Author Archive

On October 15th, mother-daughter real estate duo Margaret Watson and Antonia Watson are rejoining forces in their philanthropic efforts. In addition, Antonia’s sister, Fiona Watson, owner of Notorious Mixed Martial Arts, is joining in the sponsorships.

The Watson International Team at Corcoran Group is honored to be partnering with Liberty Board of Realtors in their annual golf fundraiser. Spearheaded by Margaret Watson, Community Service Chairwoman of Liberty Board of Realtors for more than a decade, this annual golf event has contributed numerous full ride scholarships for high school graduates in need.

“The stories are beautiful and I am so pleased to be involved in the positive changes education can produce,” Margaret Watson stated eloquently at a recent press conference.

“We changed one woman’s life entirely,” Watson reflected. “This woman had been working two full time minimum wage jobs to support her family, while simultaneously saving to go back to school. After years of praying for a miracle, we provided a fresh start, and ultimately, a new life for her. As the recipient of our scholarship, she was able to attend night school and graduate with a degree in nursing. Today, this woman works full time as a registered nurse and is able to provide her family with a life that at one time was no more than a dream. She reaches out to us every holiday to thank us for paving the way toward her future; for being her miracle.”

Numerous other scholarship recipients’ lives have been dramatically improved from the generous support of the Watsons’ annual golf fundraiser.

The event draws an eclectic group of attendees. From real estate developers to mortgage bankers, athletes to restaurateurs, the Watson women draw upon their dynamic spheres of influence to fill the event with clients and industry professionals, eager to contribute to a wonderful cause.

“It is such a blessing to be able to alter the trajectory of people’s lives,” offered Antonia Watson in a recent interview. “The old adage is true: as people, we often live under the illusion that we have time, when in reality, we do not have time. We have one very brief, fleeting opportunity to make our presence on earth meaningful. I can think of no more profound way of utilizing our time on this planet than to help others actualize their dreams. I have been extremely fortunate to have been taught by my mother and grandmother how to build a brilliant and fulfilling career; however, more importantly, I have been taught by these remarkable women the importance of giving back.”

Antonia continued, “Perhaps my stepfather says it best when he tells me: ‘Success and responsibility go hand in hand. The more successful you become, the more responsibility you have to help lift others up’.”

Sharing her family’s passion for spreading education, Fiona Watson offers her perspective on the necessity of events like these. “I always teach my students the importance of giving back to the community. It is a virtue and discipline learned in martial arts that I hope they take with them when they step off the mat,” said Watson.

The annual golf outing includes lunch, golf, dinner, and prizes. Tickets are $200 per person and can be purchased by contacting Margaret or Antonia Watson.

Margaret Jagar-Watson, GRI
Broker / Manager
Liberty Realty LLC
525 Washington Street
Hoboken, New Jersey 07030
Office: 201.222.2900
Private: 201.970.4593

Antonia Watson
The Watson International Team
Licensed Associate Real Estate Broker
Senior Global Advisor
The Corcoran Group
d: 212-323-3290
c: 347-768-5952
f: 212-415-6204
Antonia.watson@corcoran.com
660 Madison Avenue, New York NY, 10065

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T he Chinese stock market crash, occurring over the course of June and August, saw its Shanghai Index falter in excess of 40%. That value, for perspective, is about 14 times the GDP of Greece. Chinese investors carrying a material percentage of mutual funds or stocks in their portfolios endured severe losses. Their money was, and continues to be, no longer safe in its home market.

Noted in Bloomberg Business, Survey and Research Center for China Household Finance in Chengdu completed a nationwide survey in 2013 based on asset size and residential property holdings. The result, reported director Gan Li, was that 75.5% of Chinese assets are in real estate.

Today, the U.S. economy is considered by foreign buyers, particularly the Chinese post-housing bubble burst circa 2014, to be a relatively safe place to put their money.

Sofia Song, former head of research at Streeteasy and presently executive vice president at Douglas Elliman elaborated in Brick Underground. “In the long term, what we have seen is that global volatility can lead to an increase in foreign demand, as the NYC real estate market is often seen as a ‘safe haven’ for investment, with moderate risk, yielding high rates of return.”

Sustained concerns over the troubled Chinese economy could mean one of two scenarios. Either the Chinese engage in a moratorium of foreign buying or they could vow ultimate faith in the American economy, and therefore American property, and invest neck-deep.
Since last spring, the Chinese have already added $28.6 billion of U.S. property to their portfolios, according to The Real Deal’s September issue. At present, we are in a wait and see period if the dollars will continue to roll in.

