Properties With Amenities That Won't Leave You Inside

No longer are outdoor amenities such as parks and rooftops being used just for the warmer seasons. Because of COVID and the need for access to fresh air, developers are now turning these coveted spaces into year-round amenities that residents and the surrounding community can use to stay active, safely socially distance and feel connected with friends or neighbors. Fitness classes like yoga and kickboxing, to running clubs and jazz concerts or plant-your-own herb classes (+more) are becoming the norm at today's new residential developments. Below are some properties we plan to check out soon.

Waterline Square

At Waterline Square on Manhattan's Upper West Side, the three-tower starchitect-designed mega-development, residents have access to a variety of outdoor activities that are planned through the in-house lifestyle director. Taking place within the 2.6 acre park that connects all three buildings, premier yoga and HIIT trainers will get your blood flowing in the morning, while Grammy-nominated jazz musicians like Pat Bianchi and Paul Jones' jazz trio will play Bach and more melodic tunes in the evenings. Residents can also learn about gardening and planting and cultivating their own herbs. These new and unique in-person experiences are designed to foster a sense of community and engagement for residents and help them connect while at home, with some even fostering new friendships since moving into the development.

Quay Tower

Credit: Evan Joseph

Across the bridge in Brooklyn, residents of waterfront condominium Quay Tower can walk just downstairs and head over to Brooklyn Bridge Park's Pier 6. Partnering with top gyms and institutions in the neighborhood through the fall, Pier 6 provides fun, free classes for all such as Yoga with Chelsea Piers Fitness, Zumba and Pilates with Dodge YMCA, and Barre with the YMCA of Greater New York. As outdoor exercise becomes the new norm, this one-of-a-kind amenity grows more alluring to residents seeking a new workout routine.

Avora

Courtesy of Avora

At Port Imperial on New Jersey's Gold Coast, Avora is a residential oasis that offers the optimal outdoor experience that complements a post-pandemic lifestyle. With endless green space and breathtaking waterfront views of the Manhattan skyline, exercising safely is not only possible, but enjoyable. Avora residents can walk or jog along the Hudson River Promenade, a path that travels alongside the Port Imperial coast, or venture to the running track at nearby Weehawken Waterfront Park.

The Smile

Credit: Vizerio Architectural Visualization.

A new rental building designed by BIG-Bjarke Ingels Group, features an expansive rooftop terrace with an outdoor movie theatre. In addition to the panoramic views of the Harlem River and Manhattan skyline, the beautifully landscaped rooftop boasts a rooftop plunge pool, three whirlpools, and barbeques and dining areas.

111 Varick

Credit: Binyan Studios

Hudson Square's newest luxury rental 111 Varick features a sprawling, landscaped rooftop terrace where residents will find a jumbo screening area for movies under the stars accompanied by a grilling station and dining table.

Front & York

Credit: Williams New York

Residents can enjoy watching a movie on the theater-quality screen at the development's outdoor screening lounge. Ideal for get-togethers all year long, the plush space is warmed by integrated heat lanterns and a grand fireplace. Residents can bring their own popcorn and candy for a truly unique high-definition experience.

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COVID-era Boutique Astoria condo With Private Balconies

Leading Queens brokerage Modern Spaces is launching sales this week for The ELY, a brand new boutique condominium in Astoria where units range from $576,000 to $744,000.

The development will bring 14 luxury one-bedroom units to the Astoria market, which saw a significant rise in the number of units in contract in Q3 despite the pandemic. In fact, there were more than 30 potential buyers waiting for a peek at the project back in September.

Credit- Thanassi Karageorgiou

Modern Spaces sales agent Gregory Kyroglou predicts that even as winter causes COVID concerns to rise, there will be an increase in demand for one-bedrooms in the outer boroughs like those at The ELY among singles and couples, as they offer:

• Private outdoor space for each unit via personal balconies

• In-unit washer/dryers for added convenience while sheltering-in-place

• Antimicrobial Quartz countertops, which allow for easy disinfecting

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NYC Residential Buildings That Are Actually Benefitting From COVID

According to a recent study, 62% of respondents report that the pandemic has caused a shift in what they value in a home, and most are now looking for larger outdoor areas. While we may be nearing the end of COVID below are just a few examples of buildings benefitting and how trends may stay for the future.

Townhouse on The Park

Just steps from Murray Park in Long Island City, Townhouse on The Park is a brand new, tech forward, luxury rental development offering 75 3-bedroom triplex apartments. “Not only does Townhouse on The Park offer private outdoor space for all units, but it’s also just steps from Murray Park, LIC’s largest green space not situated along the East River. This is a huge draw for residents looking to remain in the city, as the park essentially serves as an extension of the building’s green space and allows residents to feel safe without being cooped up indoors.” – Andres Emilio Soto, agent at Modern Spaces whois exclusively handling marketing and leasing.

