FROM MONICA
Dear Clients and Friends,
-HAPPY SPRING!
As we move into April, the real estate and investment landscapes continue to evolve, presenting both challenges and opportunities. While the market remains volatile with global factors such as AI disruptions and shifting geopolitical dynamics, there are signs of recovery especially in real estate.
The U.S. housing market in early 2025 has shown mixed signals, with home prices rising modestly but growth slowing compared to previous years, still presenting valuable opportunities.
As always, I’m here to help navigate these changes and provide support, whether you're considering new ventures or exploring ways to make the most of the current landscape. Let’s make this spring a season of growth and smart investment.
Best,
F O O D & D I N I N G
BIRDEE
An all-day spot from the Crown Shy people is opening on the Williamsburg waterfront with pastries from an Eleven Madison Park and Saga alumn. Birdee will offer things like croissants, cookies, and brioche, in addition to breakfast burritos, salads, and sandwiches.
I CAVALLINI
I Cavallini, the new restaurant from the team behind Williamsburg's The Four Horsemen, will serve Italian cuisine with a wine list focused on Italian wines The restaurant will also offer a full bar program beyond just wine With nearly double the seating of its sister restaurant across the street, I Cavallini is set to expand as The Four Horsemen approaches its 10year anniversary as one of NYC's most influential restaurants.
WIN SON
Win Son Bakery, a popular Taiwanese American eatery from East Williamsburg, has softlaunched its second location in the East Village at 23 Second Avenue While not open for in-store dining yet, it offers delivery via DoorDash, featuring favorites like scallion pancake breakfast sandwiches and millet mochi doughnuts. Founded by Trigg Brown and Josh Ku, known for other local spots, the original bakery gained fame as a breakfast destination, especially on TikTok. An official in-store opening for the East Village location is anticipated soon
30 FRONT STREET Residence 21A/D
The magnificent great room unfolds with an expansive dining area, soaring 11-foot ceilings, and floor-to-ceiling windows that bathe the space in ethereal light This architectural masterpiece is further elevated by a stunning open kitchen, seamlessly blending elegance and functionality Designed for both grand entertaining and intimate gatherings, this enchanting setting invites effortless sophistication and timeless allure.
$16,995,000 $16,995,000
5 BEDROOMS | 5 BATHROOMS + 2 HALF 5 BEDROOMS | 5 BATHROOMS + 2 HALF
The principal suite is a luxurious retreat featuring a large walk-in dressing room, an enchanting shoe closet, and a lavish en-suite bathroom with a soaking tub and rain shower. The tranquil bedroom includes a custom oversized bed, ambient lighting, and floor-to-ceiling windows with stunning views. This suite combines comfort and sophistication, offering a perfect refuge Residence 21A/D epitomizes elegance and caters to discerning buyers seeking an extraordinary lifestyle in Brooklyn's premier waterfront development
The enchanting Home Theater boasts a magnificent 100inch built-in screen, surrounded by immersive sound, cocooned within soundproofed walls, and adorned with blackout shades Indulge in the comfort of oversized chaise lounges, designed for ultimate relaxation
A lavishly appointed separate screening lounge awaits, featuring an expansive bar kitchen complete with full-sized wine refrigeration, beverage coolers, and a grand refrigerator, alongside a dishwasher Revel in cinematic delights on an 85" picture-perfect TV, while enjoying friendly competition at the pool table 3
T H E M A S T E R S
SPORTS
The Masters, held annually at Augusta National Golf Club, is one of the most prestigious events in
The Masters, held annually at Augusta National Golf Club, is one of the most prestigious events in golf. As the 90th edition approaches, all eyes are on Scottie Scheffler, who could make history by golf As the 90th edition approaches, all eyes are on Scottie Scheffler, who could make history by winning for a third time Scheffler, the current world No 1, won the 2024 Masters by four strokes winning for a third time. Scheffler, the current world No. 1, won the Masters by four strokes over Ludvig Åberg, and has triumphed in two of the last three tournaments. With multiple over Ludvig Åberg, and has triumphed in two of the last three tournaments With multiple victories in 2024, including at the Tour Championship and Arnold Palmer Invitational, Scheffler is victories in 2024, including at the Tour Championship and Arnold Palmer Invitational, Scheffler is a strong favorite for another win a strong favorite for another win.
