We have just released our second quarter 2016 "Elliman Report: Manhattan Sales," the leading resource on the state of the Manhattan sales market. As always, our market reports are produced in conjunction with Miller Samuel to provide you and your clients with the most comprehensive and neutral market insight available.

Manhattan sales volume for the spring apartment market was consistent with long-term averages.  Additional inventory finally entered the re-sale market after three years of unusually low supply, helping ease the market’s pace to more sustainable levels.  The entry and middle markets still remain the fastest moving and we expect more of the same over the next few quarters.

At Douglas Elliman, we are constantly looking for ways to provide our clients with better information, empowering them to make more informed decisions. Our efforts to create this market report series reflect our strong belief that access to timely information is a vital resource in a market that is constantly changing. Committed to providing the best information in the industry, we are proud to offer this service to our clients. Explore our full market report series covering Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, Northwest Queens, Long Island, The Hamptons, North Fork, Westchester, Putnam & Dutchess Counties, Fairfield County, Greenwich, Miami, Boca Raton, Fort Lauderdale, Palm Beach, Los Angeles and Aspen at http://www.elliman.com/marketreports 

Warmest regards,

Dottie Herman

President & CEO
Douglas Elliman

22 West 88th Street, GARDEN - Upper West Side, New York

$17,000 per month~

PARK BLOCK LUXURY TOWNHO-- -- USE! Be the first to move into this stunningly renovated triplex apartment with private garden in a well-maintained, turn-of-the-century townhouse and all just off of Central Park West! The Garden Triplex at 22 West 88th Street has just undergone a complete renovation appealing to a modern sensibility while incorporating some of the history and charm from its bygone days. Enter through your private entrance, to this 3-bedroom/convertible 4, 3-full bath triplex home with a thoughtfully designed use of the space, carefully chosen finishes, ample storage, efficient HVAC air conditioning and eco-friendly Runtal hydronic heating systems including lovely towel warmers in the bathrooms! The open kitchen features custom bamboo cabinetry, stainless steel appliances with Bosch dishwasher, Thermador oven, stovetop and refrigerator. The rustic, reclaimed wood breakfast bar is ideal for casual dining and also overlooks the dramatic, sunken dining room with 13' ceilings - a perfect setting for dinner parties with the striking NEMO Crown Major chandelier as a focal point and the backyard just a few steps away. The peaceful, private backyard was designed for year-round use, boasting a decadent hot tub ideal for unwinding after a long day in the cooler months, and a perfect retreat for al fresco dining and entertaining in the Spring and Summer! Off of the dining room, the grandly proportioned living room showcases the industrial charm of this home with exposed brick, stone walls, concrete floors with radiant heating and a new, cozy gas fireplace. A rarity in NYC living, you'll find a very large storage space - approximately 200 square feet located directly underneath the dining room. The second and third bedrooms are located on the garden level strategically placed at opposite ends of the home for privacy, while the expansive master suite occupies the upper parlor level with a spacious bedroom, enormous custom closet/dressing room, additional storage loft and spa-like master bath with steam shower. The original carved fireplace mantle with glazed terracotta tile and mirror were lovingly preserved in the master bedroom adding character and elegance to the well-crafted renovation. The bonus or "flex" room was designed as a wine cellar with natural light and would also function well as an office, library, or additional 4th bedroom or guest room. Throughout the home you'll appreciate the attention to detail from the hickory hardwood floors, reclaimed wood shelving, Bosch washer/dryer, and new bathrooms with granite vanities, custom tile work, and Japanese deep-soaking tub. Don't miss out on this special home just off of Central Park, in the heart of the Upper West Side moments away from all area amenities, yet ideally situated on a quiet Upper West Side block.

WINDSOR TOWER, 5 Tudor City Pl, PH3 - Murray Hill, New York

RARELY AVAILABLE ICONIC PENTHO-- -- USECome. See. Believe. This breathtaking and iconic penthouse home is unlike anything you have ever seen. From the moment you step inside, you'll be enchanted by the dramatic double-height ceilings, beautiful, restored, floor-to-ceiling casement windows and spectacular panoramic city views. This triplex, 2-bedroom, 2 ½ bath home has an expansive, open layout creating a truly grand setting. The open living/dining room and chef's kitchen occupy much of the apartment's first level. Allow yourself to be drawn in by the beautiful restored details including exquisite herringbone floors, a functioning wood-burning fireplace and sparkling Swarovski chandeliers and sconces. A spacious 2nd bedroom is also located on the first level with plentiful closets and marble ensuite bath. The incredible master suite occupies the full second level. With a separate dressing room, walk-in closet, and decadent marble bath, this is truly a serene escape from city life. The third and final level is the piece de resistance, the magical setback roof terrace! Wow your guests with cocktails on the roof, while watching the sunset and taking in quintessential city views. Striking Neo-Gothic architectural details of pinnacles, gargoyles and griffins add drama and playfulness to this exceptional home. Modern comforts complement the polished design with central air conditioning and your own washer/dryer. It's easy to see why the iconic penthouses at 5 Tudor City Place have served as the backdrop for unforgettable NYC scenes in movies such as The Godfather III, Woody Allen's Bullets Over Broadway and many others. This full-service building features a 24-hour doorman, fitness center, bike room, laundry, recreation room and excellent live-in super. Developed in the 1920's to be an urban utopia, this serene neighborhood has lured New Yorkers as a garden oasis in the center of the city with its manicured gardens, stunning architecture, waterfront proximity and European ambiance. Have it all in this lovely, tranquil trophy home conveniently located just moments away from the hustle and bustle of midtown, fine dining and designer boutiques.There is currently an assessment in the amount of $101.01/month.

