November 13, 2024
What Up Family?
Welcome to The Edit with Aaron Seawood, a lifestyle letter serving a weekly dose of real estate, culture, and wisdomâall in three minutes or less. Letâs dive in.Â
Real Estate RemixÂ
Last week, Manhattanâs luxury market saw an uptick in deals, with 39 contracts signed for $4M and aboveâmaking it the highest total since last March! Of those 39 deals, 23 were condos, 14 were for co-ops, and 2 were for townhomes. This is the first time in three years (since November 2021) that this many co-ops went into contract. Itâs likely that the election results ushered some of this movement, but of course, many factors were at play. If you were waiting until after the election to consider a move, now is a good time to discuss strategy. Letâs pick a day to connect, your coffeeâs on me.Â
NYC Insider: Whatâs Happening This WeekÂ
Thereâs no shortage of holiday markets in NYC, but Bryant Park is hard to compete with when it comes to gifts and food. I like going in November (and the weather is finally cold enough to feel festive) before it gets too busy. For gifts, my favorite vendors are Natural Olivewood (which sells amazing cutting boards, tables, and kitchen tools), United Leather (you can never go wrong when gifting a leather wallet), and Chopstick Art for fly home decor. And, of course, Iâm not leaving without some hot chocolate. This rundown of the best food stalls sure has me convinced.Â
Weekly Gem đ
Improvise!  Â
When I think about some of the attributes needed to be successful, the ability to improvise is near the top. Some of us are great planners, regimented in our approach to the point where any shift or change in plans can cause extreme anxiety. For example, imagine youâve been asked to be a featured speaker on a specific topic. You prepare, practice, and feel good about your speech, only to be told to speak about something different at the last minute. Itâs in your wheelhouse, so you can do it, but damn, thatâs not what I planned for! Itâs so important to be able to assess the situation, be calm, be solutions-based, and proceed with a new plan of action. Iâm a big believer in whatâs meant to happen always does. And to that end, having a wrench thrown into your plans can often yield wonderful, unexpected results. So, keep planning, keep strategizing, AND keep a reserve of âif all else fails, Iâll do this insteadâ in your back pocket. To be able to improvise is the way.
The Best Homes on the Market This Week Â
Here are three of my favorite fly listings in NYC across all price points.  Because Team Carte Blanche is all about the people, not the price. Â
$12,900,000  5 Bed / 5.5 Bath Midtown East A townhouse steeped in history, with a level five gut renovation, this home must be seen to be believed. It is located in Turtle Bay Gardens and is one of 20 historic homes surrounding a shared, manicured garden. After a multi-year reno with custom finishes, the 5,500 SF home is ready for its lucky new owner. Might that be you? Listed by Michael Koeneke |
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$2,825,000  3 Bed / 2 Bath  Brooklyn Heights Set inside a meticulously maintained brownstone, this charming duplex comes with a private roof deck! Find a rare combination of classic brownstone charm, modern updates, and panoramic views. Listed by Chris Sheller |
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$800,000  1 Bed / 1 Bath  UES This spacious and sun-drenched home has it allâlocation, light, and skyline views. Find an expansive open layout, private balcony (viewable through floor-to-ceiling glass doors), and a generously sized bedroom. The amenities include a full-time doorman, fitness center, and rooftop deck.  Listed by Daniella Guetta |
Before you goâŠ
đ„: The 9 best diners in Brooklyn. Have you been to #1? My go-to is #3, with #4 & #5 being our faves when the kids were little. Clarkâs Diner didnât make the list? đ€Them Chicken & WafflesâŠ
đ: Â I mean, Iâll never say no to free sneakers.
âïž: A massive new rec center in Central Park is slated to open by next summer.Â
đŹđ§: This UK home takes âMinimalistâ to a whole new level and just sold for ÂŁ6.3M.Â
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Looking to Buy, Sell, or Rent? Letâs talk.
Like I ask GOD every day, who can we help next?Â