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An insiders look at all things Downtown and beyond – our neighborhood, our home,
our community.

Summer 2024
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Interest Rates Below 6%?
I hope you are yours are have one more exciting weekend before we kick off the Fall season.
No matter where I go, everyone seems to want to know what my thoughts are on rates this Fall.
The Federal Reserve won't make its next rate decision until September 18, but homebuyers are already getting a break on borrowing costs, with the average rate for a 30-year fixed mortgage now at its lowest point since April 2023.
The average rate on the most commonly used home loan dipped to 6.44% for the week ended August 23.With rates declining, more home hunters are applying for mortgages. Cheaper borrowing costs could lure some would-be buyers back into the market after many were priced out by the double whammy of high borrowing costs — mortgage rates sat above 7% earlier this year — and record-high home prices.
Even though the Fed's next rate decision is still weeks away, mortgage rates are already declining because home loans are partially influenced by economic factors, such as the strength of the job market.
Rates have now come down more than 80 basis points from a year ago. Economists are predicting that the Fed is likely to shave its benchmark rate at its September 18 meeting, although they're divided on whether the central bank will cut rates by 0.25 percentage points or 0.5 percentage points.
Regardless, a rate cut is likely to help revive the housing industry by helping to drive mortgage rates even lower, Moody's Analytics economist Mark Zandi wrote in a Monday research report.
Rates appear set to fall below 6% in coming months as the Fed cuts interest rates.
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The 18 Best Bars in the West Village
There are many reasons to love the West Village. It’s cute and convenient, and all of the charming townhouses make up for the fact that you'll have to dodge a few guided tours as you walk down Bleecker. Also, it’s one of the best places to drink in the city. There are all kinds of bars in the area—from a speakeasy in a basement to a place where you can sing show tunes—so here’s a guide to help you figure out where to go.
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Permits Filed for 738 Greenwich Street in West Village
Permits have been filed for a partial demolition of an existing four-story public parking garage and conversion and enlargement into a five-story building at 738 Greenwich Street in Manhattan’s West Village.
Located between Perry Street and West 11th Street, the lot is closest to the Christopher Street-Stonewall subway station, serviced by the 1 train. Donnchadh Malone of Alf Naman Development is listed as the owner behind the applications.
The proposed 79-foot-tall development will yield 39,520 square feet, with 38,137 square feet designated for residential space and 1,383 square feet for commercial space.
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Value WIne and French Fare
Generally, a bistro is a small independent place with short menus and one or two specialties, often associated with the part of France the owners came from. By contrast, brasseries are bigger and glitzier establishments, often located along the boulevards and serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Opened in early spring of 2022 at 212 West 12th Street at Greenwich Avenue, Mino Brasserie qualifies as one, based on the breadth of its menu and size of its dining room, holding 80 patrons inside and on a breezy outdoor porch, though it only serves dinner and weekend brunch. I’ve been going since it debuted, attracted initially by its descent from nearby St. Tropez, a well-regarded wine bar concentrating on French vintages, some imported by the owners, and small plates mainly from the south of France.
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After 10 Years, Claire Danes and Hugh Dancy Are Moving on From Their Manhattan Townhouse
Actors Claire Danes and Hugh Dancy are parting with the New York City townhouse they have called home for over a decade.
The West Village property, on quiet and narrow Downing Street, hit the market on Wednesday for $9.75 million with listing agent Tamer Howard of Corcoran. The couple purchased the property for $6.88 million in November 2012, according to property records.
The Greek Revival townhouse underwent a major transformation under the couple’s ownership thanks to Joan Krevlin, a founding partner of BKSK Architects. Krevlin, who has long worked with Danes, reworked the interiors of the 1880s townhouse to include an entrance that doubles as a mud room, a new powder room on the main floor and a home office that can be closed off from the living area via floor-to-ceiling sliding doors.
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New Yorkers Are Rallying To Save this Beloved West Village Diner
There’s nothing like a diner—ask any New Yorker, and they likely have a favorite. A fabric of the city, diners have buoyed us through our everyday life, from a welcome stop on a morning commute to a much-needed midnight jaunt during a tipsy night out. But according to the New York Times, diners are disappearing at a record pace, due to rising rents, shrinking profits and gentrification. Now, a West Village mainstay is asking for help, hoping to not become the next casualty.
La Bonbonniere, the beloved greasy spoon located on Eighth Avenue near West 12th Street, posted a call for help on GoFundMe. Organized by Gabriel Nussbaum and Happy David, the donation page is requesting funds to help keep the diner open, due to costs associated with the forced dismantling its dining shed and renovation costs.
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Beloved Keith Haring Mural Faces Uncertain Future
In New York’s West Village, preservationists are ringing alarm bells over two community staples currently under threat. In July, the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation (NYC Parks) announced tentative plans to demolish the Tony Dapolito Recreation Center. The historic building shares a hardscape plaza with Keith Haring’s Carmine Street Pool Mural from 1987, an Art in the Parks commission.
NYC Parks said in a statement the recreation center, which is over 100 years old, is too expensive to repair, and so it may be torn down. The mural by Haring isn’t landmarked, and NYC Parks is technically within its rights to destroy it, despite its historic value.
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SOLD
173 East 74th, Unit 3B
(Representing the Sellers)
Welcome to 173 East 74th Apartment 3B, your peaceful retreat in the heart of Lenox Hill on the Upper East Side. This renovated 1-bedroom, 1-bathroom apartment is both charming and modern, offering a care-free living experience.

