FROM MONICA
Dear Valued Clients,
As we enter February, the NYC real estate market remains vibrant and full of opportunities Whether you're interested in buying, selling, or investing, this month presents exciting possibilities in every borough. The demand for luxury properties continues to be robust.
Our magazine this month is packed with inspiration and valuable insights We are excited to showcase articles on global real estate opportunities, as well as trends in arts and entertainment Explore stories about local cultural highlights, the excitement surrounding the Super Bowl, and city events that will keep you engaged with everything happening in and around New York.
Warm regards,
F O O D & D I N I N G
CARAMELLA LAS VEGAS
Caramella, a new restaurant and candy shop at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino, opens tomorrow with a retro 1970s Italian theme It features a Murano glass chandelier, velvet entryway, and backlit onyx walls, along with a candy shop and a secret lounge Designed by Ralph Scamardella, the menu includes dishes like blue crab malfadine, cavatelli bolognese, and bone marrow surf and turf, complemented by signature cocktails and a dark chocolate custard tart with salted caramel for dessert
ARMANI RISTORANTE NEW YORK
Giorgio Armani has reopened Armani/Ristorante in his flagship at 760 Madison Avenue, enhancing the original from 2009 The luxury venue includes a five-seat Champagne bar and a wine mezzanine The menu features tasting lunches with two to four courses by chef Antonio D’Angelo Next up in the fashion-restaurant intersection: five restaurants from Kent Hospitality, due early next year, when legendary French store Printemps opens in Fidi It will be run by James Beard-winner Gregory Gourdet New York Post called it “the most momentous debut ever in the retaildeprived” neighborhood
CARBONE VINO
MIAMI - COCNUT GROVE
Major Food Group has opened Carbone Vino in Coconut Grove, adding to its Miami portfolio The restaurant features signature dishes like Caesar Salad alla ZZ and Spicy Rigatoni alla Vodka, alongside new offerings such as Shrimp Toast with ruby red shrimp Vino also has an extensive beverage program with fine wines available by the glass. Inspired by the original in New York, it showcases curated art and offers a moody, romantic atmosphere with a main dining room, lounge, and private dining area
NEW DEVELOPMENT
New York & Florida
609 Second Avenue, New York
609 Second Avenue blends indoor and outdoor living with balconies, landscaping, and large windows Designed by ODA and Fischer + Makooi Architects, its unique façade features curved brick and copper-look panels The building includes community spaces such as a residents’ lounge, roof terrace with an outdoor kitchen, and garden courtyard, along with amenities like a basketball court, fitness center, and yoga room. Additional features include a 24-hour attended lobby and bicycle storage
THE MANSIONS AT FISHER ISLAND SOUTH FLORIDA
Introducing The Mansions on Fisher Island, featuring five Mediterranean-style residences between 7,500–15,800 square feet, complete with rooftop terraces, infinity pools, and lush gardens Owners receive club membership benefits, including golf, dining, marinas, a Beach Club, and a spa Designed by Portuondo Perotti Architects with interiors by Ford Interiors, these homes epitomize luxury living on Fisher Island This exclusive 216-acre enclave, accessible only by ferry or private vessel, boasts stunning views and attracts the world's wealthiest individuals
S
SPORTS
The Super Bowl will be held at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans on February 9, 2025, at 6:30 p m
The Super Bowl will be held at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans on February 9, 2025, at 6:30 p m
ET Originally set for 2024, it was postponed due to changes in the NFL schedule conflicting with Mardi
ET Originally for 2024, it was postponed due to changes in the NFL schedule conflicting with
Gras New Orleans has a rich history with the Super Bowl, hosting it multiple times, and the Superdome is
Gras New Orleans has a rich history with the Super Bowl, hosting it multiple times, and the Superdome is significant to the community, having served as a refuge during Hurricane Katrina The city aims to significant to the community, having served as a refuge during Hurricane Katrina The city aims to showcase its culture to football fans, promising a grand celebration Kendrick Lamar will headline the showcase its culture to football promising a grand celebration Kendrick Lamar will headline the halftime show. halftime show
Netflix is preparing to unveil a docuseries Untitled United States Men’s National Basketball Team.
Episodes: 6
Sport: Basketball | Runtime: 45 Minutes
Netflix Release Date: Early 2025
The upcoming sports doc will be centered on the USA Men’s Basketball Team at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games.
