Astoria Magazine - Vol 2

ASTORIA2016NEIGHBORHOODHOTNESSINSIDE vol.2WHAT’S UP IN ASTORIA?WHAT IS YOUR PROPERTY WORTH?ALL THE THINGS YOU CAN DOWITHOUT LEAVING YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD

WHAT’S INSIDE Letter from the Editor.........................33 About Jennifer Rouse ........................5 Hot Listing.........................................6...6 About Astoria....................................7........... Breaking Ground...............................8................ How to Secure a Mortgage .... ...........9................ Lifestyle............................................1..0..-..1.1....... Shopping..........................................1.2...-..1.3....... Dining..............................................1..4..-..1.5..... Art & Culture.....................................1.8..-..1.9 The Lincoln........................................B..a.ck Cover2

EDITOR’S NOTE I hope my story inspires you and shows you that where you live is one of the most vital things in life. Your home is not just where you live, it is your everything. I believe that being a homeowner is one of the best gifts that you can give yourself. Although it is a very big commitment, it is a milestone in one’s life and so many people do not have the opportunity. If you do get this opportunity to own a home, take it. Buying a place as a 20-something was a little scary. I was living at home, but was ready to move closer to where I work and I wanted my own space. I was ready. I really did not want to rent. I had tried to save so much money and stay on a budget for so long to save for my future so if I rented a place, what was I saving for? I did not want to spend the same amount monthly for a mortgage that I would spend on a months rent so I bit the bullet and decided to purchase a condo in Astoria. I found a place pretty quickly since inventory was super low (as it is right now) and put in an offer. I had never even rented an apartment so I really had no idea what I was doing. Transfer Taxes, Attorneys, Additional Fees, etc. Now I was wondering what I had gotten myself into. I just wish that I had someone that would be able to help me and walk me through the process. Although I didn’t have anyone that could do that, I am able to do it for you when you are ready. There is no doubt that all of these things are scary and that it is a lot of money that needs to be spent. But when I signed all of those papers at the closing and got those keys to the first home I have ever lived in by myself and I owned it, it was such a euphoric moment. I couldn’t believe this place was actually mine! Now I sit here today, 8 years later, in my wonderful home. In the beginning I was scared and I was not sure that what I was doing was right, but knowing that my property now that I own is worth almost double what I paid for it, makes all of that stress and worry so worthwhile. Your home purchase is an investment. It is a very strong investment. Real Estate in New York is something that has accrued value for so long, and it will continue. When you decide to go through this process, I am happy to be your go to friend and broker to talk to and I will reassure you, it is all going to be worth it. And I promise you I will have a twist off bottle of wine at the closing! - Jennifer Rouse Associate Broker/Notary Public 3 BOND New York Properties Phone: 917.816.7018 [email protected]

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BIO PAGE Jennifer Rouse has been in the real estate industry for seven years. Her - Jennifer Rouse excellent communication skills and tireless commitment to hone her craft created a vibrant career by 2008. She is very outgoing and engages Associate Broker/Notary Public completelywiththosewhocometoherforassistanceinfindinganewhome. BOND New York Properties Jennifer loves to get her clients what they want. Her honest guidance and Phone: 917.816.7018 informedadvicehascreatedlonglastingrelationshipswithherrentalclients [email protected] who return to her when they’re ready for a rental apartment upgrade or readytopurchaseahome.Shereceivesnumerousreferralsfromthepeople she has helped. BorninNewYork,JenniferattendedTheFashionInstituteofTechnology.She has two Associate Degrees and a Bachelor of Science Degree in Marketing. Shewantedtolearnaboutinvestinginrealestateandgotherlicensetoget a feel for the business. She has developed knowledge of property values in NewYorkCityanditssurroundingarea.Jenniferalwayswantstoaddtoher understandingoftheN.Y.C.market.Sheattendsasmanyrealestaterelated functions as possible and takes advanced real estate courses. Combined with her heels to the pavement experience, she now recognizes a good investment for her customers. Herdegreeinmarketingdefinitelygivesheranadvantagewhenmarketing an exclusive and her eye for design allows her to see the benefits of any space. She loves art and color and envisioning furniture placement to achieve the best layout possible for an apartment. Her goal is to grow an investmentportfolioforherselfbycontinuingtosuccessfullyrentandsell properties to and for others. 5