The building offers a  private outdoor space for almost every unit via a private garden or rooftop balcony; wellness amenities like in-unit MIRROR home gym systems; “bonus” rooms aka home office, nursery or gym; and ample space, with apartments ranging from 1,583-2,288 square feet (more than twice the size of the average NYC apartment).

567 Ocean

A Sloan Kettering Registered Nurse, who currently lives in Astoria, purchased at 567 Ocean sight unseen due to her hectic schedule. The proximity to the iconic Prospect Park (less than half a mile away) was what heavily influenced her to move forward – she also plans to have a dog once she moves in, who she’ll be able to share the enjoyment of living by the park with. This represents an overall increase in activity in the mid-range condo market (specifically within the $500k to $1M range), as first-time homebuyers take advantage of low interest rates.

“People have been stuck inside their homes for 8 months now and they’re realizing the importance of outdoor space – both as a condo amenity, and as a neighborhood amenity. The proximity to Prospect Park has obviously been a huge driver for buyers, but also with the current interest rates, it’s never been a better time to invest at 567 Ocean.” – Tamar Krasnow, VP of New Development, MNS

Bloom on Forty Fifth

Located in the heart of Hell’s Kitchen on 10th Avenue and 45th Street, luxury condominium, Bloom on Forty Fifth, is situated closely to both Hudson River Park and Central Park. In addition to being in close proximity to both public parks, Bloom also features its own private green space, a 8,000 square-foot landscaped courtyard. The condo building has seen strong interest thus far from buyers being attracted to both the public and private green spaces that Bloom offers.

“We have seen buyers' priorities shift during the pandemic with a greater desire for outdoor space than ever before. Buyers not only want access to private outdoor spaces, but also proximity to parks as an extension of their home.” – David Chang, Sales Director at Bloom on Forty Fifth.

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New York City Restaurant's We're Happy Reopened

While New York City Restaurants still have not opened inside, plenty have been opened and prospering with outdoor seating or takeout. We’ve compiled a list of our favorites that you have to try out this week. Eat up!

Kyma

One of NYC’s favorite Greek restaurants, opened back up located in Flatiron (15 W 18th St), Kyma will be open Tuesday through Saturday, with ample outdoor seating as well as a DJ Friday and Saturday nights playing a mix of Greek tunes and pop. So while we may not be able to travel to the Greek Islands this summer, at least we can feel transported there for a few hours! Just in time for the harvest in Provence, Kyma has created an outdoor dining patio in partnership with Chateau D’esclans’ Whispering Angel  that allows guests to feel like they have been transported to their favorite European getaway. The patio embraces the vibe of the South of France, utilizing vines not only to help create safe social distancing setups, but to symbolize the grapes and wine making process, while incorporating the regions signature blue hydrangea. Twinkle lights, leafy palms, lavender, and various bottles of Whispering Angel were incorporated into the installation to add to the whimsical romance of the setup.

The elevated Greek comfort food that Kyma patrons have come to love will be included on an updated menu including Kyma Chips (crispy slices of zucchini and eggplant with tzatziki), Tomato Salad (Kyma’s classic Greek salad), Grilled Octopus (with roasted peppers, onions and capers), Lamb Chops and Branzino.

 Oceana

After a long, six month hiatus, Oceana will be opening for al fresco dining on Monday, September 14th followed by indoor dining on Wednesday, September 30th! For the first time at the beloved restaurant’s Midtown location, Oceana will be revealing a brand new interior re-design that exudes a fresh, vibrant, and inviting ambiance, while preserving its timeless charm.

In the meantime, starting Monday, the quintessential American seafood destination will be serving lunch and dinner on two patios—the original space on the East side of the restaurant (49th Street near 6th Avenue) and now the West side within the breezeway at The Park at Oceana (49th Street closer to 7th Avenue). Both locations are completely protected from traffic, and the new breezeway patio features water and lighting installations. Led by the talented chef team, Tim Jocz and Michael Aungst, Oceana will be serving lunch and dinner Monday through Friday from 11:30a-8:30p. There will also be a selection of cocktails and wine, including a special list of Chassagne-Montrachet at a 50% discount from notable producers including: Domaine Bernard Moreau et Fils, Bruno Colin, Domaine Paul Pillot, Pierre-Yves Caroline-Morey, Domaine Blain-Gagnard, Philippe Colin, Caroline Morey, and Joseph Colin.

