With the coming of Amazon to Long Island City, certainly, the area is the prime spot in terms of real estate at the moment! The construction is set to launch in the early part of 2020 and as expected, a flock of new hires (estimated 25,000) are on their way to Long Island, all in search for real estates. With that being said, it is anticipated that not everyone will get to live at the center of it all. This is where we enter to help keeping your interest in mind. So what are the areas that are accessible to Long Island City? If you cannot live in the heart of the action or refused to be caught in the center of madness 24/7, then we got you covered. Below are housing options that will be just right for your needs.

1. Astoria

Located at the northeast of Long Island City, the location boasts of the right choices for housing options. The area has been developed for quite some time and is complete and equipped with multi- and single-family houses. It is also a prime location with cafes, bars, restaurants and is just a 10-minute commute away from Long Island City through the N, W, R, and M trains. It has also been trended as the perfect spot for the younger generations because everything is just a walk away. Amazonian renters will be delighted to know that Astoria offers units ranging from $1,800 (studio) to $2,800 a month (three-bedroom apartments). It presents one-bedroom apartments within the price range of $630K to $680K, while those with two bedrooms are at around $800K.

• Sunnyside

 If Astoria is the first thing in mind because of its proximity, Sunnyside is a place for good deals. The place is slightly more affordable but still maintains a great view. Sunnyside is a shrouded pearl as I would see it, “It’s the somewhat progressively reasonable option to Astoria and it has a lot of remarkable restaurants, bars, and bistros. You additionally get extraordinary perspectives of LIC and Midtown Manhattan when sitting tight for your train on the lifted tracks.” (That would be the 7 train, which will inspire you to Long Island City in a concise 15 minutes; you can be at a Grand Central Terminal in around 20.)

Sunnyside gives huge numbers of similar focal points of Astoria. It has been said that, “Living in both of these areas resembles living close enough to the gathering, without hearing it when you’re endeavoring to rest.”

Sunnyside is a decent fit for families, as well, with parks, great government funded schools (counting P.S. 150, which is home to a locale wide skilled and capable program), and a generally speaking “neighborhood vibe.”

• Forest Hills/ Rego Park

Though these areas are farther, they have a few interesting things going for them. Backwoods Hills has a solid market. Quoting what others had said during interviews “It’s favorable, it’s beguiling, and it has a network vibe. It’s among the walkable networks, so it’s entirely alluring.”  Both neighborhoods will have simple access toHQ2 by means of the R, F, and E lines, that last of which will get you to LIC inaround 30 minutes. (Reward: Forest Hills inhabitants could even jump on theLIRR on the off chance that they needed.)

“In Rego Park, there is an assorted lodging stock accessible, from condominiums, centers and new advancements. A significant number of the extensive rental structures offer a significant number of the luxuries offered in LIC, yet at a lower value point,” says Marc Bunag, an operator at Citi Habitats. “Express trams keep running under Queens Boulevard from Rego Park to Queens Plaza in LIC. In expansion, there’s Costco, shabby and rich stopping—and an assortment of open and non-public schools.”

That partition likewise means greater reasonableness, making these regions appealing to families and more youthful, paid individuals.

“With Amazon’s turn, this will gradually change. Regions that will see huge home value changes incorporate Jackson Heights—where the present middle home deal cost is $385,000—Elmhurst ($438,000 middle), Rego Park ($370,000 middle) and Forest Hills ($399,000 middle),” says Robert Demeter, land author at PropertyShark.

• Williamsburg, Greenpoint, and other points along the G

“There are culture, bars, eateries, and shops,” Josh Young, director of market rate leasing for Clinton Management says. Taking the G even gets you to Long Island City in around 15 minutes. Individuals living close to the waterfront ship stop in Williamsburg can drive by the NYC Ferry worked by Hornblower in the event that they wish. (Inhabitants of Level can leave the building and catch the watercraft.)

Citi Habitats’ operator J.D. Sharpe is bullish on the further-away-from-home Boerum Hill.

“In Boerum Hill you can live in the fantasy brownstone flat, along the great tree-lined square, while as yet having direct access to every one of the shops in Downtown Brooklyn, occasions at the Barclays Center, and simple 20 minute drive to LIC.”

• Murray Hill

It’s not about Brooklyn and Queens; think about reasoning outside the external ward. As Jessica Kaufman, a dealer at Citi Habitats says, “Murray Hill has a great deal to offer Amazon HQ2 workers, and (conceivable reward) it’s in Manhattan.”

“Murray Hill is a set up private neighborhood—and there are huge amounts of bistros, eateries and different civilities on each square—basics which can be elusive in LIC. Furthermore, Murray Hill offers a determination of full-benefit structures at sensible value focuses.”

“For Amazon HQ specialists who wind up needing to submit more to New York City through land proprietorship, the most moderate studios [currently] are to be found in Midtown East [with a] middle asking cost being around $470K.” says Scepanovic.

