A Queen's View of Queens

Homebuyers' Guide To Submitting Offers: Factors That Influence The Offer

Shaun Rice (Keller Williams Landmark) — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 09:29:21 -0500

Factors That Influence The Offer

Property Condition
Since you have toured the property you are interested in, you should know how it compares to the general neighborhood. All you have to do is put the home in one of three categories - average, above average, or below average.

When evaluating a home’s condition, there are a number of things you should consider. Structural condition is most important - items such as walls, ceilings, floors, doors and windows. Then paint, carpets, and floor coverings. Pay special attention to bathrooms and bedrooms and whether the plumbing and electricity work efficiently. Look at the fixtures, such as light switches, doorknobs, and drawer handles. The front and back yards should be in reasonably good shape.

The missing ingredient will be information on the condition of the homes from your comparable sales list. Provided you chose the right agent to represent you, they will have actually visited most of those homes and be able to provide key insights.

Home Improvements
Even when comparing exact model matches within a tract of homes, you should note whether the previous owners have made any substantial improvements. Cosmetic changes should be largely ignored, but major improvements should be taken into account. Most important would be room additions, especially bedrooms and bathrooms. Other items, like expensive floor tile or swimming pools should be taken into account, too, but should be discounted. A pool that costs $20,000 to install does not normally add $20,000 in value to the home. Rely on your agent to give you guidance in this area.

Market Conditions
A hot market is a "seller’s market." During a seller’s market, properties can sell within a few days of being listed and there are often multiple offers. Sometimes homes even sell above the asking price. Though most buyer’s want to get a "deal" on a home, reducing your offer by even a few thousand dollars could mean that someone else will get the home you desire.

A slow market is a "buyer’s market. During a buyer’s market properties may languish on the market for some time and offers may be few and far between. Prices may even decline temporarily. Such a market would allow you to be more flexible in offering a lower price for the home. Even if your offered price is too low, the seller is likely to make some sort of counter-offer and you can begin negotiations in earnest.

More often than not, the market is simply "steady," or in transition. When a market is steady, no real rules apply on whether you should make an offer on the high end of your range or the low end. You could find yourself in a situation with multiple offers on your desired house, or where no one has made an offer in weeks.

Transition markets are more difficult to define. If the economy slows unexpectedly, as it did in the early nineties, people who buy on the high end of a seller’s market (like the late eighties) could find their home loses value for several years. So far, no one has proven reliable in predicting when markets change or how good or bad the real estate market will become.

Seller Motivation
Truthfully, it is rather rare that a seller’s motivation will dramatically affect the price of a home, but it is often possible to save a few thousand dollars. The most common "motivated seller" is someone who has already bought his or her next home or is relocating to a new area. They will be under the gun to sell the home quickly or face the prospect of making two mortgage payments at the same time. Since that can drain a bank account quickly, most sellers want to avoid such a situation and may be willing to give up a few thousand dollars to avoid the possibility.

There are also family crises that can motivate a seller to make a quick deal. However, when you see a real estate ad that mentions "divorce," "motivated seller," "relocation," or something to that affect, beware. Although the facts may be true, that does not necessarily mean the seller is motivated to make a quick and costly sale. Most likely, the ad is more designed to generate phone calls and leads rather than sell the home.

However, there are times when a seller is truly distressed, willing to make a quick sale and sacrifice thousands of dollars. With the seller’s permission, the listing agent will post this information along with the listing in the Multiple Listing Service. They may also inform other agents during office and association marketing sessions or by flyers sent to other real estate offices. Provided this information has been made generally available to Realtors, your agent should know when a seller is truly motivated and when it is just "puff" designed to elicit interest in a property.

The exception is when an agent is selling a home they have listed themselves or selling a home that was listed by another agent from their own company. In such a situation, the agent may be acting as an agent for the seller, or as a "dual agent,” representing both you and the seller. In such a situation, they cannot legally provide you with information that would give you an advantage over the seller.

Other Articles About Buying A Home From The Queens NY Real Estate Experts
Homebuyers' Guide To Submitting Offers: The Basic Parts Of An Offer
Homebuyers' Guide To Submitting Offers: Use Comparables Sales To Determine Your Offer Price
Understanding The First Time Homebuyer $8,000 Tax Credit
FHA Loans Make Home Ownership Possible In Todays Economy
Home Buyers: Tips On Reading An Inspection Report
June 2009 Market Report For Queens County NY: Condo & CoOps
June 2009 Market Report For Queens County NY: Single & Multi Family Homes

Free Things To Do Today in NYC: Thursday, July 23 2009

Shaun Rice (Keller Williams Landmark) — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 09:10:10 -0500

Concert - Soul
Gladys Knight & The O'Jays at Asser Levy Seaside Park
W 5th St (at Surf Ave)
Brighton Beach/Brooklyn
(718) 469-1912
7:30PM

Gladys Knight-ya know, of the Pips?-had a string of hits in late 1960s and early 1970s with songs like "I Heard It Through the Grapevine" and "Midnight Train to Georgia." Catch her beltin' 'em out tonight. Openers the O'Jays offer springy grooves outfitted with string sections that aging crowds still yell for.

Seminar
Interactive Hit Factory Salon at Word
126 Franklin St. (at Milton St)
Greenpoint/Brooklyn
(718) 383-0096
7PM-9PM

The brains behind Hit Factorie designed a special multimedia installation inspired by summer reading (comprised of pieces called "Hit Books") which is displayed in the window of Word. Tonight, the artists explain the piece and their process, and invite visitors to create their own Hit Book.

Books
Non-Motivational Speaker Series at JLA Studios
63 Pearl St (b/t Broad St and Coenties Slip)
DUMBO/Brooklyn
7PM

The series welcomes two authors to reflect on the oddities, eccentrics and little-known tragedies of the Middle East: Neil MacFarquhar, Libyan-raised former Middle East correspondent at The New York Times and author of The Media Relations Department of Hizbollah Wishes You a Happy Birthday, and Lucette Lagnado, author of The Man in the White Sharkskin Suit, a memoir of growing up Jewish in Egypt.

Dance
Stephen Petronio Company at Prospect Park Bandshell
Prospect Park West (at 9th St)
Park Slope/Brooklyn
(718) 855-7882
8PM

As part of the Celebrate Brooklyn festival, Stephen Petronio celebrates his company's 25th-anniversary season with I Drink the Air Before Me, an evening-length work inspired by the power of extreme weather, set to a gorgeous score by Nico Muhly.

Exhibit In The Making
Tea Cart Stories at Lower East Side Tenement Museum
108 Orchard St (at Broome St)
Lower East Side/Manhattan
(212) 982-8420
4PM-7PM

Artist Michele Brody is the brains behind this public art project/storytelling event: She invites participants into a large copper cart across the street from the Tenement Museum, where they can sip tea and tell her a story about themselves. She'll then transcribe the stories onto paper tea bags, which will be displayed in the museum window through December.

Gay
Bruce Benderson at Dixon Place
161 Chrystie St (b/t Delancey and Rivington Sts)
Lower East Side/Manhattan
(212) 219-0736
9PM

Nonconformist queer identity and hustlers loom large in the work of acclaimed author Benderson. Tonight he reads excerpts from his work, including his upcoming satirical novel Pacific Agony.

How To Keep Safe While Selling Your Home

Shaun Rice (Keller Williams Landmark) — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 08:50:01 -0500

Security Tips For Sellers

For your own safety, never set an appointment with anyone to see your home unless they have given you their name and number and you have called back to verify that number. An easy way to do this is to say. “Let me check with my husband/wife for the best time and I will call you back.” Use this method even if you are not married.
Never let potential buyers know your schedule. Don’t ever tell them when you won’t be at home, when your spouse won’t be home, when you pick up the kids, when you work, when you will be on vacation, etc.
Never give a caller information about your home’s security such as deadlock bolts, security systems, and so forth.
Always have a back-up plan when you allow strangers into your home, especially if you have children. Have a neighbor look out for you until the lookers have gone.
Never let a stranger into your home without seeing some identification. If the person says he/she is a real estate agent, ask for a card, then call his/her office to verify the information if you don’t recognize the person.
Keep a log of everyone who has looked at your house. Get their name, telephone number, address, car description, tag number, and any additional information that could be helpful in the event of a future burglary. All of these people would be suspects.
If you make a flyer to advertise your home, don’t include any information that might breech security.
Remove from sight all valuables, including guns, jewelry, silverware, and collections. Recently, there was an incident in South Florida where a couple was going around with a real estate agent and stealing things from houses they visited. The couple actually stole over $150,000 worth of valuables. If possible, screen all potential buyers via a thorough pre-qualification process before you let anyone into your home.
Never leave strangers alone, and watch their every move while they’re in your home. One of the latest scams, according to Real Estate Today magazine, involves prescription drugs. A nice-looking, clean-cut couple will make an appointment to view your house. Once inside, one of them will ask to use the bathroom and will search for prescription drugs while inside. There is a huge market for such drugs. So make certain your prescription drugs are well-hidden before anyone looks at your home.