LoLo’s Seafood Shack

Harlem's original Cape Cod and Caribbean mashup. Chef Raymond Mohan and Owner Leticia "Skai" Young created a menu filled with island flavors including LoLo's Seafood Boil with a choice of shrimp, crawfish or snow crab legs, Fish Fry Baskets, Belizean Conch Fritters, Jerk Ribs and Warm Grain Bowls with a choice of shrimp, salmon or both served w/ ‘durty’ rice, sauce and broccoli. New summer favorites include Coconut Shrimp Spring Rolls, Lobster Tacos and Loaded Fries & Queso. Delicious mango slushies are also available. LoLo’s, which stands for Locally Owned Locally Operated, has been opened since 2014 and currently offers takeout, delivery and (self serve) seated outdoor dining Monday - Friday 12pm-9pm and Saturday from 11am - 9pm and Sunday from 11am - 8pm. They currently have 40 seats at their roadside and sidewalk cafe located at (303 W. 116th St.).  https://lolosseafoodshack.com/

Carnegie Diner & Cafe

In the heart of Midtown (205 W. 57th St.) reopened for outdoor dining for 32 in addition to takeout and delivery and offers guests their delicious food rain or shine under scaffolding. Menu offerings include an array of all-day breakfast omelettes, pancakes, waffles, French toast, salads, burgers and triple decker sandwiches in addition to an array of desserts and drinks including frozen margaritas. They are available daily from 9am - 9pm. 

Beyond Sushi

With 8 tables at their Upper East Side (1429 3rd. Ave) location, 3 tables at their West Side (62 W. 56th St) location, 6 tables at their Nolita location (215 Mulberry) and 9 tables at their Union Square (229 E. 14th St.) location. Beyond Sushi’s flagship 134 W. 37th St. location is also open for delivery and takeout.There are over 50 seats across the four venues to dine al fresco on Executive Chef Guy Vaknin’s signature vegan and kosher specialties including his vegan take on a spicy tuna roll with the Spicy Mang, in addition to the Mighty Mushroom, Sweet Tree Roll, Sunny Side Roll, Pickle Me Roll and Smoky Jack Roll. They also go far Beyond Sushi with dishes like their Fun-Guy Dumplings, Chipotle Seitan skewers and the Nutty Buddy Rice Paper Wrap. 

Clinton Hall

With the expansive outdoor seating area available at their FiDi (90 Washington St.) location. Enjoy great Supercraft beer, hard seltzers, wine and a full bar menu alongside delicious food from Executive Chef Darryl Harmon like his signature Double Smashed Burger, Buffalo Cauliflower, Crispy Chicken Wings, Giant Pretzels and more. Clinton Hall FiDi is open Sunday - Wednesday from 12pm-10pm and Thursday - Saturday from 12pm - 11pm. Their Bronx location (601 E. 189th Street) is now open on Fridays from 4pm - 10pm and on Saturdays from 4pm - 11pm.  

Sushi Lab Rooftop

At The Sanctuary Hotel in Midtown (132 W. 47th Street) offers guests a creative spin on traditional sushi from Executive Chef Frankie Chen. The restaurant features Japanese small plates, along with creative Nigiri, Sashimi and Maki sushi. Of course the star of the show is their omakase experience, utilizing only the freshest ingredients.

Haven Rooftop

Above the Sanctuary Hotel (132 W. 47th Street) in Midtown is ready for diners to escape to. Haven offers delicious food and craft cocktails. Favorites include sliders, tuna tartare, and Buffalo wings, Branzino and Steak Au Poivre with peppercorn sauce. Pair that with a Cloudtini or summer sangria for a truly elevated experience. Haven is open Monday - Friday beginning at 3pm.

Loulou

In Chelsea has 24 tables available for dining al fresco for lunch and dinner daily beginning at 12pm. Signature menu items from Executive Chef Jarett Brodie include the Loulou Burger made with grass-fed beef, clothbound cheddar and caramelized onions, Duck Leg Confit with apple rosemary puree and gala chutney and Steak Frites featuring a 7oz skirt steak and béarnaise. That's in addition to a large selection of craft cocktails, wine and beer.

Nerai

In Midtown East now has an expansive garden patio with 20 tables and over 50 seats for outdoor dining at lunch and dinner beginning at 11:30am daily. The Nerai Garden is now in operation for lunch and dinner daily.  Indulge in dishes from Executive Chef Moshe Grundman like Shrimp Mikrolimano with tiger shrimp in a tomato ragu, Lavraki, Short Rib Yiouvetsi and Seafood Orzotto with octopus, shrimp and mussels. Additionally, wine, beer and other beverages are served. Located at 55 E. 54th Street)

Hole in the Wall

In Murray Hill (626 1st Avenue) and FiDi (15 Cliff Street) is open to outdoor diners Wednesday - Sunday 9am-5pm and reservations can be made through Yelp. Their newest location at Hotel Henri (37 W. 24th Street) is open seven days a week from 9am-10pm.  Signature dishes from Executive Chef Brent Hudson include a Chili Scramble, Avocado Toast and a Breaky Roll with applewood smoked bacon, chorizo pate, folded eggs, chimichurri and mayo on a milk bun with tots on the side. You can also enjoy the Spicy Fried Chicken Sandwich or Crispy Pork Belly with sticky glaze, chili, fried shallots and lime. Sip on a Jalapeno Bloody Mary, a Blood Orange Negroni, an Aperol Spritz or a Mimosa anytime of day. Hole in the Wall's Flatiron location has seating for 40, Murray Hill has 15 outdoor tables and FiDi has 10 tables. 

