manhattan: Manhattan (NY) Loan Limits Return to $729,750 until 12/1/09 - 02/20/09 12:33 AM
The House and Senate passed the stimulus package called the "American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009" President Obama signed the bill on Tuesday.While many real estate professionals and home buyers were hoping for a $15,000 tax credit for all home buyers without income caps that was introduced in the Senate unfortunately the final bill only includes an $8000, tax credit for first time home buyers that earn less than $75,000 per year ($150,000 on a joint return).
The bill includes a return to the higher temporary loan limits put in place for Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and FHA. during 2008. … (1 comments)

manhattan: Wordless Wednesday - It's Cold and Wet! - 02/04/09 12:33 AM
 

Columbus Avenue at West 77th Street, Upper West Side, Manhattan  - February 3, 2009  5:45 pm


 
Photos Courtesy of:
Mitchell J Hall, Associate Broker, REALTOR® Coldwell Banker Previews International
©Mitchell Hall 2006-2009
Local and global real estate questions and referrals are always welcomed.
 
(15 comments)

manhattan: New Rules for Manhattan Apartment Buyers and Sellers - 01/14/09 11:11 AM
For the past decade sellers had the power in the NYC real estate market. No longer can sellers dictate every aspect of the transaction. No financing contingencies, shopping around offers, listing brokers double ending deals are no longer the norm.Currently buyers have the upper hand. Buyers are putting in low offers and they are getting countered. Developers are offering incentives and are marketing value rather than luxury.Buyers are putting in multiple bids on several properties just as sellers were accustomed to receiving multiple bids and playing buyers against each other.It won't last for ever as real estate goes in cycles. It … (17 comments)

manhattan: Manhattan Living in Riverdale, NYC's Best Kept Secret: Upper Upper West Side - 12/26/08 08:22 AM

 
Just north of Manhattan's west side on the Hudson river is the beautiful enclave of Riverdale. The Solaria is the tallest building in Riverdale. The sleek new 20-story, 65-unit Solaria offers floor-to-ceiling glass apartments.
Rising high above the cityscape, most residences feature oversized balconies that graciously expand private living areas and offer breathtaking views from sunrise to sunset. Awe-inspiring protected vistas including the Hudson River, Palisades, George Washington Bridge, Long Island Sound, Van Cortland Park and Manhattan.
 

 
Solaria’s kitchens are stylishly efficient and stunningly appointed with spacious cherry wood cabinetry, granite countertops and top-of-the-line Viking, … (11 comments)

manhattan: Happy Chanukah: The Festival of Lights - 12/21/08 02:51 AM
Chanukah begins tonight Sunday December 21st at sundown. The celebration of Chanukah is about rededication, commemorating the Jewish people’s fight to worship as they choose. It’s about religious freedom.
The story of Chanukah takes place 2000 years ago. The Syrian-Greeks ruled the Jewish homeland and sent their army to the cities and villages and ordered the Jews to pray to the Greek gods, placing a statue of Zeus in the Jewish Temple in Jerusalem and burning Jewish holy books.
One day an old Jewish priest refused to pray to the Greek Gods as ordered by the soldiers and gathered supporters to … (7 comments)

manhattan: Manhattan Icon: Intrepid Returns Home to Pier 86 - 10/02/08 11:30 PM
The USS Intrepid was towed to its home at Pier 86 in Manhattan from Staten Island yesterday after being moved to undergo almost $120 million worth of repairs and improvements. The interior of the ship has been completely renovated.
 

 
The World War II-era aircraft carrier made its way through New York Harbor, passing the World Trade Center site and the Statue of Liberty along the way. 400 guests and former crew members attended while hundreds of New Yorkers greeted the ship with waving American flags along the west side of Manhattan.
The Intrepid had served as a … (6 comments)

manhattan: Manhattan's Clocktower: Designer Condos by Versace. - 07/23/08 04:12 PM
The house of Versace is designing interiors for a Manhattan landmark currently undergoing renovations and a condo conversion.
One Madison Avenue, the former Met Life Clocktower building near Madison Square Park, will be converted to residential condominiums

The Italian design house has been hired to do interior design work on the Clock Tower in the Flatiron District.Erected as the tallest building in the world in 1909, a title it kept for four years until the Woolworth Building at 233 Broadway was completed.The renovations include 55 condominium apartments, common areas and a spa. Donatella Versace will personally design a luxury club in the building. … (10 comments)

manhattan: Manhattan's Upper West Side - 07/23/08 12:17 AM
The Upper West Side:

