Recap: 5/21 The Modern Agent Home Buying Bootcamp

Posted on May 23, 2013 by Joyce Huang

The Modern Agent team would like to thank everyone for participating in our first, Home Buying Bootcamp Event! The evening's turnout was largely successful due to everyone's support and participation in the event. We hoped you thoroughly enjoyed the evening and gained key pointers on how you can optimize your home search process! If you have any recommendations for what you would like to see in future events or need help getting started on your property search, please feel free to contact Mukul.

The Modern Agent Home Buying Bootcamp Flyer on display!

The busy streets of downtown Manhattan in front of Bo Concept store.

Mukul Lalchandani speaking about how the home buying process works in Manhattan.

Light refreshments of the evening included pizza, cupcakes, water, and wine.

Photograph of the cupcakes served that evening. What a sweet treat, right?

A big thank you to Bo Concept, TD Bank, and Chu Law Firm for collaborating with us and sponsoring the evening's light refreshments and gift bag items! If you would like to get in touch with any of the presentation speakers, please mention The Modern Agent Home Buying Bootcamp:

For a home furnishing consultation, please speak with Bo Concept Owner: niki@boconceptny.com
Phone (212)-966-8188

For mortgage and financing consultation, please speak with TD Bank Product Relationship Manager & Representative: Cristina.Goncalves@td.com // Matthew.Maietta@td.com
TD Bank, America's Most Convenient Bank

For any law-related questions, please contact Chu Law Firm Lawyersherry@chulawfirm.com
Phone (718) 939-7600
Fax (718) 939-4954


Please stay tuned for more future events!

New Development Embarks East Village: The Jefferson 211 East 13 Street

Posted on May 01, 2013 by Joyce Huang


The atmospheric East Village welcomes a brand new development into the neighborhood, namely The Jefferson, located at 211 East 13th Street between Second Avenue and Third Avenue. The Jefferson will officially launch sales next week! This newly constructed eight-story tall luxury condominium boasts 83 units while holding 21st century panache from its unique exterior and interior architecture. Developed by SK Development, CB Developers, and Ironstate Development, The Jefferson, totaling 115,000 sq. ft, will be a mix use of residential and retail space. Along 14 Street, 4,500 sq. ft. of ground-floor space will be allocated for retail use. The Jefferson speaks downtown chic in a new way with its distinctively new and modern interior and exterior built from the ground up by BKSK Architects.

The look and feel of the contemporary residencies will feature stained oak floors throughout, 9 ft. 2 in. high ceilings, over-sized windows allowing in a plethora of natural light, washer/dryer combos for each unit, smart home-ready electronic blinds, storage, and private outdoor space in select homes. It is anticipated to have 421A tax abatement and pied-a-terre is allowed. Amenities at the Jefferson will include a 24-hr attended lobby with doorman, concierge service, a bike room, fitness room, a lounge with business center, billiards room, roof garden, and private cabanas available for purchase.

The Jefferson highlights an oversized glass entrance exuding a modern and ultra-soothing exterior which welcomes residents into the building. There is a 24 hr attended lobby with security and access to concierge service for that quintessential New York City downtown luxury lifestyle you’ve always imagined.

Kitchens feature custom Eggersmann natural oak cabinetry, custom natural oak paneled ceilings with recessed lighting, Glacier White Corian countertops with integral sink, tiled backsplash, stainless steel fixtures, Sub-Zero refrigerator, Wolf gas range, Wolf microwave oven, Broan ventilated hood, and Bosch dishwasher. Most units also include a Sub-Zero wine refrigerator.

The lounge and business center is a perfect place for meetings, conferences, or informal gatherings. There is a large decorative fireplace, a pool table with a club-like atmosphere, and an adjoining business center with a conference table.


The master baths feature honed Basaltina stone tile, Moda Siena silver rectangle travertine mosaic accent. The secondary baths feature Lucca flannel grey rift limestone tile, and savoy stacked ceramic mosaic tile. Features include Lefroy Brooks fixtures, oversized soaking tubs, and custom glass showers.

The full roof garden with BBQ and party facilities is available for exclusive residents use. The Jefferson’s roof garden offers a beautiful view of Manhattan in all directions, including the East River bridges and Brooklyn. It is a perfect place to entertain with family and friends or soak in sun. Fully equipped with café tables and chairs, a modernist arbor/gazebo, trees, barbecue and bar, outdoor shower, and private cabanas available for purchase.

