10. You have nothing else to do on a Saturday . 9. You’re kind of curious what all this social media stuff everyone is talking about is. 8. You want to learn, but you’re leery of all these expensive conferences around. Did you know REBCRYE is FREE 7. You have started to Tweet, but y
So,are you RSVP'd yet ??? What are you waiting for !?
Posted via email from Nicole Beauchamp Team, Your NYC Real Estate Resource
I am a born and raised New Yorker (as were my mother, my grandmother and grandfather, and my great grandmother, who was one of the first Jewish girls at The Brearley School in the 1880s). As such I have always been fascinated by the notion many people seem to have that they need to leave the city to raise their kids and to have a “normal” life. Like every real estate broker working here, I consider myself to be a de facto member of the local Chamber of Commerce, boosting the city at every opportunity.
So here are my Top Ten Reasons to live and raise kids in New York:
10. ECOLOGY – Since New Yorkers live vertically, we use much less fossil fuel per capita for heating. And you don’t get in your car every time you need something, thus further reducing your carbon footprint. You can take the subway, or a bus, or a cab, or …
9. MOBILITY – you can WALK! One of the best things about New York is that you can walk everywhere. It clears your head, it is beautiful, and you get aerobic exercise.
8. SAFETY – Yup, New York City is on the FBI’s list of top ten safest cities in America with populations of over 500,000 (and seriously, does something much smaller even QUALIFY as a city??)
7. PARENTAL ANXIETY – Car crashes are the leading cause of death for teenagers in the United States. How great it was for me and my wife to know that our kids were NEVER in a car piloted by a friend who may have been drinking! From doormen to neighbors, there was also safety in having an extra set of eyes on things at all times.
6. BEAUTY – with its extensive network of parks, including the jewels of Central Park, Prospect Park, and Van Cortlandt Park; its zoos and botanical gardens; its amazing neighborhoods of Victorian brownstones and 1920s apartment buildings; its iconic skyscrapers; and its reclaimed waterfronts, New York is a fascinating and richly varied treat for the eye. And if you have kids there are lots of places for them to play and hang out, many within walking distance (see MOBILITY.)
5. PHILANTHROPY – New Yorkers are committed to the not-for-profit organizations which keep their city vital. In social justice, in the arts, in education, foundations and not-for-profits are working every day to make New York and the world safer, more humane, more open, and more engaged. You can give your money, your time, or both, but giving back is a big part of living here and there are opportunities for every budget and area of interest.
4. CREATIVITY – from all over the country and all over the world, artists and creators flock to New York. Painting, writing, composing, dancing, programming, inventing – everything new under the sun is taking place here. It is inspiring just to be close to it, and opportunities to be part of it abound.
3. ACTIVITY – whatever you love, it is readily available. Sports, museums, every kind of music, theater, nightlife, bookstores – as a kid, or a teenager, or an adult, there is never any reason to be bored in New York.
2. DIVERSITY – New York is a microcosm of the world. Ethnic and lifestyle diversity give the city its unique flavor culturally, aesthetically, linguistically, and gastronomically. New Yorkers come into contact every day with others from different backgrounds and who have made different choices. We have a clear sense of what unites us rather than what divides us.
1. OPPORTUNITY – New York offers an extraordinary number of job and educational opportunities. Every day of the year New York is filled with tourists, students, families, ambitious young professionals, and business leaders who know this is where they have to be. Here you can find or create the right school, the right niche, or the right company.
Convinced? Call me or your favorite real estate agent and we will make it happen for you or your business.
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Posted via email from Nicole Beauchamp Team, Your NYC Real Estate Resource
So, after waiting on the sidelines for a few months, got an iPad earlier this month. Unsure whether I would view it as a toy, or as a useful productivity tool in my work (real estate and semi-retired tech geek).
So far, I am absolutely amazed by many aspects.
I have the 64GB Wi-Fi only model.For me,the premium for 3G wasn't worth it for a number of reasons. Primarily,I already have a Mifi (with Sprint),and second,AT&T service is difficult enough on an iPhone,plus at time of my purchase,the unlimited pay as you go plan was no longer an option-so that extra $129 spent,I opted to go for more space :)
Primarily, battery life- and how much better my back feels. At times I have a rather complicated daily arsenal. I am not so much on the bleeding edge of technology anymore-once I was, and truly enjoyed it-these days I prefer not to have the bruises J . Although I have often many gadgets in my bag-I also enjoy pen to paper and keep a stash of stationary-my circa notebooks, personal note cards, business cards etc-never know when you have a few minutes of downtime to write someone a thank you note or a “thinking of you note” -YES by hand !
