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.
Explore by topic
Start with a complete guide, then go deeper with the articles inside it.
For Sale By Owner means the homeowner sells directly, without a listing agent, so there’s no listing commission baked into the price. It doesn’t mean you should skip your own representation. Since the August 2024 NAR settlement, whether the seller… Read More
The densely populated, culturally diverse, and ultra-busy New York City can make anyone new to the metropolis edgy about personal safety. But media stories don’t always give an accurate picture. NYC’s citywide numbers have actually improved sharply in 2025: 305… Read More
The U.S. has white sandy beaches, charming national parks, and bustling cities. Millions of people flock to the country to sample its scenic spots. It is a land packed with beauty and excitement. However, with its vast size, there are… Read More
Well, you’ve done it. After you hunted for a fantastic co-op in New York City, put together an application, and got your finances in order, you got approved. Well, kind of. According to the paperwork and the news your excited… Read More
They say you are always looking for your next job, apartment, or future love in NYC. Since I am happily married, love my current apartment, and have started my own business, I’ve added a new item to worry about. Where should I… Read More
New York City Buildings are iconic. For some people, apartment buildings in NYC with a doorman are a MUST. They range from ultra-luxurious to rat nests and everything in between. Several key factors should be considered when deciding between buying and renting, as well… Read More
Yes, easily, before the contract is signed. In New York, an accepted offer is a handshake, not the deal itself, and either side can walk away during that window. After signing, most NYC contracts still aren’t instantly binding: an attorney… Read More
A non-warrantable condo is a unit in a project that doesn’t meet the applicable standards of a lender or housing agency. The label concerns the building, not only the borrower. Financing may still be available, but options, pricing, and documentation… Read More
A sponsor unit is an apartment still owned or controlled by the original developer, converter, or another party holding sponsor rights under a building’s offering plan. In a co-op, a sponsor resale may avoid ordinary board approval, but buyers still… Read More
Are you looking to rent a new apartment and have concerns about your monthly rent? If you need a short break from paying rent, you may benefit from a lease period that does not require you to pay every month.… Read More
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
NYC capital gains tax on a co-op sale starts with the federal Section 121 exclusion, up to $250,000 for single filers or $500,000 for married filing jointly, if you owned and lived there for two of the last five years.… Read More
The NAR settlement is the 2024 agreement that ended a nationwide antitrust fight over real estate commissions. The National Association of Realtors paid $418 million and changed two practices, effective August 17, 2024: buyer-agent pay can no longer be advertised… Read More
New York State’s Disclosure Form for Buyer and Seller (DOS-1736) explains five real estate agency relationships: seller’s agent, buyer’s agent, broker’s agent, dual agent, and dual agent with designated sales agents. You can refuse to sign it, and agents who… Read More
The REBNY Financial Statement is a four-section disclosure (assets, liabilities, income, projected expenses) that accompanies almost every co-op offer in NYC. It isn’t a REBNY-mandated pass-or-fail test. Boards set their own debt-to-income and liquidity standards, commonly 20 to 30 percent.… Read More
