Watson International
[google-translator]

Blog

Antonia Watson: Corcoran’s Power Broker of August

AW_blog1b

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.”

Quarter 1 2015 Long Island City Sales Report

Long Island City Report Quarter 2015
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

WSamantha Shlimbaumritten By

Samantha Shlimbaum

Licensed Real Estate Salesperson

Watson International

Most Expensive and Least Expensive Apartments in Long Island City as of 5/13/2015

#1 Apartment 103 at The View Condominium

 

The View Condominium in Long Island CityThe 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

Arris Lofts Building in Long Island City

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

4-74 48th Avenue- CityLights Condop in Long Island CityThe 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.

 

           Samantha Shlimbaum              
Written By
Samantha Shlimbaum
Licensed Real Estate Salesperson
Watson International
 
 

Most Renovated Townhouse & Multifamily for sale in Manhattan for under 5 Million

April Edition-

Most Renovated Townhouse & Multifamly

Written by Chenelle Lloyd, &

Licensed Real Estate Salesperson Samantha Shlimbaum

Most Renovated Townhouse- 200 Edgecombe Avenue

200 edgecombe prerenovation

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

120 WEst 131 Street Pre-Construction

Pre-Construction

20 West 131 Street Facade

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 125th 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.

The Most Expensive and Least Apartment in Long Island City as of 4/10/2015

written by Samantha Shlimbaum

Most Expensive Apartments in Long Island City

10-49 49th Avenue Townhouse pre-renovation

10-49 49th Avenue Townhouse pre-renovation

#1 Gut Renovated Four Family Townhouse: 10-49 49th Avenue

The most expensive sales listing in Long Island City is located at 10-49 49th 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 21st 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 48th 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 47th avenue.

The View

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

IVY 28

50-15 39TH 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.

Most Renovated Townhome and Multifamily in Manhattan (under 5 million)

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

 

55 West 130th Street Townhouse

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

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

The Most Expensive & Least Expensive Listings in LIC as of 3/5/2015

 

The Most Expensive Apartment

#1 Penthouse 9 at the View

 

The View

Penthouse 9 is the ultimate luxury pad with two bedrooms, an entry foyer and walk in closets. The apartment also features high ceilings and floor to ceiling glass windows with open unobstructed skyline views. The apartment has been totally renovated including both kitchen and bathroom which are both in excellent condition. The gourmet kitchen has granite counter-tops, a subzero refrigerator, dishwasher and a wine cooler. As for the marble en-suite bathroom, listed as a half bath, it has a stall shower as well as a pristine soaking tub.

The View offsets the listing price with building features that are unmatched by other locations. 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.

SHI restaurant is the neighborhood’s go to eatery literally footsteps away from The View condominiums. Described as an “upscale Pan-Asian high rise restaurant” it offers skyline views due to its location right off the East River. Not only are there great places to indulge, this area of Hunters Point Long Island City welcomes young minds who want to indulge in learning. There are educational options ranging from preschool at City Gan Early Childhood Center all the way to 12th grade at the Information Technology High School. Local subway options nearby provide connection to anywhere in the city by the E, M, G and 7-train line.

#2 Apartment 700 at Arris Lofts’

Arris Lofts BuildingThe second most expensive listing in Long Island City is the Arris Lofts’ Apartment 700 developed by The Andalex Group. Arris Lofts sits a block away from Long Island City’s court house and amidst the finest cuisines like L.A. Gourmet and Aanchal Indian restaurant, welcoming guest who want to experience multiregional Indian flavors. Also nearby the complex is Court Square Park and John F. Murray Playground if you prefer a refreshing afternoon with nature.

Arris Lofts was built in 1928 and stands just 8 stories high offering 237 individual units and an elevator. The building amenities include a doorman, elevator, parking, fitness room and pool. Arris Loft’s apartment 700 is a listed as three bedroom condominium lavishly priced at $2,995,000 with just over $2,000 in common charges listed by Carl Simoes and Eric Benaim of Modern Spaces, LLC.