I prefer to have something that works for the vast majority of my needs when I buy it, I don’t want to spend ENDLESS hours configuring and tinkering-only a handful. I did my research, mercilessly analyzed the pros and cons. And then finally, took the plunge. (Many thanks to friends with iPads,both online and off, especially many people on Twitter who have written about their experiences and answered questions -which helped me to determine how I could use my iPad .
I may have used my netbook just a small handful of times since getting the iPad-I still use my main computers (laptop and in office) for heavy creation work of course.
Some reasons why I hesitated –
Some reasons why I’m glad I did it :
More reasons than I can enumerate-but overall glad I did it !
Is it going to on its own suddenly revamp my business-of COURSE not, is it a useful tool-definitely. Is it for everyone, certainly not. Weigh all of your options, before jumping into the deep end of the pool. J
Curious about some of the apps I enjoy ? Stay tuned-more blog posts coming !
Intrigued and want to see it first hand ? J Ask, and ye might find .
Posted via email from Nicole Beauchamp Team, Your NYC Real Estate Resource
How’s the market? Well,it depends….
Posted on August 27th, 2010 by Nicole Beauchamp
The minute I utter I am in real estate - it is one of,if not the FIRST question I am asked. The answer-well, it depends on if you are looking to buy, sell, rent or invest in real estate but most ultimately –it depends on YOU.
First things first-the market is what it is. There are opportunities in so called “good” markets as well as the “bad” markets. What drives you ? YOU have to determine what you need, want and what your number is-whether you are buying, selling or renting or seeking an investment property.
A lot has been in the press this week about housing statistics in the United States. There was a prominent article in the New York Times this week Real Estate’s Gold Rush Seems Gone for Good – that essentially declared housing (aka real estate) as a primary wealth vehicle was no longer the case. Other recent articles, citing quotes from around the US (from real estate professionals), declaring the market is HORRIBLE. Another recent article this week, from the Wall Street Journal Manhattan Gains Even as Broader Housing Market Stalls speaks of how while for the REST of the country, the market doesn’t seem so hot, things in Manhattan are improving. From what I have seen and heard-the WSJ article is pretty on point .
Someone recently quipped its no longer about being “ready willing and able” , but it is entirely about being “realistic willing and able”- where the realism in pricing expectations indicates the level of readiness. And they are quite right. Pricing is paramount, along with exposure-price too high, and it’s a stigma that is hard to lose-you become that overpriced comparable everyone else uses to get a price reduction or demonstrate the value of some other property.
For most people, the real estate they own does comprise the vast majority of their net worth, but it wasn’t necessarily purchased with that intent in mind. It was purchased as a place to live, to make a home. It appreciated in value, over time. Purchasing a property as and investment, is an entirely different aspect, and can be intricately more involved than purchasing something to reside in.
Mortgage rates, are still at amazingly historic lows, yes.However, you must qualify for financing-additionally, an EXTRA quirk, in the maze of Manhattan real estate- we also have to be sure that you can get a loan for the purchase of your target property (for sellers, one of the first things we must look at when considering to list the property-is for any potential red flags in your building, so that we may work to address them earlier, rather than later!) When you are considering buying ,you must do a thorough analysis of your financial situation, which quite frankly if you’re considering buying a co-op is a necessity regardless-but ESPECIALLY if you are currently renting, it always makes sense to do a renting versus buying analysis- homeownership isn’t for everyone, for a variety of reasons.
Real estate has long been a vehicle towards wealth building, however-the recent boom changed perceptions, where real estate may have been seen by some as a freeway to increasing net worth, versus taking a long range approach. A speculative approach to anything isn’t an avenue for amateurs.
And if you’re buying something to live in-is it not most important that it fits into your lifestyle (including the appropriate affordability for your particular financial situation)?
If you are considering a change-it is imperative that you engage a team of professionals (brokers,attorneys,accountants,mortgage professionals) whom you trust, and who work in YOUR best interests, after all, with out YOU, where would we be ? The ME in Team is YOU.
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Filed under Uncategorized.
My debut on the Warburg Realty Blog- invite comments,discussion and questions -as always !
Posted via email from Nicole Beauchamp Team, Your NYC Real Estate Resource
This is somewhat originally inspired by some recent interactions,mainly on the rental side of the business but completely applicable to any relationship with a client or customer-in any industry actually, not just real estate.