The 2025 Masters will take place from April 10–13. The tournament begins with the first round on
The 2025 Masters will take place from April 10–13 The tournament begins with the first round on Thursday, April 10, and ends with the final round on Sunday, April 13 It will be broadcast on CBS Thursday, April 10, and ends with the final round on Sunday, April 13 It will be broadcast on CBS and ESPN, and can be streamed on Paramount+ and Fubo and ESPN, and can be streamed on Paramount+ and Fubo
2025 NBA PLAY-IN, PLAYOFFS & FINALS SCHEDULE
April 13: NBA Regular Season ends
April 15-18: SoFi Play-In Tournament
April 19: NBA Playoffs 2025 begin
May 5-6: Conference Semifinals begin (possible move up to May 3-4)
May TBD: Western Conference Finals games will air on ESPN and/or ABC Eastern Conference Finals games will air on TNT
June 5: NBA Finals 2025 – Game 1 on ABC
June 8: NBA Finals 2025 – Game 2 on ABC
June 11: NBA Finals 2025 – Game 3 on ABC
June 13: NBA Finals 2025 – Game 4 on ABC
THE KNIGHT FRANK WEALTH REPORT 2025
Key insights and opportunities
The investment landscape in early 2025 remains volatile, with AI disruptions, shifting geopolitical dynamics, and quick-moving investor allocations driven by financial market risks Despite tariffs threatening economic growth and complicating inflation, global GDP growth is expected to remain healthy, with inflation gradually easing
The real estate market, especially affected by higher debt costs and rising fixed income returns, saw a significant slowdown in investment volumes, though recent data shows a recovery, particularly driven by private capital interest Family offices are increasingly looking to invest in real estate, with a focus on sectors like London office spaces and residential properties, as global housing demand remains high due to unmet housing targets
Key themes from the Wealth Report 2025 include the continued dominance of the US in wealth creation, Africa emerging as a growing hub for high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs), and wealth mobility fueling growth in housing markets like Miami and Aspen Younger generations are influencing wealth and investment priorities, with a growing focus on sustainability and climate resilience The real estate market continues to attract investment, and despite a dip in luxury collectible markets in 2024, opportunities in real estate and luxury sectors remain strong Overall, despite risks, there are compelling opportunities for growth in real estate, luxury markets, and investment sectors for those willing to navigate the landscape
MARKET UPDATE
MARKET UPDATE- 2025 OUTLOOK
The U S housing market started 2025 with mixed signals Home prices rose 3.9% in December 2024, but price growth has slowed compared to previous years Regions like the Northeast are seeing stronger growth, while overall price increases are expected to decelerate further due to rising inventory and persistent high mortgage rates
In January, existing home sales dropped 4 9%, and new home sales fell 10.5%. Although inventory rose slightly, it's still below historical averages, and affordability remains a significant challenge for many buyers Mortgage rates continue to put pressure on the market, with many buyers, particularly in the lower-to-mid price range, struggling to enter
Experts predict minimal growth of around 3% in 2025, with a full recovery requiring both increased inventory and lower mortgage rates conditions unlikely to improve significantly soon. The market remains difficult for most buyers, with opportunities primarily in the high-end segments
GLOBAL
MARKET UPDATE
Global housing markets: 2025
Knight Frank Wealth Report reveals a 4 4% increase in individuals worth over US$10 million in 2024, with North America leading growth at 5 2% The US remains dominant, with nearly 39% of global wealth at the US$10 million+ level While Asia is expected to surpass North America in wealth creation over the next four years, the US stays ahead in sectors like AI and tech Africa shows strong potential for future wealth growth, driven by a young population and increasing investment Wealth taxes are rising globally as governments target the growing private wealth, with the US and Europe leading the charge.
GLOBAL SCALE IN ALLIANCE WITH KNIGHT FRANK
71 LANGUAGES SPOKEN OVER 487 OFFICES IN 53 COUNTRIES
NEW DEVELOPMENT ONE11
RESIDENCES AT THOMPSON CENTRAL PARK
ONE11 Residences at Thompson Central Park brings the vibrant energy of New York City right to your
ONE11 Residences at Thompson Central Park brings the vibrant energy of New York City right to your doorstep, complemented by the elegant interiors designed by Thomas Juul-Hansen Conveniently doorstep, complemented by the elegant interiors designed by Thomas Juul-Hansen Conveniently situated atop the new Thompson Central Park hotel, this building offers 99 one- and two-bedroom situated atop the new Thompson Central Park hotel, this building offers 99 one- and two-bedroom condominium residences and penthouses Residents can enjoy an array of premium amenities and condominium residences and penthouses Residents can enjoy an array of premium amenities and services, including a 24-hour attended lobby with onsite restaurants and a full-service bar, a private services, including a 24-hour attended lobby with onsite restaurants and a full-service bar, a private lounge, a fitness center, private storage, and comprehensive access to Thompson’s acclaimed lounge, a fitness center, private storage, and comprehensive access to Thompson’s acclaimed concierge and lifestyle experience concierge and lifestyle experience
PRIVATE RESIDENTIAL AMENITIES & SERVICES
24-hour attended lobby
Onsite dining options and full-service bar
Exclusive lounge area
Fitness center
Private storage solutions
99 Residences
NEW DEVELOPMENT MARINA DI SCARLINO RESORT TUSCANY,
ITALY
Nestled in the heart of Tuscany's Maremma region, Marina di Scarlino Resort offers 36 elegantly designed apartments with spacious panoramic terraces overlooking the Tuscan Archipelago and Island of Elba
These beautifully crafted residences provide the perfect blend of hotel services and home comfort, with amenities including a swimming pool, fitness center, private beach club, seafront cafés and restaurants, and a shopping gallery with boutiques Guests can explore nearby beaches, national parks, and the renowned, sheltered local marina.