COMING SOON!BOUTIQUE CONDOMINIUM - 16 LUXURIOUS RESIDENCES FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: JENNIFER ROUSE 917-816-70186

ASTORIAAstoria and Long Island City have changed a lot in the past several years attracting not only moreand more new residents, but also young entrepreneurs starting businesses to fill their needs. Thereis just so much development, every corner you come across is under construction. These developersare making properties hot, new, and just for you.Whether it’s a spin class, yoga studio or cutting edge nail art, Astoria and Long Island City haveit all right at your fingertips. We have highlighted some of our favorites and provided tips andresources for getting to know our beloved neighborhood. 7

Breaking GROUND BY JENNIFER ROUSE Have you heard of Astoria? I am sure if you didn’t know where it was, you know now. With so much press and so much development, Astoria has become one of the HOTTEST neighborhoods there is. Even Lady Gaga hangs out there! Astoria is one of those neighborhoods that has just shocked me with its growth. A​ s a Real Estate Broker, Resident and Homeowner in Astoria for 8 years, I moved to Astoria because of convenience. I loved the fact that I could have a car and then also be in Manhattan in 15 minutes. So, I myself bought a brand new construction condo from a developer in 2007. Where else can you go where you will find restaurants and bars on every corner, and be in the city in a flash! There is so much new development going on and all of this incredible development is making so many areas super attractive for new people coming in looking to purchase or rent. Inventory is at an all time low for all properties and land. I see the pricing staying the same for specific types of properties, but also see some residents wanting to cash in on their properties. Developers are willing to pay top dollar to have some space to build high end condos and rentals. Astoria and Long Island City look like totally different neighborhoods than they did 10 years ago. Every corner you turn, you see scaffolding or land sitting there waiting on its next life. Purchasing property in Astoria, Long Island City or anywhere in NYC, will be one of the best investments you can make. I bought my condo in 2007 before the recession and it’s value has almost doubled. I am a big advocate for purchasing vs. renting. Rates are still very low, you will end up paying the same amount of money per month if you buy. Why not buy? I have the best people in the business that can help you through the purchasing process and hold your hand. Your first home purchase is definitely one of the biggest commitments you will have to make in your life, but I must say it is so worth it. It may not be an easy process, but I am here along with my support team to help and walk you through it all. We all want a security blanket in life, when you own property, it is quite an accomplishment. Not only do you own something, but the value continues to go up. There is no better feeling than being able to buy your own home and pay off your own mortgage and not someone else’s.8

How to SecureA MORTGAGEMany first time homeowners are familiar with the concept of having to get amortgage, and that it involves getting approved by a lender or a bank, but noteverybody understands exactly what it means. The process of getting approved for a mortgageis a validation of Income, Assets, Credit & Collateral (Appraisal). In order to get an approval fora mortgage, all four of these must be strong. If one of these components is slightly weaker thanthe rest, it is possible to have a stronger component that can compensate for the loan as a whole.Once you have found the bank or mortgage lender you feel will best suit your needs, you will haveto be able to validate and prove your income, assets and show good credit history. It is importantto remember, the larger the loan, the more validation is needed. For example, if you have previouslybeen a renter, you will need to demonstrate your rental history and be able to prove that you havepaid your rent on time for the previous 12 months.Stephen SaccoLoan Originator - NMLS ID# 240869Citizens Bank, N.A.Home Lending Solutions - Mortgage125 Park Ave, 18th FloorNew York, NY 10017Cell: 917-750-9412 Efax: 844-277-9502Email: [email protected] 9

LIFESTYLE Whatever you need. Whenever you need it. Astoria and Long Island City have an endless amount of things to do to keep you active and entertained regardless of the season. From Yoga in the Park to movie nights on the waterfront and Green markets on the weekend, there is no need to ever leave this gem of a neighborhood.10