So, here is the example in particular:
I was relaxing amongst family members after dinner, and got a request,from a family member I probably haven’t seen in a year or more,who I barely say more than hello/goodbye to,ever. So…he says - “Hey, I didn’t know you were in real estate [insert the eye rolls from the other adults in the room] - I’m interested in getting x, at or below $y, in z neighborhood”. Now, they rolled their eyes because he’s clearly in his own world,and if he listened to people outside of it,he’d know FULL well I was in real estate,but again-this isn’t unusual-someday I expect he might say something like “wow I didn’t know you were so tall” J -which we all have known for years, but also, because of how preposterous his request was. When your request is so preposterous that others clearly see it-that’s your first clue….
So I calmly answered “That is highly unlikely, but tell you what, RIGHT NOW, I’ll do a search”, and I pulled out my iPad, logged into to search the database of listings, and showed exactly what was available. Somewhat incredulously, he asked me to expand the neighborhoods-I told him, I already had. …etc
How did we leave this? He asked that I keep an eye out. Um, okay, perhaps, actively definitely not-why –sometimes it is NOT worth the time, effort or energy to go chasing a flying pig! [Of course being that this is family, there’s always a back story…but suffices to say devoid of realism just makes it worse!]
[This is on my mind because it came up in a discussion last night…..]
Ask me a question, I believe in replying with the truth and the data to back it up. If after I’ve shown the data, you still have questions and concerns-voice them, if you then ask me to further restrict the search-making what you seek even more impossible, I will kindly tell you such, and will gladly recommend alternate avenues-which could include a variety of scenarios…
Now, let me back track a little bit-
I have, to date, rarely intentionally sought out rental clients or listings. Generally ,rental business so far has been by referral-friend,family,past client or colleague-or a seller who decided they wanted to simultaneously market a home for sale OR rent. It often starts out as friendly advice, and often when rapport builds, becomes a client relationship.
The reasons I get these referrals (and they still come in J )-is my belief that everyone should have a great experience with a real estate broker-the point is to engage a professional who acts in your best interests and helps you to navigate towards your goal-whether you are looking to buy ,sell, rent or invest. Regardless of price point-everyone gets the SAME caliber of service. This in turn leads people to feel comfortable in referring business to me.
Especially, as most of us in the business are aware-we don’t always have the best of reputations, however-there is incredible value in helping to turn that perception around.I have seen this as recently as within the last three weeks,with a few testimonials/thank yous from recent clients (and of course I've seen this throughout my career in real estate sales as well).
At the end of the day, it is my belief that relationships matter-deals come and go, and sometimes don’t happen-but a good relationship pays off in dividends. Thinking in terms of ROI (return on investment) is important, but also think in terms of ROR (return on relationships). Genuinely nurturing and building a relationship with a client, leads to more referrals of business down the line (sales and rental alike)-think of it like tending to a garden, 24/7 365 days a year.
However, not at the expense of your time and effort. You have to realize when it’s a losing proposition possibly. I am always happy to offer an opinion (in passing)- but there’s a difference between offering a one time opinion versus taking someone on as a client-previewing,searching,hours ,days, weeks of work already knowing that the person does not wish to pay.
Times are certainly challenging economically-that’s a given, and we have had to adjust accordingly. But when you are considering making a major life change-and moving, whether buying OR renting is a change-it is imperative that you consider ALL the costs involved, including paying the professionals whose expertise and knowledge you wish to rely on to get the best deal possible for you-and yes, that absolutely includes your brokers !
It is always client/customers choice to work, or not work with someone. But likewise it is also the professional’s choice as well. For a good working relationship, I believe there must be truth, trust, transparency and respect and it is imperative that it be BI-DIRECTIONAL !. And part of the respect is not assuming that someone would totally forgo remuneration for their hard work on YOUR behalf.
Presumably, part of the point of working with a real estate professional is YOUR trust in THEIR product knowledge, expertise, negotiating skills-the list can go on forever. If you don’t trust or feel comfortable, then that’s likely NOT the person you want working on YOUR behalf.
Curious to know more about how I work with clients-how I establish, trust by truth telling and maintaining transparency ? Call or email me-and I’d be MORE than happy to discuss. Want some tips on life in NYC – can ask those too-anytime !
Til the next time.
Always at your service.
Posted via email from Nicole Beauchamp Team, Your NYC Real Estate Resource
Summer weekends seem to be dwindling to a close,as Labor Day,the unofficial official end to the summer creeps up on us fast.
A few great new,and old New York things to do.
One of the reasons I love New York so much,is that there is a vibrant community of artists,visual,musical and just all around great people.Rarely does a day go by when you can't find something going on that interests you or might interest you.
My top three picks for things to do this weekend,two involve music,well actually all three do,even if one does in a somewhat round about way.
Friday : At the Triad Theatre ,Wade Preston : Piano,Microphone,Audience. In Wade's own words :
"Wade Preston's PIANO, MICROPHONE, AUDIENCE! 70 - 80 minute solo performance $20 at door plus two drink minimum, no food. Reservations can be made at www.triadnyc.com or over the phone, (212) 362-2590.
