As the real estate market continues to feel the squeeze of low inventory, listings in New York City are becoming few and far between.  Today’s “Three of a Kind” features 2-bedroom homes under $2 million, highlighting a few CORE gems still available in today’s search for quality properties.

Where: 240 West 23rd Street, 3B/4B
Asking: $1,495,000
Listed by: Maggie Kent

This serene 2-bedroom loft duplex is located in the heart of Chelsea. The home boasts balconies on each level, high ceilings, hard wood floors and ample storage. The two levels are connected by a wide, meticulously designed wood and metal staircase.  Equipped with gorgeous wooden and modern finishes throughout, the lower level features an entrance foyer, a beautiful chef’s kitchen, including Poggenpohl kitchen cabinets, a Subzero refrigerator, a Viking gas range and a Miele dishwasher. The second level has the master bedroom with a balcony, a wall of custom built-ins and an interior room with a closet currently used as a guest bedroom. (more…)

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

Dream Homes
New York Post

A 6-bedroom, 6.5-bathroom combination unit at One Museum Mile was featured for its “sweeping Central Park vistas.” In addition to its breathtaking views, the full-service building offers a rooftop pool, children’s playroom, game room and several other amenities….

Dear Owner: Please Sell
The New York Times

CORE’s Jarrod Guy Randolph and Michael Rubin are interviewed on the creative tactics brokers are using to secure exclusive listings. With inventory at a new low, they discuss their strategies for “sealing the deal” with sellers.

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As an introduction to Season Six of Selling New York we’ve decided to switch up our normal epilogue and take a moment to interview SNY veteran and Season Six premiere episode star, Maggie Kent. Since Maggie has been on the show from its start, it only seemed right to have her take a moment to reflect on past and present in this quick Q&A.

1. Do you remember your first day of taping for Selling New York? What was it like?

Yes! It actually turned out to be one of my favorite episodes. It was shot in a beautiful apartment on Mulberry Street and it just felt really fun and easy.

2. Looking back on being selected for the show, did you feel any hesitations about starring in it?

At that time, there was a lot of negative reality TV programming popping up and we were taking a leap of faith that we would be represented in a way that wasn’t negative. HGTV really gave us a look and sound that only made our personal brands stronger.

3. Out of your personal roster, what is your favorite SNY episode?

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We know you’ve been waiting with baited breath for any information on your favorite real estate reality TV show and we’re excited to share that this week, Selling New York Season 6 will premiere at a new time slot, Thursday at 6:30 PM EST. In this week’s episode Selling New York favorite, Maggie Kent, will work with her CORE colleague, David Beare, to find a larger dance studio space for a client. Can’t get enough Selling New York? Learn all about what Season 6 will bring and when it will air here.

And don’t forget to check the CORE Blog right after Thursday’s episode airs for our “Selling New York Recap” which features five things you didn’t see during the show and other exclusive behind-the-scenes information.

Chelsea has recently become known for having a strong presence of new developments sprouting up throughout the neighborhood. However, Chelsea is home to several prewar buildings, each with its own desirable set of characteristics which are true representations of the neighborhood’s historic charms. Here’s a look at three prewar classics currently available.

Where: 357 West 29^th Street, 3B
Size: 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom
Asking: $697,000
Listed by: Doug Bowen

When walking through North Chelsea, you’re bound to stumble upon tree-lined streets with rows of classic prewar buildings. This recently renovated 1-bedroom with a working fireplace happens to be located on one of those quintessential New York blocks. This apartment’s private terrace also overlooks the building’s lush backyard.

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What to do with a 2-bedroom apartment? The possibilities are endless: a guest room, a home office, a child’s room, a walk-in closet… Here are three of our favorite two-bedroom homes on the market right now – so go ahead and let your mind wander.

Where: 120 Riverside Boulevard, 9S
Size: 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms
Asking: $1,985,000
Listed by: Maggie Kent

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Flatiron hasn’t lost steam since becoming the next hottest neighborhood in Manhattan. With a healthy supply of historic and lofty homes, there’s always something new to check in on. And speaking of, we thought we’d take a moment to see what fresh offerings are in and around Flatiron. Check out the diverse array below.

Where: 141 Fifth Avenue, 22
Size: 1 bedroom, 2 bathrooms
Asking: $1,795,000
Listed by: Emily Beare & Elizabeth Beare

One of the most handsome apartments we’ve seen hit the market in a while, this condominium in the restored Beaux Arts beauty at 141 Fifth Avenue offers great design, high-end finishes and ceilings that top 10′, a rarity in pre-war buildings of this era. The 1,203 square feet are smartly laid out with custom details, like an English-style kitchen and mosaic tiling in the bathrooms. When looking through the listing photos, just remember, the adorable dog does not come with the apartment.

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

“Dream Homes”
New York Post
The High Line home at 520 West 19th Street listed by Emily Beare and David Beare for $6.875 million (above) was a “Dream Home” last week. The New York Post wrote, “Ideal for entertaining, this 3,353-square-foot, four-bedroom condo in a full-service boutique building on Architect’s Row (that’d be West 19th Street) serves up stellar views of the Hudson River, the High Line and the Manhattan skyline.”

“Condo Boards Take a Stand on Delinquencies”
New York Times
Elizabeth Kee commented on how co-ops and condos handle residents who are behind on their maintenance fees in the Real Estate section cover story in the New York Times over the weekend.

“One Rincon brings in reality TV stars to push penthouses”
San Francisco Business Times
Maggie Kent’s appearance in San Francisco to discuss her career and starring role on “Selling New York,” covered last week on the CORE Blog, also included a visit to a new luxury development.

Now that shows like HGTV’s CORE-starring “Selling New York” and Bravo’s “Million Dollar Listing” have become part of popular culture, everyone in the industry wants to know more about reality television’s impact on the real estate business. Most agents say that the results have been positive, and Maggie Kent, CORE Vice President and a “Selling New York” regular, agrees. Maggie was recently asked by the Southern California chapter of the Luxury Marketing Council to take part in a panel discussion called “New York Style” for luxury real estate brokers in San Francisco.

Discussing her career, alongside Ryan Serhant (of “Million Dollar Listing”) and Curtis Nixon (also of “SNY”), Maggie spoke about the impact of the show, which she explained has been a boon for CORE and its agents, especially from a branding standpoint. Her advice to the crowd: Surround yourself with a great team and align yourself with a company that is compatible with the brand you envision for yourself. For photos from the reception held for the trio of New York agents, check out the coverage on LiveSOMA.

Whether used as pied-à-terres, bachelor pads or starter homes, these homes on the smaller end of the spectrum are still great studies in style, and wise investments. We picked three of our favorite bright and airy downtown homes currently on the market to show the good that can come from buying a home that doesn’t need too much maintenance.

Where: 200 East 16th Street, 11-A
Size: 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom
Asking: $699,000
Listed by: Maggie Kent

This corner one-bedroom in Gramercy is picture perfect, with beautiful windows that let in tons of light and provide views of the Empire State Building and, closer to home, the St. Georges Church and Seminary. And it’s not a typical tiny and cramped one-bedroom apartment: The bedroom and living room are oversized, and there’s a windowed office alcove with a built-in desk, shelves, and closet. Gramercy is an ideal location, being just a short walk from everything the East Village has to offer, but still staid and quiet, offering some solitude from the more lively stretches of downtown.

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