Other Articles For Home Sellers
Helping Sellers Understand The Listing Contract
Hard Truths For Sellers
Home Improvements That Increase The Value Of Your Home
June 2009 Market Report for Queens County NY: Single Family/Multi-Family Homes
June 2009 Market Report for Queens Coutny NY: Condo/Co-Ops

Free Things To Do Today In NYC: Wednesday, July 22 2009

Shaun Rice (Keller Williams Landmark) — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 08:12:49 -0500

Concert - Rock
KRS-One at Crotona Park
173rd St (at Crotona Park East)
Bronx
7PM

For years, Kris "KRS-One" Parker has been sort of weirding his way into irrelevance from the hip-hop world that he helped define in the late '80s-really, his best work is unquestionably among the genre's finest ever, and he remains a force in the community.

Books
Park Lit at Tompkins Square Park
Ave A (b/t 7th and 10th Sts)
East Village/Manhattan
6:30PM

The outdoor reading series welcomes contributors to Bomb magazine's latest literary supplement, including Matthew Sharpe, Frederic Tuten, Pam Dick and Alan Gilbert.

Clubs
Waterfront Wednesdays at Water Taxi Beach/Hunters Point
2-03 Borden Ave (at 2nd St)
Long Island City/Queens
(212) 742-1969
6PM-Midnight

Long Island City's Water Taxi Beach sets sail in a teched-up direction on Wednesdays, with Alex Ward, Lisa Fox and Sameer joined by top locals and the occasional out-of-town visitor.

Health & Wellness
Midweek Reiki Refresher at T Salon
459 W 15th St (b/t Ninth and Tenth Aves)
Chelsea/Manhattan
(212) 243-0432
7PM-Midnight

Reiki, which means roughly "spiritually guided universal life force energy" in Japanese, aims to heal and relax the inner and outer soul through the light, feathery touch of a practitioner, who allows energy to pass between the two of you. Some say the treatments can improve heart rate and blood pressure, reduce stress and anxiety, improve fatigue and depression, and strengthen quality of life. Pamela Miles, who has been practicing reiki since 1986, offers a free introduction and treatment so you can judge for yourself if the claims are true.

Transcendental Meditation Technique at Transcendental Meditation
Broad St.
Financial District/Manhattan
(212) 779-9933
7:30PM-9PM

Since Maharishi Mahesh Yogi introduced this practice to the U.S. 50 years ago, more than 37,000 New Yorkers have adopted it. Learn about its benefits to the mind and body at these free introductory lectures. Reservations required

Theatre
Click, Clack, Moo at the Lucille Lortel Theatre
121 Christopher St (b/t Bleeker and Hudson Sts)
West Village/Manhattan
(212) 279-4200
10:30AM

In this musical adaptation of Doreen Cronin's popular children's book, a group of typing cows bands together to protest their working conditions: Consider it a kiddie cross between The Pajama Game and Animal Farm. John Rando directs for Theaterworks USA. (Tickets are free and can't be reserved in advance; they are distributed an hour before curtain time, so just get to the theater early and line up.)

NY Tenant Rights: Sharing Your Apartment

Shaun Rice (Keller Williams Landmark) — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 10:45:38 -0500

Tenant Rights: Sharing Your Apartment in New York

Living in an apartment in the New York City area can be tricky business - and its important to know what your rights are as a Tenant. Don't assume that your Landlord knows your full rights or that what they are telling you is 100% correct until you do some research. For instance, do you know what your rights are when it comes to sharing your apartment? Can your boyfriend just move in with you? What if your child loses her job and needs a place for herself and your granddaughter to live??

New York Tenant Law says that if you live alone in either a rent controlled or rent stabilized apartment, you may invite an unlimited number of immediate family members to share the apartment with you. In addition - you are also allowed to invite one non-immediate family member (and their children, if under the age of 18) to share the apartment.

However, if more than one person has signed the lease....the amount of people who can live in the apartment is limited to the number of lease signers - and at least one of the lease signers must remain an occupant at all times.

Do I need to do anything when someone moves in with me?

Though your right to share your apartment is automatic and cannot be taken away (even if stated in your lease), you should notify your landlord in writing 30 days prior to the date your roommate is scheduled to move in. If you do not, you will have to answer any inquiries made by your landlord within 30 days of them asking you about sharing the apartment.

Other Articles For New York Tenants
June 2009 Market Report For Queens County: Rental Properties
A Guide To Finding Your Apartment On Craigslist
Queens Apartment Advice: Don't Let The Bedbugs Bite!
Dear NYC Area Tenant: A List Of What You Need To Be Able To Rent
When Life Gives You Lemons...Lower Your Rent
How Do I Sublet My Apartment In NY?

Free Things To Do In NYC: Tuesday, July 21 2009

Shaun Rice (Keller Williams Landmark) — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 09:36:58 -0500

Opera & Classical
Haruka Fujii at the Julliard School Room 309
60 Lincoln Center Plaza (at 65th St)
Upper West Side/Manhattan
(212) 799-5000
7PM

Percussionist Haruka Fujii, of the excellent contemporary-classical quartet Flexible Music, presents a recital as part of this year's Juilliard Percussion Seminar. The program includes new pieces by Carl Schimmel and Moto Osada; Flexible Music pianist Eric Huebner and New York Philharmonic cellist Sumire Kudo are featured guests.

Books
The Adventures of Tom Sawyer at the Bryant Park Reading Room
W 42nd St (b/t Fifth and Sixth Aves)
Midtown West/Manhattan
(212) 768-4242
12:30PM

Novelist Amy Bloom-author of the crossing-America novel Away-shares her thoughts about Mark Twain's classic picaresque.

Comedy
Giggles at Sweet Ups
277 Graham Ave (b/t Grand and Powers Sts)
Williamsburg/Brooklyn
(718) 384-3886
9:30PM

Donald Stahl hosts this stand-up showcase in the 'Burg, featuring Sean Donnelly, Carlen Altman and Hannibal Burress.

Gay
Love Boot Camp at The Center
208 W 13th St (b/t Seventh and Eigth Aves)
West Village/Manhattan
(212) 620-7310
8PM

Psychotherapist and author (Straight Acting: Gay Men, Masculinity and Finding True Love) leads a workshop on how to build authentic connections.

Concert - Rock
Lovebug Starski and Friends at Queensbridge Park
Vernon Blvd (at 41st Ave)
Long Island City/Queens
(212) 360-2756
7PM

Bronx legend Lovebug Starski-no less an authority than Afrika Bambaataa credits him with coining the term hip-hop-rocks the park in Queens.

Exhibits
'09 Oh Cow at Crossing Art
136-17 39th Ave (b/t Main and 138th Sts)
Flushing/Queens
(212) 359-4333
11AM-6PM

More than 20 local artists, including Linda Blueml and Lin Shih Pao, explore the cultural significance of the cow in this exhibit, presented in conjunction with the Flushing Cow Parade. Using photography, videos and traditional oil paint, the artists examine how we relate to the animal (beyond its place in the food chain).

Places To Go In Queens: La Guli Pastry Shop (Astoria)

Shaun Rice (Keller Williams Landmark) — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 07:49:21 -0500

The La Guli Bakery in Astoria (Queens NY)

If you take the N train all the way to the end of the line...you might not expect to find anything but a million Greek restaurants and Con Edison - but hidden in the streets of Astoria is a little Italian gem: The La Guli Bakery.