Expect to hear not just some Billy Joel, but the ongoing unexpected variety of all kinds of music, as well as some very serious boogie piano. This is my debut at the Triad, so if you can, please, come on down!"
Wade was part of the musical Movin' Out -he WAS the Piano Man.He is fabulous-for more on him check out www.wadepreston.com and here's a recent clip from a show he did a month ago in Chelsea.
(full disclosure this is a performer that I know,and whose talent I especially respect as a result of my what seems like far away training as a classical pianist)
Saturday :
If you are a jazz lover and you have NOT been to one of Marjorie Eliot's parlor concerts -you MUST go. A quiet Sunday afternoon of Jazz,a return to old musical traditions of hosting concerts and recitals at home-in an age where many things are over produced/staged-its a delight. A remarkable woman,and story-she started doing this concerts,as a way to deal with the grief of losing a son,on a Sunday over a decade ago. She has these concerts every Sunday afternoon between 4-6PM more info at : http://www.harlemonestop.com/organization.php?id=84 .BUT once a year,she co-hosts an outdoor concert at the Morris-Jumel Mansion,which is across the street from her home on Edgecomb Avenue.The concert is from 2P-6P.Head up there for the concert on Saturday ,or any Sunday ,and explore some of what Harlem has to offer along the way-well worth the trip !
ALSO on Saturday- the third and final "Summer Streets",where Park Avenue is closed to vehicular traffic from 72nd Street down to Brooklyn Bridge-hop on your bike,or just wander down or up the Avenue,for a different,but uniquely New York experience (including dumpster pools !)
Have a fabulous weekend !!!!
Posted via email from Nicole Beauchamp Team, Your NYC Real Estate Resource
Posted via email from Nicole Beauchamp Team, Your NYC Real Estate Resource
Posted via email from Nicole Beauchamp Team, Your NYC Real Estate Resource
Time Warner Center is one such set of buildings. Photo taken from vantage point on 59th and 5th, as I approached the apple store for what turned out to be a very hands on workshop.
Posted via email from Nicole Beauchamp Team, Your NYC Real Estate Resource
re-blogged from www.ReBarCampRye.com
What is a barcamp?
From the www.rebarcamp.com website:
The concept for RE Bar Camp came from a technology BarCamp event held in San Francisco. Wikipedia defines a barcamp a: An international network for user generated conferences-open, participatory workshop-events, whose content is provided by participants.
RE BarCamp is a BarCamp for Real Estate-what that means-the event is not structured like a typical planned conference. Every session isn’t planned out in advance. No one is paid to deliver a session. Anyone can deliver a session, and attendees are strongly encouraged to participate.
Anyone can lead a session, anyone can participate-or you can feel free to suggest topics that you maybe want to learn more about. It is very much what YOU make of it.
REBarCamp events are run completely by unpaid volunteers; they are typically free because of the support of sponsors.
This is NOT a for profit venture, it is very much a labor of love-to provide a forum where you can comfortably attend,network,learn,grow and participate.
Why 9/11 ?
Having an event on this day was not by design. The New York State Association of Realtors ® has their Fall Business Meetings beginning on September 12th .It was suggested at the Winter Business Meeting that a RE Bar Camp be held on the 11th and they are a sponsor, providing the venue at the Rye Town Hilton.
For all of us ,as a nation collectively ,9/11 is a somber day, a day of remembrance of a most horrific series of terrorists acts that morning.
For those of us in the NYC metropolitan area, our experience of the events of that day, isn’t how we saw it on TV or read about it-it’s how we LIVED it, and how we still live it. Many of us had deeply personal ties and suffered losses of family, friends, colleagues and other loved ones.
The decision to incorporate the obvious significance of the date into the logo was meant in deference and honor to the very acute meaning of the day, and its losses in our area. It was not meant to defame ,or attempt to profit in any way shape or form. Because of the date of the BarCamp,the planning committee decided that there will be a philanthropic component to it-and we are in the process of narrowing down a 9/11 related charity to which a donation will be made (after covering expenses for event, funds exceeding will be donated ).
We hope that you will join us on Saturday September 11th 2010 for RE Bar Camp in Rye, NY. For more information or to RSVP go to www.rebarcamprye.com. Follow us on Twitter @REBCRYE .Event hashtag #REBCRYE and join our facebook page at http://facebook.com/rebcrye .
Posted via email from Nicole Beauchamp Team, Your NYC Real Estate Resource
Posted via email from Nicole Beauchamp Team, Your NYC Real Estate Resource