The Upper West Side boundaries are 59th Street to the South, 110th Street to the North, Central Park West to the East and the Hudson River to the West.
The Upper West Side neighborhood has a different spirit and outlook than the Upper East Side. The Upper West Side is known for its individuality, creativity, diversity and cultural pursuits.
The Upper West Side is home to some extraordinary buildings. Landmarks of Art Deco, Beaux Arts, or Gothic Revival architecture, the great celebrity apartment buildings of Central Park West.
The Dakota, El Dorado, The San Remo Apartments, … (6 comments)

manhattan: Manhattan's Beloved Treasure: Riverside Park (LOCALISM FEATURED) - 07/21/08 08:33 PM
Riverside Park stretches over four miles along the Hudson River from 62nd to 158th Streets, the 330 acres of Riverside Park provide recreation and relaxation for a uniquely diverse population.

Riverside Park is widely regarded as Manhattan's most spectacular waterfront park. As one of only 10 officially designated scenic landmarks in the City of New York, it has a long and storied history.

Rugged bluffs and rocky outcroppings created through prehistoric glacial deposits once descended directly to the Hudson River shore. They were densely wooded until 1846, when the Hudson River Railroad cut through the forested hillside.

Today it is enjoyed by … (25 comments)

manhattan: Manhattan's Upper East Side - 07/19/08 09:16 AM
About The Upper East Side:

 
 
 
 
The Georgica:
a new condo on the Upper East Side
(named after Geogica Pond in East Hampton)

 
 
 
The Upper East Side has been considered Manhattan's most prestigious residential neighborhood covering the East of Central Park to the East River, and from 59th Street at its southern boundary to 96th Street at its northern boundary.
While the most coveted, prewar homes on Fifth and Park Avenues are beyond the financial reach of all but the wealthiest New Yorkers, there are also surprisingly good values that abound nearby. There are … (4 comments)

manhattan: New Construction Update: Hells Kitchen: Atelier, 635 West 42nd Street - 07/09/08 03:44 PM
Immediate occupancy in new construction at Atelier at 635 West 42nd St. A 46-story tower designed by Costas Kondylis to reflect the bow of a great ship docked along the Hudson River.
The building contains 478 studio to 2-bedroom apartments. The apartments feature extrodinary kitchens with stainless steel Sub-Zero glass door refrigerators, top-tier energy-efficient Bosche and miele appliances, including large washer dryer in every home.
Many apartments feature Hudson river views. Atelier Amenities include full basketball and volleyball courts, sky lounge with rooftop billiards, landscaped sun deck, fitness and yoga center, indoor swimming pool, a parking garage, health club and sauna.   
(15 comments)

manhattan: Happy 4th of July! Independence Day - 07/03/08 07:43 PM
 
HAPPY 4th of JULY
 
 
Here's wishing everyone a Happy Fourth of July celebration - Whether you'll be at the beach, at a barbeque, or just chilling out, have a good one.
If you haven't ventured out of the city or if you're visiting celebrate Independence Day in Manhattan
From Sea to Shining Shore.
Macy's 4th of July Along the East River
Largest fireworks display in America
The nations largest and most spectacular birthday bash lights up the night sky with over 120,000 breathtaking pyrotechnics from around the world!
between 10th - 23rd Streets off the South Street Sea … (9 comments)

manhattan: Welcome Fleet Week NYC 2008! - May 21st - May 28th - 05/21/08 04:29 AM
The 21st annual Fleet Week begins today.


Thousands of Sailors, Marines and Coast Guardsmen from U.S. Navy, U.S. Coast Guard and international navy ships will participate in Fleet Week NYC this week.
Eight ships and thousands of sailors, Marines, and Coast Guardsmen are descending on the city today. The warships are making their way up the Hudson River this morning. They'll be greeted with a 17-gun salute at Fort Hamilton.

Hosted every year Memorial Day week, Fleet Week New York is the City's celebration of the sea services. This annual event also provides an opportunity for the citizens … (4 comments)

manhattan: Manhattan, New York City Relocation Package - 02/26/08 01:44 PM

RELOCATION PACKAGE
Manhattan, New York City Relocation Guide Manhattan Living: Brownstones to Glass Mansions in the Sky Manhattan Relocation: Helpful Tips, Links and Contact Information Relocation Guide: Time Line For Purchasing A Manhattan Home Relocation Guide: Understanding (and loving) Manhattan New York Apartment Terminology A-Z: A Consumer Guide NYC Room Count: A Consumer Buyers Guide New York City Building Terminology Co-ops vs. Condos: Understanding Manhattan Housing The Co-op Board Interview: Tips to Help Pass a Coop Board Interview Manhattan Coop & Condo Restrictive Covenants Aztec Recognition Agreement
FAQ About Manhattan New Developments Manhattan Selling "AS IS" Manhattan Closing Costs for … (17 comments)