Let not the price cloud all the incredible amenities this loft has to offer. The unit features over-sized casement windows, 16 foot ceilings, a balcony, custom closets and a central heating and cooling system. Conveniently hidden away in the apartment are a washer/dryer, walk-in closet, and a comfy 24’x 22′ sq. ft. living area. Attached to the living room is the kitchen with an island, bar stool seating and stainless steel countertops all creating an open unobstructed view of the living room while entertaining guest. In all, this lap of luxury delivers with 2,339 square feet of interior space, 2,677 square feet of terrace space along with a modest 250 square foot balcony. It features open north, east and south views, which act as a soothing retreat from your busy city life.

The Least Expensive Apartment

50-15 39TH STREET

50-15 39TH STREETThe least expensive listing in Long Island City taking the number one spot is Apartment 6-F located on 50-15 39th Street on the border of Long Island City and Sunnyside, Queens. This co-op building is beautifully maintained and houses 6 floors, 51 apartments, an elevator and a voice intercom system. The building offers a bike room, laundry room, sublet friendly options requiring a minimum of two years of residency.

Apt. 6-F is currently listed at $220,000 along with a $473 maintenance fee by Jordan Pryce Levitt of Douglas Elliman. Listed as the corner apartment 6-F is a one bedroom, one bathroom that features oversized windows, track lighting, abundant closets and fixed window air conditioning units. In the area there are multiple educational options for children and young adults. A few blocks away there is an elementary school P.S. 199 (Maurice A, Fitzgerald), Robert F. Wagner Secondary School and The International High School at LaGuardia College. In the neighborhood there are recreational establishments such as Indoor Extreme Sports where they are known for paintball and laser tag. City Ice Pavilion is another top destination for entertainment where you can learn to ice skate and play hockey. There are also restaurants and entertainment outlets in walking distance for adults to relax and let loose such as 43 Bar and Grill and Allure Club and Lounge.

 

 

NYC Homeowners Give Back to Homeless for Valentine’s Day

NYC-Blog

Article Written by Chenelle Lloyd

On Wednesday, February 4th Watson International of Keller Williams NYC partnered with WINNYC to host an exclusive Valentine’s Day fundraiser. The event was co-sponsored by Wexher Lehrer Kaufman and Langdon Title. The proceeds from the event were dedicated towards helping WIN of NYC create awareness, as well as provide transitional housing for women, and children who are, or are on the verge of becoming homeless. The venue was provided by Wells Fargo, just two minutes away from Bryant Park in Midtown Manhattan. Numerous established homeowners in New York City’s luxury market attended the event to support the nonprofit that has been servicing families since 1983.

Antonia and MargaretAfter checking in at the front desk you were greeted byWatson International’s President and CEO Antonia Watson donning a stunning red gown, welcoming you the night’s festivities. Mingling, networking and awareness were three of the night’s major themes. Ensuing simultaneously were raffle bids provided at retail price points ranging from 150 dollars to 1000 dollars. All raffles were sponsored by a mixture of local New York City businesses and long term established entities, such as Nova Dental, Dunefsky Design, and Carnegie Hall.

The most sought after raffle items were hands down the Brooklyn Nets vs Knicks game at Barclays Center on February 6th, and a once and a lifetime tour of the NY Stock Exchange with NY1 news anchor Joya Dass.

Throughout the night, there were delicious Italian dishes, catered pastries and fresh sushi and sashimi prepared on site by renowned sushi chef Mayonaki to be paired with locally curated wine from Brooklyn Oneology.

CEO Bonnie Stone of WIN was present providing chilling facts on the history behind homelessness policy in NYC. Bonnie informed us that NYC is rather unique than other cities, in that it has a mandated policy that no one person be left on the street without shelter.

WIN houses 4,500 every night, and an astounding 2,700 of those are children.

WIN provides this shelter typically for eleven months as a time for families in a separate studio style apartment. A key is given to each resident giving a sense of ownership to each incoming family. With WIN’s holistic approach to homelessness these families are situated with supportive staff to help them regain their independence.

All in all, through the sales of the events tickets and raffles Watson International fund-raised a grand total of $3,205. “We are honored to have found a charity like WIN to support in all of their endeavors, and to be backed by a CEO that has helped them grow for 16 years”-Antonia Watson