A completely opinionated, totally random, loosely curated, shot from the hip, collection of stuff I love downtown – right now.
February 2019
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Treat Your Valentine with Dinner at
One if By Land, Two if By Sea
One if by Land, Two if by Sea is often cited as the most romantic restaurant in New York City. The decor features candlelit tables, brick fireplaces and a private garden.The restaurant operates inside a historic, land-marked carriage house built in 1767. Established in 1973, it soon became the go to spot in NYC for engagements and anniversaries. More people are said to have gotten engagement here than any other restaurant in NYC.
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Popular San Fran Champagne Bar Heads to the West Village
The West Village will get a stylish new Champagne bar this spring that has already seen huge success in San Francisco, known for its playful vibes and indulgent offerings.
The Riddler, from restaurateur and publicist Jen Pelka, will open at 51 Bank St., at West Fourth Street. Pelka, who splits her time between SF and New York City, opened the original in SF two years ago, and almost immediately began plotting one for New York.
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Emeril Lagasse Enters NYC with a New Greek Restaurant
Celeb chef Emeril Lagasse now has a presence in the New York City with Rodos. He’s behind the menu at this new restaurant inside Hotel Henri in the Flatiron District, which features Greek specialties but, with this being Lagasse, Cajun-Creole flavors. That translates to octopus beignets, Louisiana crawfish pasta shells and New Orleans-style barbecued shrimp
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Le Central Now Open at Hotel Americano in Chelsea
At this new restaurant in Chelsea’s Hotel Americano, the menu is a collaboration between chef and partner Franklin Becker (of The Little Beet and The Little Beet Table), executive chef Joseph Abbruzzese (Fusco, Maria) and the kitchen staff, with dishes inspired by Central and South America, particularly Mexico City. Offerings include savory churros ($8) for the table, octopus carnitas ($22) and crunchy cod tacos ($16 for two)
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Tenants Forced Out by New Disney HQ
Office tenants are being forced out after Disney purchased several properties for its 4 Hudson Square headquarters. During the summer Disney acquired 304 Hudson, 50 Vandam, 275 Spring, along with 137 and 147 Varick St. with plans to demolish the buildings for its new headquarters. The current tenants had signed leases with the former Trinity Real Estate-owned buildings and had demolition clauses, which resulted in the tenants paying rent well below market.
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Hudson River Park to Get 5.5-Acre Parkland with Public Beach
The Hudson River Park Trust announced that it has selected landscape architecture firm James Corner Field Operations to revamp the Gansevoort Peninsula, a piece of land that’s the only remaining section of 13th Avenue, into a 5.5-acre public park, complete with its own beach (albeit one that will not likely be open to swimmers).The new parkland will also incorporate Day’s End, a public art installation
commissioned by the Whitney Museum.
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Never Sleep Alone
Learn how to make love like a legend at this mesmerizing musical comedy/TED Talk hybrid, led by maverick author/"sexual evangelist" Dr. Alex Schiller. Through a series of hilarious and consent-affirming gauntlets, the good doctor will shake audience members out of romantic complacency. And If you're not ready to face your fears of flirting onstage, be sure to select a "voyeur" ticket. But if you're ready to go big, the "participant" option will make you feel like you can breathe fire.
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No Sweetheart Conversation Candies for Valentine's Day 2019
It may be difficult for some to find the tragedy in this story, but the makers of the premiere heart-shaped "conversation" candies won't be delivering their Valentines Day messages in 2019, which means people will have to find some other way to say "be mine," "miss you," or "marry me."
Necco annually made 8 million Sweethearts, as well as similar brand known as Love Hearts, before its bankruptcy last year
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Tax Season
Last week I ran into Wiskits' mom at Starbucks (us dog owners often only know each other by the name of each other's dog(s). Most call me Scout's dad!) and we started talking about real estate, as often happens. She brought up her concerns about what could happen this tax season with the new bill becoming a reality. I then ran into Phil from my building and the topic was brought up again. This bill is really top of mind again for many.
How will the tax bill affect us and the NYC real estate market?