Junzi Kitchen

Chinese fast-casual concept junzi kitchen is launching a whole new menu with updated recipes at all locations just in time for summertime. Some of the highlights include new main items green pepper beef and chilled chicken salad, fresh vegetable options BBQ summer squash and coriander carrots, and all-new chilled noodles. The new menu is available for pick-up and contactless delivery on https://junzi.menu/

MIFUNE New York

The Michelin-recognized Japanese restaurant that focuses on modern Washoku cuisine, as they offer a fantastic Happy Hour menu that I would love for you to share with your readers. The menu is available from 4pm-6pm Tuesday – Saturday and highlights mixologist Shingo Gokan’s (the winner of the 2017 Tales of the Cocktail International Bartender of the Year Award) signature drinks like the Stray Dog (gin, Skinos Mastiha liqueur, cucumber, pineapple and lemongrass) and Oharu (Lychee-cello, Dassai 45 Nigori Sake, Grapefruit and Orange Blossom) for $10 each.

The menu also features appetizers that serve as the perfect bite to complement the cocktails with options like Black Angus Beef Tataki with a ponzu sesame sauce and Octopus Frites, served under a green bean salad tossed in a Japanese onion dressing and a roasted red pepper-yuzu kosho sauce. The restaurant is open for outdoor dining with 32 seats and canopies, so whether it rains or not MIFUNE New York has you covered.

Casa Barilla

The fast casual Italian pasta kitchen concept by the Barilla pasta brand, located in Midtown (6th and 52nd), has launched Aperitivo Hour every day from 3-7 PM for patio diners. To accompany the drinks, Italian snacks such as Pasta Chips (Fried Barilla Rigatoni and Polenta with lemon pepper) and Braised Meatballs (House made 100% Angus Beef meatballs, slowly braised in tomato sauce), are also available at a special price.

For those in Manhattan unable to visit the restaurant in person, Casa Barilla has also expanded their delivery radius via GrubHub to cover the Upper East and West Side radius, down to Soho (2 miles north and 3.7 miles south of the restaurant.)

MENO

The East meets West tea and coffee house that specializes in coffee juices and dark tea, has opened its doors in the West Village. MENO was conceptualized by the newest rising star hospitality group OTTA Management in partnership with Urban Tea Inc. and it's the first oversea tea house in their U.S. expansion plan. The drinks menu, whose recipes are inspired by the MENO in China but reconceptualized for the New York palate, is divided into five sections. T

he most interesting section is their highly unique and delicious one-of-a-kind Coffee Meets Juice with options like Twilight (lemon juice and coffee) and PPAP (pineapple juice and coffee). For their food menu they serve Smoked Chicken Breast Salads and Beef Bologna Sandwiches and for sweet options they have partnered with Keki offering their Original Bouncy Cakes.

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New York City’s Phase Two of Reopening: Will Outdoor Dining Succeed?

Caroline Fiske

As of Monday, June 22nd, New York City has moved onto phase two of reopening their city due to the decrease in coronavirus cases and deaths. Phase two includes hair salons, barbershops, retail shops, offices, real estate locations, places of worship, car stores, and outdoor seating at restaurants open for business. At least 300,000 New Yorkers are now back at work. Social distancing and CDC health guidelines will, of course, be in place as many of these places reopen. The state of New York is reopening by region and since New York City had the most amount of coronavirus cases and deaths, they were the last region in New York to enter into phase two. Now the question remaining is, will New York City successfully move onto phase three or move back to phase one?                             

Photo Creds: https://www.opentable.com/bubbys-tribeca

Outdoor seating for these various restaurants will be allowed on sidewalks, lanes, and plazas. If customers do not follow the social distancing and CDC health guidelines while they are eating outside, then they will not be allowed to eat. These guidelines are crucial because outdoor seating reopening will help at least 5,000 New York City restaurants and it will also save at least 45,000 jobs in the restaurant industry. All restaurant staff members must wear face masks at all times, tables must be six feet apart from each other, customers must wear face masks until seated, and no more than ten people are allowed to be seated at one table. Not only will customers not be allowed to eat at the restaurant if they do not follow the guidelines, but the restaurant itself may be closed if they do not follow the guidelines either. You can read more about what to expect for outdoor dining and what the State of New York expects restaurants and customers to do in order for phase two to go successfully via the NYC Gov website at https://www1.nyc.gov/nycbusiness/article/nyc-restaurant-reopening-guide.

One of the many fabulous New York City restaurants that will be open for outdoor dining is “Bubby’s Tribeca.” It is located at 120 Hudson St., and they will be allowing customers to dine outside on their picturesque terrace. There is also “Bubby’s High Line” which is located at 73 Gansevoort St., it will be open for both takeout and outdoor dining. Curbside pickup and delivery for any food and alcohol items on the menu will also be available from both High Line and Tribeca locations. The full menu is available via their website at https://www.bubbys.com/menus/  or by calling their number at 212-219-0666. Bubby’s is just one of the many examples of restaurants that are getting back up on their feet again during phase two. A list of 60 New York City restaurants whether in Manhattan or Greenwich Village providing outdoor dining can be found at https://www.6sqft.com/nyc-coronavirus-restaurant-reopening-guide/.

