William Neuman

In September, New York Times "Big Deal" columnist William Neuman will be moving out of the real estate desk to report on transportation for the newspaper.

For the past two-and-a-half years, Neuman has written the weekly column, which follows the home buying proclivities of pampered movie stars and wealthy socialites.

"I'm a news guy," he told the Media Mob. "I now get to do a daily beat."

Before joining the Times, Neuman covered the federal courts and the rebuilding of Lower Manhattan for the New York Post.

Times rumor has reporter Josh Barbanel, who also covers real estate, taking over the "Big Deal" column after Neuman's departure. "It's not definite," Mr. Barbanel said.

-Michael Calderone

William Neuman may have skipped out on the Big Deal this past weekend, but he has now uncovered the listing for one of downtown's most talked about buildings.

Lachlan Murdoch's epic project to transform a five-story, former stable building into his palatial residence is not happening. Mr. Murdoch is offering the 14,300-square-foot building--which he paid $5.25 million for in September 2003--for $14.75 million, listed with high-end Corcoran brokers, Deborah Grubman and Carol Cohen.

Although Lachlan and his father, Rupert, parted ways last year, they might have more in common than they think to bridge that generational divide. Ms Grubman and Ms. Cohen sold Rupert's Soho spread last year to Elie Tahari.

Like father, like son.  read more »

- Michael Calderone

The Real Estate would never condone something as intrusive as digging through public records. Regardless, William Neuman reports on how to learn about noisy neighbors or the selling price of apartments on your block.

Lachlan Murdoch finds a renter for his Laight Street condo, according to New York magazine. But no word yet on his abandoned (and unfinished) Spring Street palace? Also, Frankie Muniz may soon be overlooking the NYU students from a perch in the Sculpture for Living.

Christie Brinkley’s real estate woes continue in the Hamptons, according to the New York Post.

Critics say that the Ratner-Gehry stadium wonderland in Brooklyn is a bait-and-switch.  read more »

And Park Slope’s bearded literati asks, “Do I sound like that?”

-Michael Calderone