Seventy years ago Paolo Notaro opened up this little bakery after immigrating to Queens from Palermo, Italy. Since then almost nothing has changed - the storefront, interior woodwork, shelves and terrazzo floor are just the way Paolo designed it. Today the store is run by Paolo's son, Rosario and his granddaughter Maria, who carry on the family tradition by making exquisite pastries from scratch every day.

Their ovens run morning, noon and night so that they can always offer fresh baked goods to the community. Over the years, the store has grown from its humble beginnings to the leading supplier of baked goods for many restaurants and businesses in the Tri-State area. Whether its a homemade cannoli, freshly baked cookie - or one of their amazing cakes, you can't go wrong with 70 years of Italian experience!

Other Places To Go In Queens:
Bohemian Hall & Beer Garden
The American Museum of the Moving Image
The Egyptian Coffee Shop
Public Pools In Queens County

FREE things to do today in NYC - Monday, July 20 2009

Shaun Rice (Keller Williams Landmark) — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 07:14:05 -0500

Film
West Side Story at the Elevated Acre
55 Water St
Manhattan
8:00PM

Can't afford to see the spectacle on Broadway? Skip the lines, doff the suit and head out to the Acre to catch the free movie that inspires all those foreigners to "Feel Pretty" and come to "America."

Books
Derek McCormack and Edmund White at Bluestockings
172 Allen St (at Stanton St)
Lower East Side/Manhattan
(212) 777-6028
7PM

McCormack discusses his fiction with novelist-biographer-memoirist White.

Craig Nelson at Barnes & Noble
396 Sixth Ave (at 8th St)
Greenwich Village/Manhattan
(212) 674-8780
7PM

The ex-astronaut recounts the thrills and challenges of space travel in Rocket Men: The Epic Story of the First Men on the Moon.

Opera & Classical
New York Philharmonic at Kupferberg Center For The Arts/Queens College
65-30 Kissena Blvd. (at the LIE)
Flushing/Queens
(718) 793-8080
8PM

You didn't think the Phil was going to forget about you this year, Staten Island and Queens, did you? Your concerts are just as free as the ones the other boroughs enjoyed, but look at your fringe benefits: air conditioning and acoustics! The Thu 16 program repeats, and you'll need to pick up tickets in advance at your respective box offices.

Classes & Workshops
Optimal Fertility with Acupuncture & Chinese Medicine at Turning Point Acupuncture
1841 Broadway (at 60th St)
Midtown West/Manhattan
(212) 489-5038
12:30-1:30

For some people, trying to conceive can be difficult. If you're having trouble bringing a bundle of joy into this world, check out this introductory workshop. You'll learn how ancient Chinese wisdom relates to conception and pregnancy.

Dance
A Space Funk Invasion at the South Street Seaport
Fulton and Front Sts
Financial District/Manhattan
(212) 219-9401
6PM

Nicholas Leichter Dance and Monstah Black present this hybrid of dance, culture, fashion and funk music. The work, part of the Lower Manhattan Cultural Council's Sitelines series, will be performed for bystanders and patrons of four outdoor bars.

FREE things to do today in NYC - Sunday, July 19 2009

Shaun Rice (Keller Williams Landmark) — Sun, 19 Jul 2009 10:58:18 -0500

Gay
In the Life: Summer of Stonewall on PBS Channel 13
Midtown West/Manhattan
10:30PM

The 17-year-old LGBT newsmagazine continues its three-part miniseries celebrating the 40th anniversary of the Stonewall riots. Tonight's, "Civil Disobedience," looks at LGBT centers, activists including Katherine Acey of Astraea and Kevin Cathcart of Lambda Legal, and activist and drag performer Storme DeLarverie.

Games
Monthly Quidditch Match in Riverside Park Fields
103rd St and Riverside Dr.
Upper West Side/Manhattan
3PM

You won't actually get in the air for this Quidditch match, organized by the Harry Potter fan organization the Group That Shall Not Be Named, but you will be in for a brutal competition. This is the final Quidditch match before the group's Tri-Wizard Tournament in September

Books
Dirk Wittenborn at Freebird Books and Goods
123 Columbia St (b/t Degraw and Kane Sts)
Cobble Hill/Brooklyn
(718) 643-8484
7PM

The excellent Brooklyn bookstore welcomes local author Wittenborn, whose novel Pharmakon is a literary cocktail that cleverly meditates on, among other things, the dawn of antidepressants, family tragedy, drug abuse, father-son tensions and stardom.

Concert - Rock
Paranoid Larry and His Imaginary Band at Otto's Shrunken Head
538 E 14th St (b/t Aves A and B)
East Village/Manhattan
(212) 228-2240
9PM

Paranoid Larry is a scratchy-voiced Brooklyn songwriter whose tunes combine political outrage with droll humor.

Comedy
Ditch Comedy Sundays at Bar 4
444 Seventh Ave (at 15th St)
Park Slope/Brooklyn
(718) 832-9800
8:30PM

Yannis Pappas hosts a different lineup of local comics each week and screens shorts from Ditch Films.

Festivals
25 Annual Columbian Independence Day Festival in Flushing Meadows/Corona Park
111th St to Van Wyck Expwy (b/t Flushing Bay and the GCP)
Queens
(718) 699-4833
10AM-6PM

Kick off your Colombian staycation by heading to what's arguably the biggest (and best!) Independence Day celebration outside of Bogotá. Colombians gather in Queens to catch performances by regional music and dance groups like this year's two main acts, the orchestra Conga de Oro de Barranquilla and Ballet Nacional de Colombia. Expect a feast: Lines of friendly vendors sell traditional Colombian fare like roasted chicken, empanadas, chuzos (the shish kebab's Colombian cousin), cholados (a shake made with fruit, ice and condensed milk) and the hearty bandeja paisa (a dish containing rice, beans, grilled steak and fried pork rind). This year, organizers expect more than 300,000 celebrants to turn the park into a sea of yellow, blue and red-the colors of the Colombian flag.

FREE things to do today in NYC - Saturday, July 18 2009

Shaun Rice (Keller Williams Landmark) — Sat, 18 Jul 2009 09:28:57 -0500

Concert - Reggae
Nation Beat on Roosevelt Island
Main St (near Road 5)
Roosevelt Island
5PM

Inspired by Chico Science's mangue beat, Scott Kettner and his combo blend Brazilian maracatu, coco, baiao and other folkloric traditions with a New Orleans second-line backbeat.

Skateboarding
Block Star 1: Brooklyn in Park Place
Albany and Kingston Aves
Park Place/Brooklyn
(718) 774-9575
Noon-6PM

Learn how to catch some air, or just show off your gnarliest tricks, at this block-party-cum-skateboarding-workshop, which features tutorials by the Uptown Skate School and a live performance by Native Son Audio.

Exhibits
Architectures of Crisis/Architectures of Residence at SculptureCenter
44-19 Purves St (at Jackson Ave)
Long Island City/Queens
(718) 361-1750
2PM-7PM

In conjunction with the University of Trash exhibition, the Center for Urban Pedagogy presents slide shows and a discussion on urbanism at the U.S.-Mexico border.

Comedy
The Hank Schwarzkopf and Peanut Butter Baby Show at Two80 Cafe and Lounge
280 Knickerbocker Ave (b/t Starr and Suydam Sts)
Bushwick/Brooklyn
(718) 684-2422
7PM

Comtemplate Bushwick culture over free PBRs while Schwarzkopf and crew host a borough-centric variety show complete with comedy, music and a Q&A with a local vendor.

Dance
Irish Family Dance at Esplanade Plaza
Battery Park City (West St at Liberty St)
Financial District/Manhattan
(212) 267-9700
6:30PM

Irish dance featuring the Pender-Keady Academy of Irish Dance and New York musical group Morning Star.

Fitness
The Balanced Runner: The Secret To Running Fluid at Engineers Gate/Central Park
90th St at Fifth Ave
Manhattan
(646) 256-4414
7:30PM-7:45

Do your knees take a pounding when you run? This complimentary 15-minute Feldenkrais lesson will teach you the essential element of comfortable, healthy, fluid running. Use it as a warm-up before your actual run.