LIFESTYLE DIRECTORYFITNESS PET CARE/PARKS NAIL/SPA DRY CLEANERSThe Art of Fitness Waggin Tails Dog Walking Lily’s Nails Crescent CleanersPilatesinastoria.com Service3232 Steinway Street www.waggintailsastoria. 3201 31st Avenue 35-02 Crescent StQueens, NY wordpress.com Astoria, NY 11106 Astoria, NY 11106718 687 9140 2916 21st Avenue 718 626 1169 718 472 2580 Astoria, NY 11105Simply Cycle Astoria 203 536 6246 Blossom in Astoria TJ Dry CleanersSimplycycleastoria.com30-69 Steinway Street Rapawzel Dog Grooming www.Blossominastoria.com 25-04 34th AvenueAstoria, NY 22-04A 31st Street Long Island City, NY 11106718 806 1962 www.rapawzeldoggroomer.com Astoria, NY 11105 718 433 1631 718 278 2324Club Fitness New York 35-45 33rd Streetwww.clubfitnessnyc.com Astoria, NY 11106 Shade Bar31-11 Broadway 917 488 5093Queens, NY www.shadebarspa.com718 545 0004 Astoria Park 36-05 Ditmars Boulevard Astoria Park S and Shore Astoria, NY 11105Sage Fitness Studio Boulevard 718 278 7892www.sagefit.com Astoria, NY 1110229-20 23rd Rd, #401 SkintiqueQueens, NY Hunters Point South718 767 2659 Waterfront Park www.skintique-ny.com 4-10 Center Boulevard 22-67 28th Street, Lower LevelTightan Fitness Long Island City, NY Astoria, NY 11105www.tightan.com 11109 347 396 02831-21 31st StreetAstoria, NY718 274 1606 11

SHOPPING Community Is In The Commerce Each neighborhood has all the conveniences of a New York City block with everything you need from dry cleaning to food shopping right at your fingertips. Thanks to still affordable commercial rents there is also a thriving mom and pop boutique and small businesses featuring handmade wares to small designers making supporting your community not only a great thing to do but also stylish and cool.12

SHOPPING DIRECTORYSPECIALTY FOOD SHOPS CLOTHING AND FOR THE HOMETitan Foods ACCESSORIES Build it Green! NYCwww.titanfoods.net Prima Donna Bignyc.org2556 31st St www.shopprimadonna.com 3-17 26th AvenueAstoria, NY 3139 Steinway St Astoria, NY 1110211102 Astoria, NY 718 777 0312718 626 7771 718 204 0488 The Furniture MarketSorriso Italian Pork Store The Brass Owl www.myspace.com/thefurni-44-16 30th Ave www.thebrassowl.com turemarketAstoria, NY 11103 Ditmars Blvd 22-08 Astoria Blvd718 728 4392 Queens, NY 11105 Astoria, NY 11102 347 848 0905 718 545 3935WINE SHOPSAdega Wine and Spirits BabyNOIR SPECIALTY AND GIFTSwww.adegawineandspirits. www.babynoir.net Lockwoodcom 26-15 23rd Ave www.lockwoodshop.com31-25 Ditmars Blvd Atoria, NY 11105 3215 33rd StAstoria, NY 646 470 4728 Astoria, NY 11106718 545 2525 718 626 6030 Victoria’s SecretAstoria Park Wine and 31-35 Steinway St The Little Soap ShopSpirits Queens, NY 11103 www.thelittlesoapshop.netwww.astoriaparkwineand- 718 932 7842 22-07b 36th Stspirits.com Astoria, NY 1110528-07 24th Ave. Express 718 704 4408Astoria, NY 11105 3101 Steinway St718 606 1143 Astoria, NY 11103 VINTAGE SHOPS 718 956 9778 Loveday 31Wine Stop www.loveday31.com30-08 Broadway 33-06 31st AveAstoria, NY 11106 Astoria, NY 11106718 274 4545 718 728 4057 13