Photo Creds: https://hotworldreport.com/world-news/over-3000-nyc-eateries-approved-for-outdoor-dining-as-phase-2-starts/

Overall, restaurants rely on customers coming and trying their food over and over again. Without those customers returning to that specific restaurant, it will fail. The coronavirus pandemic is the ultimate test for restaurants not just in New York City but all over the world. Restaurants now need your love and support more than ever. If you love a certain restaurant and you don’t want it to close yet you are not ready to physically eat there yet, then take out as often as you can! Get your favorite pizza, chicken, salad, pasta, or whatever other signature dishes that you love so you can keep ordering it post coronavirus and beyond. Save the restaurants you love. Keep New York City moving forward to phase three instead of back to phase one by following all of the social distancing and CDC health guidelines. Wear face masks when necessary. Help restaurants thrive not die. This pandemic will not last forever,

stay positive!

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The Coronavirus Broadway Intermission

Caroline Fiske

Caroline Fiske and Hailey Manlowe at “Six” on Broadway

In March 2020, Governor Andrew Cuomo made the decision to close Broadway until we flatten the coronavirus curve. As a result of this decision, certain Broadway shows have closed such as “Beetlejuice” and “Frozen.” Theaters are now reaching out to people who have purchased tickets after March 2020 for refunds and exchanges until Broadway reopens again. Since Broadway is not going to reopen until phase four, we will most likely not listen to “The Lullaby of Broadway” until 2021. New York is in phase one of reopening as of June 8, 2020, the state has a long way to go until the Broadway lights are on again.

One of the biggest reasons why Broadway is in phase four of reopening is because Broadway attracts everybody including a lot of older people. Unfortunately, older people have a much higher chance of catching the coronavirus due to their weak immune systems. Tourists are also a very popular group for Broadway goers since America has the highest number of coronavirus cases out of any other country, the majority of Broadway’s audience members will not be able to attend. Another reason is because of how claustrophobic these theaters can be. Most of these theaters have been around for hundreds of years and because of that the aisles, the bathrooms, the stage, the backstage area, and the seats are small. Broadway wants to keep its historical presence as much as possible so it will not be easy to social distance in these types of circumstances.

Just like 9/11 affected everything in our daily lives as we know it, so does the coronavirus. Broadway opening back up sooner rather than later will all depend on how well the various reopening phases go and if New Yorkers listen to the CDC health guidelines. Broadway will be changed drastically not just from shows being canceled but for long-running shows too. Shows like “The Phantom of the Opera” and “Wicked” have been on Broadway for as long as I can remember. Shows like that will be difficult to sell post-pandemic because many people have already seen them.

Caroline Fiske, Anneka Knoll, and Joe Rozylowicz at “Aladdin” on Broadway

Broadway actors and crew members are now also unemployed. Many of them solely rely on how much money they make on Broadway to pay for their rent. Unfortunately, Broadway actors and crew members as well as many other people who have lost their jobs due to the coronavirus, are going to be unemployed for quite a while. Donating to worthy causes like “Actors Fund” for example will help actors who are struggling financially during this trying time get back up on their feet again.

Overall, New York City highly thrives on Broadway. It is one of the many reasons why people even come to New York City in the first place. According to MarketWatch.com, “In its last season, Broadway contributed $14.7 billion worth of economic impact to the Big Apple.” People would often stay in a hotel and go to a restaurant as they are about to see a Broadway show, it is going to take a lot of time in order for these events to become “normal” again. The Coronavirus Broadway Intermission will not be in effect “For Good,” things will get better “One Day More.”                                                   

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The Real Estate Community Talks COVID-19

Jessica N. Todmann

Pamela Roman

The city as we knew it completely shut down on Sunday, March 22nd. In response to the rising concerns over COVID-19, Governor Cuomo announced to the public his "New York State on PAUSE" executive order. Statewide, all non-essential businesses closed their doors and gatherings of any size, regardless of the reason, were prohibited. The flags had been raised but there was still no clarity as to how severe the coronavirus outbreak was becoming or continuing to evolve. “I legitimately thought that this thing would blow over and it wouldn’t affect me whatsoever” said Jennifer*, a rental agent based in NYC. Unfortunately, this thing didn’t blow over and with it came a jarring sense of uncertainty. Especially for those working within the real estate industry. 

For Pamela Roman, the New Jersey based Managing Broker at a corporate relocation company, she had an early awareness of the pandemic’s growing magnitude. “Because we deal with global relocation, we were really interested in following the impact it would have because travel was obviously going to be an issue from other countries” she stated. The relocation industry held strong throughout 2019, and for 2020 roughly four out of ten organizations expected an increase in the volume of relocated employees, with the budget to support it. But similar to New York, stay at home orders were issued in the month of March for New Jersey and any new business from their international network became uncertain. “I think the first two weeks in March was when we were realizing that it was going to impact us severely.” 