Q4 MARKET Q4 MARKET
REPORT REPORT
Sales in Manhattan rose as homebuyers became weary of waiting for mortgage rates to decrease. Listing inventory saw an annual decline for the sixth time in seven quarters. Despite this reduction, the median sales price fell year over year for the fourth consecutive time. Additionally, the market share of cash transactions surpassed the sixtieth percentile for the fourth time in five quarters. Meanwhile, indicators for luxury price trends showed an annual increase, even as luxury listing inventory dropped significantly year over year.
DECEMBER 2024 DECEMBER 2024 REPORT REPORT
Price trend indicators and new lease signings in Manhattan consistently demonstrated year-over-year growth. Listing inventory saw an increase for the sixteenth consecutive year. Price trend indicators for non-doorman apartments continued to experience a faster annual rise compared to those for doorman apartments. Furthermore, the median rent for existing rentals rose more rapidly year over year than for newly developed rentals. All luxury price trend indicators saw annual increases for the first time in seventeen months, while luxury listing inventory grew year over year for the second time.
In Brooklyn, all price trend indicators also rose year over year for the third time. New lease signings continued to increase, marking an annual rise for the fifteenth time, while listing inventory experienced an increase year over year for the eleventh time.
MARKET UPDATE
In 2025, New York City's real estate market will focus on affordability, influenced by several trends:
1 Shift back to NYC: Competition in suburban markets will make NYC more appealing, with an increase in new listings enhancing buyer choices.
3.
Co-ops' resurgence: Higher prices and limited affordable options will boost demand for co-ops, despite their tough approval process
2 Luxury market rebound: Easing interest rates and rising corporate bonuses are expected to revive the luxury market
4
Active rental markets: Renters will explore Brooklyn, Queens, Jersey City, and Hoboken, with these areas potentially surpassing Manhattan in rental prices
5
Home-centric living: High housing costs will lead New Yorkers to prioritize amenities like outdoor spaces and gyms for a more comfortable home life, influenced by hybrid work trends and air quality concerns.
GLOBAL
MARKET UPDATE
EUROPE
Trumpenomics, Tariffs, and Spain's New Property Tax: What Europe Needs to Know
Tariffs, Inflation & Spain’s Property Tax
Europe faces tariff risks under the incoming U S administration, potentially triggering inflation
Key EU exporters like Germany, France, and Italy are most vulnerable, though Italy’s ties with Trump and Musk may help bridge U S -EU relations The European Central Bank is expected to cut rates to 1 5% by year-end amid rising inflation
Spain’s New Property Tax
Prime Minister Sánchez proposed a 100% tax on non-EU property buyers, aiming to improve housing affordability Details are unclear, and the plan could face parliamentary opposition
New Travel Rules for Non-EU Nationals
From 2025, the EU will require ETIAS authorization for travelers from 60 countries.
Several EU states will also reintroduce border checks between March and June 2025, tightening travel policies
GLOBAL SCALE IN ALLIANCE WITH KNIGHT FRANK 71 LANGUAGES SPOKEN OVER 487 OFFICES IN 53 COUNTRIES
Casa Rio de Luna
Cabo San Lucas - Corridor , Cerro Colorado
Property Highlights: Property Highlights:
Outdoor amenities: large patio, barbecue, private swimming pool, and jacuzzi
Outdoor amenities: large patio, barbecue, private swimming pool, and jacuzzi
Guest accommodations with en-suite bathrooms
Guest accommodations with bathrooms
Located in a gated community with 24-hour security
Located in a gated community with 24-hour security
Panoramic views of Palmilla Beach, high ceilings, and exquisite furnishings
Panoramic views of Palmilla Beach, high ceilings, and exquisite furnishings
Amenities include a billiard table, wine cellar, and stunning ocean views
Amenities include a billiard table, wine cellar, and stunning views
Services available: Services available: daily maid service, cooking services, and optional staff for events daily maid service, cooking services, and optional staff for events
SEASIDE VILLA SPAIN
Location: Sitges 3541 Sqft 8 Bedrooms 11 Rooms €10,250,000
Located near the town center of Sitges, this seaside villa is nestled in lush gardens and features a swimming pool, summer dining area, and private gym. Originally built in the early 20th century, the property has been beautifully reimagined as a family home by a renowned architect The spacious and bright living room offers breathtaking sea views, complemented by an adjoining dining room and an open-plan kitchen that leads out to the garden
On the upper level, the master suite on the ground floor boasts a terrace with sea views, along with a bathroom featuring a jacuzzi and walk-in shower. There is also one en-suite bedroom with its own terrace The second floor hosts four additional bedrooms, each with a private bathroom or shower, all accessing a large terrace that overlooks the pool
Additional features include a garage accommodating three cars, a wine cellar, and a utility room with an ensuite bathroom and laundry space This property is a true architectural gem, offering an elegant lifestyle in a picturesque seaside location.