Total foreign investment is on a cyclical upswing, and the nationalities of buyers are changing.

Chinese developers like China Vanke, Greenland Holding, and XIN Development are partnering with American developers to build 50-plus story condominiums and office buildings.

Norway is a noted player in the field, buying $2.61 billion dollars worth of New York real estate over the past three years, according to real estate advisory firm Real Capital Analytics and TRD. Norway’s holding makes the country New York’s third most prominent investor, following China and Canada.

Germany is another noted foreign buyer, with a recent $1.58 billion invested in the state’s property. The country’s fund managers, such as Union Investment, attract the average citizen with low upfront investment sums, making involvement in New York property considerably feasible at cost and from a distance.

Christian Goebel, East Coast advisor to Munich-based GLL Real Estate Partners, a real estate fund manager group, attests to the shift in focus on New York from clients. “We have become far more active in New York,” he tells TRD, “You can generally say that there is a lot more demand from German investors for U.S. real estate today—especially for New York City.”

Singapore, Japan, and the United Arab Emirates are also making their presence known, both as shareholders, construction lenders, and million dollar residential buyers.

Written by Alexandra Gámez New York

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Running through the veins of New York real estate is an agile continuum of competition. And there’s no competition quite like that of the Corcoran Group’s Madison Avenue East Side office. Corcoran’s flagship location is home to a few hundred of Manhattan’s most accomplished and esteemed veteran real estate brokers. Among the countless star real estate teams at the East Side Corcoran office are the notable household names of Carrie Chiang, Debra Grubman, Hilary Landis, Tamir Shamesh, and Cathy Franklin, just to name a few.

In excellent company among the industry veterans is Corcoran’s new recruit and proven sales phenomenon, Antonia Watson. A Corcoran transplant since May of this year who was formally the Keller Williams Top Manhattan Listing Agent, Antonia Watson is once again proving to be a sales machine even at Manhattan’s top firm. The Watson International Team run by Antonia Watson has been announced the winner of the Corcoran East Side office August listing competition.

Watson’s reputation for relentless energy, record breaking sale prices, and an elite network of international clientele has attracted sellers from across the city to flock to Antonia as their exclusive listing broker. In August alone, Watson International brought in exclusives from East 60th to Wall Street to Clinton Hill, with a total of $12,193,000 in listing volume.

Watson acknowledges that New York City’s real estate prices are riding an all time high, but admits that the high will inevitably calm so that inventory will increase and prices will adjust to the rate of saturated demand.

“Real estate analysts are in agreement that we are experiencing the top of the market. As a specialist in Seller Representation, it is my job to let my clients know that now is the time to liquidate their real estate assets for maximum profitability. Real estate, just like the stock market, is cyclical. Sky-high sale prices and rock bottom inventory do not last forever. The best thing we can do for our clients during this time is to inform them of the market’s status and advise them according to their personal real estate goals.”

Watson leaves a parting bottom line. “For many of my clients, maximizing the return on their investment is the end goal. As such, now is simply the time to sell.”

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Written By

Samantha Shlimbaum

Licensed Real Estate Salesperson

Watson International

Filed under: Long Island City, Quarterly Sales Report by Antonia Watson
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#1 Apartment 103 at The View Condominium

The most expensive listing in Long Island City within the month of April is a stunning corner unit apartment comprising of 3 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms located at 4630 center boulevard, also commonly known as The View Condominium. Apartment #103 is asking $3,498,000 with only $1580 a month in common charges and $29 in monthly taxes, listed by Silvette Julian and Luca Scarano of  Nestseekers.

This expansive apartment is 1,653 square feet with outdoor space. When you walk in the floor to ceiling windows with south west exposure instantly grab your attention.  The ceilings are lofted beyond 10 feet tall with unique fixtures dawning the ceiling. The kitchen has triple lacquered white cabinets accented with black granite countertops. The appliances are top of the line with Subzero fridge, Viking range and Bosch dishwasher and wine cooler. There is a private outdoor garden off from the living room perfect for retreating from the hustle and bustle of the big city. If you are seeking to relax even more you can simply head down to the East Coast Club within the View condominium which provides a lap pool, sauna, billiards room and fitness room.

