Where: 650 Sixth Avenue PH-C
Size: 3 bedroom/3 bathroom/2,134 square feet
Asking: $4,995,000
Listed by: Kirk Rundhaug, Mark Lynch & Ryan Fitzpatrick

The Cammeyer is one of our favorite buildings since it straddles the border of Flatiron and Chelsea, two of downtown’s most dynamic neighborhoods. And this penthouse in the pre-war loft building (which was once the world’s biggest shoe store) is one of its crown jewels. Open space, sun-drenched interiors and top-of-the-line finishes? That’s a given. It’s the two terraces that make this apartment really shine. And the penthouse action is only getting started…

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Welcome to Ten, CORE founder and CEO Shaun Osher’s rapid-fire interview series with prominent CORE figures. Read on to find out how this week’s subject deals with being on the hot seat.

I met Natalie Rakowski in 2002 when we did a deal together in the “Dance Building” in Chelsea. Even back then, she was one of the top New Development experts in the city, and a power broker. When I started Core in 2005, I was honored to have her by my side, and we’ve never looked back. She is not only one of the most trustworthy people I know, but one of the most genuine. Here is my interview with my friend…

1) When you were a kid, what did you dream of becoming?
I always wanted to be a documentary filmmaker. I am a Discovery and Travel Channel addict. About ten years ago, I had the opportunity to make a documentary called “Talking Tacheles” about artists who squatted in a bombed out building in (former) East Berlin. The building itself is a character in the story, so it was ideal subject matter combining all of my interests – art, travel, history and real estate!

2) You have created a name for yourself as one of the top people in the city who works with developers. How did you get involved in new development?
When I was 21, My father and I bought an old building in Berlin and renovated it. That was where I learned everything about being a developer. From that moment on, my love affair with real estate began.

3) What’s the most challenging deal you ever closed?
That was the one with the pot belly pig. DON’T ASK! Only in New York.

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What’s New is a weekly look at one of CORE’s most striking new listings.

Where: 140 Thompson Street
Size: 1 bedroom/2 bathrooms
Asking: $1,695,000
Listed by: Elise Ward and Liz Dworkin

Ask anyone what New York City neighborhood they think of when they hear the word “loft” and you’ll almost always hear “SoHo” as the response. It’s the romance of high ceilings, wide-open living spaces and buildings with incredible history that drives people to crave the SoHo loft lifestyle, and this Thompson Street listing delivers on those cravings. The dining area, living room and kitchen all flow together to create a vast space that evokes the drama of the old-school bohemian loft, but with updated and luxurious appliances and fixtures (and don’t forget about those sleek Poliform built-ins). The best touch of all? The preserved wooden columns and beams that simply cannot be replicated, giving the loft a sense of history and authenticity. Check out another great photo of the space below.

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An apartment view south to Lower Manhattan and the New York Harbor. Photo by Michael Toolan.

Here’s the first glimpse inside Walker Tower, the transformation of 212 West 18th Street into a collection of 53 expansive residences set within a pre-war building designed by the trailblazing architect Ralph Walker. Walker created iconic Art Deco landmarks such as the Barclay-Vesey Building and One Wall Street in Lower Manhattan. He was hailed as the “architect of the century” in the New York Times, and Frank Lloyd Wright referred to him as “the only other honest American architect.” Now his 18th Street high-rise is being both painstakingly restored and thoroughly modernized to become one of the most extravagant and sought-after residences in New York City. Walker Tower is being developed by JDS Development and Property Markets Group. CORE will launch sales in the building in spring 2012.

Walker Tower could not be built today, nor could it ever be built again. Constructed in 1929 for the New York Telephone Company, the Art Deco skyscraper’s lavish entryways, ornate detailing and sweeping interior spaces are unheard of in today’s construction practices. The building exceeds all of the attributes one would desire in the ideal residential conversion. Huge new tilt-and-turn windows throughout the building (some measuring nearly 10′ tall and 5′ wide) will give even the lowest residential floors stunning views protected by contextual low-rise zoning districts on one side and a landmarked historic district on the other. The building’s soaring ceilings, approaching 15′ high, will create airy residences with incredible proportions. Literally and figuratively, Walker Tower stands tall above its neighbors.

Ralph Walker helped pioneer the use of architectural setbacks in skyscraper design to allow for more light and air to reach the streets below, and at Walker Tower those enormous setbacks will become equally enormous private terraces. Overall, half the apartments will boast sizable and dramatic private outdoor spaces. Below is a look at some of Walker Tower’s original architectural detailing as well as a behind-the-scenes photo of the building’s transformation, which includes a penthouse expansion. From top to bottom, Walker Tower will offer breathtaking views of Manhattan’s past, present and future architecture.

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“Halal and hipsters on West 29th Street”
The Real Deal (11/1)
West 29th Street is in the midst of transforming from gritty to glam in the wake of the success of the Ace Hotel, and The Real Deal spoke to CORE Senior Vice President Lawrence Rich (right) about the changes in the neighborhood, and what’s to come.

“3 residential brokerages shift into drive”
Crain’s (11/8)
Crain’s on CORE’s growth, including the recent relocation of CORE’s main corporate office to a 5,000-square-foot space in the Flatiron District at 104 Fifth Avenue. Said CORE CEO Shaun Osher: “There was an opportunity to move to this new space, that truly reflects our brand, in the most exciting office market in New York City.” Check out photos from CORE’s housewarming party on Facebook.

“Osher’s Core acquires residential firm R.P. Miller & Associates”
The Real Deal (11/8)
Residential real estate firm R.P. Miller & Associates, helmed by industry veteran Reba Miller, was acquired by CORE last week. The Real Deal got comments from Miller (who has sold over $1 billion in property during her long career) and CORE CEO Shaun Osher about the deal. Miller will take over the role of managing director of sales at CORE.

