Traffic and parking in Manhattan is a major issue. Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg has a plan to charge motorists to drive below 86th Street in Manhattan.If approved, many real estate brokers are already saying it may do more than simply reduce traffic, noise and pollution in the Manhattan business districts. They are saying that it could add an extra sense of exclusivity to what is already some of the most expensive residential real estate in the country.Mayor Bloomberg's plan for what he calls "congestion pricing" would impose fees of up to $8 a day for cars and $21 a day for trucks driving below 86th Street between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. on weekdays. Instead of setting the boundaries at the entrance to midtown Manhattan at 59th Street or at the bridges and tunnels entering Manhattan the bounda... 06/26/2007

Let me say first that I have to get personal with my clients.  Sometimes VERY personal.  If I don't know what their particular issues are, I am not going to be able to help them as best I can.  Most of my clients fully understand this and I am always careful to be two things:  HONEST (as I see things) and MINDFUL.  Sometimes achieving both is a difficult balance.I am also a Sagittarius.  Which means in most cases we suffer from "Hoof and Mouth Disease" or always putting our foot in our mouths.  So I'm careful to try the best I can to work around that as well....it's a fineline.  About two months ago I did Feng Shui Consultation for a lovely couple in New York City, right in Midtown Manhattan.  And I ask questions:  The history of the home/apartment and if they knew why the former occupa... 06/23/2007

I received a call tonight from an old friend who now lives in Syosset.  A friend from Junior High School, we had spent all of our High School years together and I recalled a wonderful post I had just read by Jo-Anne Smith Who Are The 'Forever' People in Your Life?   Although I did not know it at the time, Donna was to become one of my few treasured "Forever People."  She called because she had just dressed and sent her daughter off to her Prom which made her nostalgic; she said she was thinking of US and the prom we had gone to with our old dates and the fun we'd had that night.  We spoke at length, first reliving the old days and catching up with the new.  She is in a good place in her life right now and I realized, so was I.  Although we followed vastly different paths and both had ou... 06/21/2007

Fujifilm joins Friends of the High Line with Portrait project Hundreds of photographs will be displayed in unique outdoor galleries to raise awareness of High Line park, projected to open in 2008.As the High Line park takes shape above the streets of New York City, construction fencing in the neighborhood will feature improvised outdoor art galleries covered with photographs of High Line supporters from the local community and beyond according to Friends of the High Line. The group will also launch a Web site featuring the portraits, http://www.thehighline.org/portraits. Dubbed "The High Line Portrait Project" and made possible with a $50,000 donation from Fujifilm, the photographs capture the spirit of the inventive new park that is being built atop the High Line elevated rail structu... 06/21/2007

 1871 Originally Grand Central Depot Reborn "Grand Central Station" Constructed of glass and steel, it rivaled the Eiffel Tower and Crystal Palace as one of the most dramatic engineering achievement of the 19th century. When the steam locomotive era ended the existing station was demolished to create a new double level terminal for electric trains. Re built "Grand Central Terminal" In 1913 Grand Central Terminal opened and became an anchor for the real estate development in the midtown Manhattan neighborhood. During the 1920's, hotels and apartment buildings began to rise on Park Avenue, skyscrapers simultaneously were erected along East 42nd Street. On Lexington Avenue, the Hotel Commodore opened  and the Graybar Building and Chrysler building each with a passageway connection to Grand... 06/16/2007

UWS News: Rezoning Battle The Department of City Planning is proposing the first comprehensive rezoning of the Upper West Side in almost 50 years. The battle mostly started by the Ariel Condominiums - two 30 plus story towers currently rising on Broadway between 99th and 100th streets. The buildings have led to some neighborhood opposition because of their height. The rezoning calls for height limits on new construction that would see most future developments rise less than half the height of Ariel Towers, the New York Sun and The Real Deal reported. In my Morningside Heights Market Report there is more information about Ariel condos and the landmak Art Deco Metro Theatre next door that remains. When I was photographing the theatre for my blog several people I talked to in the neighborh... 06/15/2007

 Chelsea New Construction update: 175 Ninth Avenue (No condo towers for Seminary) The General Theological Seminary has reversed course on a plan to build a 15- story condominium tower on its campus after news of the plan met with fierce community opposition as reported in the NY Sun. The seminary wanted to build a 151-foot tower to generate $21 million in revenue for renovation of its existing 19th century buildings. Community activists charged the tower would have been out of place in the neighborhood. Officials are now presenting a plan for a seven-story mixed-use residential building. IMHO tax exempt landmark churches have no business in real estate development. Look for my Upper West Side construction update coming soon where I will tell you about the 21-story residential building a... 06/11/2007