  #2 Apartment #700 in The Arris Lofts

The second most expensive apartment for sale in Long Island City is #700 in 27-28 Thomson Avenue asking $2,900,000 listed by Sofia Falleroni at Town Real Estate . This apartment is a 3 bedroom 3 bathroom with 2,339 square feet, 686 square feet bigger than apartment #103 at the View Condominium. Currently the apartment is being used as a 2 bedroom. This apartment is perfect for entertaining in with three outdoor spaces, and a built in professional JBL stereo system with surround sound. The open floor plan with dramatic oversized airport glass windows set the perfect ambiance for entertaining. The custom kitchen designed by Bathlup with a four seat custom made island is perfect for dinner parties. The Arris lofts also provides a plethora of amenities with a full time doorman, swimming pool, garage and  access to zipcar services for easy commute to Long Island and to the city, without the worry of public transit.

Least Expensive Listing in Long Island City

The least expensive apartment for sale in Long Island City is 4-74 48th avenue apartment #24m asking $559,000 listed by Karleen Krimitz. This apartment is located within CityLights condominium comprising of approx. 700 square feet featuring south facing views. The direction of this apartment guarantees to flood your apartment with long lasting sunlight. You will also fall in love with iconic views of the Manhattan, Brooklyn Bridge and East River in the backdrop. Apartment# 24m needs a bit of TLC with some updating in the kitchen cabinetry design and appliances.

This apartment is also situated in one of the highest amenity rich buildings located in Long Island City. One can truly feel at home with a full time doorman, dry cleaners on site, gym with classes included in your maintenance fees and roof deck. Furthermore this building is pet friendly and you will often see pets greeting you in the lobby- big and small.

This apartments location also goes beyond the rest. You won’t hear the noise of Queens Blvd, but instead maybe hear a blow of a boat hurrying by when outside on the pier or at Gantry State Park.

                         

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April Edition-

Most Renovated Townhouse & Multifamly

Written by Chenelle Lloyd, &

Licensed Real Estate Salesperson Samantha Shlimbaum

Most Renovated Townhouse- 200 Edgecombe Avenue

200 Edgecombe Pre-renovation

In the heart of upper Manhattan one of the most renovated townhouses is located on 200 Edgecombe Avenue. This refined estate is currently $1,995,000 coupled with $1,848 in annual real estate taxes listed by Tamara Marotta, and Jessica Lit of Douglas Elliman . Central Harlem has an average price per square footage of $833 and buyers receive a great deal due to 200 Edgecombe’s average square footage of $748 for 2, 664 square feet of space. This “Danish modern estate” as described on StreetEasy has had a full renovations with other minor alterations. The most recent work was a total renovation of buildings interior including turning 3 considerably midsized ineffective areas such as the kitchen, living and dining area into one entirely open and fluent space.

          With floors covered in wide plank pale oak this townhouse offers 2 stories in total and 3 units. There are 2 master bedrooms each with their very own crafted baths, floor to ceiling glass paneled shower and large “farm style” his and her sinks with hardwood countertops. For means of entertainment, buyers and their family can enjoy the peaceful garden that follows the recreation room. Not to mention, piquing their interest reading favorite novel while relaxing in their very own study room. The home also offers a laundry room, 2 full and 2 half baths with an entirely new central air system throughout the house.

Located nearby are the blue, orange and red subway lines (1, 2, 3, A, C, B and D) making your daily commute les time consuming. In a ten block radius browsing the neighborhood, you can find Harlem Hospital, City College and both St. Nicholas Park as well as Jackie Robinson Park. Eateries such as The Grange Bar and Eatery and the Edge who describes themselves as a hip coffee shop that offers weekend brunch are highly recommended as well as a neighborhood favorite.

For families looking for schools nearby there are many daycare, middle school and high school options in the area. There is Drew Hamilton Learning center, Harlem Village Academy CCNY High school for Math, and for extracurricular activities the National Dance Institute which are all in the same vicinity.

Contact us to schedule a viewing.

