December 18, 2008
11-08: How Many Apartments Are too Many?, The New York Observer
It seems only a matter of time before the current market conditions affect Manhattan and outer borough apartment rental market. The article "How Many Apartments Are too Many?" discusses the current state of the Manhattan apartment market. Reports about the outer borough apartment market are sketchier. However, based upon my discussions with outer borough landlords it appears as if the outer borough apartment market is holding up better than the Manhattan apartment market.
12-08: Asking Rent Agonistes, The New York Observer
People often ask me, "What is the rental rate I should charge for my office or store space?" In today's market, it is an exceedingly difficult question to answer.
12-08: Union, City Sew Tentative Deal on Garment Center Future, The New York Observer
The Garment Center as the focal point for the garment trade has been dying for several decades now. Its demise has been postponed by zoning that attempts to preserve manufacturing space. It appears, however, that the garment center is soon to be removed from life support.
12-08: Meadowlands Xanadu in New Jersey, Real Estate Weekly
Giant and Jets fans! Have any of you wondered when that horrible monstrosity that is being constructed next to the Meadowlands will be completed? Construction has been going on for years and has been incredibly disruptive to traffic and parking.
12-08: It's a WashMu!, The New York Observer
Finally, what will happen to all those bank branches that sprouted up all over the city during the past 10 years?
November 14, 2008
11-08: The New Lehmans, The New York Observer
Okay, so conduit lenders have disappeared, banks are getting finicky and life insurance companies are sitting on the sidelines where does one go to get mortgage financing? Read this to find out.
10-08: Lender Defaults, Real Estate Trends
Remember the good old days when it was the borrower who defaulted? This article describes what a borrower should do when the tables have been turned and it is the lender who is defaulting.
11-08: What Obama means to New York, Crain's New York Business
Will Obama with his urban agenda but proposed tax increases be good or bad for New York? The answer can be found in this article .
November 4, 2008
10-08: Food Courts for Food Lovers, Shopping Centers Today
For those of us who've gotten tired of the typical fast food fare(McDonald's, Panda Express, Wok N' Roll) found at local shopping centers, this article describes the recent and welcomed trend of replacing traditional food courts with higher end food courts focusing on comfort, atmosphere and fresh food.
10-08: Incentive Enough, Shopping Centers Today
This story describes the unscrupulous accounting trick that one recently bankrupt retailer, Steve and Barry, used to artificially inflate their earnings.
10-08: Vacancies to cash cows, Shopping Centers Today
Those of you with empty retail space will be interested in this article, which describes how vacant stores can easily be converted into valuable ad space.
08-08: Beyond Valet Parking, Shopping Centers Today
Next time you spend 15 minutes lost in a multi-tiered parking structure think about this article, which describes a high-tech parking system that reduces parking time by up to 55%.
08-08: Developers cut 2008 pipeline by one third, Shopping Centers Today
does this is article really need an explanation?
October 28, 2008
10-08: Vultures Swoop down, Crain's NY Business
describes how many local real estate operators are keeping their powder dry waiting for prices to adjust
10-08: Worth It Living Here, Time Out New York
Time Out New York's take on what makes it worth living in New York.
08-08: Houston, We have a problem, City Journal
this article describes the lessons that heavily regulated New York City can learn from the Houston experience.
March 18, 2008
03-08: Owners Learn the Pros and Cons of 1031 Exchanges, CHIP News
By doing a 1031 exchange, you might increase your return on equity, and have more spare cash by deferring capital gains tax.
October 31, 2007
10-07: Clash of the Shopping Carts, The Real Deal
As larger supermarket chains multiply in New York City, conventional grocery stores are giving up more locations and having to get more creative.
10-07: Estate Plan & TICS, N'East RE Bus
Tenancy in common purchases can help investors dodge taxes, give flexibility to heirs, and reduce management responsibilities.
10-07: Grocer Bears Fruit DT L.A., Wall St. Journal
Discusses how Ralph's Fresh Fare has impacted downtown Los Angeles.
10-07: Ground Shifts For Borrowers, The Real Deal
Examines the volatile mortgage market in Manhattan.
10-07: Professor Risk, Wall St. Journal
Sam Zell, an expert in assessing investment risks, analyzes how the real estate market has changed throughout history.
August 15, 2007
08-07: Facing its Past, Newark Gets Ready for its Future
Newark is extremely well situated, near both a major airport and the nation's strongest metropolitan center. It is an area full of potential, but needs first to overcome a large number of problems, including crime, corruption, and the negative aftermath of urban renewal.
08-07: How to Keep Our Bridges Safe
In the wake of the Minnesota bridge tragedy, states and cities are partnering with private investors for new construction projects or selling off toll roads and bridges altogether in attempts to offset a lack of government funds for proper maintenance–often with surprising success.