Luxury 2 Bedroom / 2 Bath Condo in Bayside NY

Shaun Rice (Keller Williams Landmark) — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 13:03:30 -0500

Luxury 2/2 Condo In Bayside

$739,000

Location:
One Bay Club Dr.
Bayside, NY 11360

Map and Directions

Description

Completely Renovated (1.5 Years New!) 2 Bedroom / 2 Full Bathroom, Large Living Room And Dining Area, Eik With Stainless Appliances, Terrace. Fabulous Bay Club Gated Community: 24 Hour Security ~ Doorman ~ Concierge; Year Round Swim And Fitness Center (Extra Fee); Parking (Extra Fee). A Real Must See. Sale May Be Subject To Term & Conditions Of An Offering Plan.

Photos

Features

Condominium
Fully Renovated in 2007
School District 25
Hardwood Floors
Stainless Steel Appliances
A/C
Terrace
Indoor/Outdoor Pool
Four Tennis Courts
Fitness Center (fee)
Parking (fee)
Elevator
Doorman/Concierge
Taxes: $3,200
Common Charge: $644.74

Neighborhood Info

Bayside is a suburban neighborhood in the borough of Queens in New York, New York in the United States. Bayside is known as one of the most expensive areas to live in, with well kept homes and landscaping. The neighborhood is part of Queens Community Board 11.

Bayside has been included in CNN Money's ranking of Best Places to Live 2005, and Best Places to Retire 2005. An article in The Village Voice called Bayside one of the safest neighborhoods in New York City.

Bayside is part of the New York City Department of Education's district 26, the highest performing school district for grades K-9 in all of New York City. The district includes 20 elementary schools and 5 middle schools.

Bayside is home to a number of New York City high schools:

Bayside High School

Benjamin Cardozo High School

as well as a number of parochial schools:

Sacred Heart School Catholic School

Redeemer Lutheran School Lutheran school

St. Robert Bellarmine School Catholic School

Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament School Catholic School

Bayside is also home to Queensborough Community College, a branch of the City University of New York (CUNY) system.

Listed by

The Ruby Slippers Team

Keller Williams Realty Landmark
Phone: (347) 879-3387

Listing agent/broker: Keller Williams Realty

Foodies Delight: NYC Restraunt Week 2009 Is In Full Swing

Shaun Rice (Keller Williams Landmark) — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 11:50:53 -0500

Make The Most of NYC Restraunt Week 2009

     Calling all Foodies - Calling all Foodies! It is that time of year again in the Big Apple: the infamous New York Restraunt Week. A time to have a meal that you would normally drop $150 on - but pay a bill rivaling your the price of parking for the evening.

     Restraunt Week started back in 1992 - and was supposed to be a one-time event to welcome the Democratic National Convention to the city. It gave New York City diners the chance to have a three course elegant meal at some of New York's finest restraunts for a mere $19.92. Obviously NYC residents lobbied to make this an annual event - and viola! Restruant week is now a THREE WEEK event and offers 3 course prix-fixe meals for lunch at $24.07 and dinner for $35. Though this has been a 'during the week' event in the past, this year - for the first time ever - most restraunts will offer these prix-fixes on Sundays as well!

   NYC Restraunt Week is one of New Yorks most anticipated events - mainly because more than 250 restraunts now participate. They include the tried and true as well as the up and comming and give you a full range of cuisines to choose from. Just to name a few are: Megu, Spice Market, Dos Caminos, Nobu, Tao, and Blue Water Grill.

   Restruant Week lasts from July 12-31st and all of the participating restruants are now taking reservations - so don't forget to book ahead. To see a full list of the restruants participating, some of the menu options or to make your reservations - click below!

FREE things to do today in NYC - Friday, July 17 2009

Shaun Rice (Keller Williams Landmark) — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 11:24:31 -0500

Games
Capture the Flag NYC
Williamsburg/Brooklyn
http://www.newmindspace.com
7PM

The crazy kids of Newmindspace are at it again: They're the brains behind today's massive game of capture the flag, taking place throughout Williamsburg. At press time, a starting point had not bwwn not announced; check newmindspace.com closer to the date for details and game rules. Be sure to bring a flashlight and your cell phone.

Books
Ampersand Books Reading at Housing Works Bookstore Cafe
126 Crosby St (b/t Houston and Prince Sts)
Soho/Manhattan
(212) 334-3324
7PM

A brand-new publisher celebrates its first two books, poet Ryan Davidson's Under What Stars and novelist Joseph Riippi's Do Something!

Gay
Cheap Date Night at Babeland
94 Rivington St (b/t Ludlow and Orchard Sts)
Lower East Side/Manhattan
(212) 375-1701
8PM

Bring your babe to Babeland for a mini workshop about the G-spot and the P-spot, plus free treats, gifts and coupons.

Exhibits
The Future Beneath Us: 8 Great Projects Under NY at the NY Transit Museum
Grand Central Terminal/42nd St (b/t Vanderbilt and Lexington Aves)
Midtown East/Manhttan
(212) 878-0106
8AM-8PM

See also New York Public Library, Library of Science, Business and Industry. A century's worth of wear and tear has made our transit system less than exemplary; luckily, the MTA has solutions! Learn about four Capital Construction projects, including the Second Avenue subway and the 7 line extension, at this exhibit.

Concert - Jazz
Emmet Cohen Trio at One New York Plaza
Water St (at Whitehall St)
Financial District/Manhattan
12:30PM

Concert - Rock
Superchunk & Verses at South Street Seaport
Fulton St (at South St)
Financial District/Manhattan
(212) 732-7678
6PM

Superchunk's importance has been eclipsed by that of Merge, the label launched by two of its members to put out records by the band, later the home of Neutral Milk Hotel, Magnetic Fields, Arcade Fire, etc.... But Superchunk itself remains a beloved indie act, and has returned after a lull with an EP and some shows. Opening is Versus, a New York trio that made big waves in '90s indie rock and has just returned to performing after being split up for much of the past decade.

Home Buyer's Guide To Submitting Offers: The Basic Parts Of An Offer

Shaun Rice (Keller Williams Landmark) — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 10:41:52 -0500

The Basic Parts of an Offer

Writing An Offer To Purchase Real Estate
Once you find the home you want to buy, the next step is to write an offer – which is not as easy as it sounds. Your offer is the first step toward negotiating a sales contract with the seller. Since this is just the beginning of negotiations, you should put yourself in the seller’s shoes and imagine his or her reaction to everything you include. Your goal is to get what you want, and imagining the seller’s reactions will help you attain that goal.

The offer is much more complicated than simply coming up with a price and saying, "This is what I’ll pay." Because of the large dollar amounts involved, especially in today’s litigious society, both you and the seller want to build in protections and contingencies to protect your investment and limit your risk.

In an offer to purchase real estate, you include not only the price you are willing to pay, but other details of the purchase as well. This includes how you intend to finance the home, your down payment, who pays what closing costs, what inspections are performed, timetables, whether personal property is included in the purchase, terms of cancellation, any repairs you want performed, which professional services will be used, when you get physical possession of the property, and how to settle disputes should they occur.

It is certainly more involved than buying a car. And more important.

Buying a home is a major event for both the buyer and seller. It will affect your finances more than any other previous purchase or investment. The seller makes plans based on your offer that affect his finances, too. However, it is more important than just money. In the half-hour it takes to write an offer you are making decisions that affect how you live for the next several years, if not the rest of your life. The seller is going to review your offer carefully, because it also affects how he or she lives the rest of their life.

That sounds dramatic. It sounds like a cliché. Every real estate book or article you read says the same thing.

They all say it because it is true.

Contingencies in a Purchase Offer
In most purchase transactions there may be a slight challenge or two, but most things will go quite smoothly. However, you want to anticipate potential problems so that if something does go wrong, you can cancel the contract without penalty. These are called "contingencies" and you must be sure to include them when you offer to buy a home.

For example, some "move-up" buyers often agree to purchase a home before selling their previous home. Even if the home is already sold, it is probably a "pending sale" and has not closed. Therefore, you should make closing your own sale a condition of your offer. If you do not include this as a contingency, you may find yourself making two mortgage payments instead of one.