Brown Harris Stevens’ top producing team of Nada Rizk and Joanne Greene states “COVID has changed the way that buyers shop for an apartment and offered a new perspective on due diligence. Once a welcomed offset to monthly common charges, buyers need to thoroughly examine the status of a building’s retail client and have a clear understanding of if and how a shortfall could be passed on to the shareholders. Renovation policies should also be reviewed, even the smallest project could be pushed out for months and be subject to new fees.”

Philip (Phil) Saint Denis Sanchez

Philip (Phil) Saint Denis Sanchez, a NYC based commercial and residential realtor, was able to “really pinpoint the moment” he realized COVID-19’s severity on both a professional and personal level. He had plans to head to Central America on March 13th, yet spent the week leading up to the trip contemplating whether or not to go. However, once he heard the WHO declared COVID-19 as a pandemic his plans changed. Right after hearing the news, he reached out to an ex who had been living in Tuscany. “This is no joke” he recalls her saying, imploring him to take the unfolding health crisis seriously. He ended up canceling his trip. When it came to real estate, for Phil it was “pretty immediately apparent that this was going to have major ramifications on New York City real estate and global real estate”. 

Deirdre Virvo

Indeed, major ramifications were also obvious for Deirdre Virvo of lower Fairfield county: “I guess this really hit home for me right around March 5th, when we found out the kids were going to be homeschooled.” As a real estate investor, landlord, short sale negotiator and house flipper, having multiple real estate businesses came with a varying set of challenges. “We were all at a standstill because we didn’t know if this was going to cause a crash or a crisis and if we were going to see prices go down or not” she mentioned. As a flipper, she didn’t want to buy a house that might end up going down in value while she was working on it. 

Once April came around, Jennifer* was now facing a series of hard truths, “this is not going to blow over, I’m not going to be making money for a while, my main source of income (which comes from the rental market) is going to diminish and I need a backup plan for the next six months to a year”. Aside from rentals, she also had three pending residential sales transactions. They all fell through in March due to fears surrounding the coronavirus. About a month into the stay at home orders being in effect for Connecticut, Deirdre resumed her search for properties to invest in. However, while the normal response rate to her marketing strategies were 1.5%, this time around it was zero. Phil could see that the world would never be as safe as it once was, “I’m not going to be able to run around in the city showing apartments.” The livelihood of these real estate professionals had entered a near state of suspension, with no clear sight into how things would recover. 

While a core of the business within Pamela’s brokerage firm was from abroad, she and her team had to switch gears and turn their efforts towards domestic clients. “I feel bad, a lot of our agents relied on that income, that’s been their niche and they needed to adjust their style of business” she stated, “they have to become more traditional real estate agents now.” Although she understood the fear of the pandemic from a personal perspective, she was intent on remaining positive for the greater good and giving her agents the tools they needed to succeed in a newer environment. Her brokerage recently joined Zillow Premier Agent, and the program allows the organization to advertise their services on Zillow’s website. As of June 15th, New Jersey entered phase 2 of reopenings which now allows for open houses with a maximum of 10 people at a time; face masks and keeping six feet apart are still required. “Never in the history of anything has there been one thing that's affected your health, financial security and being able to see your loved ones all at once” said Pamela. How strikingly true.

Phil already had his ear to the pavement and an inkling that New York City real estate was poised for a change. “Multifamily was already tough for investment because of the 2019 laws” he stated, “and I felt as though this was going to make it even moreso.” A recent survey from PropertyShark showed that 12% of respondents felt multifamilies would be the most affected sector of commercial real estate and despite the jump in first quarter earnings as compared to 2019, the impact of COVID-19 may show more apparent as we cycle through the months. He also sees transformation on the horizon for retail property, one which makes sense, as people continue working from home and social distancing. Phil thinks a vacancy tax may end up being passed, a move that he states is “long overdue”. “In the past landlords have just sat on retail spaces forever,” he states, “my hope is that we use this as an opportunity to restructure a little bit….there needs to be some kind of equalizing mechanism that allows people to negotiate rents that are sustainable.”

Another business venture Deidre had underway was the opening of a residential assisted living facility. “That has been a big wrench, a major expense…I had put so much money into this but have nobody living there.” Although furniture for the property has been on backorder for months, she still anticipates the location opening on July 1st. With her rental tenants, Deidre had been very proactive in working with those that couldn’t pay due to COVID-19 related obstacles. She even went so far as to offer one tenant a job on her construction team and accepted deferred rental payments from another who was unable to reenter the US due to travel restrictions. When New York shut down, a flood of construction workers seeped into Connecticut looking for employment, where construction related work was still deemed essential. Although she was able to continue working on projects, it came at an unknown price that left her with guilt. “I hired a crew to come over from Westchester so that they could work,” she stated, “cause they couldn’t work in New York”. Unfortunately, throughout March and April she found that a number of her workers were falling ill with COVID-19.