 Most Renovated Multifamily Townhouse- 20 West 131 Street

Pre-Construction

Post Construction – Built in 2007

20 West 131st Street

Within Central Harlem is another recently constructed estate. This time it’s a multifamily located on 20 west 131 street offering amenities that are unmatched at this particular price point. This multi-family has a listing price of only $1,995,000 with Jeffrey Goodman of Halstead Property. The square footage for this home is currently 4,110 ft² with an average price per sq. footage of $485 far below Central Harlem’s median of $833/ft². The building is described as “mint condition” equipped with 12 rooms, 6 bed, 6 bath and move in ready. There are only two apartments within this multifamily building providing ample space for each future tenants. This home has maintains its chic yet rustic aesthetics by retaining the brick wall which was built over 100 years ago to add personality to the home’s current look. The higher level has approximately 5 outdoor spaces which include three balconies, a terrace and a duplex roof deck with an installed gas line awaiting homeowners to install and fire up the barbeque. The apartment on the first floor has access to an outside patio leading to a garden

The home is donned with modern kitchen appliances, central heating and cooling systems. There is no need for tenants to step a foot outside for laundry with built in laundry machines.

Nearby are the red and green subway lines (2, 3, 4, 5, and 6) as well as a Metro North station on 125^th street taking you to your destination within a matter of minutes. Also nearby are local parks such as Courtney Callendar, Abraham Lincoln and Moore Playground a close outlet for the children.

For fabulous eateries and cafes in walking distance are Corner Social, Sylvia’s and Red rooster Harlem all great and highly recommended local spots.

 Contact us to schedule a viewing.

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written by Samantha Shlimbaum

Most Expensive Apartments in Long Island City

10-49 49th Avenue Townhouse pre-renovation

The most expensive sales listing in Long Island City is located at 10-49 49^th avenue is a recently beautifully renovated four family townhome that offer outdoor garden space and private rooftop deck providing panoramic views of the city. 10-49 49th avenue is a seven bedroom four bathroom townhome listed for $5.8 million with Rick Kelly and AnneMarie Tamis Nasello. This four family’s interior design takes one back in time to 1890’s Italian architecture with updated finishes. The owner’s duplex is located in the parlor, and second floor. This duplex features the most unique kitchen one will find within Long Island City. The kitchen has an industrial commercial kitchen with Brazilian walnut and teak flooring, blue star chef range with exhaust hood. The backsplash is classic white subway. Laundry can be taken care in a breeze with a built in dumbwaiter to carry laundry down. There is no need for a doorman when there is fully equipped security camera that links to CCTV room for the ultimate security. The rest of the four family houses three separate through floor apartments. The property also has 4,000 square feet of buildable air rights, perfect for developers seeking to invest in LIC hot real estate market. The building can be delivered vacant with annual carry costs accruing to $28,102 a year. Of these costs there is a home owner’s association fee of $1,350 a month and monthly taxes of $992 a month. This townhome is the perfect opportunity for a conversion into high end condo apartments that are centrally located one block from Vernon Blvd-Jackson Avenue(7) stop with a short trip to Grand Central, and close to 21^st Street(G) train for a quick trip to Willamsburg, Brooklyn.

Beyond being centrally located to subways to Manhattan and Brooklyn you are close to Gantry State Park with a dog run available on 48^th Avenue and Vernon Blvd. The park provides summer concerts with the Manhattan skyline at your backdrop. There are also basketball and handball courts nearby perfect for those that love to exercise outdoors.

Madera Cuban Grill is the neighborhood’s go to eatery for hispanic delicacies. Described on their website as “bringing the romance, Cuban flavors and excitement to you”, located on Vernon Blvd and 47^th avenue.

The View

#2 Apartment 208 at “The View”

The second most expensive listing in Long Island City is located at apartment 208 within 46-30 Center Boulevard, also known as “The View” for $2,895,000 listed by Theo Neocli of Douglas Elliman. Apartment 208 one of the most unique apartment within this 18 story building comprising of 184 apartment. Apartment 208 provides the ultimate backyard entertainment space comprising over 1,165 square feet with breathtaking views of the Empire and Chrysler Building. You can easily come home and barbeque outside with a built in fire pit. This two bedroom two bathroom apartment comprising of 1,196 square foot is perfect for entertaining with an open concept kitchen providing views of a proper New York City sunset as you cook the night away. The kitchen features Viking stove and large black granite countertop kitchen island with built-in-wine cooler.

The views again at the View offsets the listing price with building features that are unmatched by other locations. The taxes are only $20 a month with common charges of $1,337 a month. This building in particular allows sublets, washer and dryer installments and pets. Some of the buildings other amenities include valet, private storage and a garage space. Both entertaining and relaxing becomes effortless because the building offers a lounge, cinema and billiards room, spa services, a pool, sauna and a party room ideal for a fun-filled night with guests. Also nearby is the iconic Gantry State Park housing the vintage Pepsi Cola sign.