manhattan: Manhattan Closing Costs for Coops and Condos - 02/26/08 08:46 AM
COOPERATIVE APARTMENTS CLOSING COSTS FOR THE SELLER:
Broker NegotiableAttorney $1,800.00 and upCo-op Attorney $450.00Flip Tax 1% to 3% of price (if applicable)Stock Transfer Tax $.05 per shareMove-out Deposit $500.00 -$1000.New York City Transfer Tax 1% of price up to $500,000,plus $25.00 recording fee, and 1.425% of price over$500,000.New York State Transfer Tax $2.00 per $500.00 of sales priceBank Attorney Fee $300.00UCC-3 Filing Fee $20.00
FOR THE PURCHASER:
Attorney $1,800.00 and upBank Fees (if applicable):Points 0 to 3% of loan valueApplication, credit check, etc. $400.00Bank Attorney $450.00UCC-1 Filing Fee $20.00Short Term Interest One MonthMove-in Deposit $500.00 -$1000Recognition Agreement Fee $200.00Lien Search $250.00Maintenance … (9 comments)

manhattan: Manhattan Relocation: Helpful Tips, Links and Contact Information - 02/02/08 01:29 AM
New residents in New York City may be overwhelmed by the vast array of public services and municipal structure that they find upon arrival. The following information is a general guide for new New Yorkers who are trying to get settled.
Driver's licenses
For on-line instructions visit http://www.nydmv.state.ny.us/.
To register a vehicle for the first time or change registration
Bring the following to your local Motor Vehicle office:
Completed registration/title application Proof of ownership Proof of insurance in the registrant's name Proof of inspection Sales tax clearance Proof of registrant's name and date of birth If the registrant is not the owner … (19 comments)

manhattan: Manhattan, New York City Relocation Guide - 01/28/08 12:37 PM
Manhattan neighborhood index for folks relocating to Manhattan.
The Upper East Side:

The Upper East Side has been considered Manhattan's most prestigious residential neighborhood covering the East of Central Park to the East River, and from 59th Street at its southern boundary to 96th Street at its northern boundary.
While the most coveted, prewar homes on Fifth and Park Avenues are beyond the financial reach of all but the wealthiest New Yorkers, there are also surprisingly good values that abound nearby. There are exceptional values in all ranges of housing from post-war hi-rises to brownstones, and from rental to coop/ … (22 comments)

manhattan: Is the Blog Mightier than the Sword? Say No to DRUGS store chains - 01/24/08 01:19 AM
Back in July I wrote a post  Say No to DRUGS store chains, after discovering that 4 of my long-time neighborhood mom and pop retailers were being forced out of business to make way for a mega-Walgreens store.
I expressed my opinion that another Walgreens was not wanted on the Upper West side of Manhattan since we already have drugstore chains on every block. I received numerous comments from members throughout the country that were saddened by the big box malls replacing the ethnicity and small store flavor that was once the face of Manhattan.
Since July this is how my once vibrant … (10 comments)

manhattan: Real Estate is Local: Local! Local! Local! - 12/19/07 04:08 AM

 
Real Estate is Local, Stupid (original title)
 
In Manhattan
OPEN HOUSES SELL
HOMES!
 
Recently I've noticed a change in Activerain. It's the tone of some bloggers, they're angry arrogant and hostile. Opinions and personal experiences are written as though they are facts. Commenters that disagree are attacked.
Many posts have been written about "Open Houses" on activerain during the past year. Some agents loathe them some agents such as myself love them - I love to throw a party and to work a room.
I never realized hosting an Open House was controversial. Last night I came across a blog bashing open houses … (84 comments)

manhattan: Manhattan real estate in history/today: The Beresford - 12/07/07 07:19 AM

The Beresford
A coop building so vast it contains three separate lobbies fronting both Central Park West and West 81st Street.
It has three addresses 211 Central Park West, 1 West 81st Street and 7 West 81st Street. The building was completed a month prior to the stock market crash in 1929. The Beresford is a master piece of architect Emory Roth. The building has 175 apartments on 23 floors with a limestone base and brick-clad upper floors.
The courtyard contains a fountain and a garden. Italian Renaissance in design, the Beresford is executed in brick with limestone and terra cotta trim. Animating … (17 comments)

 
Mitchell J Hall, Lic Associate RE Broker - Manhattan & Brooklyn

Mitchell J Hall

Lic Associate RE Broker - Manhattan & Brooklyn

Manhattan, NY

More about me…

Address: New York, NY, 10024

Office: 212-877-6268

Mobile: (917) 312-0924



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