September 20, 2023
What Up Family?
Welcome to The Edit with Aaron Seawood, a brand new lifestyle letter serving a weekly dose of real estate, culture, and wisdom—all in three minutes or less. Let’s dive in.
Real Estate Remix
I’m sure many of you have been reading about New York’s new short-term housing laws, which went into effect in early September. Local Law 18 doesn’t just limit how companies like Airbnb operate in the city, it policies a resident’s ability to rent out their home. The debate is an interesting one. As someone who works in real estate, I’ve experienced both sides intimately. I’ve seen short-term rentals in high-demand neighborhoods lead to gentrification and residents being pushed out of their homes due to rising rents and a housing shortage. On the flip side, I’ve seen families be able to afford the brownstone of their dreams only because they could Airbnb the bottom floor. Our city needs to come back to life. But in order for that to happen, there needs to be harmony between housing affordability and market growth. How to achieve that is the question I’m learning to answer. What’s your take?
NYC Insider: What’s Happening This Week
Last week, in my own neighborhood of Brooklyn Heights, the Center for Brooklyn History re-opened after a long, 3-year hiatus. Formally known as the Brooklyn Historical Society, the venue—which has been closed since COVID—has now merged with the Brooklyn Public Library and freshly re-opened this past Thursday. Their first-floor exhibit, called “Brooklyn Is…”, celebrates the people and neighborhoods of this special, diverse borough. I’m thankful to have this place back and stoked that it’s in my hood. I’m going this weekend, who’s down?
Weekly Wisdom 💎
Communication is key
We have to be mindful of the language and words we use when we talk to people. Recently, I was talking to my niece about her challenges talking to her Grandmother (my Mom). When I asked my niece what she said, it wasn’t anything crazy, but I suggested she tweak the words and rephrase it slightly. It ended up working a lot better! Think about how you can rephrase words and sentences in a thoughtful way and you’ll get better results. Sometimes, it’s as simple as that. Give it a try and let me know how it goes!
A Grand Five-Story Townhome on Commerce Street
Listing courtesy of my Compass colleague, Caryl Berenato
Nestled in the charming and historic enclave of Commerce St, this exceptional townhome offers a unique opportunity to create your dream residence. Here are the highlights:
- Standing five stories tall, this house offers six generous bedrooms, each with its own home office and huge walk in closets.
- Tranquil backyard patio and private front garden.
- Eight full baths and nine wood-burning fireplaces. (You read that correctly).
- Endless potential to make it your own.
- Who wants a tour?
Before you go…
🎾: CityPickle has opened its first permanent location in Long Island City. Personally, I haven’t gotten into the pickleball craze—yet—but it’s crazy how this sport has taken over! Anyone in need of a pickleball partner?
🎵: Nas just dropped Magic 3, produced by Hit-Boy. These two had a dope run together (I mean…6 albums in 3 years)! Released last Thursday, on Nas’ 50th birthday, I’ve been loving this new album and can’t wait to see him live at Barclay’s with Wu-Tang next week.
✈️: AMEX is opening a Centurion Lounge at Newark Airport featuring a live jazz bar. It’s about time this airport leveled up!
🌴: Lionel Messi bought a $10.8M home in Fort Lauderdale (repped by my Compass colleagues, Team Simpkin), single-handedly upping the neighborhood’s real estate value.
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Looking to Buy, Sell, or Rent? Let’s talk.
Like I ask GOD every day, who can we help next?