The Least Expensive Apartment

IVY 28

50-15 39^TH STREET Apt 2D

The least expensive listing in Long Island City taking the number one spot is Apartment 2D located on 42-37 27th Street located in Hunter Point part of Long Island City. Apartment 2D for $529,000 with a 15 year tax abatement is listed by John Chang at RE/MAX Midtown. The common charges are $369 with monthly taxes of $15.09 a month. This apartment is a brand new condominium sponsor sale within Ivy 28, an elevator building. Ivy 28 was built in 2014 and its name is reflective of the number of apartments within the building. This small boutique condominium has only 28 apartments with layouts of straight line studios, one and two bedroom apartments. Amenities feature a bike room, and courtyard. Apartment 2D is a studio with 11 foot ceilings and is 532 square feet. The kitchen is brand new with granite countertops, GE range, and stainless steel Leibherr refrigerator. Over the countertops are pendant dropped lights, pod-lights with large windows providing ample sunlight. The bathroom features a deep soaking tub encased in stone with tile floors.

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55 West 130th Street– Crowned this Month’s Most Renovated Single Family Townhome Under 5 Million in Manhattan

Photographed by Christoper McBride

West of the Harlem River sits the most renovated single family townhouse located on 55 West 130th street. This luxury pad is listed by Associate Broker Nick Rafello of Corcoran, priced at $2,695,000 coupled with $5,600 in annual real estate taxes. Harlem is categorized as one of the city’s prime locations, the neighborhood’s average price per square footage is $765. However, 55 West 130th street falls significantly below the neighborhoods average at $518 per square foot. This townhome has experienced major alterations where it’s most recent work was a total renovation of building mechanicals as well as addition fixtures. Some of the buildings alterations include a new boiler, electrical wiring, plumbing as well as a newly rebuilt and restored stoop and ironwork. Also, on those wintry nights buyers and their family can cuddle up in front of the homes new wood-burning fireplace and chimney.
This townhouse offers 5 floors with 11 apartment equipped with private storage an alarm system and outdoor parking. For means of engagement, buyers and their family can play in the beautiful garden or pique their interest in the townhouses playroom. Perhaps your family enjoys movie nights, this home would be ideal because you have your very own cinema room. This home has it all.
Are you headed to Lower Manhattan? Nearby are the local 2, 3 train lines that make your daily commute a breeze and highly recommended eateries such as Red Rooster Harlem, Corner Social and Jacob’s Soul Food and Salad Bar just to name a few.
This beautiful estate remains a site to be seen offering buyers a true investment of their money and home to last a lifetime.

For more more information on Central Harlem.

546 West 140th Street – Crowned this Month’s Multifamily Under 5 Million in Manhattan

Photographed by Christopher Bride

Ten minutes further north of Manhattan in Hamilton Heights is a true multifamily listing with great return on investment. 546 West 140th Street is listed with Perry Associated NYC, priced at $2,300,000 along with an annual $10,364 in real estate taxes. The square footage for this home is currently $3,200 square feet. The price per square footage for this size of building is $719 a square foot, coming just under Harlem’s median of $765 square foot. The building currently has a new roof, a new boiler, new electrical wiring, new common hallways, windows and lobby. Since photographed this home has had a facelift when sellers decided to upgrade the building’s façade bringing new light to the exteriors aesthetics.

This Hamilton Heights walkup is a 3 floor restored brownstone with 11 apartments, a wrought iron wood staircase and 12 foot ceilings. The home also features oversized windows, a security system, and separately zoned ac and heating units.

Catch the local B, C or 1 train if you’re headed to downtown Manhattan or into Brooklyn. If you prefer to stay close to home Hamilton heights has chic restaurants some of which come highly recommended. ZAGAT reviewed, The Hudson River Café was rated with an “excellent” on food as well as their service and décor was rated “very good” due to its delicious food served in a timely manner and breathtaking views of the Hudson River. If you’re looking for a venue that serves colorful Mexican cuisine Picante located on 3424 Broadway has you covered. They’re a causal spot with an affordable menu that stays open late. For more of a night life experience 137 bar and Grill caters to those who love great food and great music.

For more more information on Hudson Heights
 

Average Listing Price in Harlem

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