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.

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

2025 NYC Apartment Guarantor Guide

In New York City real estate, guarantors are quickly becoming the norm. Most transplants to the Big Apple first learn about them when they realize they don’t have the income requirements ready for an apartment in the area. Third-party guarantors… 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)

The state of California has an estimated population of 39.2 million, making it the largest state in the United States. Due to its vast size, California’s cities are typically large and densely populated. Keep reading to learn about the ten… 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

Getting a mortgage pre-approval letter in NYC

Once they have decided to begin buying a home, one of the first things a serious buyer must do is “become preapproved.” How do you get preapproved for a mortgage? Is there a way to get a mortgage pre-approval online?… Read More

Own a rental property under my name or under an LLC?

Do you need a limited liability company (LLC) for a rental property in New York City? This blog will analyze the benefits of establishing an LLC in NYC real estate. We will go over the common issues about this ownership… Read More