There are other common contingencies you should include in your offer. Since you probably need a mortgage to buy the home, a condition of your offer should be that you successfully obtain suitable financing. Another condition should be that the property appraises for at least what you agreed to pay for it. During the escrow period you are likely to require certain inspections, and another contingency should be that it pass those inspections.

Basically, contingencies protect you in case you cannot perform or choose not to perform on a promise to buy a home. If you cancel a contract without having built-in conditions and contingencies, you could find yourself forfeiting your earnest money deposit.

Or worse.

Earnest Money Deposit
After you have come up with an offer price, the next step is to determine how large a deposit you want to make with your offer. You want the "earnest money deposit" to be large enough to show the seller you are serious, but not so large you are placing significant funds at risk.

One recommendation is to make sure your deposit is less than two to three percent (depending on your location) of your offered price. The reason for this is that if your deposit is larger than that, the lender will pay particular attention to how you came up with the funds. You might have to provide a copy of a canceled check along with a bank statement showing you had the money to begin with. Normally, this is not a problem, but if you have a short escrow period or are barely coming up with your down payment, it could pose an inconvenience.

Another reason to limit your deposit is "just in case." Although significant problems are the exception and not the rule, they do occur. "Just in case" there is a nasty or prolonged dispute between you and the seller, the less money you have tied up in a deposit, the fewer funds you have placed at risk.

As with practically everything in real estate, there are exceptions to this rule, too. During a hot market there may be multiple offers on the property that interests you. A large deposit may impress a seller enough so they will accept your offer instead of someone else’s, even when your unknown competitor is offering the same price or slightly higher.

Since large deposits do impress sellers, you may also find that by making a large deposit you can convince the seller to accept a lower offer. More money up front may save you money later.

There are also times when closing can be delayed by weeks, through no fault of your own. Have back-up plans prepared for such a contingency.

The Closing Date
It is absolutely essential that you include a closing date as part of your offer. This way both you and the seller can make plans for moving, and the seller can make plans for buying his or her next home. Though most transactions actually do close on the right date, do not be so inflexible that a delay creates insurmountable problems.

For example, if you are renting and need to give the landlord notice that you are moving out, you may want to allow a little flexibility. Otherwise, if your purchase closes a few days late you could find yourself staying in a motel with your belongings packed in a moving van somewhere while you pay storage costs.

There are also times when closing can be delayed by weeks, through no fault of your own. Have back-up plans prepared for such a contingency.

Transfer of Possession
A transaction is considered "closed" once the deeds have been recorded. Then you own the home. However, it is not always possible for you to occupy it immediately. This can happen for several reasons, but the most common is that the seller may be purchasing a home, too. Usually, it is scheduled to close simultaneously with your purchase of their home.

It is sort of like being at a red light when it turns green. Although all the cars see the light change at the same time, the guy at the back of the line doesn’t begin moving until all the cars ahead of him have started.

As a result, it has become customary to allow the seller up to a maximum of three days to turn over actual possession and keys to the home. When transfer of possession actually occurs should be clearly laid out in your offer to prevent confusion later.

Other articles about Buying from the Queens Real Estate Experts
Understanding The First Time Homebuyer $8,000 Tax Credit
Homebuyers' Guide To Submitting Offers: Use Comparables Sales To Determine Your Offer Price
FHA Loans Make Home Ownership Possible In Todays Economy
Home Buyers: Tips On Reading An Inspection Report
June 2009 Market Report For Queens County NY: Condo & CoOps
June 2009 Market Report For Queens County NY: Single & Multi Family Homes

FREE things to do today in NYC - Thursday, July 16 2009

Shaun Rice (Keller Williams Landmark) — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 10:07:35 -0500

Dance
Dance Gang at Riverside Park
71st St Basketball Courts (72nd & Riverside Dr)
Upper West Side/Manhattan
(212) 408-0219
7PM

Guerilla art duo Dance Gang performs a new and unique site-specific dance created just for the park at the 71st Street basketball court, as part of the ninth annual Summer On the Hudson festival.

Concert - Country
Kings County Optry at Freddy's Backroom
485 Dean St (at Sixth Ave)
Prospect Heights/Brooklyn
(718) 622-7035
8:30PM

Each month, Kings County Opry offers an excellent sampling of local country, bluegrass and related styles.

Comedy
Always Be Funny at River Bar and Grill
500 W 43rd St (at Tenth Ave)
Manhattan
(212) 594-6399
8:30PM

J-L Cauvin hosts this new stand-up night featuring Helen Hong, Rory Scoval and headliner Gary Gulman.

Theatre
Broadway In Bryant Park 2009
Sixth Ave (at 40th St)
Midtown West/Manhattan
(212) 768-4242
12:30PM

The Great White Way comes to Bryant Park for this annual summer series of weekly performances, sponsored by 106.7 Lite FM. Today catch numbers from The Little Mermaid, 9 to 5, The Toxic Avenger and next season's Pure Country.

Books
In The Flesh at Happy Ending
302 Broome St (b/t Eldridge and Forsyth Sts)
Lower East Side/Manhattan
(212) 334-9676
8PM

The erotic reading series welcomes wild-man memoirist Mike Edison (I Have Fun Everywhere I Go), Megan Carpentier (Jezebel.com) and Blaise K (who runs the How I Learned reading series). Rachel Kramer Bussel-whose work has been published in the anthologies Best Sex Writing 2009 and The Mile High Club-hosts.

Gay
A Photographic Journey Through Buenos Aries at the Harvard Club of New York City
27 W 44th St (b/t Fifth and Sixth Aves)
Midtown West/Manhattan
6:30PM

Travel writer Michael Luongo (Gay Travels in the Muslim World, Frommer's Guide to Buenos Aires) leads a visual tour of the vibrant Argentine city.

Beauty
Rejuvenate Face & Body Anniversary Party
26-17 23rd Ave (at 26th St)
Astoria/Queens
(718) 626-4434
7PM-10PM

Rejuvenate Face & Body spa is celebrating its fifth anniversary with a bash for you. The first 30 people to R.S.V.P. will receive a goody bag packed with beauty products, including Pangea moisturizers, Bluewick soy candles, Marinanella soaps and more. Enter a raffle to win a free facial, massage or waxing service. Enjoy snacks and drinks and hit up the experienced and knowledgeable staff to answer all of your skin- and body-care questions.

Helping Home Sellers Understand The Listing Contract

Shaun Rice (Keller Williams Landmark) — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 07:45:10 -0500

Details of a Listing Contract

Price and Terms of Sale

When setting the terms of sale, the main thing you are concerned with is the price. You should have a basic idea of what your home is worth by keeping track of other sales in the neighborhood. Plus, you have probably interviewed at least two real estate agents and they have given you their own ideas. Exercise great care in determining your asking price, making sure not to set it too high or too low.

In addition to the price, you will disclose what personal property, if any, goes with the house when you sell it. Personal property is anything that is not attached or fixed to the home, such as washers, dryers, refrigerators, and so on.

There may be some item that is considered "real property" that you do not intend to include in the sale. Real property is anything that is attached to the home. For example, you may have a chandelier that has been in your family for generations and you take it from home to home when you move. Since the chandelier is attached to the house, it is considered "real property" and a reasonable buyer would normally expect it to go with the house.

Lockbox - Yes or No?

A lockbox is a basically a padlock with a cavity inside where a key to your home can be placed. Only someone with an electronic key or the combination can get into the lockbox and access the key. Having a lockbox available at your house makes it easy for other agents to get access to your house.

Without the lockbox, agents representing buyers would have to set appointments to meet you or your agent at the house so they could gain access and view the home. This would be inconvenient. Since almost every other house does have a lockbox available, if you do not allow one most agents will simply not show your property. You will miss out on lots of potential buyers.

The listing contract specifies whether you allow a lockbox or not. It is locked into place, usually on the front door and cannot be removed. Only other agents can access the key that is located within the lockbox.

Real Estate Commission

In some areas of the country there is a certain percentage that real estate agents expect to earn as a commission. This commission amount is a certain percent of the sales price. Or, some companies will charge a set fee for their services. However, just like anything else in real estate, this amount is negotiable. When completing the listing agreement, you and your agent will agree on the amount of the real estate commission.