“At the end of the day, you need to do what’s in the best interest of your clients” Jennifer* said. “I had to put on gloves, take videos (of the property) for them, I had to open doors then walk away and let them go into the building so there was no contact.” 

It’s clear that this group won’t be deterred by this pandemic and are opting to work through it, no matter how difficult it may be. They’re adapting to change and, after all, that’s what you need to do to survive- especially from a business standpoint. These real estate professionals are ready to rethink and revamp their approaches to the industry. “I’m positive about the future, but it’s going to a long haul” Pamela mentioned, “this will separate the men from the boys, so to speak.”

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COVID Vacation Cancellations: How to Deal With Disappointment and Plan For Future Trips

The coronavirus pandemic has had drastic effects on how we live, work, and socialize. And while the health risks of COVID-19 are probably your main concern right now, you might also be dealing with the fallout of business and school closures, event postponement, and even vacation cancellations.

It might seem frivolous to be focused on your inability to take a trip. But if you'd been saving up for an island getaway or a trip to the Happiest Place on Earth, having your plans canceled due to pandemic can make you feel angry, depressed, and helpless. You might be wondering how to pull yourself out of that rut or whether you can recoup any of the expenses from the trip you never got to enjoy. You may even be wondering when you'll be able to plan a post-pandemic vacation. Let's talk about why you shouldn't feel guilty for being disappointed or asking for a refund -- and how long you might need to wait before vacationing again.

Refund or No Refund: That is the Question

First, let's talk about whether you might be entitled to a refund for some of your travel expenses. According to a recent study, 82% of U.S. businesses that fail have cash flow problems. Not surprisingly, many Americans are experiencing cash flow problems of their own right now; while millions have been laid off, other business owners who are staying afloat are having to make major sacrifices and depend on government aid to do so.

As a result, any refund you can obtain will probably help your financial situation. It's best to wait until the date of your trip gets closer, as outright cancelations from an airline or hotel may result in a refund. You'll generally fare better if you personally aren't the one to initiate the cancellation. Rather than cancel out of fear, wait and see whether your reservations will be canceled by the carrier or hotel. You'll need to check the individual provider's policies and cross-reference them with FTC guidelines to make sure you're doing everything possible to get money back. It's helpful to know what these companies are required by law to do before making contact with them about your trip. The more you know, the better position you'll be in.

You might not get so lucky, however. Some companies may offer credits or reimbursements, which can be a way for these brands to stay afloat during this time. If that's the case, you might have to take what you can get. You might also want to check with your credit card company. Since the development of synthetic polymers exploded in the decades following 1940, we depend on plastic for everything from travel gear to the cards in our wallet. Your credit card company might actually offer some kind of cancellation coverage.

Although COVID-19 cancellations aren't covered by most travel insurance policies, you never know. Approximately one in six Colorado drivers operated their vehicles without insurance in 2012 -- and passengers who actually invest in travel insurance are even rarer. If that doesn't work, you might be able to request a discount from your travel provider for a future trip. That could come in handy if you're required to accept a credit or reimbursement.

One word of caution: remember that the person you talk to on the other end of the line is a human being who is likely very overwhelmed with the influx of angry callers. Although the situation is certainly frustrating, these individuals are doing the best they can in an unpredictable situation. Wait times may be long and answers may be dissatisfactory. Remind yourself that millions of others are experiencing the same issues and that customer service centers weren't set up for this kind of crisis. You may truly not be entitled to a refund, depending on the circumstances -- but a calm and kind attitude can go a long way in a stressful situation.

Cancellation Blues: You're Allowed to Feel Sad

Whether or not you're able to obtain any kind of refund, you're probably going to feel disappointed that your trip couldn't happen as you planned. You might have been looking forward to your getaway for months or saved up all your PTO to manage a long weekend away. Coupled with the fact that you can't go to restaurants, go shopping, or see your friends during this time, it's easy to feel down in the dumps.

You might even feel guilty about being depressed over your canceled trip. After all, thousands of Americans have died from coronavirus already. Millions have lost their jobs. Graduations and weddings have been canceled. Births have happened without the support of loved ones. Being upset over a canceled trip to the Maldives or to Disney World might seem trivial.

But while it's important to maintain a healthy sense of perspective, it's also okay to grieve over these canceled plans. In fact, it's probably the best thing you can do. Trying to deny and minimize those feelings will only make you feel worse. Yes, recognizing your privilege is important -- but so is mourning a trip you never got to take due to circumstances beyond your control. There will certainly be other vacations in the future, of course. Still, it's okay to give yourself time to be angry or sad. It's only natural.

Ready to Plan Ahead: How Soon is Too Soon?

Once you come to terms with the fact that your vacation won't be happening, you might be looking for a means of escape. Planning a vacation is one of the best things for your mental health; in fact, data has shown that the benefits you reap from the planning process can be more pronounced than the once you experience from the actual vacation itself.