Set to obtain LEED Gold Certification upon completion of the project, expect energy-efficient residencies all around with the use of sustainable materials throughout to complete the modern lifestyle at The Jefferson. The East Village which spans from the East River to Broadway, between Houston & 14th Street, celebrates New York City’s punk-rock origins. Originally erected as New York’s first Vaudeville Theater in 1912, now the site of the Jefferson, 211 East 13 Street, is set alongside the East Village’s historic neighborhood which still carries that reminiscent old-school New York City vibe from its neighboring 19th and 20th century buildings.

Today, the Jefferson is conveniently located within a trendsetting neighborhood close to Union Square and NYU is filled with a wide range of diverse restaurants and retail shops such as: Momofuku, Gotham Bar & Grill, Union Square Café, Esperanto, Gnocco, Mercury Lounge, The Orpheum Theatre, Whole Foods, Kiehl’s, JCrew, Free People Clothing Boutique, Diesel, and much more. Additionally, train stations are just a short walking distance nearby. The property will be a selection of studio, one, two, and three bedroom luxury apartments for sale.Sales are expected to start next week with occupancy to begin in the first quarter of 2014. The property will be a selection of studio, one, two, and three bedroom luxury apartments for sale.

 Inquire with The Modern Agent to be included on the waiting list for a private viewing at The Jefferson.

The Modern Agent says:

The high-end luxury sector of the real estate market is soaring greater than ever with sales topping previous year’s expectations. With a lack of inventory on the market and a general rise in sale prices throughout the city, make sure you lock in a great price on an exclusive Jefferson condominium. Hurry quickly because this property won’t stay on the market long. Residing in the East Village, this luxury condominium makes a great investment property. The Jefferson is few in its kind within East Village due to its unique brownstone facade which has all the modern luxury amenities of a new development. This beautifully stylish luxury condominium will be a desirable downtown home for anyone looking to live in the East Village.

The Modern Agent's Guide: Kitchen Curated

Posted on April 29, 2013 by Joyce Huang

Today, convenience factors play into our everyday lives more seamlessly than ever before. For many New Yorkers, the modern day man and woman spends a bulk of their time at work. So, when there is some time to relax, the kitchen can be one of the central places utilized at home for entertaining with friends or simply preparing a nice meal for a lazy-day in.

Luxury living has never been more refined with the vast amounts of modern appliances that readily make our lives more functional and convenient. Let’s take a look at the top modern kitchen appliances you can add to your home today for that quintessential modern New York City lifestyle.

Nespresso Maestria Crema ($549.00)

Nespresso Maestria Crema

Are you passionate about espresso? How about starting your day with the perfect pour? This neat machine known as Nespresso Maestria Crema perfects your everyday morning coffee routine by allowing you to prepare milk froth like a skilled barista. Soon, you’ll be making cappuccinos and lattes like a pro with this fluid system made of 19 bars pumps which features an improved steam pipe. Its sleek exterior vintage design sets this machine apart from similar ones in the market. Easy insert and ejection of coffee capsules simplify the process even more with the ability to hold 10-14 used capsules. Preheating the machine is as fast as 25 seconds so you won’t have to wait long before you can enjoy your espresso.

Founded in Switzerland 23 years ago, Nespresso aims to “create the perfect cup of Espresso coffee with exquisite crema, tantalizing aroma and full-bodied taste – just like skilled baristas”. Today, the brand is a worldwide pioneer with stores which can be found across lower Manhattan in Soho, or Midtown, and the Upper East Side.

Samsung T900 Smart Fridge (Without touchscreen, average cost is around $4000. New model unveiled at CES 2013. Currently unavailable for sale to public.)

Samsung T900 Smart Fridge Tablet Closeup
Samsung's T900 Smart Fridge touchscreen features the Evernote app.

Samsung T900 Smart Fridge
Evernote Technology allows you to create a shopping list, make post-it notes, look up recipes, and more.

