February 14, 2024
February 14, 2024
What Up Family?
Welcome to The Edit with Aaron Seawood, a 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
NYC breaks yet another real estate record this month—this time in the rental market. Rents in Manhattan rose for the first time in three months, reaching a median of $4,150 and setting a record for the highest price per square foot ($87.87)….with the median rent per square foot for new developments tracking even higher. With mortgage rates hovering around 6.6% and low housing inventory, it shows that first-time buyers who are waiting on the sidelines for rates to lower are needing to renew their leases in the interim, thus putting higher pressure on the rental market. The housing market squeeze is impacting all of us—buyers, sellers, and renters.
NYC Insider: What’s Happening This Week
I’m ngl, I think magic is mad cool. Dan White is an incredible magician who used to perform sold-out shows at the NoMad Hotel. During the pandemic, the show shut down, but now he’s back for a limited-time run. The show takes place inside Fotografiska (the photography museum in Flatiron/Gramercy—which is fly in its own right and definitely deserving of a visit, too). The show sells out in advance, but I’m seeing availability in late March. This is one of those unique shows you might not get a chance to experience again. More info is here.
Weekly Gem ?
Be Decisive.
Fam, too many times I see people hem and haw, going back and forth, mulling a decision that should be made quickly and instinctually. And while they’re stuck deciding, someone else is swooping in on that position. If it’s a personal relationship, and the two of you are perfect for each other (cough cough Happy Valentine’s Day!), what are you waiting for? Decide! Then, ride the wave to the next level. I’m not saying you have to move forward with something you’re uncomfortable with, but I am saying that you have to decide one way or the other. For home buyers, the ones that dilly dally lose out on their dream home while the ones being decisive are submitting offers. So today, I challenge you—no matter the vertical…business, personal, or other—Decide! Then, ride the wave. It may not always turn out the way you want, but you will always be smarter for it.
A Fly Penthouse Duplex in Brooklyn (& It’s Under $1.4M)
Listing courtesy of my Compass colleague, Naomi Steinberg
When you step inside 715 Prospect Place, Unit 4B, you feel instantly at home. This boutique Crown Heights walk-up condo boasts not one but TWO private outdoor spaces. The two-bed, two-bath duplex is listed for $1,375,000 and offers a generous 1,273 SF of penthouse living. Here’s what else it has to offer:
- Open-concept kitchen with a suite of stainless steel appliances.
- Floating staircase (I’m a sucker for these—they instantly transform a space into something modern and vibey).
- Full-size LG washer/dryer.
- Customized walk-in closet and spa-like ensuite.
- Two terraces: the main floor is perfect for coffee and a book, while the second floor offers endless views and enough space for grilling, dining, and entertaining.
- Who wants a tour?
Before you go…
?: A new light rail is en route to connect 20 neighborhoods between BK and Queens. This will be HUGE. Million-dollar question: how long will it take to materialize?
?: This is the most expensive home for sale in America. That’s a wild price tag, fam!
?️: The most liked AirBnB’s last year…damn, the one in Tulum is GOALS.
?: The 10 nicest listings in Brooklyn this week, courtesy of Brownstoner. My favorites are #5 and #7…what are yours?
?: YEAH! Usher ate that Super Bowl Halftime Show and just dropped his first studio album in half a decade, Coming Home, featuring Burna Boy, H.E.R., and BTS superstar Jung Kook.
?: Your one-stop shop for the lineups behind this year’s biggest music festivals. Personally, I’d be stoked to see Anderson .Paak at the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival happening in April. Roadtrip, anyone?
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Looking to Buy, Sell, or Rent? Let’s talk.
Like I ask GOD every day, who can we help next?