The Nest

NestApple's Real Estate Blog

Featuring real estate articles and information to help real estate buyers and sellers. The Nest features writings from Georges Benoliel and other real estate professionals. Georges is the Co-Founder of NestApple and has been working as an active real estate investor for over a decade.

Most precise home value estimator in 2025

In an era where 65% of Americans are homeowners, understanding the value of your property has never been more essential. It’s more than just a number; it’s a crucial component of your financial well-being. So, where does one begin to figure… Read More

Capital Gains Tax When Selling Your NYC Co-op

You are subject to federal and state capital gains taxes when selling a co-op in NYC. You may be able to exclude up to $500,000 of gains under the Section 121 home sale exclusion, provided that specific ownership and use… Read More

Impact of 2024 NAR Settlement on NYC Real Estate Commissions

The recent NAR settlement impact does not prevent NYC sellers from paying a commission to buyer agents, which means immediate, widespread changes to the brokerage commission structure in NYC are unlikely. Since the implementation of the NAR settlement on 8/17/24, operations… Read More

What is a NY Disclosure Form?

In the real estate market, we talk about the real estate NY Disclosure Form, also known as the New York State Disclosure Form for Buyer and Seller. This document is an agency disclosure form that brokers and agents must give… Read More

REBNY Financial Statement Template (2025)

Does the listing agent ask you to submit a REBNY financial statement form in NYC with your offer to buy an apartment? A REBNY form was only provided for the NYC real estate market co-ops. However, this financial disclosure form became a… Read More

How to pass a coop board interview in NYC?

Let’s face it: coop board interviews in New York remain stressful and intrusive. However, they exist for a reason. They live so that the current building residents can collectively decide whether applicants buy or rent an apartment in their building.… Read More

4 Tips for Hunting for a New Home in New York City

Living in NYC is a dream for many, but making it a reality is a nightmare if you’re not prepared for what’s in store. Here are some tips on finding your ideal home in the Big Apple to smooth over… Read More

New York security deposit law

Quick answer: In New York, a landlord has exactly 14 days after you move out to either return your security deposit in full or send an itemized list of deductions — not a vague “reasonable time,” a hard deadline. Miss… Read More

NYC Apartment Guarantor Guide (2025-2026)

In New York City real estate, having a guarantor for an apartment is quickly becoming the norm. Most transplants to the city first learn about them when they realize they don’t meet the income requirements for an apartment in the… Read More

Can You Afford to buy a home in NYC in 2025?

We determine if you can afford a home in NYC by deciding where you want to buy. Then, you figure out what mortgage you’ll qualify for. Here’s what you’ll need to know about the NYC  real estate market. This works… Read More

How Do I Get an Eviction Removed From My Record?

Experiencing an eviction can be a significant challenge. In several states, an eviction can stay on your record for up to seven years, seriously affecting your credit score and making it difficult to find suitable housing. You can continue reading… Read More

10 Largest Cities in California by Population (2025)

California is the most populous state in the country by a wide margin — and after two straight years of decline during the pandemic, its population is growing again. The state added roughly 108,000 residents in 2024 alone, reaching about… Read More

New York Mansion Tax Guide (2026)

If you plan on buying a home in New York, there’s a good chance you’ll be paying a mansion tax, as this tax applies to all homes selling for over $1 million in the state. In 2019, authorities introduced a… Read More

Real Estate Commission Rebates in New Jersey – Savings Guide

Once you’ve saved for a down payment, checked your credit score, and identified the areas of New Jersey that appeal to you, it’s time to start looking at properties for sale. Given the high home prices and expensive closing costs… Read More

What is a Final Walk-Through checklist

The final walk-through is essential to the home-buying process just before closing the real estate transaction. This is the buyer’s chance to confirm that the property meets the agreed-upon condition and that any repairs or alterations promised by the seller… Read More