FROM MONICA
DearValuedClientsandFriends,
Asweenterthisholidayseason,Iwanttotakeamomenttosharemywarmestwishes withyouandyourlovedones Thistimeofyearistrulyspecial—achancetoreflectonwhat weholddearandtoappreciatethewonderfulconnectionswe’vebuilt.
Whether you're gathering with family, savoring some well-deserved rest, or simply enjoying the spirit of the season, I hope it brings you peace, happiness, and renewed energy.
It’sbeenanhonortoserveyou,andIlookforwardtohelpingyouachieveevenmoreinthe coming year Here’s to a season of good health, exciting opportunities, and lasting success.
Wishingyouajoyousandfulfillingholidayseason!
Warmregards,
Crazy Pizza, established by Flavio Briatore, offers a unique dining experience beyond pizza Now in New York, it is the 16th location since its 2019 London launch The menu includes gourmet pizzas like Tartufo and Catalina, as well as pasta and chicken dishes termed “crazy pleasures ” The cocktail menu, crafted by Daniele Giovinazzo, draws inspiration from classic Italian songs
Bar Oliver, a fresh tapas bar focused on pintxos and vermouth, has officially opened its doors This venture is brought to you by a team of partners, including the owner of the wine bar Casetta and the restaurant Casino, along with Daniel and Evan Bennett of Babs and Mimi, and Jonas Lafortezza You can find it at 1 Oliver Street, located at St James Place
Monsieur Bistro, located on the Upper East Side, is part of the Maison Close team This all-day venue offers delectable pastries in the morning, along with classic French dishes such as niçoise salad and chicken paillard, as well as a selection of pastas
NEW DEVELOPMENT
New York & International
THE SURREY RESIDENCE
New York, NY
For almost a century, The Surrey has served as a quiet and beloved haven for individuals who influence culture As this iconic establishment prepares for its eagerly awaited reopening, The Surrey Residences will unveil a stunning collection of 14 exclusive private homes
Orla offers a unique lifestyle that fosters a deep connection with nature, designed for those who value privacy, prestige, and personalized service. Located on Palm Jumeirah’s crescent, residents enjoy breathtaking views of the ocean and Dubai's skyline, with residences featuring fullheight windows for abundant natural light
SPORTS
Rose Bowl 2025
When is the 2025 Rose Bowl?
Held on New Year's Day, the 2025 Rose Bowl will take place on Wednesday, January 1, with kickoff scheduled for 2 pm ET (5 pm PT)
Who will compete in the 2025 Rose Bowl?
The teams for the 2025 Rose Bowl are yet to be determined One team will be selected on Selection Day, December 8, while the other must secure victory in their first-round game of the CFP
DALLAS COWBOYS DOC SERIES RENEWED FOR SEASON 2 BY NETFLIX
Netflix has revealed that the documentary serie “America’s Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders has been renewed for a second season, inviting viewer once again into the auditions and the demandin training camp
GUIDE GUIDE
Sonos Ace Headphones
Ring Concierge Diamond Claw Cuff
Smeg x Dolce & Gabbana Toaster
Cartier Pétales Candle
Lunya Washable Silk Tee Short Set
Rimowa Trunk Plus
KitchenAid Artisan Mini Stand Mixer
Cuyana Leather Travel Case Set
Chanel N°5
Eau de Parfum Body Oil Set
Therabody SmartGoggles
MARKET UPDATE
NEW YORK
KEY TAKEWAYS:
Buyers are finding more opportunities due to declining mortgage rates and increased new listings
The middle third of homes is selling faster, with more new contracts and shorter market times
Resale condos in Brooklyn are generating higher profits for successful sellers compared to last year and other boroughs
In October, the median home sale price in New York City reached $735,000, marking a 17 6% increase compared to the previous year A total of 2,537 properties were sold, indicating a 22 9% decline from the same month last year The median price per square foot stood at $834, reflecting a -2 9% yearover-year change In Manhattan, the median home sale price was $1 million
GLOBAL
MARKET UPDATE
The global economic outlook is optimistic due to decreasing inflation, allowing central banks to lower interest rates and support GDP growth in 2025 However, challenges like geopolitics and inflationary pressures persist In real estate, global office leasing rose by 12% in Q3 due to relaxed monetary policies and increased office attendance Retail and hospitality demand remains strong, while the logistics sector is cautious as companies reassess supply chains Investment in real estate is stabilizing, with improved investor sentiment and rising debt origination volumes, particularly in the U S and UK markets Despite positive growth forecasts, ongoing risks and market volatility need consideration.
GLOBAL SCALE IN ALLIANCE WITH KNIGHT FRANK
71 LANGUAGES SPOKEN
OVER 487 OFFICES IN 53 COUNTRIES
Knight Frank and Douglas Elliman celebrate 15 years of partnership, delivering unmatched real estate expertise and growth since 2009
Solano Bay
Situated on a coveted stretch of Miami shoreline overlooking Biscayne Bay, Bay Harbor Islands, and Indian Creek, the boutique residential enclave of Solana Bay comes to life, with just 52 elevated two- to four-bedroom residences
THIS EXCLUSIVE COASTAL RETREAT OFFERS 52 LUXURIOUS RESIDENCES (2,238 TO 4,236 SQ FT ) PRICED FROM $2,300,000, FEATURING WATERFRONT LIVING NEAR MIAMI AMENITIES INCLUDE:
BAY-VIEW LOBBY
RESIDENTS-ONLY SOCIAL SPACES
ELEVATED LOUNGE WITH WATERFRONT ACCESS ROOFTOP ZERO-EDGE POOL AND SUMMER KITCHEN HIGH-TECH EXECUTIVE BOARDROOM 24-HOUR DOORMAN SERVICE AND MORE.