Part of Preferred Residences, a global collection of luxury accommodations, Marina di Scarlino Resort is affiliated with Preferred Hotels & Resorts, the world’s largest independent hotel brand with over 700 properties in 80 countries
AMENITIES
CONCIERGE SERVICE
POOL CLUB AND GYM
PRIVATE BEACH CLUB
YACHT CLUB AND BERTHS SEPARATELY
L O C A L HAPPENINGS
THE FRICK COLLECTION
The Frick Collection will reopen on April 17, 2025, in its historic mansion built for Henry Clay Frick Designed by Carrère & Hastings in 1914, the mansion showcases 18thcentury European style and includes a reflecting pool. The collection features works by Rembrandt, Vermeer, and Renoir Visitors will now access newly restored spaces on the first and second floors, including previously off-limits private quarters, marking an exciting new chapter for the museum.
AMERICAN SUBLIME AT THE WHITNEY
Amy Sherald: American Sublime opens April 9–August 10, 2025, with member previews from April 3–7, 2025. This major exhibition at the Whitney Museum of American Art showcases over fifty paintings by renowned artist Amy Sherald Featuring works from 2007 to the present, the exhibit includes her iconic portraits of First Lady Michelle Obama and Breonna Taylor, as well as early and never-before-seen works Sherald’s paintings focus on Black Americans, extending the tradition of American realism and figuration. The show explores themes of selfhood, identity, and the impact of her work on contemporary art and culture
BUY TICKETS
NYBG ORCHID SHOW: MEXICAN MODERNISM
Head to The Bronx for The Orchid Show: Mexican Modernism at the New York Botanical Garden. This vibrant floral exhibition, running until April 27, takes place in the Enid A Haupt Conservatory and is inspired by the work of Mexican modernist architect Luis Barragán Explore stunning orchids, minimalist designs, and tranquil spaces that reflect Barragán’s ethos. Be sure to check out Orchid Nights, 21+ events with cumbia music, dancing, and drinks on select nights
MORTGAGE RATES
While Freddie Mac's average 30-year mortgage rate is currently 6.63%, we may see a slight decrease to around 6.50% by late 2025. This could provide a good window for buyers looking to lock in a favorable rate, even if affordability doesn't drastically improve.
Mortgage rates play a key role in shaping the housing market. Lower rates typically boost demand and home prices, creating more competition but also greater buying power. While higher rates may slow purchases in the short term, they can present unique opportunities for sellers, as limited inventory due to the "lock-in effect" can drive prices up
Factors such as the U.S. economy, loan demand, and the Federal Reserve's actions all influence mortgage rates. While inflation may push rates higher, it's important for homebuyers to shop around and compare rates from different lenders, as even small differences can make a big impact on your monthly payments. With the Fed's policies affecting mortgage costs, working with an experienced agent can help guide you through this dynamic market to make the best decision. .
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
LOUIS VUITTON TO LAUNCH MAKE-UP LINE WITH PAT MCGRATH AS CREATIVE DIRECTOR
HISTORIC ALL-FEMALE SPACE MISSION
Louis Vuitton will launch its first modern cosmetics line, La Beauté Louis Vuitton, this autumn, led by renowned makeup artist Dame Pat McGrath. The collection includes 55 lipsticks, 10 tinted lip balms, and 8 eyeshadow quads, emphasizing luxury, craftsmanship, and innovation CEO Pietro Beccari sees this line as a natural extension of the brand’s commitment to quality This move aligns with trends among luxury brands entering the beauty market, following similar launches by Celine, Balmain, and Prada
Blue Origin is set to launch its first all-female crew on the New Shepard spacecraft this spring, marking a historic flight The 11-minute mission includes notable women such as Aisha Bowe, Amanda Nguyen, Gayle King, Katy Perry, Kerianne Flynn, and Lauren Sánchez. This mission is Blue Origin’s 11th human flight and 31st in the New Shepard program, showcasing its competition with SpaceX in the commercial space sector
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
THE HOKA X MARNI COLLABORATION
Hoka and Marni are collaborating to launch the Bondi B3LS, a bold dad shoe combining Marni's style with Hoka's performance Releasing on April 4, these chunky sneakers feature a responsive rubber sole, cushioned EVA soles, and a padded upper. Each pair includes three sets of customizable laces and comes in four colors: Poinciana (red), Bracken (charcoal), Tourmaline (blue), and Straw (beige), priced at $395, available on Marni.com and Hoka.com.
FOUR SEASONS INTRODUCES PRIVATE JET TOUR INSPIRED BY HBO'S THE WHITE LOTUS.
Four Seasons and HBO’s The White Lotus are offering an exclusive 20-day World of Wellness journey aboard a luxury private jet in May 2026 The trip visits iconic filming locations like Maui, Taormina, and Koh Samui, featuring personalized wellness activities such as yoga, spa treatments, and adventure experiences Guests will stay at Four Seasons resorts in destinations like the Maldives and Marrakech, with highlights including Muay Thai training and wine tours. The journey concludes in Maui, revisiting The White Lotus setting, and is limited to 48 guests for an intimate experience
