Leaving New York City: So Close I Can Smell It!

Just back in NYC after four days in Norfolk, Va., with my gal pal Suzanne in tow, scouring my soon-to-be new home before the big move in mid-January 2014. While I was away, the

buyers of my beloved Brooklyn Heights apartment were APPROVED by the coop board. Check!

Next up in the ever-complicated real estate realm of NYC: bringing together attorneys on both sides, alongside the buyers and meese to seal the deal.

I am now working with all parties for a closing date of Monday, January 13 for the signing, meaning that I will hopefully head south one day later and begin this wondrous new chapter just about one month from now... Of course, during the visit this week, how could I not connect with forever friends Francie and Mary & Bill, who were so integral in the initial September search?

Following is a sprinkling of pics from the visit, which was wildly different from my first sighting in September, when all was still green... and yet, Winter is just as beautiful, facing Lake Whitehurst...The beautiful neighborhood of Ghent in Norfolk... And more of the house on Heutte...

Living Large: Hamptons House Tour

If you've got double-digit millions to burn, why wouldn't you set up shop in the Hamptons, right? I spent last weekend in Long Island and soaked in the glory of gracious living... Above and below are homes in the old-money mansion section of regal Southampton. Ah, soak it in, cool cats!

Below... I had the pleasure of visiting an estate that boasts 15,000 square feet of space, with 8 bedrooms and 13 baths, set gracefully on 4.30 acres, along with a pool (and separate poolhouse), tennis courts, full movie theater, painter's studio and more fireplaces than a crematorium. I would never post interior pics of the private home if it weren't on the market, listed by Sotheby's. See more here.

Below are the pool and the poolhouse—the latter, mind you, is probably 1,200 square feet in itself.
And below is yet another beauty in the "old money" section of Southampton... front view, back view and garage/gym.

Homes Of Miami Beach

The homes in this Miami Beach nabe, all in the million dollar-plus range, may not be the largest manses in the nation, but what they may lack in square footage, they certainly make up for in water views and an ideal climate. Perhaps they more resemble Beverly Hills than Southampton, where you pay a pretty price for constant sunshine. Sounds like a fair trade-off to meese.

And yet, as one of the hardest-hit regions by the latest Great Depression, who knows how much value these Miami estates have lost. One thing is for sure: for sale signs pervade the area, with pleas to purchase "or rent." You know that's a bad sign.Hey, I think I might be able to afford this one! Lots of "potential," huh?

Maplewood, N.J. Househunting!

Who needs to pay a million bucks for a home in the beautiful suburbs around Maplewood, N.J.? I've come across some lovely properties in the right nabes that are within my price range. Jersey, here I come!