07-07: Big Media Firms Are Among Tenants Migrating From Midtown to Cheaper Digs
Rising prices and demand in Midtown Manhattan are pushing tenants to look for office space in Midtown South and Downtown.
07-07: Off-Campus Foodie Haven Rises in West Harlem
The expected expansion of Columbia University is leading to a surge in the number of restaurants in West Harlem, in anticipation both of new business from students and of a change in the area in general.
06-07: Stopping the Brain Drain
States like Pennsylvania are taking measures to build a young and well-educated workforce, including looking for ways to prevent college students from moving back out of state after graduation.
06-07: Hedging Bets With Hybrids
A greater number of developers in Manhattan are building rental-condo hybrid buildings, both to experiment with a more mixed approach and in attempts to hedge the market.
July 19, 2007
07-07: The Fastest Growing U.S. Cities
The Sunbelt cities are growing at a faster rate then the older industrial towns that used to dominate in growth.
07-07: Companies Leave Tax Incentives on the Shelf
Development companies are not taking advantage of the numerous tax incentives offered in New York City.
06-07: Bad Odds
More cities are trying to solve economic problems by developing casinos but history suggests that it might not be a good solution.
06-07: Upper East Side Drifts North
As new condos are built farther uptown on Fifth Avenue, the traditional boundary between the East Side and Harlem is being pushed north.
06-07: Healthy Asset: Medical Offices
REITs are beginning to favor investment in medical offices because the United States demographics are changing as the baby boomers move closer to retirement.
06-07: The Little Engine That Could
Many cities are choosing to develop along train lines to revitalize struggling urban neighborhoods.
05-07: Office Demand Quashes Condos
Due to the increased demand for office space, the real estate industry has shifted away from condo development and towards commercial buildings.
June 29, 2007
06-07: How Much is Too Much?
Many feel that there is an office-space shortage in Manhattan, but finding a way to remedy the problem may prove to be difficult due to a shortage in space.
06-07: Come One, Come All
Although globalization has caused American cities to lose their edge in manufacturing, it has also caused increased economic returns for being smart and New York City has an advantage due to its large concentration of diverse, talented people.
06-07: A New Ballgame
Sports stadiums don't always have to drag down the economy but success depends on doing more then just building a ballpark as shown by cities such as San Diego and Denver.
05-07: Where's Wallabout?
Brooklyn's Wallabout district is getting a makeover and residents wonder to what extent the district will change.
05-07: Silver Lining on Traffic Fee
Small companies are beginning to warm up to Mayor Bloomberg's traffic reduction plans as they learn more details.
05-07: Sunset Park Also Rises
Development in Sunset Park is increasing, which has prompted rezoning talks to prevent tall buildings blocking park views.
05-07: Diversify Your Portfolio When Selecting 1031 Property
When selecting a 1031 property, a portfolio can be diversified with purchases such as time shares and oil and gas rights.
04-07: New Fashion District
While zoning helps to legalize office conversions in the garment district, non profits will also protect factory space for apparel companies.
02-07: Queens Offices Get Company, Clout
Builders are beginning to look at Queens for the development of office space as an alternative to Manhattan's high rents.
June 14, 2007
07-07: Paradise Lost? Artists Fear a Gentrified Gowanus
Artists worry about displacement as Gowanus cleans up and grows in popularity.
05-07: On Top of the World
The unique character of 712 Fifth Avenue is attracting power brokers who are willing to buy out current tenants.
05-07: Building a Better Bike Lane
The heavy reliance on cars in the U.S is coming under attack as cities in Europe become more bike-friendly and reduce car emissions.
04-07: Bloom Town
Mayor Bloomberg unveils his plan for a “greener New York” by suggesting improvements in areas such as transportation, energy, housing, and open space.
04-07: NYU Trumps Suburbia
Prices rise as the boroughs become attractive to all types of buyers, while suburban prices fall.
03-07: New Hope for Old Buildings
New innovations have made it possible to submeter all types of buildings, including old tenement buildings, for heat.
03-07: From Bricks to Glass Towers
The Landmark Group's preference for modern looking buildings is met with resistance from preservationists.
02-07: How to Save Garment District
Zoning laws in the Garment District has led to depressed real estate causing the city to think about lifting the current restrictions.
June 4, 2007
05-07: Mike's Big Tests
Examines Mayor Bloomberg's progress over the past five years and his plans for the future.
05-07: Road Warriors
As population rises in America, traffic continues to dramatically worsen in major cities. This article discusses different approaches that have been used and possible strategies to come.
04-07: Like-Kind Exchanges
The requirements necessary to satisfy holding purpose requirements.