It will vary greatly from person to person, but it is a great time to review what's new. My best advice: have an educated, frank conversation with your accountant. Take a look at a few of the major tax changes below to help get the conversation started.
(The first three are having the greatest impact on the real estate market.)
SALT Limitation
If you itemize deductions, the amount you can write off for state and local taxes (SALT), including state income or sales tax and local property taxes, is limited in 2018 to $10,000 ($5,000 for married persons filing separately). Until now, there was no limit.
The new law limiting SALT deductions is particularly hurting sales in the Northeast. A federal cap on SALT deductions has hit our region hard: Of the 10 U.S. counties with the highest tax burden, nine are in New York, New Jersey or Connecticut.
Cap on Mortgage Interest
If you obtained a mortgage to buy or build your principal residence (plus one other home) before Dec. 16, 2017, you’re in the clear and can deduct all your mortgage interest (called “acquisition indebtedness”) on borrowing up to $1 million ($500,000 if you’re married and file separately). But if you have a newer mortgage, you’re limited to interest on $750,000 (again half that if you’re married and file separately).
Higher AMT Exemption
Until now, about four million individuals (mostly those with income between $200,000 and $500,000) paid the
alternative minimum tax (AMT)
because it was greater than their regular tax liability. But that’s now changed. For 2018, the AMT exemption amount is increased to $109,400 for joint filers and surviving spouses, $70,300 for singles and heads of households, and $54,700 for married persons filing separately. What’s more, the point at which these exemption amounts begin to phase-out has been increased to $1 million for joint filers and surviving spouses or $500,000 for other filers.The result of these higher amounts: it’s estimated that only about 200,000 taxpayers will pay this dreaded tax.
Lower Tax Rates
While there are still seven
tax brackets
, a number of them have been reduced. For example, the top tax rate is 37% (down from 39.6%). Overall, this means a lower tax bill for many individuals. It won't work out favorably for all, however. The old ceiling for the 28% tax rate was $191,650 for a single filer. That 28% bracket is now gone and a single filer at that income level is now in the 32% bracket.
Higher Standard Deduction Amount
You still have a choice between taking the standard deduction or itemizing your personal deductions. The standard deduction amounts for 2018 are nearly double what they were in 2017: $24,000 for joint filers and surviving spouses, $18,000 for heads of households, and $12,000 for singles and married persons filing separately.
New 20% Deduction for Business Income
If you are an independent contractor or own a business (other than a C corporation), you may be eligible for a new qualified business income (QBI) deduction. To the extent you’re eligible, you take it directly on Form 1040 as a personal deduction, whether you itemize or use the standard deduction. (Investopedia)
Once the tax season is over, will it positively or negatively affect real estate? Only time will tell. I would love to hear what you think -
Email Me
!
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208 West 11th Street
Welcome home to this masterfully modernized, Italianate townhouse on a picturesque, tree-lined block in the heart of the West Village.Originally constructed in 1856, this property truly combines magnificently restored 19th-century detail throughout the home while having sought after, high-end finishes and modernized technology.
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250 West St, Unit 5G
Welcome to this Tribeca Designer Home which reflects true modern living. In the heart of TriBeCa’s landmark historic district, 250 West Street is a former warehouse transformed into a unique collection of luxury condominium residences by El Ad Group and designed by GNA Architects
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Muhammad Ali’s Former L.A. Mansion Lists for $17 Million
A magnificent mansion in Los Angeles once owned by boxer
Muhammad Ali
is taking a swing at the market for $16.9 million. Set behind the private gates of Fremont Place, the 11,545-square-foot home sits on 1.6 acres of parklike grounds, and includes nine bedrooms and seven bathrooms. The large guesthouse contains an additional bedroom and full bath
.
Click
here
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A New York City resident for over 20 years and a West Village home owner for over 15, 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, architects, financial advisors and stagers to facilitate all aspects of of my clients' needs.
For the past 10 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 dog, Scout. I am passionate about giving back to our NYC community and continually support and volunteers 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.
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