It is unusual for me to be called for a Feng Shui Consultation when the occupants AREN'T having some issues or life changing events.  Sometimes they feel the "energy" is just off in their space, sometimes it is for health issure or relationship problems or career changes and they've heard or read about Feng Shui (or lately, The Secret) which has touched off a ripple effect in the way people are now reacting to the principles of Feng Shui.  They are the same with additional principles of how their home or office surroundings may be affecting them in some way.I was more then surprised, then, to get called for this particular consultation.  And so was my client's partner.  He was looking forward to a day off from work and only was told that morning that I was coming.  Neither of us knew ab... 06/11/2007

I don't believe in just luck but I DO believe in synchronicity....things fall into place, everything works out the way it should and keeps on going.  I am fortunate enough to be in that right now.  In part of post I had up recently, it was mentioned that on my "accomplishment wall" was a picture of Paris.  I've never been there and have been wanting to go for more years then I can remember.  And it was "never the time," there was always something in the way.I booked that trip scheduled for August less then a week and a half ago.  Finally!  I had actually covered my bills (did you DO that??) and have been working often and with wonderful clients.  I decided it was time and I could finally afford to go.  I book my weekend consultations kind of far in advance as it's usually the only time ... 06/02/2007

I got this today in the mail, it was too lovely not to share....Maybe......Maybe . . . We were supposed to meet the wrong people before meetingthe right one so that, when we finally meet the right person, we willknow how to be grateful for that gift.Maybe . . . When the door of happiness closes, another opens; but,often times, we look so long at the closed door that we don't evensee the new one which has been opened for us.Maybe . . . It is true that we don't know what we have until we lose it,but it is also true that we don't know what we have been missing until itarrives.Maybe . . . The happiest of people don't necessarily have the best ofeverything; they just make the most of everything that comes along theirway.Maybe . . . The brightest future will always be based on a forgottenpast... 05/31/2007

I didn't know if it was time for another Feng Shui "Tip" or not on how to increase your Wealth. Since I was trying to take this in steps so that YOUcould see the difference, I don't know if enough people read my last post for Feng Shui Money and if they've covered their bills.  I decided to post this one anyway but it would be helpful for me, for those that have an interest in Feng Shui to know HOW things are going.  Did it work, are your bills covered?  Did you miss the post?  I know many have a real interest because of the emails I receive and I don't want you to miss a step.  They're so easy to do and that's why I'm "presenting" them this way.  So that you'll give Feng Shui a chance, even if you happen to be a non-believer.  Plenty of them have been converted :)This method can be app... 05/31/2007

No, sorry, not this time.  Although I CANwrite about Feng Shui Sex, I'll leave that to a later blog.  I was driving home today after a long meeting and just wanted to get home, turn on some mindless TV and relax.  I have HBO On Demand and they were re-running episodes of Sex in the City, one of their terrific series.Yes, I know---the show was at times outrageous and sometimes completely "out of line."  But it gave us many messages as well.  If you watched it, you'll know what I'm talking about.  It talked about four ladies passion for New York City.  It's no secret that I absolutely LOVE New York City and spend as much time there as possible.  I don't often go with an agenda, I let the day take me where I'm supposed to be.  And seem to always run into something or someone or have some e... 05/29/2007

I thought I would direct this post directly to the Home Stagers to see if  you have opinions, comments or suggestions on exactly what YOU would like to see represented to Real Estate Agents during a Presentation.  Yes, I know, I primarily speak of Feng Shui.  But for years I have been speaking to Realtors about the advantages of Staging because they are so closely related and I feel they work hand in hand.  Since I have two speaking engagements coming up and I'm trying to put them together, now's the time to tell me.  Am I leaving out things you feel they should know?  Am I adding things they perhaps aren't aware of?  While I agree it is much better to have a full stager come in to do that part of the Presentation, it isn't always possible. I wrote a very long blog (which I accidentally... 05/27/2007

