New York City is home to some of the world’s most expensive properties, but in a city where new-to-market apartments seem to creep into the high millions, it’s not impossible to find a deal. Here are three 1-bedrooms that all fall under one million dollars.

Where: 220 West 148th Street, 3D
Asking: $719,000
Size: 1,221-square feet
Listed by: Adiran Noriega

220 West 148th Street packs a serious punch when it comes to its unique history. PS 90 was built in 1906 as…you guessed it, a public school. This 1-bedroom in the recently converted luxury condominium offers an open living room, dining area and kitchen that is perfect for an entertainer. We also like this loft-like space’s high ceilings, herringbone hardwood floors and wireless LED lighting system. Read the rest of this entry »

This gorgeous home offers 3,100-square feet of superbly designed and highly functional space accented by soaring ceiling heights and the distinctive cast-iron arched windows of the famed Tiffany building on Union Square. With all the bells and whistles one could possibly want included in this luxury property, what’s most unique is that there is an apartment within this unique home, located just off the entry gallery. The spacious and private fourth bedroom is outfitted with a full kitchen, bathroom and laundry, as well as a full-sized wine cooler, offering enhanced flexibility as a self-contained guest suite or staff quarters within the privacy of the larger home.

A sampling of last week’s press coverage of CORE and CORE properties.

Secret’s Out New York Post
Celebrity photographer Mike Ruiz’s Chelsea apartment is getting a lot of attention. Ruiz, who has worked with Kim Kardashian and Betty White, listed his home with CORE’s Ralph Modica and Vickey Barron.

On the Market The New York Times
Michael Rubin’s 41 West 16^th Street listing was a featured property for the NYT’s “On the Market” slideshow. The home’s “high ceilings and tall windows that overlook a Zenlike bamboo garden” were called out as selling points for the home.

Timelapse Video of 241 Fifth Ave Curbed
An Earthcam was installed to capture the incredible construction work at 241 Fifth Avenue. The video was released on Friday in anticipation of the upcoming sales launch.

It’s said that the devil’s in the details and nothing screams luxury quite like the crystal chandelier in the lobby of 15 Broad, as captured by Lindsee Silverstein. The former home of the JP Morgan Bank headquarters, 15 Broad, known as “Downtown by Philippe Starck,” was the forerunner of the downtown transformation, and the first luxury high-rise condominium on the block.

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 #612, which first aired on February 21, 2013. For more SNY recaps, click here.

In this episode, CORE’s Michael Graves is looking to outdo himself by breaking his own high sales record in the same building, 240 Park Avenue South. But CORE’s CEO Shaun Osher is skeptical Michael will be able to outdo the price of the penthouse apartment, which sold at the height of the real estate market. Keep on reading for some exclusive behind-the-scenes information on what didn’t make it into last night’s episode of “Selling New York” and what happened after the cameras stopped rolling!

• 240 Park Ave South and its warm community of residents hold a special place in Michael’s heart.  As fate would have, it his first real estate transaction was Penthouse 15A in the building – a direct deal that broke all price-per-square-footage records in the building which set him on a course of success that he could never have imagined.
• Since that time, Michael has become friends with many residents and has worked hard to increase their property value by swiftly selling more units at record breaking prices, such as 9A seen in tonight’s episode.
• Michael wishes we had more time to show the inner workings of these deals and the wonderful people who were involved along the way. What can he say is that Susan Kennedy is one of the most professional and pleasurable brokers in the industry. It was a total joy to work with her and her clients and they had a lot of laughs and fun along the way. Michael is certain that 240 Park Avenue South will continue to prove itself as one of the best buildings downtown and he is looking forward to his next deal there soon.

If you’ve been near Madison Square Park lately, you’ve probably noticed a building rising on Fifth Avenue between 27th and 28th Streets. Over the course of this past year, every time we pass by the site, we’re wowed by the building’s progress. Since no one ever stays put in NYC to watch a construction site in evolution, we’re excited to share this construction time lapse video of our new development project at 241 Fifth

The riskiest thing you can do is to play it safe.
Especially in a heated market.
But, for some reason many people seem to do this.
Brokers, developers, architects, designers…..

Playing it safe is mediocre
Playing it safe is lazy
Generic
A strong market disguises mediocrity with the illusion of innovation And blurs the core reason for success!

A sampling of last week’s press coverage of CORE and CORE properties.

Dream Homes
New York Post

Emily Beare and Elizabeth Beare’s stunning East 85^th Street listing is featured. In an area full of prewar co-ops this modern, full-service property is garnering attention. Space, modern amenities and premium finishes make this listings a true dream home.

Court Square in Queens has Become a Hot Market for Residential Development
New York Daily News

Pegged as one of New York City’s fastest growing neighborhoods, Court Square has seen an incredible boom of residential properties in the works and hitting the market. Doron Zwickel spoke to the rapid success of LIC’s One Murray Park.

Read the rest of this entry »

We snapped this stunning shot of Manhattan from the rooftop of our new development 93 Worth.  We have shared some other photos from this project but this incredible and pristine view seems endless. Spanning almost the entire width of Manhattan, this shot captures many iconic NYC buildings including the Empire State Building and the Chrysler Building.

No one knows NYC quite like a real estate agent who has their finger on the pulse of the City’s ever-evolving neighborhoods and revolving door of hot spots. Our agents are constantly pounding the pavement so who better to go to for insight on the most romantic places to take your sweetie to celebrate the official day of “LOVE”? Learn all about our recommendations for the most romantic spots in New York City:

Tom Postilio:

“As an expert on Valentine’s Day (it’s my birthday), I think the most romantic restaurant in town is One If By Land on Barrow Street.  Request to be seated by the arched windows looking into the courtyard.  (And hope that a light snowfall happens!)”

Adrian Noriega:

“One if by Land, Two if by Sea” is the perfect romantic setting for dinner.  They have 3 fireplaces and it is very warm and cozy, especially for a cold day like today. Two other great places for cocktails by the fire are The Library at the Hudson Hotel or The Bowery Hotel.  Both have grand fireplaces and offer a romantic setting.”

Debbie Batres:

“I love the lounge area at Per Se. Skip the reservation wait list and the huge bill in dinner seating and sit in their beautiful lounge overlooking Columbus Circle – you’ll have the same incredible views! They offer a delicious small bites menu, superb wines and champagne and excellent desserts! This is a great romantic spot to cuddle up and be pampered, while enjoying one of the best views in the City. They take walk in’s no reservations are needed!”

Lee M. Frankel:

“With four locations in Manhattan, La Maison Du Chocolat (I prefer the one on Madison Ave @ 78^th Street) is THE place for a decadent & luxurious chocoholics dream treat.  Their hot chocolate is like drinking a chocolate bar and is not to be missed! It’s perfect for gifts or a wonderful date experience with that someone special – or the “hope to be” someone special.”

Ashley Sternbach and John Harrison suggest River Cafe in DUMBO. “Its view of the Manhattan skyline is amazing,” notes Ashley.

Shaun Osher and Brittley Jarrell:

“Alta in the West Village. First of all, the food is amazing. And we both love eating small plates – whether it be tapas or appetizers. This way we also get to share. The wine list is perfect, and they have a Rioja there we will never turn down. The decor is lovely and charming as well.”

Lacey O’Neill:

“Raine’s Law Room for its nondescript door. When you walk in, you are immediately transported to a 1920’s Speakeasy. It’s never overcrowded and has lots of dark nooks to enjoy their impressive cocktails in. Also, Death & Co (instead of Back Room) for its cozy, dramatic cocktail bar and great selection of small bites to share with your Valentine.”

Wishing you lots of love today!