The 7 train takes you to Long Island City in around 20 minutes, and a ship is an choice in the zone too (there’s a stop at 34th Street).

“The area’s openness to Grand Central makes it a helpful zone to live, as it’s near downtown Manhattan and simple to get crosstown,” Kaufman says.

Read More

 

This year is seen to be a continuation of the buyer’s market. Thus, if you see yourself buying an asset in the coming months, then you must expect to be getting great deals. But will it happen? Can you truly get a lowball offer in any of your dream properties in New York?

Here are some of the factors that you have to consider so that you can get your dream property at a low price:

1. Negotiate

When you know how to negotiate well, then you will most likely get a deal that you want. Negotiating is never about showing that you are superior when it comes to understanding and knowledge. Negotiating is about putting forward your goal by reaching a common ground.

When looking to buy a particular property of your choice and the seller seems to have set the price at an extremely higher rate than you would prefer, you could approach him by offering a lower bid price. But never set the bid price to your maximum. Make it lower than what you can afford because it shall only serve as a foundation for the bid. As you make the bid, respectfully tell the seller that such bid shall only serve as a starting point for your negotiations until you reach a price that you can both agree on.

1. Use Cash

Buying real estate using cash can put you in so much advantage. However, you shall not raise your expectations so high when dealing with cash. There are still other factors to take into consideration to make your purchase successful.

If you are considering getting into co-op, then you will need to show evidence or supporting documents that you have indeed a stable job or a secure source of income. Co-op boards look into the financial background of buyers to make sure that you can be answerable for at least two years of liquidity after closing.

If you are planning to buy a condominium unit, then you could be better off with cash but with still a stable job. Although sellers make faster deals with cash, they are also concerned about your financial integrity so make sure that you have good debt history.

1. Prepare all Requirements

Some real estate sales are time-sensitive. Most sellers would prefer to deal with people who can make a successful purchase without delay since asset liquidity is their main concern. Creating good impressions can also intensify your chance to close a beneficial deal for you and the seller.

So, what shall you do in order to make such a good impression as a property buyer?

First, make sure that you have a complete list of contacts and identified professionals who will guide you through the purchase. Among the personalities that you need to identify are your real estate lawyer, your broker, and your bank officer.

Second, it would really help if you have prepared a bid letter that contains details about your offer such as the price and mode of payment. By giving the letter, then you could steer the negotiation in a positive direction.

1. Know the Property’s Value

Your offer shall be dependent on the value of the property that you are wanting to buy, the length of time that the listing has been present, and the quality of other offers made on the property.

If you are buying a condo, you have to take note that these properties are usually priced high due to optimistic views regarding its investment quality. However, with recent developments, we could safely make offers that are around 15% lower than the detailed price.

If you are looking at other properties such as apartments, co-ops, or single homes, then you could also check their listing history. How long has it been in the market? Those that have been listed only lately have fewer flexible prices while those that have long been waiting for a buyer could most likely be negotiated.

Take advantage of the current real estate situation to finally have your own property. Do not forget about these strategies to successfully get a good deal.

Read More

 

Great news to all New Yorkers! If you worried that your daily commute would be devastatingly affected by the reported shutdown of the Canarsie Tunnel for months, then remove your anxieties away.

Governor Andrew Cuomo has announced on January 3 that there are new and improved plans to address the repairs that are critically needed for the tunnel. Thus, the planned shutdown will not happen anytime soon. And yes, the L-Train Apocalypse is no longer looming in the horizon!

Why repair the Canarsie Tunnel?

The Canarsie Tunnel was heavily affected by Hurricane Sandy which hit the area six years ago. Upon the assessment of engineers and experts, it would need major repairs to ensure safe operations because some of the concrete bench walls are now crumbling and there has to be more modern innovations in the transportation system.

The construction and shutdown were first announced in 2016 and has caused alarming concerns from the residents. Indeed, a properly functioning Canarsie Tunnel is necessary for the efficient transportation of hundreds of thousands of New Yorkers. It services the L Train which runs between Manhattan and Brooklyn. Thanks to the new development, we won’t face serious disruptions in our daily living.

New technology, no more shutdown

Originally, the government planned to shut down the two tubes of the tunnel beginning April 27. Perhaps, they have heard the cries of NY residents and looked for a more efficient and less disruptive way of repairing the tunnel.

Governor Cuomo sought the help of experts from the Columbia University, Cornell University, and other agencies to assess the problem and come up with a better solution. With an intensive analysis and study, they were able to formulate an innovative plan.

The new construction plan is designed to be accomplished in 15 to 20 months. Instead of simultaneously working on the two tubes, the new plan is now geared towards repairing only one tube at a time. Engineers are said to be using a new technology from Europe that would allow the construction without affecting so much of NY transportation.

Weekday services will continue while weekend services and overnight trains will run with 15 to 20-minute headways. Subway line trains G, M, and 7 are announced to be extending their services during the weekends and at nighttime’s.