The day before Easter, my little one and I decided to decorate Easter eggs for the big dance, the following day.

The more we decorated the eggs, the more the eggs reminded me of the real estate business.

These are their stories:

When you meet the buyer's attorney at the closing table and realize he or she has never done a real estate transaction.

When you ask the seller's agent of there is another contract out on the property and they can't look in your eyes. That's a bad egg.

When you ask the seller's agent if there is a flip tax and they have this look.

When your buyer wins the bidding war on ‪#‎Easter‬ ‪#‎TheZwebenTeam‬ ‪#‎NYCRealEstate

When you meet the buyer's agent for the first time and realize his/her profile picture is over 20 years old! ‪#‎NYCRealEstate‬ ‪#‎TheZwebenTeam

When you finally meet the managing agent at the closing table and realize, he or she is over worked, underpaid and manages 50 buildings and needs a cocktail ASAP! 🍷🍷🍷‪#‎TheZwebenTeam‬ ‪#‎NYCRealEstate

When a buyer comes in to your open house and refuses to sign in. ‪#‎truestory

When your agent has won the war and just needs a beer! ‪#‎TheZwebenTeam‬ ‪#‎NYCRealEstate

All in good fun!

I remember when we opened a high end restaurant with a very talented chef, that we thought that he understood the value of a dollar and that we were not only creating an amazing restaurant, but that it was also a business. (It really doesn’t matter what the name of the restaurant or chef was.)

About 2 weeks into the restaurant's life, I walked into the walk-in refrigerator and was almost knocked over by the aroma of fresh with truffles.

I opened up one of the lock boxes in the fridge, to see that it was packed with $80,000 of white truffles. Back then they were around $500 per pound and now run around $1200 per pound.

I ran to the chef and said, #WTF did you do?

He looked at me and said that he got a tremendous discount on the truffles and it was a bargain. #OMG I walked away and quickly gathered my partners to tell them about the truffles and the conversation I had with the chef.

I said to my partners that we made a huge mistake in hiring this talented chef, who had zero concern and understanding for our business, money and profitability.

The moral of the story- people show you their true colors very, very quickly.

Make sure you are aware of those colors and act on them quickly. Otherwise, you are going to be sitting with $80,000 of white truffles and 50-60% of them will go bad, before you even use them.

Welcome to this sophisticated 2-Bedroom, 2-Bath home in a lovely full-service Art Deco Coop in one of the most desirable and prestigious neighborhoods in Manhattan. This sunny and spacious estate condition home boasts a graceful layout and lovely prewar details. A gracious dining gallery overlooks the generous, south-facing sunken living room showcasing stunning original details including high beamed ceilings and gorgeous basket weave hardwood floors with inlaid wooden borders. The windowed kitchen has northern views and is off of the dining gallery. Both bedrooms are spacious and serene with excellent storage and also feature a desirable, split-layout, ideal for privacy. The master bedroom offers beautiful south and western sunlight, including a direct view of Central Park! Washer/ dryers are permitted in units with board approval! A prestigious full-service building, 19 East 88th Street is situated on quiet 88th Street between Madison and Fifth Avenue, with distinguished neighbors including the Guggenheim Museum and Central Park. Residents of this special building enjoy amenities including 24-hour doorman and full staff including excellent, live-in Super, beautiful planted roof deck, bike room, and central laundry. Pets are welcome. There is an assessment running through 2016 in the amount of $299.99. The 2% flip tax is paid by the purchaser.

http://www.elliman.com/new-york-city/19-east-88-street-9d-manhattan-fchjxet

This listing courtesy of Douglas Elliman

We are incredibly grateful for all of our customers, who entrusted us this year. We helped over 90 people buy and sell homes in 2015. It's never easy, especially in New York City.

We can't wait to help even more folks in 2016!

The Alycia, 304 West 114th Street, 1A - Harlem, New York $479K

Looking for a deluxe starter home, inviting weekend place, or smart investment property? Look no further than this bright and airy convertible 1BR at the lovely Alycia Condo in the heart of South Harlem! Walking through the front door, you'll be charmed by the apartment's high ceilings with soft recessed lighting, and crown molding all around. To your left is a giant walk-in closet with all the space and clever built-ins that you could ask for. And to your right is the spacious, spa-inspired bathroom featuring ceramic tiles with glass-tile inlay, Kohler fixtures, and a simply wonderful deep-soaking Jacuzzi tub. The open kitchen gleams with stainless appliances? Including a built-in microwave and dishwasher? Granite counter and a handy butcher-block rolling island with abundant cabinet space. Apartment 1A also has an efficient IslandAire HVAC system, video intercom, and its own basement storage space with a stackable washer-dryer! The Alycia has a (free) bike-storage room and a delightful rooftop deck as well as abated taxes through 2035. Just two blocks from the B/C subway, four blocks from Central Park, and moments away from neighborhood favorites Bier, Melba's, 67 Orange Street, Harlem Tavern, Lido, Harlem Food Bar, Harlem Shambles, and the rest of the fun on Frederick Douglass, it's easy to say yes to this gem at The Alycia!

http://thezwebenteam.elliman.com/new-york-city/the-alycia-304-west-114-street-1a-manhattan-wsgrjev

For a private showing, please contact Neil Porter at: NPorter@elliman.com