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ross ellis: Dear Santa from a Savvy NYC Real Estate Agent, Child Advocate and Philanthropist - 12/23/11 04:01 PM

Dear Santa,
 
It's been a long chaotic day. Dragging myself home in my Jimmy Choo stilettoes, I saw all of Christmas decorations in stores and all of the last minute shoppers scurrying to buy presents.
I started thinking about Christmas and began daydreaming of all the things I'd like to see under my tree this year.
So Santa, here goes:
I'd like to ask you for a silver Jaguar, a fabulous penthouse at 15 Central Park West, mansions in the Hamptons and Santa Barbara, a villa in Italy, a cottage in the South of France, … (2 comments)

ross ellis: First quarter 2010 Manhattan real estate sales report - 06/02/10 08:52 AM
The first-quarter market reports arrived last month with fairly good news for the city.The past few quarters showed an overall market dominated by first-time homebuyers and sales under $1 million. According to Halstead Property and Brown Harris Stevens reports (both companies are subsidiaries of Terra Holdings and share the same data) Co-ops sold during the first quarter were an average of 12 percent larger than a year ago. Click here to view Halstead Property's 1Q_2010 Market Report
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ross ellis: The Real Estate Board of New York asks New Yorkers to help build a new subway station - 03/12/10 04:09 PM
  In 2005, the New York City Council approved the rezoning of Hudson Yards, in hope of transforming Hudson Yards into a vibrant extension of Midtown's business and residential districts. The project would bring new life into the neighborhood.To better serve the neighborhood and to boost its rebirth, the city decided to extend subway line No. 7 which would bring a new subway station to 41st Street and 10th Avenue. Yet, the Hudson Yards Development Corporation, the nonprofit that oversees the development of Hudson Yards' plans now lacks the funds needed to build the subway line extension. In order to get … (0 comments)

ross ellis: NYC Mayor Bloomberg Signs Tenant Screening Agency Disclosure - 03/07/10 10:13 AM
Recently, New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg signed legislation requiring realtors and landlords to disclose contact information for tenant screening agency that will screen rental applicants. Introductory Number 5-A sponsored by NYC Council members requires landlords, realtors, and others who rent residential properties to disclose the contact information of the tenant screening agency that they use to investigate potential tenants. Realtors and landlords often use tenant screening agencies to determine if a potential tenant has appeared frequently before housing court, but their determinations are not transparent; reports do not provide context on why the tenant appeared in court, and few tenants … (3 comments)

ross ellis: Talking To Kids - How To Cope With The Earthquake in Haiti & Where To Donate - 01/16/10 09:01 AM
It is heartbreaking to hear about the devastating earthquake in Haiti. At Love Our Children USA our hearts go out to everyone who has been so tragically impacted by this unspeakable disaster.Natural disasters can be especially traumatic for children of all ages. Experiencing a devastating earthquake, a dangerous or violent flood or any violent act of mother nature is frightening even for adults -- and the devastation children and teens hear and read about can be long lasting and upsetting. When an entire community is impacted, it undermines a child's sense of security and normalcy. Many unique issues and coping challenges … (4 comments)

ross ellis: To the best year yet - 2010 - 01/04/10 09:44 AM
Wishing everyone a year of peace and prosperity for 2010 -  a year filled with hope and promise! 

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ross ellis: New York Real Estate Term Glossary - 11/08/09 03:32 PM
New York City is like no other. And when it comes to real estate in this glorious city, it's good to have an experienced broker whether you're buyng or selling ... and it's good to know basic terminology.
Glossary of Terms
Abstract of Title A historical summary of the recorded instruments and proceedings on the title of a property.
Air Rights The right to use or control the space above a property. Air Rights can also be sold, rented or leased to another party.
Amenities The benefits from home ownership, such as a feature that enhances value.
Appraisal An estimate of … (0 comments)

ross ellis: Manhattan Home Buyers - It's Your Market! Understand Your Buying Power! - 07/26/09 03:11 PM
It's THE market for Manhattan home buyers. So it's important to understand your buying power.
Your buying power means you can negotiate a good deal. It is also important to understand that while this is a buyer's market, there are no fire sales - meaning you won't get a $1M property for $500,000.
Be realistic. Manhattan sellers are not in the position of those in Florida, California or Nevada.
Additionally, just because it is a buyer's market, it doesn't mean that the down payments of the "bubble" days will be the same.  
In the bubble days you could put down … (0 comments)

ross ellis: New York City Restaurant Week Summer 2009 Is Here - 07/04/09 09:32 AM
It's that time again! New York City Restaurant Week Summer 2009 is almost here! New Yorkers and tourists alike will be able to enjoy an extended Restaurant Week and dine at Manhattan's trendiest and best restaurants from July 12-31, 2009. New York's top restaurants will serve three-course lunches for $24.07. FYI -- the discounts are not good on Saturdays, though some restaurants are offering deals on Sundays and three-course dinners for $35.00 (beverage, tax and gratuity not included). Reservations began on June 30, 2009 and participating restaurants include Megu, Spice Market, Dos Caminos, Nobu, Tao, One If By Land, Two If … (0 comments)

ross ellis: 2nd Quarter 2009 Manhattan Sales Market Report - 07/04/09 09:04 AM
Second-quarter sales prices fell nearly 20% in a year, while sales volumes drop like stones. The number of months on the market now doubles the decade's average.
The Manhattan residential real estate market showed little sign of recovery during the second quarter.
Some of the reports attributed the second-quarter price drop-off to sales back in early 2008 of high-priced units at The Plaza and 15 Central Park West. Some apartments at those luxury buildings sold for as much as $4,000 per square foot in the second quarter of last year. Greg Heym, chief economist at Halstead Property, said "adding that this year's … (0 comments)

ross ellis: SHRED FEST in Manhattan, Sunday May 3rd - 05/01/09 10:20 AM
SUNDAY, MAY 3rd New York City   "SHRED FEST 2009"
In a world of identity theft and other issues, we all know how important is to shred documents.
The Department of Consumer Affairs will hold the City's 2nd Annual "Shred Fest," scheduled on Sunday, May 3, from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Conducted in partnership with the Sanitation and Parks departments and the Office of the Criminal Justice Coordinator, Shred Fest offers you an opportunity to protect your identity by bringing documents containing personal information -- such as your bank account or Social Security numbers -- to designated sites throughout the city, where they'll be safely … (0 comments)

ross ellis: Why New York Is An Amazing City To Live In / Localism Featured - 07/12/08 03:24 PM

ABOUT NEW YORK CITY
New York City is the largest most diverse metro area with 8.275M residents. Its rich history, the landmarks such as Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty tell the world of our ancestors. Wall Street, the global financial market and economic ruler is home to the top 6 global financial firms. It has been a dominant global financial center since World War II and is home to the New York Stock Exchange. The city has been home to several of the tallest and most famous buildings in the world, including the Empire State Building and formerly the … (0 comments)