An Ode to Halloween’s Past
Happy October! It’s the spookiest, scariest, most haunted month of the year. We hope you have had your Halloween costume laid out all month, preparing to celebrate all the ghosts, goblins, ghouls, and goobers of the world. On Halloween last year, the Whitman Team was hosting a watch party at The Mansion for the finale of Million Dollar Listing Season 8. While we’re not getting together for Halloween parties this year (#StopTheSpread), we are taking a moment to remember our favorite Halloweens on record. Scroll on to check them out!
The Whitman Team’s Favorite Halloween
In 2019, Tyler Whitman made his first appearance on Bravo’s Million Dollar Listing New York. To celebrate the finale, the team threw a party at our freshest new listing that was featured as a banger on the last episode of the season. And if you haven’t seen the listing video for The Mansion at 172 Madison, check it out.
Tyler Whitman’s Favorite Halloween
Tyler Whitman’s favorite Halloween was a few years ago when he dressed up as an overweight, elderly woman. In case you missed it, Tyler was not always the slim chicken that he is today.
Tara Burns’ Favorite Halloween
During Tara’s senior year at Vanderbilt, she was cast to play the “Trophy Wife” on the set of a Montgomery Gentry Country Music video which they shot on Halloween of 2007. When they wrapped, Tara didn’t have time to change before going out to a Halloween party so she just told everyone I was Marilyn Monroe… and it worked!
Ashlie Roberson’s Favorite Halloween
Ashlie doesn’t have just one favorite Halloween – She loved them all. She loved dressing up like the gorgeous Disney princesses and parading around her kingdom (the neighborhood) with her candy bucket in tow. PS: Ashlie didn’t get the memo that Snow White had brown (black?) hair. But alas, introducing Ashlie Roberson, the Blonde Snow White.
Bailey Gladysz’s Favorite Halloween
October 2015 was Bailey’s favorite Halloween. Bailey and her husband, Ryan, got married on Halloween, so for their rehearsal dinner on the night before the wedding, they made the dress code “Costume Mandatory.” Every single guest was dressed in costume.
Katie Haggerty’s Favorite Halloween
Katie’s favorite season begins with Halloween and ends with Christmas! She especially loves Halloween because she loves candy so much. Memories of trick-or-treating and coming home to her parents’ homemade chili and counting her candy will last forever! She always made the same memories for her children by making tons of food for their return home to sit and count their candy with the smell of warm food in the kitchen.
Josh Heyer’s Favorite Halloween
Josh and his college roommates wore really teenie, three-sizes-too-small onesies. The details of the night are a bit fuzzy, but he does remember that going to the bathroom was quite difficult.
Kemba Buchanan’s Favorite Halloween
Kemba lives for Halloween and tends to go all out – 2018 was no different. She dressed up as “The General”, Okoye, from the movie The Black Panther. Okoye was the leader of an all-female armed forces to protect the King, T’Challa. Her character struck a chord in Kemba, portraying a confidence that was feminine and graceful and also mighty; women are both.
Lawrence Lee’s Favorite Halloween
Lawrence loves spending Halloween with his two sons. This photo was from Noah’s first Halloween who was dressed as a penguin. Hunter went as Optimus Prime, in a custom made-by-mommy costume. Lawrence was dressed as a Dad/Real Estate Mogul that Halloween.
John Caulfield’s Favorite Halloween
John’s favorite Halloween in the recent past was his family’s first NYC Halloween last year! Now that he’s moved out to the Hamptons in 2020, they’re ready for new Halloween experiences once again. Bring on pumpkins on the beach.
Goodbye Summer - Hello Fall, Y’all
Labor Day Weekend came and went and we’ve officially bid adieu to the strangest summer in the history of our lifetimes. No Memorial Day Weekend festivities to kick off summer. No large-scale fireworks over the Fourth of July. No big summer send-off parties over Labor Day Weekend. Masks, social distancing, and sanitizer were the norm during the Summer of 2020.
How did the Whitman Team spend the summer, you ask? We’ve got the juice on our summer highlights and what we’re looking forward to most about FALL, Y’ALL.
TYLER WHITMAN
Founder of the Whitman Team
Where did you spend your Pandemic Summer?
Bouncing back and forth between NYC and East Hampton
With who?
Just me and my pets!