04-07: Bloomberg's Plan for Growth
Mayor Bloomberg's plan to accommodate a rapidly increasing population relies on the relationship between housing, transportation, energy, and the environment.
04-07: A Commuter's 3-Hr. Nightmare
Explores how Bloomberg plans may improve traffic in New York City.
04-07: Driver ‘Fee-Z Pass'
Different perspectives of a fee system for the roads of NYC are contrasted.
04-07: Foreclosure Investors Take the Deals Inside
Dynamics have changed for foreclosure investors, requiring different tactic. Disclosure law is also discussed.
03-07: G Line Extension Benefits Brooklynites
Describes the additional stops that are extending G train service deeper into Brooklyn.
03-07: Mixed-Use Developers Share Their Secrets
This article summarizes a report on development priorities taken from more than 1,000 experts, using Cranford Crossing as a case study.
03-07: Olympic Payoff
Despite New York City's losing bid for the 2012 Olympics, many of the plans and projects have moved forward. Some attribute the benefits of this activity to the initial plans set forth to accommodate the Olympics.
02-07: Will Other Mortgage Dominoes Fall
This article analyzes activity in the mortgage-backed market in recent years and anticipates unfavorable after effects of the imprudent "mortgage mania."
01-07: Office Developers Pick up Pace
As vacancy levels near historic lows and rents approach $200 psf, developers are trying to take advantage of the bullish commercial market.
May 4, 2007
03-07: Big Deal Fueled by Diverse Buyers
Analyzes the variety of investors that contributed to last year's hot sales market in New York City
03-07: Mezzanine Options Abound
As mezzanine lending grows more popular, due diligence is warranted by both the lender and the borrower.
03-07: NYU tops student Survey of Coveted Schools
NYU remains the most popular college among students for the third year in a row.
03-07: Behind the Record Deal
This article goes behind the scenes of the record breaking sale of 666 5th Avenue. It discusses the fast paced market in New York City and how investors need to make decisions quickly.
02-07: Builders Standing Tall
New York City's population and construction activity has significantly grown in the past ten years and is expected to keep increasing.
02-07: Complex, Contradictory Robert Moses
In light of the three New York exhibitions, this article summarizes and discusses Robert Moses' life and impact on New York City.
02-07: Hedge Your Loan
There's never been a better time to use the hedges provided by commercial banks to stretch today's low interest rates into the future.
April 20, 2007
03-07: London-Other New York
Tackles the ongoing debate of whether New York or London is the capital of the world and what to expect for the future.
03-07: Fight for the Right to Build
Analyzes potential development strategies to promote affordable housing in New York City.
03-07: Ground Floors Take Off
Discusses the growing value of retail space in Manhattan, which has quadrupled in the past four years.
02-07: Kensington
This is a small blurb that covers Leviev Boymelgreen's 59-unit condominium near Prospect Park.
02-07: Enterprising Immigrants
The number of new businesses in immigrant heavy neighborhoods of New York has skyrocketed in recent years.
02-07: Queens Size
Examines why Queens has become an increasingly popular destination for young professionals to live. The article highlights and explores Jackson Heights, Forest Hills, and Sunny Side.
April 16, 2007
03-07:
Cure Your HR Ills, Fortune
The fast growing industry of professional employer organizations (PEOs)
can help smaller businesses compete with the stronger HR departments
of larger businesses.
03-07: Wall
Street's Mortgage Pain, New York Post
Discusses recent trends in residential mortgage-backed securities and
how a rise in delinquency rates might affect Wall Street.
02-07: An Urban Renaissance In Yonkers: The City has almost $6 Billion worth of development in the Pipeline, New York Real Estate Journal
This article elaborates on its title.
02-07: Retail Condos Latest Objects of Desire, Crain's NY Business
As space tightens in New York, there is increasing popularity for stores
to purchase retail space of Condominiums.
01-07: The Records of 2006, The Real Deal
Residential and commercial real estate records of 2006 for New York
City are discussed.
01-07: That's a Wrap, New York Law Journal
Wrap–around mortgages help borrowers save money when rates are rising
and prepayment penalties are high.
01-07: Rehabilitating Robert Moses,
The New York Times
This article discusses the legacy of Robert Moses and the three exhibitions
in New York that portray his accomplishments.
March 27, 2007
03-07: Employees From Hell, Fortune
While not a real estate related article, this is informative reading
for anybody who runs their own business.
02-07: Three Aspects of New York's Master Builder, The New York Times
Provides information on three Robert Moses exhibitions. For any of
you interested in how New York has evolved these exhibit should not
be missed.
