Pots and pans present some of the biggest challenges to NYC kitchens given their sheer size and number. This stylish space-saver, not only makes the most of the window without blocking light, no need to worry about hitting your head as with other hanging pot holders. If you don't have a window or it's not suitable, the same concept also works on a small wall. #DIYDecor #BlogPosts

While "beach reads" have their place, I like to intersperse into my summer reading nonfiction which makes me feel less indulgent about relaxing with a book on the beach or patio. Here are some personal recommendations that rival any mystery or chick lit in entertainment value as well as providing some new insights: (1) Devil in the White City & In the Garden of Beasts by Erik Larsen are amazing; I just finished his Dead Wake which was a bit underwhelming. (2) The Sky's the Limit: Passion and Property in Manhattan by Steven Gaines is a must for the real estate-porn addict. (3) Wiseguys by Nicholas Pileggi is the book behind Goodfellas. (4) The Short and Tragic Life of Robert Peace: A Brilliant Young Man Who Left Newark for the Ivy League by Jeff Hobbs is an interesting read about a unique (and tragic) path to and after Yale. (Note: I felt like this book was about 100 pages too long, but still worth the read). (5) Under the Banner of Heaven by Jon Krakauer is a fascinating (albeit a bit biased) foray into the Mormon Church. (6) In Cold Blood by Truman Capote is the real-life story of the utterly senseless murder of a Kansas family. (7) The Glass Castle: A Memoir by Jeannette Walls is not quite educational but entertains as well as any novel. (8) Bossypants by Tina Fey is also not educational but hilarious! Next, on my list: Boys in the Boat, Delivering Happiness, Eat City, and The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People. PS -- I just joined Goodreads.com so you can check out my reviews, ratings, and recommendations. Friend me please! #NYCHappenings #BlogPosts

It is my pleasure to share our Q2 2015 Manhattan Market Report with you. This report details the most up-to-date trends that we’ve observed in the marketplace this quarter, with a particular focus on Prices, Inventory, Time on Market, and Closings. What struck me was that despite increasing inventory in both condos and coops, prices continue to rise. This is partly due to an uptick on the lower end of the market. In Harlem and other parts of Upper Manhattan, where prices have historically been low, demand has surged and prices skyrocketed in recent months. I've been working with several buyers in this area, and we've seen double-digit percentage inflation for the same types of apartments over the course of a few months. It's left many of us wondering if the clock is finally running out on this last bastion of affordable apartments in Manhattan. Please CLICK HERE to find the full report. If you have any questions about the market or are considering buying and selling in Brooklyn or Manhattan, please don't hesitate to reach out. #CompassMarketReports #BlogPosts

405 Lexington Avenue On May 28th, 1930, the Chrysler Building, one of the most iconic buildings in New York City and an enduring art-deco masterpiece, was constructed. It towered over mid-town Manhattan at 1,046 feet. Architect William Van Alen designed the skyscraper—the world's tallest for less than a year until the Empire State Building stole the title in 1931. Commissioned in the 1920s by Walter P. Chrysler, the Chrysler chairman, the building was intended to become their corporate headquarters. As a result, a variety of architectural details of the building were modeled after Chrysler’s products, for example, the gargoyles which resemble the hood ornaments of the Plymouth. The corporation did not pay for the construction of the Chrysler Building and never owned it; rather Walter P. Chrysler paid for it himself so that his children could inherit it. The Chrysler Building is considered a leading example of Art Deco architecture. The corners of the 61st floor are graced with eagles; on the 31st floor, the corner ornamentation are replicas of the 1929 Chrysler radiator caps. Its terraced crown is composed of seven radiating terraced arches with transitioning setbacks, mounted up one behind another. The stainless-steel cladding is ribbed and riveted in a radiating sunburst pattern with many triangular vaulted windows, transitioning into smaller segments of the seven narrow setbacks of the facade of the terraced crown. It remains a breathtaking building, making any view of it a million dollar listing! #NotableinNY #BlogPosts

