NYCOpenHouse

Somebody Wasn't Prepared.... Tips for "The Next Time!"

 
Supermarket lines were "holiday" long last Friday and Saturday pending the arrival of Hurricane Irene. Leaving the "Emergency List" to the last minute one discovered that a portable radio was no where to be found at Radio Shack which really didn't matter as the racks there and Duane Reade and any other vendor imaginable were already cleared of batteries.  A flashlight?!  First Aid Kit?!  In your dreams!  A hard lesson learned from a defenseless survivor and from now on I promise to heed my  inner Boy Scout and "Be Prepared" especially now that the shelves are once again amply stocked and the lines are short!  

Laurence P. Mitchell

Batten Down the Hatches!! Irene's a Coming! Smart Tips for Dealing with this Unwelcome Guest!

 
Like an unavoidable visit from cranky Aunt Grace, let's hope Irene's pending foray to our fair metropolis is brief and uneventful; more hype than reality.  But...just in case this drama queen lives up to her "hell hath no fury" reputation here are a few words to the wise:

1. Stay indoors during times of high winds.  Flying debris, even feather weight slices of cardboard become missles when combined with 100+ MPH winds!
2. Stock up on non-perishable foods (yes, Lay's Potato Chips and Hershey Chocolate Bars qualify)... just in case the power goes out!  Do keep a hand-held can opener at the ready!   
3. Batteries for a portable radio, flashlights, lanterns.
4. Remove any furniture, plantings, loose decking, umbrellas, etc. from terraces, roof lest they fly away!
5. Cash-  ATMs will not work in a black out!
6. Bottled Water
7. Keep cell phone and other portable electronics fully charged.

Remember:  Be safe and be calm and be smart until we can say "Good Night (and Good Riddance), Irene!"

Laurence P. Mitchell

This Week's Mortgage Rates-- Time to Buy is NOW!

 
 
 

Key to New Home Can Come with a Cash Incentive Thanks to New BYOA ("Be Your Own Agent") Strategy

With so much information available online, today's tech-savvy buyers can really piece together a crystal clear picture of the current real estate market without the help of a traditional real estate agent. Listings, Open House Schedules, Comps, Tax and Zoning Information - it's all there on the www (worldwide web!) to peruse at one's leisure.  Strategizing to cash in on this sophisticated buyer, Broker Patricia Levan of NYC's Levan Real Estate has virtually reinvented the wheel by offering these sophisticated buyers a substantial cash incentive.  Here's how it works:  buyers find and view properties on their own and register Levan Real Estate as their agent.  Once the perfect apartment is identified, Ms. Levan jumps in to negotiate terms and lead buyer through the sometimes challenging co-op/condo purchase process.  At closing, buyer is rewarded for extenisve research and  ground work with 50% of Levan's commission (traditionally 2.5 to 3% of sales price)!  Fair pay for a job well done! 

Laurence P. Mitchell

Shop and Roll on a Linus Bike! Made Specifically for City Riders!

 

Hit the Farmers' Market with Continental Style on a Linus Bike (based on French designs of the 1960s with today's urban rider in mind)-- simple, utilitarian... chic!   Tend to go a little overboard with the heirloom tomatoes and artisinal cheeses?!  No problema- the waxed canvas Market Bag ($139) is rugged and roomy so keep the organic harvest coming!  Folds up to a tidy pouch when not in use and even comes with its own brass padlock for maximum security!  For overview of full line and contact info for local dealers:  Linus Bikes.

Laurence P. Mitchell

Look! Up in the Sky! It's a Bird! It's a Plane! No.... It's a Peace Sign and Some Neighbors are Fighting Mad!!

 
 
Who'd have thought an international symbol of freedom of harmonious relations could be so devisive?!  An illuminated Peace Symbol custom fitted in a small circular window just under a towering cupola of The Ansonia has some residents up in arms saying the glowing sign is disrespectul to the architecture of the landmark structure; a blight on the Upper Westside Skyline.   There's even talk of a lawsuit.  Personally, I think it's magical and fits in perfectly with the illustrious history of the iconic building.  My hope is that freedom of expression and "peace" prevails! 

 
Thinking of creating your own "peaceable kingdom" at the fabled residence?  Check out Apt.#10142- a cavernous, high floor three bed / three bath drowning in sunlight, open city views and prewar detail.  Ask:  $3,125,000.  Contact Prudential Douglas Elliman's Uber Agent Shawn Felker at 212.891.7615 for the key to your castle in the sky! 

 
Laurence P. Mitchell

Teen Lounges Add Life, Sparkle... Fun(!) to New Develpments- Oh, To Be 15 Again!!

 
 

In my salad days it was referred to as a Rumpus Room.  In reality it was a free-for-all suburban basement where the three adolescent boys of our family could perfect kung-fu moves and blast Bruce Springsteen's "Born to Run" without incessant pleas from faraway neighbors to turn that @^$&*@ down!  Today, well heeled City teens can enjoy a more refined retreat in the form of their own lounge at such new developments as the UES's The Laurel Condominium (photo above) and the UWS's Laureate Condominium.  The stylish spaces are usually outfitted with the likes of foos ball, ping pong, pool tables, arcade games,wi-fi, hi-def flat screens, i-pod decks and hip, fun furnishings. Having a safe, convenient place on-site to socialize with friends is a welcome luxury for young people and (perhaps even more so!) their parents.   As it was it my youth it is now-  teenagers have all the fun!

One Minute Video Puts Everything in Perspective -- It's a Big World!

MOVE from Rick Mereki on Vimeo.

44 Days, 11 Countries, 38,000 Miles!  So many amazingly beautiful locales but there is no other place I'd rather call home than NYC!  

Laurence P. Mitchell

No Room at The Standard!? Pitch a Tent! National ParkService Opens Campground in Brooklyn!!

 
 
 
Sleeping under the stars only a few miles from Times Square is now a dream come true for ardent campers who have long sought a legitimate site to pitch a tent within City Limits.  Brooklyn's newly opened Camp Gateway is easily accessible from Manhattan via bus and subway and though the facilities are primitive (port-a-johns serve as restrooms) the $20 nightly fee makes any hardship endurable.  The property is situated on  Floyd Bennett Field (a disused airstrip) and is close to fishing, nature trails, bike routes as well as everything else the City has to offer.  In-laws will be thrilled when the the hall closet Aerobed is replaced with a pop-up tent!  Open All Year with stays limited to 14 nights per reservation. To snare your slot go to: National Park Services. 

Laurence P. Mitchell

Changing Addresses is Stress-Free (and Fun?!) with MovingHelp.com

 
It is said and believed that MOVING is one of life's most harrowing experiences and I know of countless friends who would quickly vouch for this sentiment.  Before throwing all your worldy possessions into a mishmash of cardboard boxes save time and money via an amazing source for stress-free relocation-  MovingHelp.  How it works:  Supply size of apartment that needs to be packed up as well as the date and services required (just packing assistance, loading help, UHaul driver... or all three!) and a plethora of reliable and reviewed (unedited!) vendors pop up with all-inclusive price quotes.  You pay securely when services are completed according to agreed upon terms.  A happy move is guaranteed!   Tip:  Avoid any last minute snafus-   confirm that required insurance certificates are supplied to building managing agents before the big day! 

Laurence P. Mitchell