With the advent of the web, a lot of agents are offering "cut-rate" commissions. Most of the time, lower commissions are tied to a lower level of service. If all you want is to be listed with the Multiple Listing Service and a sign in the front yard, then a cut-rate commission may be right for you. If you want an agent who will actively promote your property to other agents and spend money on advertising, then you probably are not going to get that level of service with a reduced commission.

At other times, the lower commissions are offered when you agree to tie in to other services offered by the broker, such as agreeing to use a specific lender, escrow, settlement, or title company. The broker (not the agent) will probably have some type of ownership or profit participation in those businesses. The problem with agreeing to tie in to these other companies is that they do not have to be as competitive in pricing their products or services.

Another common practice when you see an ad for a reduced commission is that the compensation is lowered when you agree to buy your next home through the same agent or broker. Usually, the reduced commission is not really being offered on the sale of your existing home but on the purchase of your next one. The ads are usually unclear on this.

As a result, when you see an offer for a lower commission, you should analyze what you are giving up by accepting such an offer. It probably will not be readily apparent in the advertisement. Be sure to ask lots of questions.

Multiple Listing Service

Your listing contract should specify whether or not the house will be listed with the local MLS (multiple listing service). It is definitely in your interest to have the house listed. This is because your sales force is automatically multiplied by however many agents are members of the local MLS. If your house is not listed, then you only have one agent working for you instead of many.

Agency Duties of a Listing Agent

The listing contract will specify that your agent is acting as a "seller’s agent." This means that, in the sale of your house, they are working for you and only you. However, there may be times when your listing agent has a client who wants to buy your home. For that reason, there is a little "wiggle room" in the listing contract. If your agent also represents the buyer, the listing contract should specify that they provide an additional disclosure that details their duties as a dual agent.

The contract also provides permission for your listing agent to act as an agent for others on other transactions. They can continue to list other properties, and represent buyers looking at other homes.

FREE things to do today in NYC - Wednesday July 15 2009

Shaun Rice (Keller Williams Landmark) — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 07:42:21 -0500

Film
Wall Street at Summer On The Hudson/Pier 1
W 70th St (at the Hudson River)
Manhattan
(212) 408-0219
8:30PM

Remove the restless camera pyrotechnics and incomprehensible jargon, and you have a corny old melo: broker Charlie Sheen (green) perpetrates illegal practices to please surrogate poppa/company-trader Douglas (tough), a mega-villain mastermind who spits out absurdities like 'Lunch is for wimps' and longs to destroy his rival Stamp (lost). Soon Charlie's climbing the ladder in search of a fast buck and a flash fuck: Hannah (vacuous). Inevitably, he descends into a mire of insider-dealing, Faustian intrigue, and personal betrayal, culminating in his responsibility for Douglas' near-liquidation of the company where Sheen Sr (natch) is an Incorruptible Working Class Hero union rep. Charlie's cured, of course, by the most clichéd comeuppance of 'em all - family illness - which he should have foreseen, given the homespun homilies about abysses and doom repeatedly offered by full-time office soothsayer Holbrook (solemn). Dramatically inept, the film also muddles its naïve moralising: though condemnatory of avarice and dishonesty, Stone seems seduced by the financiers' luxurious lives and frantic energy, and even expects us to sympathise with the ghastly Charlie's final regret and redemption.

Concert - Blues
The Doc Marshalls at Hill Country
30 W 26th St (b/t Broadway and Sixth Ave)
Chelsea/Manhattan
(212) 255-4544
9PM

Local honky-tonk quintet the Doc Marshalls is playing behind its new album, Honest for Once. It finds frontman Nicolas Beaudoing & Co. hitting several high notes; Beaudoing's roots were pulled out of the border dirt between Texas and Louisiana, and both flavors come through in his crisp songwriting and singing.

Concert - Jazz
Frank Foster Big Band at Grant's Tomb
Riverside Dr (at 122nd St)
Upper West Side/Manhattan
(212) 666-1640
7PM

Longtime Basie associate Frank Foster pilots his large ensemble as part of the Jazzmobile series.

Fishing
62nd Annual Macy's Fishing Contest at Prospect Park Audobon Center Boathouse
Ocean Ave (at Lincoln Road)
Prospect Heights/Brooklyn
(718) 287-3400
10AM-4PM

Since 1947, the R.H. Macy's Fishing Contest has been teaching kids about the joys of this solitary sport. The event kicks off with the annual "Kiss the Fish" ceremony, when a large fish, named R.H. Macy (after the department store's founder) is tagged and released. The lucky kid who hooks that little gilled guy wins a prize. More awards will be handed out daily for the contestant who catches the most fish or reels in the largest finny friend. The five-day competition also includes educational workshops during which participants can study a bit of aquatic ecology or just learn how to cast a line. All ages.

Cabaret
Any Wednesday with John DeMarco at Barnes & Noble
1972 Broadway (at 66th St)
Upper West Side/Manhattan
(212) 595-6859
6PM

Barnes & Noble hosts this weekly series of free half-hour concerts by cabaret and musical-theater vocalists. This week, John De Marco shares tunes from his newest CD, Pure and Simple.

Health & Wellness
Laughter Yoga at Soimex
1430 Broadway, Ste 1107 (at 40th St)
Midtown West/Manhattan
(212) 594-7982
5:30PM

If you believe laughter is the best medicine, you'll want to check out this laugh-out-loud complimentary yoga class. The session demonstrates the concept of laughter yoga, a series of yogic exercises designed to induce laughter without any reason. So why purposely give yourself the giggles? Laughter is said to offer relief from stress, reduce pain, aid digestion, improve sleep, lower blood pressure, improve circulation and boost the immune system. We're smiling just thinking about it.

How Do I Sublet My Apartment In New York?

Shaun Rice (Keller Williams Landmark) — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 11:21:26 -0500

How do I Sublet My Apartment in New York?

For many of us in New York's five boroughs, life will hand us a situation that forces us to sublease our place. Maybe you are an actor with a great apartment in Astoria that you don't want to lose and you've just booked your first national tour. Maybe there's an emergency back in Ohio that means you need to vacate your Woodside studio for three months. Or maybe you've just seen the Sex In the City Movie and are afraid to fully give up your Long Island City condo to move in with your boyfriend. Whatever the reason, its always good to know your rights when it comes to subleasing your apartment.

Are you Rent Stabilized or Rent Controlled?

If you are not sure on this point- check your lease. This could be the difference between an easy sublet and a lot of hassle. Rent Stabilized tenants (which most people are now-a-days) have the right to sublet under New York State Law and any lease with a clause that prohibits this right is automatically invalid and may be disregarded. Rent Controlled tenants are prohibited from subletting their apartment unless the landlord agrees to the sublet in writing or unless there is a clause in their lease specifically granting them the right to sublease.

How To Notify Your Landlord

In order to sublet your apartment, you must first notify your landlord in writing via certified mail with a return receipt requested. You should include the following information in your notice:

Name of the Subtenant
Dates of the sublease from start to finish
Business Address and Permanent Address of the Subtenant
Reason for your sublet
Your address during the sublease
If the lease was Co-Signed by someone else, you must include written consent of the Co-Signer
If there is another Tenant in the apartment, you must include written consent of the other Tenant
Copy of the Sublease attached to the primary lease - which has been notarized by both you and the Subtenant stating that it is a true copy of the Sublease

You should also make it clear that you intend on returning to you the apartment after the sublease has been terminated - otherwise the Landlord will have grounds to refuse the request. Your Landlord has 30 days to respond to your request (and may ask for additional information on the Subtenant for up to 10 days after the request is made). If you do not hear back from them within this timeframe, the law assumes that they give their consent. Your landlord may only deny your request for the following reasons:

They believe that the Subtenant will not be able to pay the rent
The Subtenant has a history of disruptive behavior
You are intending to use the apartment for illegal purposes

Restrictions On Subleasing Your Apartment

You many not charge your Subtenant more than the rent that is set out in your lease with your Landlord - UNLESS you are leaving the apartment furnished. You can add an additional 10% to the rental price if the apartment is left furnished. You are also not allowed to sublease for more longer than 2 years out of any 4 year term.

