Justin Ramirez

The U.S. has thrown a wrench into the gears of global watchmaking. With new tariffs imposed on watches and components from Switzerland, Germany (EU), and Japan, the finely tuned economics of timepiece production are shifting rapidly. Here’s a breakdown of what’s happening, who’s most exposed, and which American players could benefit. Breitling Chronomat 36 with Nave Blue Dial - Currently $5,450 What Changed? Switzerland: A hefty 39% tariff now applies to Swiss imports—including watches and components—as of August 7, 2025. European Union (Germany included): The U.S.–EU deal settled tariffs in the 12–16% range, still meaningful but far below Switzerland’s. Japan: Japanese goods, including complete watches and movements, face rates around 15% post-deal. Customs note: For duties, the key factor is country of origin. A U.S. microbrand casing a Japanese movement still pays Japan’s rate unless assembly qualifies as “substantial transformation.” Who’s Most Affected? Switzerland (39...

For more than a century, New York City’s co-op apartments have defined the way its most powerful and privileged residents live. From their Gilded Age origins as an alternative to townhouses, to their rise as bastions of exclusivity where celebrities and moguls were famously turned away, co-ops have been as much about social status as shelter. But in today’s real estate market, where younger, global buyers prioritize flexibility, speed, and lifestyle amenities, these storied buildings face new competition from glassy downtown condos and Billionaires’ Row towers. The question now is whether co-ops can adapt to modern buyer behavior while still preserving the history and prestige that made them New York icons.   1. Roots and Rise: Co-ops as an Innovation in Housing The cooperative housing model in New York City sprouted during the Gilded Age as a creative solution to warm, dignified alternatives between tenements and private mansions. The first such building, The Rembrandt (1881), o...

Located at 945 Madison Avenue, the Breuer Building is one of Manhattan’s most iconic and polarizing examples of modern architecture. With its looming concrete form and signature inverted ziggurat shape, it has long been a conversation starter—whether celebrated as a Brutalist masterpiece or dismissed as a cold, alien presence on the Upper East Side. From its origin as the home of the Whitney Museum of American Art to its latest transformation into the future headquarters of Sotheby’s, the Breuer Building tells a story not just about architecture, but about the shifting values and economies of the art world.   A Bold Vision from the Start Designed by Hungarian-born architect Marcel Breuer and completed in 1966, the building was commissioned by the Whitney Museum to make a statement. And that it did. Breuer, working with Hamilton P. Smith, responded to the museum’s request for a design that was “assertive, even controversial.” The resulting structure—with its asymmetrical windows, ...

My first Apartment Spotlight! Here you go: 300 West 135th Street #9F - $799,000 https://streeteasy.com/building/strivers-gardens/9f  This sun-drenched and oversized 2-bedroom, 2-bath condo at Strivers Gardens offers nearly 30 feet of open living and dining space with sweeping east, north, and west views. Easily convertible to a 3-bedroom, the home features a chef’s kitchen with Viking, Bosch, and SubZero appliances, a king-sized primary suite with a custom walk-in closet and en-suite bath, and a spacious second bedroom with a large closet. Located in a full-service, amenity-rich building just steps from St. Nicholas Park and the B/C subway, with a 421a tax abatement in place through 2031.   Another level of convenience is the main entrance to St. Nicholas Park just down the block, which leads - very quickly - to a dog run and walking paths. The best of both worlds!

When you think of Manhattan’s most powerful real estate players, certain names dominate headlines. But few have bought more high-profile properties in New York City with as little public attention as David Werner .  David Werner and partner purchased the land underneath the co-op building at 100 West 57th Street. From billion-dollar buildings to bitter tenant battles, Werner’s story is a blend of big ambition, quiet strategy—and mounting controversy. From Accountant to Billion-Dollar Buyer Werner didn’t start with deep pockets or a high-profile pedigree. In fact, he began his career as an accountant. But he made his move into real estate by investing in Brooklyn buildings with partners. One early turning point: he honored a property bid even after realizing he could have offered less. That moment built trust—and led to a $387 million portfolio deal that earned him a $7.5 million profit. That deal set the tone. Werner began raising money from private investors, offering them eq...

Living in New York City doesn't have to mean sky-high rents and wallet-crushing expenses. Believe it or not, there are still neighborhoods in Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Queens where you can live affordably and get to Manhattan in under 30 minutes by train. Whether you're looking to rent, buy, or just explore new areas, these five neighborhoods offer the best of both worlds: affordability and convenience. 1. Washington Heights (Manhattan) Average Rent: ~$2,200/month for a 1BR Trains: A, C, 1 Commute to Midtown: ~25 minutes Washington Heights sits at the northern tip of Manhattan and remains one of the borough's best-kept secrets. The neighborhood offers a strong sense of community, tree-lined streets, and cultural gems like the Cloisters and Fort Tryon Park. Rents are much lower than the rest of Manhattan, and pre-war apartments offer spacious layouts at a relative bargain. Why Move Here: Manhattan living without Manhattan prices, and a quick train ride downtown. ...