This announcement is surely good news to everyone who depends so much of their lives to the efficiency of daily transportation.

Read More

It’s the season of chills and thrills, or at least it’s intended to be. The cold weather is here and if you are in New York City, chances are, you may be feeling cold inside just as what you’re supposed to feel outside.

Regardless if you rent or own with regard to warming up your NYC pad, there is no happy medium, and we’re not only talking about the never-ending family fight over the space heater. We have a considerable rundown of topics including what to do if the new landlord of your rent-stabilized flat would like to change your heat to a more expensive unit or how to know if you have to shoulder the heat expenses in your NYC rental.

Here are some heating bits of advice for your NYC flat for the winter season:

Warming up your NYC Flat 101

During the city’s “warm season,” which started Oct. 1, your landlord is committed to keeping your apartment at minimum 68 degrees between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m. if the outside temperature plunges below 55 degrees. At night, your flat needs to be at least 62 degrees, regardless of what the temperature is outside.

If you don’t have a warmer, you should first get in touch with your building manager or owner to tell them about his matter.  On the off chance that you don’t get a response or resolution, you can call 311, this should alert the Department of Housing Preservation and Development. Getting the said department involved can include a site visit—and a large fine for your landlord.

Be knowledgeable with your radiator

If you live in an older building, you are more likely to have a bulky and a very noisy radiator occupying a significant area in your apartment. But what do you truly know about your NYC radiators?

First off, you should know that the round handle is not, in fact, used to direct the temperature, it serves as an on-off switch. If turned all the way to the right (off) or to the left (on), it should stop those occasionally frightening banging noises that radiators are known for. If the knob doesn’t appear to be tightened in any case, reach out to your super to fix.

While these noisy warmers are so very New York, some find these things as a mess and awkwardly located. If you’re in that classification, a lot of businesses make radiator covers that don’t just conceal them without hindering the warmth they provide but also transform them into a useful part of your layout.

I’m as yet cool in my NYC flat. What would I be able to do?

In the event that your apartment warmer is already on, but you’re still feeling chilly, you have a couple of alternatives other than burying yourself a blanket over another blanket. One ofthem is most definitely not involving your oven or gas range in the process.

“Such inappropriate use could make hazardous dimensions of carbon monoxide accumulate, causing extreme sickness and possible death,” FDNY writes in its winter fire security leaflet.

Never utilize a lamp fuel or propane space warmer, which are unlawful and entirely forbidden in New York City. Electric space heaters, however, are permitted, but should never be used with an extension cord.

Per FDNY, you should search for electric space radiators with programmed stop feature, and only utilize ones that have the Underwriters Laboratories (UL) mark. You are also supposed to inspect the electric cord for any damage before each use.

Electric warmers should be out of reach of children and pets and should be at minimum three feet from flammable materials such as bedding or furniture. They are not recommended to be used in bathrooms or other places they could interact with water, FDNY warns. Make sure to turn off and unplug the warmer when going to bed or heading out.

In case you’re considering using an electric blanket, it also should have an auto turn-off feature and the UL Mark. In the event that it’s over 10-years of age, it must be replaced, as should blanket with frayed or broken strings or burn marks. Never tuck the cover into the side of the bed or cover with other sheet material while being used.

The warmer’s now on, but it’s sweating hot in here!

If your radiator is on, however, ,you’re excessively feeling hot, opening a window is the principal thing you should need to do (and it’s free). Yet, as the climate outside gets progressively fearsome, that probably won’t be the best fix.

Whether you pick the classic box shape or a tower, a great fan is a sensible cost that can prove to be useful all year.

No heat means rent discount?

In the event that you have no warmer, whether because of a broken boiler or another factor that is beyond your control, you might be qualified for a lease reduction for that day and instance.

“The inability to give warmth during the cool climate season would without a doubt be a break of the guarantee of livability that a proprietor owes an occupant,” real estate attorney Jeffrey Reich of Schwartz Sladkus Reich Greenberg Atlas discloses.

Retaining rent automatically, however, is not advisable, as you could end up in housing court which could be expensive regardless if you win.

Arrange a reduction with your proprietor on the following month and make sure to have it documented.

Upgrading your heating system

In case you’re a homeowner, overhauling your HVAC, or warming, ventilation, and cooling, the system in your NYC flat could be a commendable redesign. It cannot only mean putting an end to that annual bother of expelling and putting away in-window air cooling systems, it additionally could spare you from battling about the indoor regulator season after season—and be increasingly productive and calmer, as well.

Such an endeavor, however, is reliant on a few variables, from the age, milestone status, and board guidelines of your working to its electrical limit, roof tallness, and where development will occur in your condo contrasted with the flat beneath you.

Regardless of what time of in-home work you’re needing, sit down with your building management and talk about important things prior to starting any project.

Read More