Other Articles About Renting From the Queens Rental Experts
June 2009 Market Report For Queens County: Rental Properties
A Guide To Finding Your Apartment On Craigslist
Queens Apartment Advice: Don't Let The Bedbugs Bite!
Dear NYC Area Tenant: A List Of What You Need To Be Able To Rent
When Life Gives You Lemons...Lower Your Rent

FREE things to do today in NYC - Tuesday, July 14 2009

Shaun Rice (Keller Williams Landmark) — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 09:44:07 -0500

Concert - Opera & Classical
New York Philharmonic at the Great Lawn/Central Park
Central Park (from 79th to 85th Sts)
Manhattan
8PM

Music director designate Alan Gilbert takes the reins for the Phil's summer tour of the parks, conducting Mozart's Symphony No. 41 ("Jupiter") and Beethoven's Symphony No. 7. Bring your cell phone (set on vibrate, of course) and cast your vote for the encore.

Concert - Rock
William Elliott Whitmore at Hudson Square
Spring St (b/t Varick and Hudson Sts)
Soho/Manhattan
5PM-7PM

You wouldn't know it to look at him, but blues man William Elliott Whitmore has a gravelly growl waiting to get out and entrance his listeners. You can expect to hear a clutch of songs from his current album, Animals in the Dark, at this free, after-work wind-down, which also features a farmers' market.

Books
David Farley at Barnes & Noble
396 Sixth Ave (at 8th St)
Greenwich Village/Manhattan
(212) 674-8780
7PM

Farley reads from An Irreverent Curiosity, his nonfiction book about miracles and an Italian church's peculiar relic: J.C.'s foreskin.

Musical Theatre
Live at Lincoln: 9 to 5 at Barnes & Noble
1972 Broadway (at 66th St)
Upper West Side/Manhattan
(212) 595-6859
4:30PM

Cast members of the Broadway musical 9 to 5 perform excerpts from the score.

Comedy
Punch Up Your Life at the Housing Works Bookstore Cafe
126 Crosby St. (b/t Houston and Prince Sts)
Soho/Manhattan
(212) 334-3324
8:30PM

Pete Holmes and Jessi Klein bring jokes, silliness, overly intimate personal stories and top comedians to this weekly free show.

Gay
Dykes on Mics at Ochi's Lounge/Comix Basement
353 W 14th St (at Ninth Ave)
Meatpacking District/Manhattan
(212) 524-2500
9PM

Amy Beckerman and Leah Dubie perform stand-up comedy with special guests every week.

Places To Go In Queens: Egyptian Coffee Shop (Astoria)

Shaun Rice (Keller Williams Landmark) — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 11:30:11 -0500

Looking for a place in Queens to get your smoke on?
Try the little Egypt section of Astoria...and more specifically the Egyptian Coffee Shop. New York Times named it one of the top five hookah restraunts in the entire city. No frills or alcohal here - just a 24 hour bare bones cafe serving coffee, light food and hookah. And with hookahs starting at $7 - why not give it a try?

The Down Low on Hookah-Mania
Over the past few years or so, the water pipe used to smoke a smooshy, wet tobacco has gained popularity with teens and college students. The trend has been burning up in larger cities in the U.S. enough to support several thriving hookah bars and cafes.

Let's just get something out of the way: The hookah pipe -- isn't for drugs. So get the image of the very stoned caterpillar from "Alice in Wonderland" out of your head. It's a water pipe, and while it's structurally similar to a bong and can be used for opium (mixed with tobacco) that's not its primary use. It's for tobacco -- specifically, a sticky mixture of 30 percent tobacco, 70 percent fruit and molasses.

The Egyptian Coffee Shop
25-09 Steinway St.
Astoria, NY 11103
(718) 777-5517

FREE things to do today in NYC - Monday, July 13 2009

Shaun Rice (Keller Williams Landmark) — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 10:53:00 -0500

Film
The Taking of Pelham One Two Three at the Elevate Acre/River to River Festival
55 Water St
Manhattan
8PM

Come see the original film that inspired the remake in theatres now. Four hijackers, got up like Groucho Marx and led by Robert Shaw with the voice of a Dalek, kidnap a New York subway train and hold the city to ransom. Saviour of the system is Transit Authority Inspector Matthau, harking back to his early acting days as a grim heavy, and with a Bronx accent as thick and fancy as a piece of angel cake. It's a slice of Urban Crisis life, you see, and to prove it the occupants of the train 'represent a cross-section of New York: a pimp, a Puerto Rican pregnant girl, a hippie, a hooker, a WASP, a wino and a homosexual'. This movie's so up-to-date even the mayor's a laughing-stock.

Opera & Classical
Metropolitan Opera Summer Recital Series at Rumsey Playfield/Central Park SummerStage
E 72nd St (at Fifth Ave)
Manhattan
(212) 360-2777
8PM

After a Brooklyn-only offering last year, the Met returns to all five boroughs this summer with a series of free outdoor recitals. Lending buzz to the first one is Broadway leading man Paolo Szot, due to become a Met star next season; tonight you can hear him alongside two rising stars, soprano Lisette Oropesa and Alek Shrader, all accompanied by pianist Vlad Iftinca.

Lecutres
Its All About Numbers Baby w/David Reeves at Pete's Candy Store
709 Lorimer St (b/t Frost and Richardson Sts)
Williamsburg/Brooklyn
(718) 302-3770
7:30PM

Cartoonist David Rees (Get Your War On) is also something of a numbers expert; in this lecture, hosted by filmmaker and Brooklynite Jamie Hook, Rees will explain how to succeed at any numbers-based game of chance, including the lottery.

Books
Rebecca Cantrell at Barnes & Noble
150 E 86th St (at Lexington Ave)
Upper East Side/Manhattan
7PM

The novelist recaptures Weimar Berlin in A Trace of Smoke, a mystery that tracks the killer of a gay cabaret singer.

Classes
Conquer Your Fear of Public Speaking and Social Anxiety at the New York Open Center
22 E 30th St (at Madison Ave)
Midtown East/Manhattan
(212) 219-2527
6PM-Midnight

Jerry Seinfeld once humorously said, "According to most studies, people's number-one fear is public speaking. Number two is death. Death is number two? Does that sound right? This means to the average person, if you go to a funeral, you're better off in the casket than doing the eulogy." If this applies to you, attend this interactive workshop to overcome your fear. You'll have the opportunity to simulate and practice virtually any speaking situation you're likely to encounter in personal and professional life, including conversation, reading aloud, employment interviews, panel discussions, handling confrontation and more.

Comedy
Recess at B Bar
358 Bowery (at 4th St)
East Village/Manhattan
(212) 475-2220
8PM

Every Monday, Rich Mercier and Jon Lang present a laid-back comedy show of stand-ups on the LES.

FREE things to do today in NYC - Sunday, July 12 2009

Shaun Rice (Keller Williams Landmark) — Sun, 12 Jul 2009 06:39:41 -0500

Concerts
Rachel Trachtenburg's Homemade World & The Beach Puppeteers on The Beach
Governers Island
3PM

See above for Rachel Trachtenburg's Homemade World, which here takes part in this family tribute to the wonderful Maurice Sendak.

Theatre
Twelfth Night at the Delacorte Theatre
Central Park (at 81st St)
Upper West Side/Manhattan
8PM

ALFRESCO Tickets are free (two per person) and may be picked up only on the day of performance after 1pm at the Delacorte Theater. A limited number of tickets are also distributed via online lottery at publictheater.org; see site for details. There's not a weak link in jolly all-star cast of this buoyant, blissful Shakespearean delight. director Daniel Sullivan's approach is to go easy on the outdated wordplay and the slapstick zaniness, and this Twelfth Night (in 18th-century costumes) plays out with admirable clarity. Anne Hathaway, Audra McDonald, Raúl Esparza, Hamish Linklater, David Pittu, Jay O. Sanders, Michael Cumpsty, Julie White and Stark Sands conjure a rich sense of wry wonder and romance. They roll giddily through this classic comedy, and we happily follow.

Tours
Beyond the Beatniks: The Hidden History of St. Marks Place
St. Marks Place/Manhattan
RSVP to rspv@gvshp.org
(212) 475-9585x35
1PM

The gutter punks and tourists that populate St. Mark's Place these days belie the street's storied past: Some of its famous (and infamous) residents have included Lenny Bruce, Leon Trotsky and Jean-Michel Basquiat. Learn more on this walking tour, which will focus on the forces behind the block's history as a radical enclave.