Summer Highlight:
Living in close proximity to my horse made it possible for me to ride almost every day. We have made insane progress together, and I couldn’t be more obsessed with the sport and my baby Q.
What are you looking forward to about Fall?
I love fall weather and the fashion it comes with. Light coats, cute layers, pretty sweaters… get outta my way!
BAILEY GLADYSZ
Director of Operations of The Whitman Team
Where did you spend your Pandemic Summer?
In Alpharetta, Georgia. We chose to move down south when the pandemic decided to stick around for the long haul and make new roots in Georgia (where I am originally from).
With who?
My husband (Ryan) and our eight-month-old son (Fox)
Summer Highlight:
Taking our sweet new babe to the beach for the first time. We spent a week in June split between Carolina Beach, SC and Okracoke Island, NC. We got to spend a lot of quality family time with grandparents, aunts and uncles, and cousins. It was so refreshing to get a beachy change of scenery.
What are you looking forward to about Fall?
Pumpkin everything. Pumpkin spiced lattes, pumpkin picking, pumpkin beer with sugar on the rim, pumpkin pie, pumpkin candles, ALL THINGS PUMPKIN, PLEASE.
JOSH HEYER
NYC/NJ Agent on The Whitman Team
Where did you spend your Pandemic Summer?
In my 650-square-foot apartment
With who?
My now-wife (Ariel)
Summer Highlight:
Getting married 3x in one year (fortunately, to the same girl). We had to postpone our big Charleston wedding twice because of the pandemic and we ended up eloping on a rooftop in Hoboken with a limited guest list.
What are you looking forward to about Fall?
College football (c’monnnn Big 10!)
TARA BURNS
NYC Agent on The Whitman Team
Where did you spend your Pandemic Summer?
Manhattan
With who?
Enjoying being back in the city and catching up with friends and family who I didn’t see during the early days of quarantine.
Insight gained from this Summer:
Home is where my people are. Manhattan is now void of the many activities that give it so much appeal: live theatre and music, indoor dining, and other attractions which are now unavailable to New Yorkers. Still, the energy here is second to none, and New York has found a way to come alive even in the midst of a pandemic. The outdoor cafes and parks are bustling. Nothing can keep us down, and spending these moments with the people I love is the most rewarding part of life.
What are you looking forward to about Fall?
Fall is my favorite time of year in NYC. The weather and the energy is one of new beginnings, and we certainly could use a fresh start this year! I am looking forward to positive change and progress. 2020 has been a reset for us all and I believe that good things are on the horizon with the election and hope for a vaccine.
KATIE HAGGERTY
Whitman Team Hamptons Agent
Where did you spend your Pandemic Summer?
Montauk and the Hamptons
With who?
I spent my summer 2020 with my family in Montauk! I was blessed to also spend my summer in the Hamptons with The Whitman Team from Triplemint.
Insight gained from this Summer:
Summer 2020 was a summer the whole world will remember. The impact of the pandemic brought many families together and many families apart. There were times for all who felt fear and comfort all at once. I was truly blessed during the summer 2020 pandemic to become a part of a new family – The Whitman Team in the Hamptons. I learned to never give up and always smile at others along the way. These past six months made me appreciate my family, friends, and work more than at any time in my life. This picture really makes me happy, as all five of us went through different challenges with leaving schools, saying goodbye to friends, remote work, remote school, not seeing other family members, and adjusting to this new way of life. We all laughed and enjoyed this night together as we parted on our way the next day to start Fall 2020!
What are you looking forward to about Fall?
All of Fall 2020! We won’t give up and keep positive!! Goodbye summer, and we welcome all that will be fall 2020!
KEMBA BUCHANAN
NYC Whitman Team Assistant
Where did you spend your Pandemic Summer?
On Cape Cod in Falmouth, MA
With who?
A wonderful man, his family, and friends
Summer Highlight:
My golly! Summer went by fast! One of my favorite days of summer was my first time visiting Nantucket, for a special occasion, and it couldn’t have been more romantic. We took the boat on a two-hour, sunny, wavy ride out there, had a mouthwatering sunset dinner, watched the boats come in and out at Straight Wharf restaurant (highly recommend going if you’re out in Nantucket), and spent the rest of the evening savoring the moment (see pic of the morning after, leaving the island).
What are you looking forward to about Fall?
