11 Spring hit the market around Thanksgiving. The Lehman failure and Bernie Madoff was on everyone’s tongues. It seemed as though it was in poor taste to actively market a luxury property with the American economy in shambles. We quietly marketed the building, offering private tours to those interested.

But after the New Year, something changed. The media reported deals being offered at 20%-40% discounts and open house attendance at properties around the city soared. January and February saw lots of activity but few offers. This changed in March and offers came flying in. Admittedly, some were lowball offers. However, others were viable and negotiations ensued, followed by signed contracts. The market had a pulse and it was our cue to start marketing 11 Spring aggressively. (more…)

In the last few years, there has been major residential real estate development in Brooklyn, particularly in Williamsburg. This summer, I’ve noticed more and more people are making the journey on the L train on the weekends to attend the many open houses in the area. On a beautiful Sunday afternoon, especially in the upcoming fall months, you might as well make a day of it, and check out some of the restaurants, shops and other attractions in Williamsburg to supplement your apartment hunting.

For brunch, I recommend Fabianes, a French café and bakery, with a light, airy atmosphere and delicious salads. To satisfy your sweet tooth, there is a cute ice cream shop called Penny Licks that has vegan and regular ice cream options as well as cookies, brownies and cakes. There are great clothing boutiques such as Otte, Jumelle and Noisette that rival some of Manhattan’s stores. If you are looking to shop for home furnishings for a potential new apartment, The Future Perfect has great modern, sometimes quirky pieces. To relax, I suggest checking out McCarren Park, it is a beautiful park but also has lots of concerts and events, usually on Sundays. Williamsburg is also a great neighborhood to walk around and explore on your own.