If you're like me, your food universe is probably around 5-15 restaurants that you find yourself frequenting. Every so often, when the urge strikes to try something new, you'll go digging through blogs, Facebook posts, etc to find a place to try that will be worth departing from your stand-bys. This month I encourage you to be a food tourist. You can go international by picking a cuisine, say Malaysian or Thai or Russian, and then checking out some of the top places in the City for that cuisine. Subway fare is much cheaper than an international flight, and you won't have to change currencies. Last month was Korean month for me -- I tried several barbecue and chicken places around K-Town (Kang Ho Dong Baekjeong was fantastic and well worth the wait), paid a visit to Momofuku Ssam Bar (must get the rice cake dish there), and had some not-so-authentic but tasty bulgogi tacos and other fusion dishes at Smorgasburg. You can also be a domestic tourist... Rather than focus on a different country or region and seek out the food, you can explore the culinary scene of an NYC neighborhood that is outside your work/home circles. For example, I hear about amazing places in Red Hook or Bed Stuy or Harlem, but rarely eat out in these areas, but I intend to change that this summer. Whether you decide go international or domestic, get out of your comfort zone and try something new! #NYCHappenings #BlogPosts

If you're looking for a coop in Manhattan, especially something on the smaller side, good luck. Inventory on the lower end is very tight while larger luxury apartments have been stagnating on the market. #CompassMarketReports #BlogPosts

After the typical holiday-lag in the market, new listings have been slow to hit the market, with eager buyers fighting over meager new inventory. I recently put a one-bedroom on the market in Hamilton Heights, which was the first new listing in the area since October. It was a first-floor apartment that needed some upgrades but we ended up with several offers within hours of the first open house. #CompassMarketReports #BlogPosts

#CompassMarketReports #BlogPosts

360 W. 11th St. (between Washington and West) While lacking the historical significance of other buildings featured in this column (Ansonia, Flatiron, etc), the Palazzo Chupi and its pepto-bismol pink facade is one of the most unique buildings among the brownstones of the West Village. The condominium building was designed by artist and filmmaker Julian Schnabel in the style of a Northern Italian palazzo. Built between 2005 and 2008, the building is 170 feet tall, nearly 100 feet taller than the now 75 foot height ordinance for new buildings in Greenwich Village. Schnabel uses the lower four floors, formerly horse stables, as a studio. In addition to the studio, Palazzo Chupi houses five condos, an exhibition space, a garage, a pool and a sauna. The condos come with $10 million-plus price tags, and include flourishes like 18-foot ceilings, baronial bathrooms with rough-hewn fireplaces, and handmade hinges and door handles designed by Schnabel. Whether you love it or hate it (and there are legions on both sides of the issue), Palazzo Chupi certainly stands out and has become an indelible part of the West Village. #NotableinNY #BlogPosts

While there is no bad time of year to volunteer for a good cause, now is a great time to spring into action! If you are at a loss as to where to start, or you simply can't commit to a regular gig, I'd recommend checking out the Yale Day of Service. There are over 250 sites across 42 states and 20 countries. No need to have any Yale affiliation, just a desire to be introduced to a worthy cause and meet some nice people in the process. This year, I am hosting one of the Brooklyn sites, PortSide in Red Hook. It will be a fun day doing preservation work on the ship which hosts educational, cultural, job training, and neighborhood promotion programs. Drinks and snacks to follow. If you'd like to join, please register for the afternoon session here or email me. #NYCHappenings #BlogPosts

I love soup, and in the winter, it's my dinner most nights. Often it's some pureed vegetable soup or a hearty stew that I throw together using whatever I have on hand. Last weekend I tried something new: a delicious pork shoulder red pozole soup in my slow cooker. My favorite discovery this winter has been this spicy Chinese noodle soup which is easy, very filling, and healthyy -- the trifecta for a good soup. I have been using more-than-called-for bok choy and adding button or cremini mushrooms as well. Hope you try it and if you want other soup suggestions, drop me a note in the comments! #DIYDecor #BlogPosts

After the typical holiday-lag in the market, new listings have been slow to hit the market, with eager buyers fighting over meager new inventory. I recently put a one-bedroom on the market in Hamilton Heights, which was the first new listing in the area since October. It was a first-floor apartment that needed some upgrades but we ended up with several offers within hours of the first open house. Fourth Quarter Results confirm the lack of inventory -- key results from the Corcoran Report include: Inventory challenges. Inventory has grown by 20% since last year, but almost entirely on the basis of condo availability and the introduction of significant high-end new development product. The number of co-op listings has remained flat since Q2 2011, and the market is significantly under-supplied below $2M. Contract signings are up. Signed contracts rose 3% versus last year. A lack of affordable inventory sent buyers to the co-op market. Co-ops accounted for 58% of signed contracts, their highest share since Q3 2009. High-end sales helped value reach new peak. Thanks to activity at the high-end, the average price per square foot increased to $1303, up 6% versus Q4 2013. Feel free to contact me with your questions about the Corcoran Report and the Manhattan residential real estate market. #NYCMarketAnalysesTips #BlogPosts