New Site
http://www.brianjamesnyc.com/blog/ Check it out! Brian Read Full Story
Go Green Manhattan Style! Earth Day 2008
Earth Day should be every day, but today it is a time to remind us of how important our everyday actions affect the planet. With so many resources and information guides out there, one person can make a huge difference. Be it recycling, walking, mass transit, or taking you own mug to Starbucks, there are many easy tasks and small changes can really make you feel like you are contributing. Recycling everyday items alone can help protect our ozone layer, decrease pollution and decrease tree... Read Full Story
Mortgage Mess! Lot's of Us Might Be Losing Out.
Three months ago, one of my good friends attained an accepted offer on a co-op. It was a second purchase for him and he knew the ins and outs of the entire co-op process. I put him in touch with a few mortgage brokers and he went with one guy who really made sense, and informed him of some amazing products that were out there. The Contract was signed in December and now after a long process, submitting the package and board approval we were set to close May 1. That was until yesterday. Some... Read Full Story
Store Openings
Check out these hot stores, Also featured in New York Magazine as The best of... Soha Style (Photo: Courtesy of Soha Style) CONTEMPORARY Soha Style15 W. 116th St., nr. Fifth Ave. 212-828-3700It’s just a couple of months old, and already the Harlem store—the brainchild of Gwen Wallace and her son, Don—is smartly attuned to the tastes of the neighborhood’s brownstone renovators and new-condo dwellers. An on-site design consultant (call ahead for an appointment) steers buyers toward Philippe... Read Full Story
Buying property in today's market...
Tumbleweeds roll by and the street seems empty. It's high noon and two men at 50 paces stand ready for the fire. Arms at their sides, guns on their hips each ready to reach... grab... and shoot. But nothing happens, almost 1230 now and they are still standing. Lately this image is conjured up in my mind when doing a deal. Whether it be the seller and the buyer or the the two brokers facing each other and ready. The pace has changed indeed and now its taking everyone a little longer to pull... Read Full Story
7 Questions You Must Ask Before Buying A Condo
I came across this list today while doing some research for a great couple who is buying a condo. After the accepted offer we have encountered many little hiccups that are now adding up to agita! So before we can continue I want them to ponder what SMART MONEY POSED: These 7 questions to avoid a sour mess... YOU'VE FOUND YOUR DREAM CONDO, and you're ready to relax . Hold everything. To keep from getting stuck with a lemon, you've got to do some homework. Here are the seven most important... Read Full Story
Homes Stolen via ID Theft on the Rise
Check this out! And you thought locking your door or a pit bull was good security!- Brian Homes Stolen via ID Theft on the Rise The FBI calls it the “latest scam on the block,” but for years now we’ve been warning people and reporting about scam artists who steal your identity and then your home. Now, after years of reporting and writing about this sinister act, the FBI is stepping up its efforts to make homeowners aware of the horrible connection between identity theft and real estate fraud... Read Full Story
Out and about for Open houses? How to use your Mobile Phone and the NY TIMES!
Check out this magic symbol and trick. the folks at the New York Times have made it even easier and greener when you are on the hunt. If you find yourself lost or having written down the wrong address use this easy way to track down your next home! From your mobile device: To search for properties directly from your mobile device, go to m.nytimes.com/re and enter your property criteria (such as location and price) or find a specific property by listing ID. About New York Times Print to... Read Full Story
What's Sellin...
March 13- March 28 2008 Average Sales price increased to $2M from $1.3M Median Sales price increased to $1.3M from $935k Sales above $3M increased to 22% of transactions from 8% Sales below $1,000,000 decreased to 41% from 54% Discount from last asking price increased slightly to 2% from 1.4% Discount from original asking price increased to 3% from 2.1% Transactions sold at ask or above increased slightly to 56% from 49% Median number of days on market from last ask price decreased to 42 days... Read Full Story
Manhattan Market Overview Report 1st Quarter 08
For full report Click here: http://www.prudentialelliman.com/NYCPhotos/retail_reports/mmo2008q1locked.pdf Read Full Story