DINING The Inside Scoop On Astoria’s Hidden Gems The dining scene in Astoria and Long Island City has always been known for its diversity. In the last few years it has also become known for its quality, innovation and style. From farm-to-table hearty meals to new twists on familiar ethnic dishes, there are some incredible dining experiences to be had and most of them are still affordable.14

JJ’s Fusion (Sushi) DININGwww.ivnstudios.com/jjsfusion37-05 31st Avenue DIRECTORYAstoria, NY 11103718 626-8888 Diwine“Best Edamame pot stickers in NYC” www.diwineonline.com 41-15 31st AvenueBZ Grill 718 777 1355www.bzgrill.com Astoria, NY 11103718 932 7858 “Pan seared Salmon. YUM YUM YUM”27-02 Astoria BoulevardAstoria, NY 11102 Via Trenta“Best Gyro in New York, also noted www.viatrenta.comto be the best greek food” 36-19 30th Avenue Astoria, NY 11103Mom’s Restaurant & Bar 718 545-2090www.momsastoria.com “Tuna tar tar with cucumbers, artichokes718 267 0142 and avocado”30-95 33rd StreetAstoria, NY 11102 Luna Asian Bistro“Fried cheese curds, I mean, anything lunaasianbistro.comfried and with cheese has to be good” 32-72 Steinway Street Astoria, NY 11103 917 832-7911 “One of the only rooftop bars in Astoria” 15

NIGHTLIFE The Best Part of the Day is the Night Once associated with biergartens, Astoria and Long Island City now offer a variety of drinking options even worth making the trip from Manhattan for. And while there is still a significant craft and brewing scene, there are also nightclubs for late night dancing and specialty bars offering 24 different types of bourbons. The nightlife scene has something for everyone.16

NIGHTLIFE DIRECTORYPenthouse808 Icon 31-84 33rd Streetwww.penthouse808rooftop.com Astoria, NY 1110 347 808 75928-08 Queens Plaza SLong Island City, NY 11101 DiWine718 289 6118 www.Diwineonline.com 41-15 31st AvenueCavo Astoria, NY 11103www.cavoastoria.com 718 777 135542-18 31st AvenueAstoria, NY 11103 Mundo718 721 1001 www.mundonewyork.com 37-06 36th StreetZ Hotel Rooftop Bar The Paper Factory Hotelwww.zhotelny.com Long Island City, NY 1110111-01 43rd Avenue 718 706 8636Long Island City, NY 11101212 319 7000 17

ART & CULTURE Culture Vision: Astoria and Long Island City are on the forefront of the arts scene An entire district has been recently named for the arts and culture Astoria has to offer while Long Island City has been home to such institutions as the Museum of the Moving Image and the Noguchi Museum for quite some time. With MoMa PS1’s regularly scheduled weekend events you can make an entire weekend immersed in the area’s culture and arts.18

Theater Development Fund’s ART & CULTURECostume Collectionwww.tdf.org DIRECTORY34-12 36th Street #1Astoria, NY 11106 The Astor Room212 989 5855 www.astorroom.com 34-12 36th StreetThe Garden at Studio Square Astoria, NY 1110635-33 36th Street 718 255 1947Astoria, NY 11106 Museum of the Moving Image718 383 1001 www.movingimage.us 36-01 35th AvenueFrank Sinatra School of the Arts Astoria, NY 1110635-12 35th Avenue 718 784 0077Astoria, NY 11106 Noguchi Museum718 361 9920 www.noguchi.org 9-01 33rd RoadQueens Council on the Arts Astoria, NY 11106www.queenscouncilarts.org 718 204 708837-11 35th Avenue Kaufman Astoria StudiosAstoria, NY 11101 www.kaufmanastoria.org347 505 3010 34-12 36th Street Astoria, NY 11106 718 706 5300 19

The lincoln EST. 2017 A STUNNING NEW BOUTIQUE CONDOMINIUM IN THE HEART OF ASTORIA. JENNIFER ROUSE LICENSED ASSOCIATE REAL ESTATE BROKER Phone 917.816.7018 [email protected]