Where Time Ticks with Style... In a city that never sleeps, time is everything—and in Manhattan, it's displayed with style. From storied Swiss maisons to cutting-edge independents, the island is home to some of the world’s most coveted watch boutiques. Whether you’re a seasoned collector, a first-time buyer, or just appreciate a well-made timepiece, these watch stores offer everything from precision engineering to personalized service. Below, we spotlight the top 12 watch stores in Manhattan that exemplify craftsmanship, luxury, and timeless appeal. 1. Element iN Time NYC (Midtown – Bryant Park) Specialty: Pre-owned luxury timepieces (Rolex, Cartier, Breitling) Vibe: Appointment-only, discreet, collector-focused Tucked steps from Bryant Park, Element iN Time is a destination for serious watch lovers. Known for its high-end pre-owned collection, you’ll find everything from vintage Rolex Submariners to nearly-new Cartiers. The service is private and by appointment—perfect for ...

Think living near Manhattan means sky-high rent and endless apartment hunting stress? Think again. Just across the Hudson River, New Jersey offers a mix of budget-friendly neighborhoods that are surprisingly close to the city. With reliable train, PATH, and ferry connections, you can enjoy lower housing costs, more space, and an easy commute into Manhattan—all within 30 minutes. Here are five of the most affordable New Jersey neighborhoods with direct public transit routes to NYC, offering the perfect balance of value and convenience. 1. Journal Square (Jersey City) Average Rent: ~$2,100/month for a 1BR Transit: PATH train to 33rd Street or World Trade Center Commute Time to Manhattan: 20–25 minutes Journal Square is an up-and-coming neighborhood in Jersey City, offering some of the lowest rents in the area with a direct PATH line into Manhattan. While it’s not as polished as downtown Jersey City, it’s rapidly developing, with new residential towers and retail spaces reshapin...

New York City real estate is never boring—and over the past year, the market has been full of subtle shifts that matter whether you're buying a starter apartment or selling a luxury penthouse. In this post, we'll break down what’s happening with closing rates, how list prices compare to actual sales, and how long homes are taking to sell. We’ll also compare what these numbers look like in the luxury market (over $500,000) vs. entry-level homes (under $500,000) across all five boroughs.   Looking south on Park Avenue   Let’s dive in. How Often Do Homes Actually Close? Across the country, more deals are falling apart before the keys ever change hands. Around 15% of home purchase contracts in the U.S. are getting canceled , often because buyers back out or financing falls through. In NYC, the story is a little better—especially in Manhattan, where over 91% of deals are closing . But not all price points are equal. Luxury homes—those priced above $500,000—are more likely to fac...

New York City’s housing market has remained relatively flat over the past year. Median prices are only modestly above pre-pandemic levels – Comptroller data notes that sale prices in early 2025 were “barely higher than at the end of 2019”. Zillow reports the city’s average home value ~$763K (Feb 2025), up ~4.2% year-over-year. Tight supply and high borrowing costs have kept sales muted, with contract cancellations rising nationally. For context, about 14–15% of U.S. contracts fell through in mid-2025. In Manhattan (New York County) roughly 8.7% of contracts failed in June 2025 – implying a ~91.3% closing success rate, well above the ~85% nationwide rate. (While exact data by price tier aren’t public, luxury deals often carry higher fall-out risk than entry-level transactions due to financing/appraisal issues.) Looking south on Park Avenue Closing Rates (Contracts vs. Closings) Overall closing rates have softened slightly. Redfin analysis shows about 14.9% of U.S. contracts fel...

So here’s the deal: Zohran Mamdani, the 33-year-old democratic socialist, just pulled off one of the biggest upsets in New York City politics by winning the Democratic mayoral primary. And naturally, that set off fireworks — especially from former President Donald Trump, who’s been calling Mamdani a “communist” and threatening a federal takeover of the city if Mamdani wins. Trump didn’t hold back during a recent Cabinet meeting, trashing Mamdani as a “disaster” with “a good line of bullshit” who convinced voters to back him. He even threw around the idea that if Mamdani, who Trump insists is a “communist,” gets elected, the White House might have to step in to run NYC — just like he suggested for Washington, D.C. Crime would be down, Trump says, and everything would be “run flawlessly.” Mamdani’s camp fired back, accusing Trump of treating democracy “like a suggestion” and insulting the half a million New Yorkers who voted for change. But Mamdani’s rise isn’t just about his clash wit...

As the real estate industry continues to evolve, a new generation of startups is emerging to solve age-old pain points—slow leasing cycles, high turnover, disconnected communication, and outdated workflows. These young companies are harnessing artificial intelligence, mobile platforms, and automation to make life easier for landlords, agents, and tenants alike. Here are five of the most promising real estate tech startups turning heads in 2025:      1. Doorstead (San Francisco, CA) On-Demand Property Management with Guaranteed Rent Doorstead is flipping the traditional property management model on its head. The company offers guaranteed rental income—even before a tenant is found. Using predictive analytics and local market data, Doorstead sets a rental price and commits to paying landlords monthly, whether or not the unit is occupied. For landlords who dread vacancy risk or hands-on involvement, Doorstead offers passive income with tech-powered efficiency. Landlords: ...