LOCAL HAPPENINGS
Holiday Pop-up Bars
New York City is brimming with festive holiday pop-up bars that let you dive into the seasonal spirit complete with delightful drinks during this magical time of year Whether you're in the mood for a tropical tiki vibe or a Hanukkahthemed gathering, these venues are perfect for getting into the holiday spirit
Holiday Windows
Each year, renowned stores such as Bergdorf Goodman, Macy's, and Bloomingdale's craft enchanting holiday window displays. While tourists flock to enjoy these festive exhibitions in Herald Square and Fifth Avenue, locals also find a sense of nostalgic magic that arrives only once a year
The Dyker Heights Christmas Lights display is a premier New York attraction, known for its extravagant decorations including life-sized Santas and snowmen, with some homes playing Christmas carols Visitors of all ages enjoy walking through the festive Brooklyn neighborhood filled with holiday spirit
New York Knicks
A night out at Madison Square Garden to catch the Knicks in action is truly iconic in NYC. Recently, during the 2020-21 season, the basketball team made waves in the playoffs, spearheaded by forward Julius Randle and RJ Barrett
Dyker Heights Christmas Lights
PHB
3 Bed | 2.5 Bath | 1482 sqft PRICE: $2,999,999
This three-bedroom, two-and-a-half-bathroom home boasts a custom kitchen with Italian stone countertops and Bosch appliances. The spa-like bathrooms are equipped with Waterworks fixtures. Additional features include wide plank oak flooring, multi-zone air conditioning, in-unit laundry, and two outdoor terraces.
MORTGAGE RATES
The holiday season may present a unique opportunity for homebuyers, despite traditionally being a slower time in the real estate market With the Federal Reserve expected to cut interest rates again, mortgage rates could follow suit, offering more purchasing power for buyers. In some markets, motivated sellers are offering concessions like paying closing costs or lowering prices to make deals before year-end. While demand typically slows in December, reduced competition and better affordability could benefit buyers who are ready to act However, inventory remains a challenge Looking ahead, mortgage rates are expected to ease further in 2025, offering more opportunities in the new year
WHAT COMES NEXT?
Mortgage rates, which had been steadily decreasing through the summer and early fall, have recently risen again, reaching 6.79% for a 30-year fixed mortgage, up from 6.1% in October. This has left many potential homebuyers, who were hopeful for continued rate cuts, frustrated and uncertain about the future While the Federal Reserve has lowered interest rates recently, the impact on mortgage rates has been mixed, as market conditions and economic factors, like higher inflation expectations and political uncertainty, have countered the Fed's actions Some experts predict mortgage rates could fall to the 5% to 6% range over the next year, but rates are unlikely to return to the historically low levels seen in 2021. As high borrowing costs and prices persist, many homeowners with low pandemic-era mortgage rates are hesitant to sell, further limiting housing inventory and keeping prices elevated The housing market remains challenging, with affordability at historically poor levels, and experts warn that the effects of high rates may last longer than anticipated
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
LEGO BREAKS GROUND ON NEW 54,000 SQUARE FOOT INNOVATION
CAMPUS
Soon to be home to the world’s largest library of LEGO elements covering a collection of around 20,000 different LEGO elements
LEGO is constructing a 54,000-square-foot Innovation Campus in Billund, Denmark, set to open in 2027 The facility will accommodate 1,700 employees, including over 600 designers, and is designed by CEBRA Architects It aims to enhance creative collaboration and sustainability, featuring a modular structure built from employee input and incorporating green spaces and natural light The building will use FSC-certified timber and seeks LEED Platinum certification for energy efficiency and reduced carbon emissions CEO Niels B Christiansen and CMO Julia Goldin highlight its role as a global center for design excellence and innovation in LEGO experiences
KAWS and House of Voltaire Unveil Limited-Edition Cashmere Blanket
Brooklyn-based artist KAWS has partnered with London’s House of Voltaire once again to create a limited-edition cashmere blanket, entitled FRACTURE The release coincides with Studio Voltaire‘s 30th anniversary in 2024, with proceeds supporting the nonprofit arts organization and artist-led initiatives
THE GREATEST, ART-FILLED AMUSEMENT PARK TO EVER EXIST, 'LUNA LUNA,' IS COMING TO NYC
Tickets for the carnival at The Shed in Hudson Yards go on sale September 19, running to January 5.
Luna Luna: Forgotten Fantasy, an artdriven amusement park, will open in New York City, originally created by artist André Heller in 1987 in Hamburg Featuring carnival rides designed by artists like Basquiat, Dalí, and Haring, the NYC event will showcase original pieces, new artworks, and performances After decades in storage in Texas, the rides were restored for this revival Branded as the "world's first art amusement park," it aims to inspire imagination and attracted about 300,000 visitors during its original run
BUY TICKETS HERE
CHECK OUT THE 2025 GRAMMY NOMINATIONS
The 2025 Grammy nominations have been announced, with the ceremony on February 2. Beyoncé leads with 11 nominations, making her the mostnominated artist with a total of 99. She is recognized for her country album, Cowboy Carter. Other Album of the Year nominees include Taylor Swift, Billie Eilish, Charli XCX, Sabrina Carpenter, Jacob Collier, André 3000, and Chappell Roan. In the Best New Artist category, nominees include Roan, Carpenter, Benson Boone, Doechii, Khruangbin, Raye, Shaboozey, and Teddy Swims.
