Category: Seller Tips

In working with several clients of mine, I’ve become intimately familiar with the $10M plus market place in Manhattan. I predict the $10M plus market place will offer buyers great opportunities through 2019.

Why? In 2012 developers started building luxury buildings; the high cost of land and development somewhat forced developers’ hand into the luxe market to make numbers work. An unprecedented re-sale at 15 Central Park West topped $80 million started the ultra-luxury race at One57 and in Manhattan everyone chased the money. The market took off and developers followed and the funnel of buyers seemed unending.

20/20 hindsight shows us that the top of the market was early 2016. Cracks started though in 2014 when oil prices dropped, the US dollar strengthened, Manhattan’s prices shot through the roof and BRIC (Brazil, Russia, India and China) growth faltered. Looking for better returns global buyers turned to other markets including San Francisco and the Los Angeles area. This market continues to adjust here.

Today (Jan 28, 2019) in Manhattan there are 600+/- active homes priced above $10 Million:
8% of all active listings on the market. As a comparison in 2014, $10M+ sales represented only 1-2% of Manhattan properties. We have a high-inventory issue.

Newly signed $10 Million+ contracts currently average approximately 19 per month, meaning there’s a 30-month supply of $10 million+ homes in Manhattan. Uber-luxe homes which sold in Jan 2019, were discounted from 7-30% off their last asks.

As a smart investor or buyers now is an opportune time to make your move on Manhattan. Secure a stunning property at a fantastic price. Interested? Click here to connect with me. Let’s talk

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Sunday is “Open House” day in New York real estate. Here’s a list of some gorgeous downtown properties in Manhattan (Scroll Down over My Image & Click onto each listing to view it). From Chelsea and Flatiron to Soho and Tribeca, if you’re looking for a 2-3 Bedroom Condo, Coop or Loft home, check these listings out. Open Houses are happening today. For more information and to receive answers to any of your questions about buying or selling in New York, contact me at Tony.sargent@compass.com. I’ve had 18+ years of experience working with clients in Manhattan and Brooklyn. Happy to share my knowledge with you!

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Having sold everything from classic lofts to the most modern of ultra-luxury apartments and townhouses in New York City’s real estate market, one of the most asked questions I get as a listing broker or buyers is this: “What kind of floors are these?”

If you are thinking of renovating your home or apartment, new kitchens and baths are definitely high on the list of items to transform, however travel with caution if you don’t replace your floors. In cities which have cold winters hardwood floors provide texture and warmth.

New floors make a huge visual impact on your home. Why? As you know, flooring covers your entire apartment. How it appears affects buyer’s impressions of your apartment and therefor its ultimate sale value. How many people skip spending money on their floors. Do. You’ll get it back multiples.

Over the years I’ve had several listings which had old floors. On one which lingered for 3 months on the market buyers could not get past the aged floors. We recommended the seller install new hard wood floors. She invested $15,000 in them – we received an offer to buy within days after it went back on the market, $120,000 above where the most recent offer had been.

I stage properties for my sellers. On a recent sale (and estate) we removed wall-to-wall carpets that had been down for over thirty years. The floor was dark and old. We sanded them, replaced old tiles and lightened them and used a matte polyurethane finish. Within ten days of listing the apartment went to multiple bids and into contract. The refinishing cost? $3,000.

Last week I listed this luxury 2-bedroom condo in Chelsea at 151 West 17th Street (see photo).

The owner spent money replacing the original maple composite floors installed by the original developer with custom wide-plank (5″) white oak, installed over a cushioning sub-floor. The floors look amazing which makes the apartment desirable and they feel like butter underfoot.

Thinking about selling your home and need some design tips for flooring? Feel free to contact me – or – check out this fantastic article from Elle Decor – “The Complete Guide to Hardwood Flooring Types and Costs“. It really breaks down the wood types, and what qualities they have which may make them more or less desirable for your intended use.