Samsung T900 Smart Fridge
We live in a decade where smart phones have almost become a necessary basic “essential”. At the most recent Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2013, Samsung introduced the T900 Smart Fridge. Samsung’s new line of smart refrigerator has a built-in tablet with internet surfing capabilities. You’ll be able to enter your grocery list at home through the Evernote App and access that same list on your phone. You’ll even be able to get coupon notifications. These features really set the tone for the future of refrigerators. Besides the Grocery Manager app, this 32 cubic ft. smart fridge can help you access your twitter feed, look up recipes on the Epicurious app, play music while cooking on the Pandora app, and more. The panel allows users to record items already in the fridge, the item’s expiration date, and it’ll remind you when an item’s sell-by-date is approaching. There is no word on when this newly unveiled smart fridge will be available for the public so we will have to wait and see.

Bertazzoni Master Series 48 6-Burner Electric Double Oven (Starting price on the web: $6619.00)

Bertazzoni Master Series 48 6-Burner Electric Double Oven

Made from excellent Italian craftsmanship, you can expect a high quality built product for individuals who enjoy cooking without the more expensive price tag of brands like Viking. Whether you live in a small or large home, Bertazzoni is an ideal choice for any contemporary kitchen. These clever and high-performance cooktops are designed for the new energy-conscious age with excellent fuel. This large range has a cooktop with six gas burners, a dual-ring power burner, high-efficiency burner with separate controlled flames, and a stainless-steel electric griddle. The main electric oven has everything from convection, baking, roasting to warming, to telescopic glide shelves. Products and packaging are 99% recyclable.

Introducing Gaggenau

"Wood, stainless steel, and a breathtaking view over Manhattan," as described on the company's website.

Gaggenau 200 Series Oven is defined by the compact LCD control module with simple access to menus, clock, and timer.

Gaggenau 200 Series Oven

Gaggenau Vario cooktop 400 series includes the combination of induction cooktops, Teppan Yaki and table ventilation.

Gaggenau is a German brand which delivers high end quality professional-grade appliances for the kitchen through 300 years of experience by blending tradition with innovation in design. Gaggenau is a leader of its class due to their uncompromising nature of developing new technologies as part of the Gaggenau tradition. Popular innovations include built-in ovens, electric ovens, pyroltic self-cleaning, the Combi-steam oven for the home chef and the full surface induction cooktop. Their mission is to have the best technical appliances out there with the most aesthetic appeal. 

Poggenpohl Kitchen (Around $85,000-$200,000)

Poggenpohl Kitchen
+ARTESIO by Poggenpohl unites form with function to create a seamlessly cohesive livable space.

Poggenpohl Kitchen

P'7340 Porsche Design from Poggenpohl integrates luxury design into the kitchen derived from the most innovative and high quality materials.

Poggenpohl Kitchens display exceptionally well-executed innovative design with their thin worktops, handle-less surfaces, and refined style. Poggenpohl appliances fight wear and tear with its custom manufacturing process which combines traditional craftsmanship from the 1930’s through their ten-layer polished lacquer technique which gives its long-lasting finish with the precision of modern technology. You can be ensured that Poggenpohl furniture exemplifies the highest standard craftsmanship with proven durability. Drawer boxes are known for their ability to carry heavy weight while unique hidden runners are used for a smoother movement designed to last a lifetime. Residencies such as The Cammeyer, located at 650 Sixth Ave, are just one of many New York City luxury apartments which feature Poggenpohl design.

We love modern design and innovative thinking as much as the next person. New York Design Week is being held from May 10 - May 21, 2013. Celebrate this citywide design celebration on all levels of talented design (industrial, furniture, fashion, graphic, film, etc). Check out local exhibitions, shows, and events going on in your community today. For more information, head to http://nycxdesign.com/.






Evernote Technology allows you to create a shopping list, make post-it notes, look up recipes, and more.

3 Downtown Celebrity Homes on the Market NOW

Posted on February 21, 2013 by Joyce Huang


Think spacious, open concept, plenty of natural lighting, and decked out to the nines in their own unique styles in the utmost relaxing atmosphere. Downtown is a destination for celebrity sightings. Soho is a particular contender for expensive real estate that will give you a run for your money. Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos listed their penthouse located on 76 Crosby Street for a grand $24.5 million.