02-07: The City's
Vast Condominium Potential, The New York Sun
Analyzes various development sites in New York City and the experience required to get involved in such projects.
01-07: Higher
and Higher, REBNY
Zoning lot mergers are discussed.
01-07: Keeping New York Competitive, The Center for Rethinking Development
New York and London are neck and neck for the title of financial capital
of the world. New York's rigid immigration and visa policies
are mentioned as a major drawback that is often overlooked.
01-07: 2007: A Look Ahead, The Real Deal
Features interviews with top players in the real estate industry
and their projections for the real estate market.
01-07: Bloomberg Tries for Legacy in Crafting 25-Year Plan,
Crain's NY Business
Explores Bloomberg's plan to accommodate the one million more
New York City residents expected in 25 years.
01-07: Ready, Set, Lend!,
Apartment Finance Today
Experts are anticipating that lenders will see less activity and more
competition. This will swing the market toward the borrowers making underwritings
more liberal.
01-07: Can
a Corporation Perform a 1031 Exchange?,
New York Real Estate Journal
Explores what conditions allow for a corporation to perform a 1031
tax exchange.
February 15, 2007
1-07: Retailers Love Happy Feet, The
Real Deal
Explores the dynamics of the top 10 locations for foot traffic in Manhattan.
01-07: Room for the Seedy Side of Life, The Real Deal
A tightening market in Manhattan is reducing the number of illegal
businesses operating in the city. This article examines landlord and
broker attitudes toward illegal uses and the factors that allow them
to exist.
01-07: Southern
Exposure, Time Out New York
Lower Manhattan is seeing large numbers of upscale residential developments.
Neighborhoods below Chambers are expected to see more and more retail
activity.
12-06: Buses
Trains and Automobiles, Center for Rethinking Development
Analyzes the growing traffic problem in New York City and potential
strategies to improve the situation.
12-06: It's Personal, The
New York Law Review
Discusses the issue of when items treated as personal property for
depreciation purposes must also be treated as personal property for like
kind exchange purposes.
12-06: What Happens when One Partner does not Want to Exchange, New York Real Estate Journal
This article examines the details of consent and agreement among principles
in regards to 1031 tax exchanges and when restructuring a partnership
is warranted.
January 26, 2007
1-07: Preferential Rent, The New York Law Journal
Is a good discussion concerning preferential rents.
01-07: Deal or No Deal, Time Out New York
Businesses that leave commercial spaces in the Financial District are creating room for spacious residential units. The residential market is now flourishing with residential buildings, often including luxurious amenities.
01-07: NYC Economy
Grew 2.4% in third Quarter, Crain's
NY Business
Although New York City's economy is slowing down, it is still growing more rapidly than the rest of the nation.
01-07: NYC
Sidestepping U.S. housing Downturn, Crain's
NY Business
Sales prices and rental rates in New York City stay relatively high as the residential market in the rest of the country weakens.
12-06: Office Sales Breaking the Bank in Manhattan, The
Real Deal
Price per square foot values continue to rise in a robust office market.
12-06: Newly Upscale Billyburg Braces for a Slowdown, The
Real Deal
Analyzes a decrease in demand for Williamsburg's residential market. Confusion and inconsistencies can be seen in aggressive promotions and advertisements.
11-06: Building Prosperity,
The New York Times
Proposes development strategies that can help the population of New York thrive. The article alludes to Ed Koch's success and how Elliot Spitzer can follow his example.
January 8, 2007
1-07: SoHo Bounces Back as a Fashion Center, The New York Times
SoHo's retail market has reemerged since 9/11 as a popular fashion
center, densely populated with foreign companies and tourists.
12-06: Developers Abandoning Condo Deals, Crain's
NY Business
Now that the condo market is softening, many developers are selling
their projects or switching gears, catering to a more appealing hotel
market.
12-06: If You Lived Here, You'd Be Cool By Now, New York Magazine
In a fast paced New York City market, where neighborhoods rapidly change,
New Jersey City could be the next best place to live.
11-06: In Unlikely Brooklyn Spot, a Diverse Retail Strip Develops, The Real Deal
Brooklyn's Columbia Street Waterfront District is experiencing
an unanticipated resurgence
11-06: Condo, What Condo?, The
Real Deal
This article reiterates the softening condo market and the new hotel
project activity. The article also discusses when committing to the rental
market can be an appropriate strategy.
11-06: Hedging Bets, Wall
St. Journal
A new real estate index, called REXXindex, will allow investors to
bet on the performance of multiple real estate markets with more liquidity.
11-06: Public/Private Ventures,
New York Law Journal
Describes how New York's flourishing real estate market is opening
doors for the city's major civic institutions. The article discussed
how institutions located in prime areas can redevelop their facilities.