I’m curious and excited to see how the energy and adjustments to NYC reveal itself. I always find the seasons bring on a different wave of vibrancy in the city, and this fall, I’m sure will be noticeably unique, or maybe it won’t! Either way, I can’t wait!
JOHN CAULFIELD
Whitman Team Hamptons Agent
Where did you spend your Pandemic Summer?
East Hampton
With who?
My family (wife Jen, and kids Colin and Charlie)
Summer Highlight:
My personal highlight was watching my city kids learn how to ride bikes and swim. My professional highlight was joining a collaborative team – The Whitman Team.
What are you looking forward to about Fall?
Learning how to surf in my new neighborhood at Ditch.
ASHLIE ROBERSON
NYC Agent on The Whitman Team
Where did you spend your Pandemic Summer?
I spent a lot of time out with clients – I became a Citi Bike pro (okay… maybe not a pro). Outside of work, I spent a lot of time on my roof.
With who?
My lovely boyfriend, Eric
Summer Highlight:
We did Whole30 in August, and it was truly wonderful. I explored cooking new foods and healthy takes on some of my favorite foods, like pad thai! Also, halfway through the summer, we decided we would get a Zipcar membership. During the pandemic, we needed to have the ability to do some outdoor activities. We started taking socially distanced day trips to go kayaking and tubing down the Delaware River.
What are you looking forward to about Fall?
We got a puppy at the beginning of September!!! His name is Remy (for Remsen Street, our first home together in Brooklyn Heights). He is a 10-week-old Corgi, and we are obsessed with him. For a daily dose of Corgi puppy cuteness, check out my Instagram. Needless to say, we’re excited to have him explore BK all fall with us.
LAWRENCE LEE
NYC Agent on The Whitman Team
Where did you spend your Pandemic Summer?
Good old Long Island City and shooting back and forth to Manhattan and Brooklyn, with a few Jersey Shore excursions
With who?
My wife, two boys, dog, and 14 plants
Insight gained from this Summer:
Health and family are the most important things in life. Everything else will fall into place when those are cared for.
What are you looking forward to about Fall?
Sweater weather! Crisp morning runs and no more showing up to appointments drenched in sweat.
Real Estate Showings During COVID-19
On June 22nd, phase two of NYC’s COVID reopening plan commenced. After a 15-week hiatus during the PAUSE period, real estate agents were once again allowed to have face-to-face showings with clients. The Real Estate Board of New York swiftly put out guidelines to help keep all parties safe, with guidance on everything from open houses to closings to usage of amenity spaces in buildings.
Prior to reopening, the Whitman Team stocked up on gloves, masks, sanitizers, and wipes. We were ready to rock once the floodgates were open. We weren’t sure what the real estate market would look like on the other side of lockdown, but it quickly became clear there was a major case of pent up demand for our buyers, sellers, landlords, and renters.
Thinking of diving back into your real estate goals? Here is a recap of what changes you can expect when transacting in today’s NYC COVID market:
Masks and gloves are the name of the game. As a buyer or tenant, you’re entering the home of another New Yorker who is as equally exposed to the elements as you are. As a seller or landlord, strangers are traipsing through your apartment, and you should feel confident that they’re being properly advised to protect themselves and your home. Mask up and protect thyself.
Six feet apart. During a showing, all parties are recommended to stay six feet apart which can pose a challenge in very small NYC apartments. Often, clients are sent into the unit with only the listing agent, leaving their own broker at the door.
COVID Disclosure Forms. Plural. Not just one, but two forms. Before attending a showing, your agent will have you fill out two disclosures forms. First, a Health Questionnaire confirming you have not tested positive for COVID or have not knowingly been in contact with a person who has tested positive for COVID within the past 14 days, you have no current symptoms of COVID, and you have not been in contact with someone who has recently traveled to a highly affected state or country. Second, a Limited Liability form which discloses that you are putting yourself at risk of getting coronavirus by attending face-to-face showings, and if you refuse to sign, your appointment may be cancelled.
Limited touching. Prospective buyers and tenants are asked only to touch things in a home when it’s essential (ie hand railings). Listing agents are expected to disinfect high touch surfaces like doorknobs and countertops (we know you want to rub the kitchen counters, but please don’t).
Open Air. It’s encouraged to have the windows open during showings to keep the air from getting stagnant and ridden with germs.
