From left: Howard Lorber chairman of Prudential Douglas Elliman, Neil Binder, co-founder and principal at Bellmarc Companies, and John Janangelo, president of Bellmarc Property Management

Update (6:50 pm): Comments from Lorber and Binder added

Update (6:50 pm): Byline added

Douglas Elliman Property Management has acquired Bellmarc Property Management’s residential portfolio, the firms announced. In the deal, Elliman will assume management of 50 buildings, including 15 East 69th Street, 870 Fifth Avenue and CitySpire Center. “We are excited about the transition of this aspect of our business to Douglas Elliman Property Management, as it is a win-win for both companies,” said Neil Binder, principal of Bellmarc Property Management, an arm of Bellmarc Companies. “Douglas Elliman Property Management will be able to build on its impressive exiting portfolio of properties and Bellmarc will focus on enhancing its core business of residential brokerage.” Elliman boasts that it is Manhattan’s largest residential property manager. With the 50 additional buildings, Elliman’s portfolio will grow to 300 buildings. Douglas Elliman Property Management falls under the umbrella of Prudential Douglas Elliman Real Estate.  [more]

Jeffrey Davis, the general manager of Columbus Square, in front of the saltwater pool at 808 Columbus

From the January issue: When history books describe the real estate boom of the mid-2000s, they are likely to mention over-the-top amenities. In the mid-aughts, New Yorkers went mad for buildings with movie screening rooms, roof decks and pet spas. Buyers forked over six-figure down payments, and renters signed pricey yearlong leases, often assuming amenities were included. No more. Amid the hangover of the boom, the next generation of residential buildings will come with a bevy of extra fees and surcharges that New Yorkers aren’t accustomed to paying, often incurred to cover the cost of expensive features designed in more prosperous times. Fees for amenities at rental buildings did exist in some places before, but now are being expanded to include traditionally free features, like roof decks. New condos, meanwhile, are struggling to cover budget shortfalls by implementing transfer fees, special assessments and extra charges for previously included amenities like fitness and party rooms. [more]

Today’s biggest price cut in Manhattan was at unit 6D at 15 East 69th Street, on the corner of Madison Avenue, according to Streeteasy.com. The condo dropped in price to $5.8 million from $6.8 million, marking a 17 percent price reduction. The 2,500-square-foot unit was put on the market in June this year, by Prudential Elliman’s Monique Silberman. According to Elliman, this two-bedroom, three-bath condo is in “triple-mint condition,” and the building features a gym and garage. TRD [more]