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SOLD
91 Leonard St, #6A
(Representing the Sellers)
Welcome to 91 Leonard Street, where luxury living meets unparalleled convenience in the heart of Tribeca. At nearly 1500 square feet, this stunning condo offers a perfect blend of modern elegance and comfort, boasting 2 bedrooms and 2 and 1/2 bathrooms.

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SOLD
450 Washington St, TH5
(Representing the Buyers)
Townhouse 5 is a spacious Four-Bedroom Maisonette overlooking the tranquil garden designed by Hollander Design, with its lush plantings, lawn and specimen trees.

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If you are considering selling your home, I would love to share with you my "front loading"marketing strategies and staging ideas.

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I Got An Itch I Can't Scratch
I love to play in the Fall leaves that will be starting soon - but damn, I get itchy!
During the fall season, many of us dogs and cats displaying symptoms such as coughing, sneezing, a runny nose, and persistent itchiness in their skin. This leads to the question: is dog or cat fall allergies possible? The answer is a resounding YES; environmental allergies are common in our four-legged companions, — just as it is for humans!
In this comprehensive guide, you'll know the telltale signs that your beloved pet may be struggling with cat or dog fall allergies, along with effective strategies to alleviate their discomfort.
xo - Scout and Archie
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A New York City resident for over 25 years and a West Village homeowner for over 18, I am passionate about this city and am devoted to making each client interaction an exciting and rewarding experience. It is a passion of mine to assist buyers, sellers, renters and investors to help them achieve real estate success. An expert in marketing, communication and negotiation, I skillfully guide clients with extensive market knowledge and my unfailing can-do attitude. A full-service agent, I work closely with top-tier real estate attorneys, mortgage bankers, financial advisors and stagers to facilitate all aspects of of my clients' needs.
For the past 13 years, I have served as a member of my coop board and have a deep knowledge for running a building in NYC. I currently live on Charles Street with my husband, Shuki, and our rescue dogs, Scout and Archie. I am passionate about giving back to our NYC community and continually support and volunteer with many charities and nonprofits include AIDS Walk NY, Cycle for Survival and the Sato Project.
I am here to help in any way I can with your real estate needs. Please reach out - I would love to hear from you and buy you a coffee at Blackstone Roasters. I can also connect you or your friends and family with top-notch real estate professionals all across the country.
Click here to read my Google reviews.
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