's not to say that families or groups of roommates wouldn't be able to find their perfect rental. If you're a fan of hyper-modern design and plenty of natural sunlight, you're in luck! Antigua notes that all of his renters "seem to gravitate to one common architectural feature… all glass, floor-to-ceiling [windows.]" There's also a healthy appetite for amenity-rich buildings, of which there are plenty in LIC. According to the StreetEasy Data Dashboard, the median asking rent in the neighborhood was $4,050 as of April 2024. While this is admittedly higher than the Queen's median of $2,950, it's important to note that this estimate is lower than comparable nearby trendy neighborhoods, such as Williamsburg and Greenpoint, where the median asking rent is around $4,300.Residents play soccer on a sunny field in Hunters Point South Park.Parks and Green SpacesThe neighborhood's arguable crown jewel is Gantry Plaza State Park. Located along the East River waterfront, this massive green space spans 12 acres. It offers amazing skyline views, walking paths, multiple piers, and a mist fountain - plus the ability to partake in many outdoor activities like kayaking, fishing, and cycling. Gantry Plaza is also home to its own NYC Ferry station, a gorgeous public library (more on that below), and food trucks galore.There's also the more recently opened Hunters Point South Park, which is impeccably maintained by the Hunters Point Parks Conservancy. In addition to gorgeous waterfront and city views, this park boasts dedicated recreational areas such as basketball courts, playgrounds, and soccer fields.What to Eat, Drink, and DoIn addition to being a wealth of real estate knowledge and advice, both Antigua and Hakimi  prove to be excellent LIC tour guides, highlighting a few of his favorite local spots just for StreetEasy readers. The top of both of their lists? Casa Enrique. According to Antigua, the Sopecitos De Chorizo is a "must try!" If you're looking to impress a dinner date, Maiella is the way to go: Antigua highly recommends this "romantic, sophisticated spot" and highlights the Rigatoni Bolognese and the Cavatappi Scarola as menu standouts. For a more casual meal or mid-day snack, try Murray’s Cheese Bar or No Stress Cafe. For cocktails, you can't go wrong with Dutchkills. Hakimi adds a few more of his go-to's: "Blackstar Bakery, Sweetleaf Cafe, Sapps for sushi, Go Nonna… the list can go on!" Beyond Long Island City's cool and contemporary culinary scene, there's tons of opportunities for shopping and sightseeing. Antigua recommends Everyone Comics and Collectibles, especially for any millennial superhero-lover looking for a nostalgic blast from the past. We've already mentioned the MoMA PS1, which is housed inside of a former public school and which hosts many musical and artistic events throughout the year. Other must-see landmarks include the iconic Pepsi-Cola sign - leftover from when the neighborhood housed the soda bottling factory back in the 1940's - as well as the architecturally stunning Hunters Point Library. Check out our StreetEasy Know the Neighborhood video guide to Long Island City for even more neighborhood recs from two longtime LIC locals! Buying a home in NYC? Our complimentary, licensed Concierge will match you with a top buyer’s agent.GET MATCHED

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  • 10 Content Ideas for Your Real Estate Newsletter,Jenny Rose Spaudo

    10 Content Ideas for Your Real Estate Newsletter

    Disclaimer: The contents of this article are industry best practices which were sourced from StreetEasy data and interviews with our Agent Advisory Board, unless noted otherwise. Any scripts provided are only meant to act as examples and are not required.  Nothing in this presentation is intended to be legal advice. For specific questions about any duties or obligations arising out of a real estate transaction, check your local and state licensing laws and regulations, contact your broker, or an attorney.Life moves pretty fast in NYC, so if you want to get attention as an agent, it's a good idea to be strategic and creative with your marketing. For example, you could show up regularly in prospects' inboxes with a great newsletter. And if your content is helpful, interesting, and relevant, you can be on your way to turning contacts into clients - or staying top of mind with existing clients. Not sure where to start? We've got you covered. Here are 10 great content ideas for your newsletter.Table of Contents1. A personal noteUsually, you want your readers to be able to tell immediately that your newsletter came from you. Try adding a personal touch, like writing a short introduction to each edition. You could talk about a new restaurant in your neighborhood that you can't get enough of, the latest local news that surprised you, or your take on a recent shift in the NYC real estate market. Readers will enjoy getting your thoughts and recommendations, and the closer they hit to home, the better.2. New and notable listingsIt's a good idea to include listings in your newsletter, but not just any listings. Consider featuring a few that just hit the market or have had recent activity, like a price drop or upcoming open house. You may also want to include listings that need a little extra love, are rare finds, or are otherwise unique and notable.Screen images simulated3. Buyer and seller tipsOne of the best ways to engage potential clients is by offering valuable advice for buying and selling. You could write a quick tip in each newsletter or link to longer articles that offer more information. If you link to articles, make sure they're relevant and from a reputable source. For example, the StreetEasy blog features a wide range of helpful tips and information for those navigating the NYC real estate market (feel free to link to us!).4. Market reportsHow are recent changes in the NYC market affecting home prices? Do mortgage rates show any signs of going down? These are some of the questions prospective buyers and sellers have about the market, and they expect you to have the answers. Show them you're up to date on the latest real estate trends in NYC by sharing insightful articles, such as StreetEasy's Market Reports.Keep readers up-to-date on the NYC market with StreetEasy’s monthly reports and data stories.5. Neighborhood informationReal estate can vary block by block in NYC. Breaking down what buyers can expect in specific neighborhoods can be a huge help to buyers. Consider including a mini neighborhood guide with a map of the area, local market data (e.g. median asking price, days on market), points of interest, public transit, etc. You can use StreetEasy's neighborhood guides and Data Dashboard to collect some of this information.6. Community newsYour readers get enough negative news from the media. Make your newsletter a refreshing change of pace by mentioning positive happenings in NYC, like upcoming local events, volunteer opportunities, and feel-good human interest stories.7. Interior design tips and trendsInterior design is likely to be on a lot of readers' minds if they've been spending time looking for a new home. Talk about the latest interior decorating trends you're seeing - what's in, and what's out? If you recently helped stage a home, share a behind-the-scenes look at the work you did, perhaps through before-and-after photos. Your readers will enjoy seeing the transformation!8. Closing celebrationsLet readers join you in celebrating your latest closings. Highlight ones you're particularly proud of that demonstrate your abilities and expertise. If you have your client's permission, consider sharing a photo of you and the happy homeowner in their new space.9. Calculators and other toolsBuyers and sellers love a good interactive calculator or tool. Perhaps link to one or two that allow them to estimate how much house they can afford, potential mortgage payments, what their home is worth, or renting vs. buying. You could also provide tools that compare the costs of buying and owning various property types, such as co-ops, condos, and townhouses.10. Maintenance and renovation tipsThere's a lot more to home maintenance than calling a plumber when you notice a leaky faucet. Some tasks only need to be done once every few months or years, making it easy to forget about them. And if someone recently moved into a condo, co-op, or townhouse, they may not know which tasks they need to do and which ones are typically handled by the building. Offer maintenance tips and hacks that will help your home-owning readers optimize the value of their property. You can also provide renovation tips for readers who moved into a home that needs work, or are preparing to sell.With these ideas in mind, you should have more than enough to start an engaging newsletter or spruce up your existing one. Happy prospecting!

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