 

Crosby Street, which other celebrities are you hiding in here? Let’s recall 30 Crosby Street, which originally belonged to Lenny Kravitz from 2000 to 2002. His penthouse renovation sold to Alicia Keys in 2002 for $17 Million. Today, this penthouse’s list price has reduced from $17.95 million to $15 million! WOWZA, our eyes are immediately drawn to the beautiful design finishes throughout this penthouse. Rock star lifestyle certified, how a-m-a-z-i-n-g is the interior? Take a look for yourself:


Say goodbye to ordinary because this renovation is fit for a creator’s dream.


Let’s head further downtown towards the Financial District. Russell Simmon’s duplex penthouse has returned to the market since October for the same asking price of $11 million. Spiral staircases like these are few in the city. Will this be a good selling point or not? Well, it all depends on getting that “one buyer” who will love it.


More importantly, will this penthouse located at 114 Liberty Street sell soon enough? We’ll be keeping our eyes and ears pinned on this one just as much as you are because we will have to wait and see.

    

Think spacious, open concept, plenty of natural lighting, and decked out to the nines in their own unique styles in the utmost relaxing atmosphere. Downtown is a destination for celebrity sightings. Soho is a particular contender for expensive real estate that will give you a run for your money. Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos listed their penthouse located on 76 Crosby Street for a grand $24.5 million.

 

Top 5 Home Feng Shui Do's & Dont's

Posted on January 28, 2013 by Joyce Huang



For many individuals who follow the Chinese Lunar Calendar the new year is just around the corner. This year, Chinese New Year falls on February 10. During ancient dynasty times, the Chinese created a system of positioning pieces in your living space in order to create positive energy flow and today that system is known as “Feng Shui”.

What is Feng Shui? Do you believe in Feng Shui?
It’s a system of beliefs which depict how the positioning of objects and furniture determine the flow of energy (aka chi), and positive or negative impacts (aka ying and yang), on your living space. 
So to start off this New Year on a positive foot, let’s go over some basic Feng Shui Do’s & Don’ts that you can utilize in your home!

Top 5 Feng Shui Do’s

1) De-clutter & Organize
Some people say Feng Shui begins with one general golden rule which is de-cluttering your space! Positive energy or chi can only be promoted through a clean environment. This will help lower the stress and tension in your life by creating a harmonious living environment for your home.

2) Fresh Air & Light
Have you ever felt like you were having a creativity-block or falling ill often? Open up those windows to allow fresh air and light into your home. For good chi, open your window for at least 20 minutes a day to allow fresh air to circulate. Rooms that are unexposed to light build up negative chi so "let there be light!"



3) Wall Colors
By nature, humans are visual creatures. Vibrant colors such as blue work well in an office space since they make an ideal space to concentrate. The color green motivates activity and change. Colors like yellow, white, and lavender reflect a soothing and refreshing atmosphere. Red is a “fire” color which evokes passion and strength. Depending on your own personal preferences and tastes, you should ultimately choose colors that appeal to you most and work for your own lifestyle. 

4) Fresh Plants & Flowers
Fresh plants & flowers help liven up your home by creating a harmonious and vivacious energy. On the contrary, wilting plants can provide the opposite affect and attract fatigue in your life. So, don’t forget to water your plants!


5) Furniture
Furniture should be placed to serve the sole function of the room. Feng shui tells us that furniture should be placed in proportion to the room. Following this simple step will help allow you and your family to enjoy the comforts of your home freely. 

Top 5 Feng Shui Dont's
1) Entryway
Don’t clutter the entryway of your home with dirty shoes or messy items. Keep this area clean so you don’t attract negative chi when entering your home.

2) Sharp objects
Put away any unused items like sharp kitchen knives in the kitchen. Besides obvious safety hazards, sharp objects like these can create a sense of unease and a feeling of attack in your living environment.

3) Pet Waste
We are definitely pet lovers here at The Modern Agent! But, if you have pets, please remember to clean up after them so you can promote quality fresh air and positive chi in your home!


4) Mirrors
Hanging mirrors in the bedroom, particularly those which face the bed, can cause unrest for your sleep. Mirrors catch every amount of energy emitted to them and fire back with force so be cautious with placing mirrors in your bedroom.

5) Plumbing
Plumbing in the home reflects your personal financial and health energy. Therefore, make sure your home plumbing hasn’t become old, broken, or awry. If that’s the case, it may be time to fix or replace it.
If you try out these tips, let us know how it goes. A little luck never hurt anyone!

 

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