Gay
Bi Women of All Colors Central Park Picinic at the Central Park Boathouse
Central Park (at 72nd St)
Upper West Side/Manhattan
3PM

Come hang in the park with some friendly bi and bi-friendly sisters. Bring food, drinks, a blanket, and music or poetry to share.

Health & Wellness
Jivamukti Yoga in Central Park
Fifth Ave (at 69th St/East Green Sign)
Upper East Side/Manhattan
(212) 343-0214
Noon

If the goal of yoga is to connect with all beings everywhere, why not do so in the great outdoors? Take your practice off the mat and onto the grass at this gratis yoga class. A donation is requested and all proceeds go to Animal Mukti, a free spay-and-neuter program for NYC cats and dogs. All levels are welcome.

Comedy
Beauty Bar Comedy at Beauty Bar
231 E 14th St (b/t Second and Third Aves)
East Village/Manhattan
(212) 539-1389
9PM

Vince Averill and Jesse Popp host stand-ups Patrick Borelli and Chris Jurek.

Understanding The First-Time Homebuyer Tax Credit (Revised for 2009)

Shaun Rice (Keller Williams Landmark) — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 09:48:59 -0500

If you are thinking about buying a home - think fast, because you are about to miss out!

Last year, the government instituted a $7,500 tax credit for new home buyers that had to be paid back over a term of 15 years - with the stipulation that your home had to be purchased before the end of 2008. Well, in an effort to stimulate the economy, President Obama has revamped the tax credit and extended it through December 1, 2009.

But its only July....I have plenty of time to wait on the market and still claim the tax credit.

WRONG! Think about this - In the New York area, it will take 2-3 months turnaround time from your accepted offer for you to close on your new home. If you are waiting for Condo Board approval - or approval from a bank to buy a short shale - it could take even longer. For you to take advantage of the 2009 tax credit...you must hold the title of your new home by December 1, 2009. This means that you need to have an accepted offer (at least) by the end of August.

So you have a month and a half to find your new home and get them to accept your offer...

Why should you care if you claim the First-Time Homebuyer Tax Credit? What does it mean to you? Um...you care - or you will after you know what its all about...

What is the First-Time Home Buyer Tax Credit?
You will receive an income tax credit to be applied towards your next filing equal to 10% of the purchase price of your new home up to $8,000. This means if you are buying a home priced $80,000 or more - your credit will be $8,000. This is a refundable credit - which means that if you owe $3,000 to the IRS...after your credit is applied, you will receive a tax refund of $5,000. Under the revamped program, your tax credit DOES NOT HAVE TO BE PAID BACK TO THE GOVERNMENT. Seriously - when was the last time the government handed you even $8 - well this is 1000 times more... and all yours!

Who is eligible to claim the credit?
The law defines 'first-time buyers' as someone who has not owned a principal residence during the 3 year period before their 'new home' is purchased. For married couples, this means neither person can have claimed ownership - for unmarried joint purchasers, only ONE of you must meet the requirement. Married couples cannot claim over $150K income - the limit is $75K for single buyers. There is a partial credit offered to homebuyers who make up to $20K more than the limits as well.

Rob Dietz, PhD, director of tax issues for the National Association of Home Builders explains the benefits and requirements of the tax credit in full

My advice is to start your New York home search right away - and not miss out on this amazing giveback from the government!!

FREE things to do today in NYC - Saturday, July 11 2009

Shaun Rice (Keller Williams Landmark) — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 09:03:37 -0500

Biking
Red Bull Trackstar Courier Classic at the Red Bull Space
40 Thompson St (at Watts St)
Soho/Manhattan
2PM

This bike race is not for amateurs: Teams of four will compete in an alleycat-style race around the city, with the goal of picking up packages from predetermined locations, for a grand prize of $1,000. Individuals can compete in a solo race, which happens after the team competition. The Red Bull Space will serve as home base, and will host a party postcompetition.

Comedy
Dumpster Tequila Musical Improv at The Creek
10-93 Jackson Ave (at 49th Ave)
Long Island City/Queens
(718) 706-8783
10PM

The troupe, joined tonight by special guests Abigail Murphy, Michelle Markowitz, and Ninja Sex Party, creates a 30-minute musical based on one audience suggestion.

Folk Music
Main Squeeze Accordian Festival at Pier 1/Riverside Park South
W 66th St (at the Hudson River)
Upper West Side/Manhattan
3PM

Not content merely running an accordion store and directing an all-female accordion orchestra, local squeezebox diehard Walter Kuhr also mounts this daylong fest devoted to the aesthetically controversial instrument.

Theatre
Life On A Desert Island in Central Park
Central Park West (at 69th St)
Manhattan
4:30PM

Based on Daniel Defoe's classic Robinson Crusoe, this interactive one-man show doubles as a survivalist how-to for children and their panicky, water-hoarding parents.

Exhibits
Threads at Center for Book Arts
28 W 27th St, Third Floor (b/t Broadway and Sixth Ave)
Gramercy/Manhattan
(212) 481-0295
10AM-4PM

The 30-plus pieces in this exhibit-which include prints, sculptures and performance art-all incorporate thread in some way.

Clubs
Tiki Boys' Social Club at Otto's Shrunken Head
538 E 14th St (b/t Aves A and B)
East Village/Manhattan
(212) 228-2240
10PM

Frank2Far and his deejaying buddies supply this tiki bar (well, it's an East Village-style tiki bar, at least) with punk, rockabilly, ska and such. Live bands often open the proceedings. For more info, go to ottosshrunkenhead.com.

Make Sure You Hit The Public Pools In Queens This Summer

Shaun Rice (Keller Williams Landmark) — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 10:39:48 -0500

How Are You Keeping Cool This Summer?

With schools out, and the weather finally starting to heat up, old and young alike are heading to some of the city’s 54 public pools. With 10 locations in Queens, pools are open through Labor Day for residents to escape the heat. At indoor pools, the recreation center membership is $75 per year for adults, $10 per year for seniors and free for children under the age of 18. General hours of operation are 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., and 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Call individual pools for more specific information. Learn about adult lap swimming and Parks' other free swimming programs for tots, children, teens, and adults. Call Parks' Citywide Aquatics at (718) 760-6969 for more information.

Water Safety

Learn to swim: Swimming is an important personal safety skill and a great way to stay in shape.
Swim only when lifeguards are present: Lifeguards are there for your protection. Follow their directions and all rules.
Swim with a friend: Drowning often involves single swimmers. A friend can signal for help if a problem develops.
Swim sober: Alcohol impairs swimming ability and is a major factor in drowning.
Supervise children: Watch children closely even when lifeguards are present.

Sun Safety

Drink water: Your body needs plenty of water to prevent dehydration on hot summer days. Pay special attention to children. They can become dehydrated more quickly than adults.
Use sunscreen: Sunburn is painful and unhealthy. Use sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher and reapply frequently.
Protect your eyes: Wear sunglasses to protect your eyes from the sun’s ultraviolet rays.
Wear appropriate clothing: Wear light loose flitting clothing to keep cool and a hat to keep you shaded.

Public Pools In Queens

Astoria Park 19th Street and 23rd Drive Type: Olympic (718) 626-8620	Fisher Pool 99th Street and 32nd Avenue Type: Wading & Intermediate (718) 779-8356
Flushing Meadows Corona Park Avery Avenue and 131 Street Type: Olympic & Diving (718) 271-7572	Fort Totten Park 338 Story Avenue Type: Wading, Intermediate & Diving (718) 224-4031
Marie Curie Park 211th Street & 46th Avenue Type: Mini (718) 423-0762	Detective Keith L. Williams Park 173rd Street and 106th Avenue Type: Wading & Intermediate (718) 657-4995
Astoria Heights Playground 45th Street & 30th Road Type: Mini (718) 777-7599	Castlewood Playground Little Neck Parkway & 72nd Avenue Type: Mini (718) 347-2945
Roy Wilkins Recreation Center 177th Street and Baisley Boulevard Type: Intermediate (718) 276-4630	Windmuller Playground 54th Street & 39th Road Type: Mini (718) 651-8247