An insiders look at all things Downtown and beyond – our neighborhood, our homes,

our community.

September 2023

Out and About With Scout and Archie

The Power of Staging!

My team and I just finished a very busy month staging three new listings that just hit the market (two of them are listed below). While staging is an investment, it can often result in a higher selling price and a quicker sale, ultimately providing a good return on investment.

Staging matters when selling real estate for several important reasons:

First Impressions: Staging helps create a positive first impression. When potential buyers walk into a well-staged home, they are more likely to be impressed and emotionally connected to the property.
Highlighting Key Features: Staging allows you to showcase the property's best features. Professional stagers know how to draw attention to architectural details, focal points, and desirable aspects of the home.
Visualizing Space: Staging helps buyers visualize how they can use the space. It can define rooms, demonstrate functionality, and provide a sense of scale that empty or cluttered spaces cannot.
Neutralizing Personalization: Most homes have some level of personalization that may not appeal to all buyers. Staging involves depersonalizing the space, allowing buyers to see themselves living in the home.
Maximizing Potential: Staging can make a property look its best. This can often lead to higher offers and potentially faster sales. Buyers are often willing to pay more for a well-presented home.
Online Presentation: In today's digital age, all buyers start their search online. Staged photos make a listing stand out and attract more potential buyers to view the property in person.
Competitive Advantage: Staging gives your property a competitive edge. In a crowded market, a well-staged home can outshine others and lead to more inquiries and offers.
Emotional Connection: Staging can evoke an emotional connection with buyers. When they can imagine themselves living in the home and envision a comfortable and appealing lifestyle, they are more likely to make an offer.
Increased Perceived Value: A staged home often appears more valuable. Buyers may perceive it as move-in ready and meticulously maintained, which can justify a higher price.
Reduced Time on Market: Staged homes tend to sell faster. They attract serious buyers who are more likely to make offers, reducing the time the property spends on the market.
Cost-Effective: Staging can be a cost-effective way to enhance a property's appeal compared to major renovations or price reductions.

It's essential to work with experienced real estate professionals and stagers who understand the local market and the specific needs of your property to ensure the best results. Have questions? Let's chat!

Neighborhood Buzz

How Hudson River Park Helped Revitalize Manhattan’s West Side

Twelve hundred tons of sand arrived last month in Hudson River Park, the sliver of green space on the western edge of Manhattan, and it took only a quarter-century to get there.

In 1998, when Gov. George E. Pataki signed the law authorizing the creation of the park, he vowed it would have a beach.

Now, on the 25th anniversary of the Hudson River Park Act — which turned a strip of dilapidated warehouses and rotting piers along the city’s mightiest river into a sprawling park network — West Siders will finally get to wriggle their toes in the sand

NY's Popular Thai Restaurant Fish Cheeks Opens a Sequel

The owners of Noho Thai restaurant, Fish Cheeks, will open Bangkok Supper Club on Wednesday, at 641 Hudson Street, between Horatio and Gansevoort streets in the West Village, joining a collective of Thai restaurants in New York that look to the capital of Thailand for inspiration.

While partners Jennifer Saesue and Chat Suansilphong describe Fish Cheeks as comfort food, Bangkok Supper Club — with around 60 seats in the dining room and 11 at the bar — is more polished, relying on chef techniques to turn out creative takes on the city’s street food, curries, and regional dishes. It’s the second restaurant in 55 Hospitality that includes Fish Cheeks in its repertoire.

Hugh Jackman and Deborra-Lee Furness Bought a $22m

NYC Home a Year Before Separation

In a bombshell announcement that has left Tinseltown stunned, Hollywood power couple Hugh Jackman and Deborra-Lee Furness have revealed their separation after nearly three decades of marriage.

The shockwaves hit just a year after the pair captured headlines with their big-dollar purchase of a ritzy Manhattan penthouse.

The dynamic duo sent tongues wagging when they dropped $22.1 million for the residence, located in Chelsea.

10 Secrets of the West Village Part 1

The West Village is one of New York City’s most recognizable and dynamic neighborhoods.

Located within Greenwich Village, the West Village typically extends from Christopher Street up to West 14th Street. Known for its decades-old brownstones, narrow but quaint streets, and historic properties that redefined the artist and LGBTQ+ community of New York and abroad. With an odd street grid and its historically bohemian culture, the West Village has plenty of secrets to uncover. Here is part one of the top 20 secrets of the West Village!

Angie Mar Is Opening Le B Restaurant in NYC

Angie Mar has closed Les Trois Chevaux — her luxurious, ultra-French restaurant in the West Village — for now. Over the past few weeks, she has revamped the interior and has changed the name to Le B, a restaurant “with more of a downtown feel” the New York Times reports.

Le B — opening for dinner on September 22 at 283 W. 12th Street, near Eighth Avenue — is a reference to the Beatrice Inn, the nearly 100 year-old restaurant and scenester clubhouse where Mar honed her style of cooking 15 years (and was the owner along the way).

Take an Eating Tour of Taylor Swift's Go-To New York City Restaurants

Stop by some of the singer's favorite N.Y.C. restaurants for a bite – and possible sighting.

Via Carota - This New York City institution is frequented by Swift. Most recently, the singer stepped out with Sophie Turner. The pair's appearance comes on the trails of Turner's divorce from Joe Jonas, whom Swift also dated. Swift also made her first public appearance after her breakup with longtime boyfriend Joe Alwyn at the West Village stronghold. Click link for more.

Just Listed - 148 West 23rd St Unit 10B

Spectacular Sunny Loft Living in Chelsea.

Step into the epitome of New York loft living at 148 West 23rd St. #10B. This exceptional loft apartment in Chelsea offers a unique blend of historic charm and modern luxury, all set against the backdrop of iconic city views.

***

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

***

Scout and Archie's Scoop

IT'S FALL!

We love, love love the cooler weather and some fun in the yard with all the leaves!

Autumn is beautiful. Earthy smells, refreshing temperatures and vibrant colors create the perfect environment for long walks with our humans.

But pet parents beware! Halloween isn’t the only thing to fear this season. Click here and keep these fall safety tips in mind the next time you and your furry friend head outside.

Stay cool -

Scout and Archie

A Bit About Me

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.

Please forward this email to a friend and have them sign up HERE to receive this monthly letter.

Have an idea for the next SLICE? Email me here.