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.

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

Do I Have To Pay A Buyer Agent’s Commission?

Let’s be honest: Selling a house is expensive. Heck, buying a home is costly, too. Along with all the taxes, fees, and inspections you will be required to take, you also have to pay a ton of commission. As a… Read More

Assumable Mortgage Guide: What It Is And How It Works

Given the numerous mortgage options, financing a new house can be challenging. One option worth understanding is an assumable mortgage, where the buyer takes over the seller’s existing loan — interest rate, remaining balance, and all. With today’s rates well… Read More

2025 Guide to NYC Cooperative and Condominium Tax Abatement

As a resident or property owner in NYC, you’ve likely noticed that everything is much more expensive than in other parts of the country, especially all the different taxes. So, it’s essential to know about any potential tax benefits you… Read More

2025 NYC Senior Citizen Homeowners’ Exemption (“SCHE”) Guide

Everyone knows how expensive living in New York City and New York State is. It’s one of the most expensive cities in America and the world. So, anyone living there must take advantage of every tax break or exemption. One… Read More

Top Celebrities Who Live in NYC

New York City doesn’t do subtle, and neither do the people who buy real estate here. Fashion capital, film backlot, tabloid factory — of course, half of Hollywood eventually ends up owning a piece of it. Below are the celebrities… Read More

What is a private mortgage insurance on mortgage in NYC?

When you first apply for financing during your real estate purchase, you will hear many different terms. Along with the various loan types (ARM, conventional, FHA, VA),  you may also listen to whispers about mortgage insurance. If you get mortgage… Read More

How Do Air Rights Work in NYC Real Estate in 2025?

When you have a place like New York City, everything has a protocol, a fee, or even a particular process or concept. Even something along the lines of air or “space above” can have a specific way of being parsed.… Read More

Most Libertarian States in America in 2025

Identifying the “most libertarian” states in the US relies on various factors, such as economic freedom, personal freedom, regulatory policies, and the extent of government intervention. Various sources rank states according to these criteria. Let’s examine some of the states… Read More

Most Dangerous Cities In NJ in 2024

New Jersey may be known as the Garden State but is also quite densely populated. While some cities in the state are notably safe, the most dangerous areas can be frightening. Continue reading to learn about the most perilous towns… Read More

NYC Transfer Taxes in 2026: What Buyers and Sellers Actually Pay

Many NYC sellers focus on the sale price and only later realize how much transfer taxes affect what they actually take home. Transfer taxes alone can run into the tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars, depending on the… Read More

Divorce & Real Estate In New York

How to file for divorce in NYC? Divorce cases are a plethora in New York State. When you first get married, you expect things to last forever. Unfortunately, all the expectations in the world can’t keep couples who are not… Read More

What Is Co-Broking And How Do Agents Co-Broke? (2025)

In a typical home sale, you hire a real estate agent from a brokerage, and the deal gets pushed through. Each party in the real estate transaction will have the right to their own agent. When all this goes down,… Read More