3D/virtual tours and video tours are now “the norm.” Before COVID, if you were remotely interested in a property after previewing the listing photos, you would have to trek out to see the unit with your own eyes. Now, it’s nearly unheard of for a broker to not have a 3D tour published or a video tour on hand for you when you inquire.
Temperature checks with the doorman. Building managers and co-op and condo boards have their own set of precautions. Some of the more strict buildings even have temperature check stations at the doorman’s post.
Open Houses are a thing of the past. At least for now, as we once knew them. Any “Open House” you see online is strictly by appointment only to keep down crowding in small spaces. We’re seeing a few virtual open houses as well, where the broker holds an open house at a designated time and sets appointments virtually with interested buyers or renters.
Your real estate agent is your personal shopper. For cautious clients, buyers are having their agents preview and vet out properties for them in advance, via video tours or facetiming during a showing. If the buyer is very interested, they will schedule an in-person showing.
Electronic transfers and e-signatures are on the rise. The NYC real estate business is known for being archaic when it comes to making payments via certified checks and requiring wet signatures on paperwork. With virtual showings and closings strongly recommended, much of the industry is getting used to wire transfers and signing documents electronically in order to minimize touch.
Continued High Demand for Pre-Market Listings During COVID-19
If you’re searching for a new home to purchase during the pandemic in NYC, you’ve been in the same boat for the past 15 weeks – the real estate sales market has been moving at a crawl during the PAUSE period, and there has been a major lack of new listings coming on the market. Real estate is slated to begin private showings again with Phase 2 of the COVID reopening plan on Monday, June 22. We are confident that will mean more hot, fresh, juicy listings. However, there will certainly be a pool of sellers who aren’t quite ready to bring their homes to the public market.
During these tough times, sellers are partnering with Triplemint more than ever to get buyers in their homes before they go to market. In order to find more inventory, buyers are turning to our Pre-Market options as an additional stream of homes to consider.
Check out the Whitman Team’s favorite new Pre-Market properties this month. Want more? Give us a call.
Fifth Avenue - Carnegie Hill
2 BEDS • 1 BATH
Situated on Museum Mile with Central Park at your doorstep, this lovely two-bedroom home has been beautifully renovated from top to bottom. Move right into this light-filled, south-facing home in a full-service, post-war cooperative on Fifth Avenue. This is a pet-friendly co-op that permits pieds-à-terre, gifting, and financing up to 80%.
East 74th Street - Lenox Hill
3 BEDS • 2 BATHS
Welcome to this gut renovated, turn-key, home featuring two bedrooms and two bathrooms plus a home office/ nursery. Upon entry, you are immediately greeted by tremendous sunlight flowing throughout the South-facing open concept living area. The kitchen has been outfitted with custom cabinetry, Quartz countertops, top of the line appliances (Wolf, Thermador, Bosch) an oversized island with seating for four and additional storage accessed on both sides. The owner and architect designed the kitchen and living area millwork to maximize functionality and offer as much storage space as possible.
West 12th Street - Greenwich Village
2 BEDS • 2 BATHS
This lovely home contains luxurious touches throughout including dimmable LED lighting with fixtures by Jonathan Adler, Restoration Hardware, and Rejuvenation, 5” planked natural walnut hardwood floors, crown molding in all living spaces, and custom fit Hunter Douglas silhouette window treatments. Every room in this gracious home faces east, allowing for open views and wonderful light that pours in throughout the day.
East 69th Street - Lenox Hill
3 BEDS • 3 BATHS
This stunning home also offers custom lighting, Du Chateau white oak wide plank flooring throughout, abundant custom storage, a Bosch washer and dryer, and through the wall ACs. The beautiful, open, custom kitchen contains top of the line appliances such as Kitchen Aid Red Button and Miele. It also has custom white lacquer cabinets, Arabesco marble counters and waterfall, and custom lighting.
West 117th Street - South Harlem
2 BEDS • 2 BATHS
Newly renovated floor-through apartment with very low monthlies. This second-floor home combines the best pre-war features (good bones, high ceilings, dramatic bay windows) with all the latest in design and conveniences, including an open island kitchen (with Bosch appliances), washer and dryer, and smart home features. The huge master bedroom overlooks lovely landscaped brownstone backyards, and features an en-suite bathroom plus a walk-in closet. Tax abatement in place until 2024.