“Less Than $1M For a Pre-Civil War House in Fort Greene”
Curbed (11/9)
Doug Bowen’s and Win Brown’s listing for a historic townhouse at 141 Clermont Avenue in Fort Greene, Brooklyn, caught the eye of real estate blog Curbed, which remarked: “It’s currently configured as two one-bedroom apartments (squeezed into 1,324 square feet!) but would be easy enough to renovate into a single-family residence. Side bonus: the lot is 25′x100′ and it’s got a driveway.” This is the same Fort Greene charmer that was featured in CORE’s Three of a Kind last week.

We’ve been on a kick when it comes to historic townhouses, so why not finish off the week with one? Just across the Chelsea/West Village border is 237 West 15th Street, a century-old carriage house with a secret: A private courtyard separated from the street that leads to the building’s entrance. CORE’s Elizabeth Kee is marketing a one-bedroom apartment in the house, and her listing provides us with this excellent look at a lush and tranquil space that thousands of people walk by every day, yet few know exists.

HGTV’s “Selling New York” follows CORE agents as they navigate the country’s most competitive—and compelling—real estate market. Here’s our behind-the-scenes look at Episode 405, which first aired on November 10, 2011. For more SNY epilogues, click here.

In “Youth Movement,” CORE’s Michael Graves makes an impressive return to the “SNY” stage in a high-octane, double-deal episode that showcases the dexterity required to stay afloat in the world of New York City real estate. Michael grows increasingly wary of his ability to sell Rosalind’s apartment at her desired asking price, which is well above available comps in the building and immediate area. Michael tells Rosalind that he must dissolve their agreement unless she is willing to lower the price so that it is more in  line with the market. she gives Michael a final incentive in order to maintain the price and keep him as her broker—the promise of two more deals—if he can successfully close on her current home at 10 West End Avenue. After five months on the market, however, Michael is increasingly unsure about being able to sell the apartment, especially since the asking price is nonnegotiable. As Rosalind becomes uneasy about being able to get the right price for 10 West End Avenue, she begins to question her desire to move into a new apartment. Refusing to accept defeat, Michael hits the ground running in search of a way to live up to his client’s high expectations.

Keep on reading for some exclusive behind-the-scenes information about what didn’t make it into last night’s episode of “Selling New York” and what happened after the cameras stopped rolling!

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Michael Garr has sold over 300 million dollars of real estate from Central Park South to Tribeca. He is also the Broker Specialist for the Chelsea Mercantile, having completed 59 transactions in the prized building. Here, he writes about going above and beyond simple staging to sell apartments at top dollar.

Freshened floors, a new coat of paint and a revamped terrace got the job done on West 22nd Street.

Last Sunday’s article in the New York Times about sellers renovating their homes to appeal to buyers only scratched the surface of the work that goes into preparing my exclusive listings for the market. My team of contractors, tilers and painters have renovated several apartments and guided owners to make spot-on choices that will yield fantastic results at the closing table. For example:

After six months on the market with another company, the owner hired Michael Rubin and I to market a top-floor duplex on West 22nd Street. We chose a walnut stain for the floors after they were sanded. We removed the floor in the kitchen and put in a cream tile, which pulled everything together for a fresh buyer-ready look. The vanity in the bathroom was replaced, and updated light fixtures and new hardware were added and then painted Benjamin Moore White Dove — a color many art galleries use. For the terrace, the wood planks were painted a brighter color and plants and flowers were placed on the sides. The outdoor space felt larger (feelings are facts in real estate) and inviting. For the staging, we added the little extras needed for dramatic photogenic touch: bright pillows, hip table lamps and understated art work … all from my staging storage unit. An offer was accepted in four weeks.

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Where: 141 Clermont Avenue
Size: 1,324 square feet
Asking: $849,000
Listed by: Doug Bowen & Win Brown

Looking to think outside the (apartment) box? How about a pre-Civil War detached house sporting Greek Revival and Italianate architectural details? The historic house at 141 Clermont Avenue is tucked away in Fort Greene, Brooklyn, on a quiet block that feels like a nice break from the city. The money saved from buying across the river can certainly put you in the mood to splurge on the decor, and this old beauty has amazing potential — just don’t touch those original wide-plank floors. And fear not, Manhattan shoppers, we haven’t overlooked you.

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Welcome to Ten, CORE founder and CEO Shaun Osher’s rapid-fire interview series with prominent CORE figures. Read on to find out how this week’s subject deals with being on the hot seat.

The CORE brand, the way we express who we are, what we stand for, and how we conduct our business is largely reliant on how we communicate our message to our clients and the world at large. Kristina Helb is our Director of Communications and in the past year has been responsible for that message. She is personable, responsive, and above all, she is a delight to work with.

1) What is the best part of your day?
When I’m out and about in the City and that idyllic moment unexpectedly catches me – where I feel so complete and so happy to be in a City that I love, doing what I love to do. This happens daily and I think any New Yorker will understand exactly what I mean.

2) How do you approach your job?
Expect the unexpected! People always ask me to describe my “typical day,” and there is no typical day, especially when heading up Communications for CORE. I approach my job with flexibility and nimbleness -– amid executing co-branded events, working on “Selling New York” episodes, managing CORE’s blog calendar, social media efforts and pitching stories to media, I can never plan for when CORE’s next million-dollar big deal will happen. I’ve learned to think quickly on my feet, react strategically and with confidence and secure press coverage for that big deal – while managing to keep all the other plates spinning.

3) The world has changed significantly over the last 10 years because of technology. How has that changed the way you work? (more…)