Please contact me for additional information on this property:
CAL NINGS
THE WESTMINSTER DOG SHOW IS RETURNING TO MANHATTAN.
The Westminster Dog Show returns to Madison Square Garden on February 10 and 11, 2025, featuring classic group judging and the best in show ceremony Smaller events, like the 12th annual Masters Agility Championship, will also take place at different venues Mrs Paula Nykiel will judge America's Dog, alongside other confirmed judges for various groups. The show includes seven group competitions across categories such as obedience, agility, and dock diving
FEB 6 - 11, 2025
NEW YORK FASHION WEEK FALL-WINTER 2025
American fashion designers are gaining recognition, particularly during events like fashion weeks, which showcase vibrant runway shows and attract international attention. London Fashion Week, set for February 20-24, 2025, is noted for its creativity and innovation, featuring established British designers and new talent, merging traditional craftsmanship with modern fashion trends.
20 ROMANTIC RESTAURANTS FOR VALENTINE'S DAY DINNER
308 N. 7TH STREET
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, multizone air conditioning, in-unit laundry, and two outdoor terraces
MORTGAGE RATES 2025
As inflation surged throughout 2022, the Federal Reserve intervened to reduce it, resulting in a significant increase in the average 30-year fixedrate mortgage in 2023 With inflation slowly easing, the Fed modified its approach in 2024, implementing rate cuts in September, November, and December Furthermore, as the economy exhibits signs of deceleration, many experts anticipate that mortgage interest rates will gradually decline in 2025 However, it's important to note that rates could rise unexpectedly due to fluctuations in the market or global events that create economic uncertainty.
As of January 9, the average 30-year fixed-rate mortgage stood at 6 93%, according to Freddie Mac. All five major housing authorities we reviewed anticipate that the average for the first quarter of 2025 will be lower than this figure. The National Association of Realtors offers the most conservative estimate, projecting the average 30-year fixed interest rate to be around 6% for Q1 In contrast, Wells Fargo presents the highest forecast at 6 65%
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
EVERY BROADWAY SHOW CURRENTLY RUNNING IN NYC
A COMPLETE GUIDE TO THE TOP BROADWAY PERFORMANCES HAPPENING RIGHT NOW!
FRANZ KAFKA EXHIBIT AT THE MORGAN LIBRARY & MUSEUM.
The new exhibit "Franz Kafka" at The Morgan Library & Museum challenges the common perception of the writer as lonely and tortured While Kafka, who died at 40 from tuberculosis, faced difficulties, he was also humorous, a talented love letter writer, a good friend, and playful Many solo photos of him actually included others who have since been removed The exhibit runs through April 13, 2025
THESE ARE THE MUST-SEE FILMS FOR 2025 YOU CAN'T MISS
Hollywood had a mixed year in 2024, with early box office failures followed by surprising hits, such as "Inside Out 2" becoming the highest-grossing animated film Predicting the industry's trends remains difficult Looking ahead to 2025, there's much to anticipate, including a new American epic, a biopic of a 20thcentury artist, a wolfman reinterpretation, and major sequels and remakes Notable releases like "Wicked: For Good" and the third "Avatar" film are set for year-end It’s uncertain which will define the year, but excitement is building
See full list Here
COLLECTION
Japanese artist Takashi Murakami and Louis Vuitton launched a new fashion collection in January 2025, celebrating over 20 years since their first collaboration The collection is released in two parts: the first debuted on January 1, featuring updated designs with modern technology, while the second part is set for March 2025
It includes leather goods, footwear, and accessories adorned with Murakami’s floral motifs, notably the Monogram Multicolore pattern, which reinterprets the LV logo in 33 vibrant colors Advanced printing techniques enhance the designs, and Murakami's “Superflat Panda” character is featured, along with perfumes inspired by his “Superflat Garden ” The second installment is expected to showcase the “Cherry Blossom” pattern.
Their initial 2003 collaboration merged high fashion with visual art, setting a precedent for future artistic partnerships in the industry
TAKASHI MURAKAMI AND LOUIS VUITTON TO LAUNCH NEW COLLAB