I know it is important to track your leads, follow where your clients are finding you and Market.  It is a Key Feng Shui Principle to "Get Your Name out to the Universe."  I haven't been asking where they have been coming from in a long time and I realized though high search engine rankings will pull you up high, new prospective clients find you in so many obscure ways as well.  I truly believe you are meant to connect in one way or another with the people that contact you.  They have been drawn to you for REASON; even if you don't feel that at the time of the contact, take the time to speak to them, LISTEN to them and see if you attracted them into your world.  Future clients are not "accidents" that came across our name, we are often the very ones that pulled them into our lives for o... 05/25/2007

This particular website has facinated me for a long time.  If you are open to it, it tells you about "shifts" in the Universe and why things may be going on in your life at a particular time.  It is widely read and very popular, yet many people I speak to aren't aware of it.It's called WhatsuponPlanetEarth.com and I'm going to send you their latest "Energy Alert."  If you sign up you may notice the similarities that I notice during the times they speak of.  Good luck, please read it if and when you have time and I'd love to know what you think of it!Notify me when a energy alert is posted!    Greetings!     Today brought in another wave of higher energy, and along with it more beautiful manifestations and experiences. Heart palpitations and symptoms of overloaded circuits, sleepiness, a... 05/24/2007

I knew I would be writing up a follow up to a Feng Shui Tip I posted a while ago to help you bring IN some money.  But there are some of us who worry about "Meeting our Bills."  How can you know that your bills, at least, will be COVERED, even as unanticipated ones arrive, seemingly all the time?Please note that I am only addressing some Black Sect Methods here from my own experience, perspectives and what has occurred with my clients in my years of experience.  As earlier pointed out, there are literally hundreds of Principles of Feng Shui, different ways to use and practice it and they WORK.  I am trying, with these posts,  to remove some of the confusion associated with trying to incorporate all the different methods and The Bagua is, to me, the most practical way to get that informa... 05/23/2007

There really is no exact science to determine the value of an apartment with a terrace, balcony or an outdoor space. So how do you determine the value of one property to the other? Well...after some reacearch I have come up with a general concensus of what the majority of the agents and brokers use in NYC. Outdoor space tipically carries a value of 33% to 50% of what the interior price per square foot is. A new full service luxury building should be valued at the 50% mark and the older buildings with no doorman and lacking on the ammenities should be valued at the 33% mark. Example:Condo A @50%1000 interior Sq Ft500 Sq Ft Outdoor spacePrice per square foot 1500Interior Value $1,500,000Outdoor Space Value $375,000Total Value $1,875,000 05/23/2007

OK, so you are about to close in a few days on your apartment and you need to know what to look for before you sign. Here is a checklist of things that you should be aware of. ____ All receptacles and switches work, proper polarity checked____ GFCI receptacles tested and working____ Switches and receptacles are the proper color____ All device plates installed straight and tight to the walls____ Light bulbs installed in all fixtures and all in working condition____ Telephone Jacks working____ Cable TV Jacks working____ Network jacks working____ Door Bell working____ Toilets all working____ Faucets all working____ Showers, bathtubs, and whirlpools all working____ No scratches, chips or nicks on any plumbing fixtures____ Hot water heat, each zone working properly____ Painting satisfactory ... 05/23/2007

Buying pre construction is the "ART" of purchasing property prior to its completion. You are basically buying a unit based from a floor plan, artist renderings, and or building model. In my eyes pre-construction is one of the greatest ways to buy property in New York. Many New Yorkers purchase these types of properties, live in them for a few years and start the process all over again while seeing great appreciation on their property. I personally know of a family who moves every 2 to 3 years and lives off of the profit that they make on every transaction. Granted they purchased 3 units at a time, but my point is that this can be very profitable.Buying pre construction can be tricky, so I highly recommend that you find a knowledgeable agent to guide you through your purchase. Not to men... 05/23/2007

I have been accused (and rightly so) of being an "Eternal Optimist" all my life.  And have been told to get my head out of the Clouds and my feet on the Earth, where they belong.  For many people, that is the way they were born or raised and I'm not sure where this particular trait comes from.  IS it something we are born with?  Or is it something that is instilled in us as Children, to reach for the Sky?  I know a few things:  that I was raised to at LEAST try to do what I had my heart set on, even if it was completely impractical and to be persistent.  Not to be competitive, but to do things for yourself.Sometimes it has gotten me no where.  I LOVE to go out to the driving range and have always wanted to try and play golf.  I did, I just don't have the strength or enough information t... 05/22/2007