But of course, you won't want to risk planning another vacation that's destined for cancellation. Although one survey found that 72% of Americans are already making plans for their next vacation, a separate survey found that nearly half of Americans have already canceled their summer travel plans for this year. In other words, it's probably not looking good to take a trip in July. Some experts are recommending that travelers wait until at least the fall and early winter of 2020. Others may urge individuals to wait until disease experts have given the all-clear and all aspects of the economy have opened up (and have stayed that way). It really depends on what you're comfortable with and how travel might be impacted at your departure and destination hub.

Speaking of, you'll probably want to stick closer to home for your post-pandemic vacay. Domestic trips are definitely going to be the better way to go, as we don't know what international travel will look like in the coming months. Some people are even choosing to drive, rather than fly, and to go to a more familiar location to gain more control in an uncertain situation. You'll also want to consider your lodgings and accommodations before you book. For example, you should explore cancellation and postponement policies and assess options for self-sufficiency (like an in-room kitchen and fridge so you can avoid a buffet or crowded restaurant). While businesses will likely be open again by that time, they might be dealing with limited capacity and will likely be taking more precautions than before. Find out as much as you can about your airline carrier, hotel, and other businesses you plan to visit before you book and ask questions about how they plan to keep visitors safe.

And if you don't yet feel comfortable planning your next vacation? That's okay, too. You might not feel financially confident enough or you might be dealing with major stresses at home or at home that could impede you from leaving any time soon. Many museums and other tourist attractions have made their offerings available online, so you can enjoy a little escape from the comfort of your own home whenever you need a break.

While a canceled trip is undoubtedly frustrating and upsetting, we can acknowledge that loss and keep the bigger picture in mind. Eventually, we'll be in a position to start traveling again. Until that time, it's important that we stay home and do everything we can to keep our families and our neighbors safe. The more effectively we do that, the better position we'll be in to get back to normal.

What Landlords Should Know About COVID-19

Most investors who entered the real estate business never imagined having to deal with a pandemic. While leases may contain provisions that address responsibilities in the face of a “force majeure” or “act of God” over which neither party has control, practical adjustments are immediate. These are few things landlords should know about COVID-19:

The Fourth “C”

The three “C’s,” meaning “clean, cover, contain,” are currently the best measures to help slow the spread of COVID-19. Landlords should add a fourth “C”—“communicate.” Property owners and managers should assure tenants about the steps they are taking to sanitize frequently touched surfaces. Inform tenants about expert recommendations on containment. Encourage tenants to work from home, if they can, and to stay in as much as possible, especially if they aren’t feeling well or are experiencing symptoms. Stay in touch with local public health officials, and provide updates from them about the most current recommendations and requirements. Provide sources for the information offered, including phone numbers and websites of public health information agencies.

Share with tenants what you are doing to address risks to and from visitors, and provide daily general updates. Landlords and property management companies should facilitate online rent payments, emergency work requests, and general lines of electronic communication to minimize the necessity of personal contact.

Facilitate Cleaning

While tenants are responsible for keeping their homes clean and sanitized, landlords and property owners are usually responsible for all public areas. Install hand-sanitizing stations, and wipe down common areas and frequently touched surfaces often. Provide helpful suggestions to tenants about how to keep surfaces in their homes sanitized. Train staff in proper cleaning techniques and how to protect themselves when cleaning surfaces. This doesn’t mean hoarding the masks that medical personnel so desperately need, but take common-sense measures like using cleaning gloves and frequent hand-washing breaks.

Containment and Privacy

Many cities have already instituted moratoriums on evictions. Tossing tenants out of their homes where they could contract and spread the virus serves no one in times like these. Landlords should work with their tenants to come up with payment plans that acknowledge the reality of job losses and economic uncertainty.

Property owners should also establish and communicate procedures for delivery and retrieval of packages and mail that minimize in-person contact. Inform visitors, contractors, and delivery persons about what is necessary and how to adjust to new procedures. Postpone non-essential maintenance and repairs. Cancel upcoming social or public events that would bring large groups together, and encourage hosts of even small events to reconsider.

It is extremely important to avoid stigmatizing any individual tenant or organization. If a landlord receives information that a tenant has tested positive for COVID-19, or a visitor or user of shared facilities has contracted the virus, alert tenants in a way that protects the affected individual or organization’s privacy. Reiterate public health officials’ suggestions for taking precautions, including staying home and contacting a doctor before visiting any healthcare facility if they feel ill. Fortunately, with the successful vaccine rollout for adults and the pediatric covid vaccine, numbers have begun to ease off and we are beginning to see the light at the end of the tunnel. There is still some way to go, and precautions must be taken, but the end is in sight.

Landlords should learn about COVID-19 and consult their attorneys about legal obligations and risks. Property owners should also contact their insurance companies to find out what sort of losses are covered under these extraordinary circumstances.