East 80th Street - Yorkville
2 BEDS • 2 BATHS
Upon entering this gorgeous apartment, one of the first luxuries you will notice is a huge walk-in coat closet. Note that this is the first of five closets in the apartment! Enjoy the walk through the impressive foyer, then enter a large living space with recessed lighting, as well as two large windows, which overlook a view of a quiet, tree-lined street.
High Demand for Pre-Market Listings During COVID-19
If you’re a buyer in NYC during the pandemic, you’ve likely noticed that the big spring real estate sales season isn’t exactly going as planned. With significantly less inventory coming onto the market during NYC “pause,” you need to get creative and look at what’s available pre-market. You’re in luck because pre-market inventory is Triplemint’s specialty.
The Whitman Team rounded up their favorite pre-market listings this week. See something you want to check out or want more options in your budget? Give us a jingle. We have access to numerous options from studios to townhouses.
SOUTH END AVENUE - Battery Park
4 BEDS • 3.5 BATHS
This home invites you into a gracious open floor plan, encompassing living, dining, and kitchen that measures 40 feet long. There’s a wall of four windows that allow you to watch the sunset during dinner. The kitchen has the design and function that embodies what the heart of the home should be. It features ample storage in striking custom black oak cabinets, pantry, and bookshelves. The centerpiece of this chef’s kitchen is the custom Lacanche stove imported from France.
WEST 18TH STREET - CHELSEA
3 BEDS • 2.5 BATHS
Spectacular, designer-renovated 2,002-square-foot, 3-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom residence in a boutique full-service condominium located in the heart of lower Chelsea. Two doors down from the famed Walker Tower, it is also only a five minute walk to Union Square, the Highline, and everything the West Village and the Meatpacking District has to offer. Built in 2003, the 12-story building has recently undergone an impressive upgrade to all the common areas. With a brand new lobby, a well-appointed resident gym with outdoor patio, and a rooftop terrace, as well as 24-hour doorman and on-site super.
WEST 117TH STREET - SOUTH HARLEM
2 BEDS • 2 BATHS
Newly renovated floor-through apartment with very low monthlies. This second-floor home combines the best pre-war features (good bones, high ceilings, dramatic bay windows) with all the latest in design and conveniences, including an open island kitchen (with Bosch appliances), washer and dryer, and smart home features. The huge master bedroom overlooks lovely landscaped brownstone backyards, and features an en-suite bathroom plus a walk-in closet. Tax abatement in place until 2024.
EAST 80TH STREET - YORKVILLE
2 BEDS • 2 BATHS
Upon entering this gorgeous apartment, one of the first luxuries you will notice is a huge walk-in coat closet. Note that this is the first of five closets in the apartment! Enjoy the walk through the impressive foyer, then enter a large living space with recessed lighting, as well as two large windows, which overlook a view of a quiet, tree-lined street.
WEST 28TH STREET - CHELSEA
1 BED • 1.5 BATHS
This gracious 1-bedroom, 1.5-bathroom apartment is the largest 1-bedroom layout in the building. This apartment features floor-to-ceiling windows and receives stunning light with triple exposure: south, west, and east. High 10′ ceilings, in-unit washer/dryer, central A/C, a windowed kitchen with Bosch, Viking, and Sub-zero appliances, a wine cooler, and an elegant master bathroom featuring a marble and limestone bath, with double sink and radiant-heated floors.
WEST 72ND STREET - LINCOLN SQUARE
1 BED • 1 BATH
This top floor apartment features stunning pre-war details with high ceilings and crown moldings, a generous dining foyer, hardwood floors, a windowed eat-in kitchen with stainless steel appliances and quartzite countertops, a renovated bathroom, and excellent storage throughout. This incredibly quiet apartment has south exposure, and dual exposures (south and west) in the king-sized bedroom. A perfect oasis from the busy streets of Manhattan.
EAST FOURTH STREET - NOHO
1 BED • 1 BATH
This gut-renovated duplex loft is located in prime NoHo. The condo features a wood-burning fire place, gigantic living room, and an open renovated kitchen.
FIFTH AVENUE - EAST HARLEM
3 BEDS • 3 BATHS
Don’t miss this stunning 3-bedroom, 3-bathroom apartment featuring high ceilings, large windows, and city views. The gracious layout includes a chef’s kitchen with top-of-the-line appliances and granite countertops, a master suite with a huge walk-in closet, and a limestone en-suite bathroom.