In a bold (but probably inevitable) move, Christie’s International Real Estate’s Southern California branch just became the first major U.S. brokerage to launch a crypto-only division. That’s right—multi-million dollar homes, no cash required. Just bring your Bitcoin. The luxury firm has assembled a team of lawyers, market analysts, and crypto pros to handle the new unit, which launched last week. CEO Aaron Kirman says the idea came straight from their ultra-wealthy clients—especially after handling a $65 million Beverly Hills sale paid entirely in cryptocurrency. From Crypto Wallets to Bel-Air Mansions Christie’s SoCal has already closed over $200 million in crypto-based real estate deals, and Kirman says there’s over $1 billion worth of listings in the pipeline that are open to crypto-only offers. Two of the wildest properties include: “La Fin” – a $118 million Bel-Air mansion with its own nightclub, climbing wall, vodka tasting room, and cigar lounge. The Nightingale – a slee...

You might not think that one acre of land in Manhattan would matter much in the grand scheme of New York City — a place packed with millions of people and constant development. But the recent decision to pull the plug on the Haven Green project could have ripple effects far beyond its tiny footprint.   Haven Green was supposed to bring affordable housing for seniors to a neighborhood that desperately needs it. After more than ten years of planning, community discussions, court battles, and City Council approvals, the project was suddenly scrapped by the city last month — no real warning, no clear reason. That decision doesn’t just waste time and money. It also sends a bad signal: that even after jumping through every hoop, affordable housing plans can be dropped without much notice. And right now, when building affordable housing is already harder than ever, we should be doing everything we can to build trust and momentum — not erode it. Let’s be real: building anything in NYC i...

If you’ve taken the subway in New York City this summer, chances are you’ve seen (or stepped in) some water. But what happened on July 14, 2025 , wasn’t your typical puddle. In just one hour, the city was hit with over 2 inches of rain —the second-wettest hour in NYC history. Subway stations turned into waterfalls, and viral videos showed people wading through ankle-deep water just to catch a train.   The rain came down so fast, the city’s drainage system couldn’t handle it. For context, NYC’s sewers are built to manage about 1.75 inches of rain per hour —this storm exceeded that in less than 60 minutes. With nowhere to go, the stormwater surged up through drains and flowed straight into subway tunnels and stations. It was enough to shut down multiple lines, flood platforms, and cause chaos during the evening commute. This wasn’t just a fluke. Experts say it’s part of a bigger issue: aging infrastructure and climate change . The subway system is over 100 years old, and while the...

Whether you're a fashion lover hunting for hidden designer gems or just looking to refresh your wardrobe without breaking the bank, Manhattan's consignment scene offers a treasure trove of high-end finds. In 2025, the borough is bursting with beautifully curated boutiques that blend luxury, sustainability, and serious style cred. From East Village vintage dens to Upper East Side staples for Chanel and Hermès, these six standout consignment shops have earned glowing reviews and recent media buzz alike. Here’s your guide to the very best, complete with up-to-date addresses, website links, and real customer testimonials. 1. Stock Vintage — East Village Address: 143 E 13th St, Manhattan, NY Cited as NYC.com’s #1 consignment & vintage shop for 2025 , this East Village menswear specialist is celebrated for its exquisite curated selection spanning decades of vintage styles. Reviews: “The best vintage curator in NYC in my opinion. Melissa's inventory reaches far & wi...

Adam Neumann is back. Yes, that Adam Neumann—the co-founder of WeWork who once promised to change the way we work, live, and even think, only to be ousted after one of the most infamous startup collapses in recent memory. Now, he’s pivoting to housing with a brand-new venture that aims to reshape how people rent and live in America. But after everything that happened with WeWork, people are understandably skeptical. Neumann’s new company is called Flow , and while it hasn’t launched in full yet, it’s already raised a staggering $350 million from Andreessen Horowitz, one of Silicon Valley’s biggest venture capital firms. That single investment is the largest individual check the firm has ever written. The goal? To disrupt the rental housing industry and inject a sense of community, tech, and “soul” into the often impersonal world of multifamily living. So far, Flow has been acquiring thousands of rental units in cities like Miami, Nashville, Atlanta , and elsewhere. The exact detail...

Zohran Mamdani, a progressive state assemblyman from Queens, has shaken up New York City’s political and real estate landscapes with his insurgent mayoral campaign focused on housing justice. His proposals—ranging from freezing rents on over a million apartments to overhauling the city’s property tax system—have drawn fierce support from tenant advocates and deep resistance from landlords, developers, and the political establishment. As the city grapples with a worsening affordability crisis, Mamdani’s candidacy has become a flashpoint in the debate over who gets to shape New York’s future—and at what cost. Zohran Mamdani is an Astoria‑based Queens state assemblyman and housing advocate who entered the mayoral race with a strong focus on affordability. With years of experience as a foreclosure prevention counselor, he attributes his platform to efforts assisting low‑income homeowners in Queens stay in their homes, a history that motivates his housing agenda . Central to Mamdani’s pl...