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.

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NYC real estate guides

Start with a complete guide, then go deeper with the articles inside it.

What is MLS of Manhattan in NYC?

When buying and selling a home, what is Manhattan MLS in real estate markets? What is an MLS listing NY or an MLS number? Where can I search to buy a home in Hudson Yards? How do I list my… Read More

Can a Realtor Legally Lie About Other Offers in NYC?

Only if the seller says yes, and only if you ask. Under NAR’s Code of Ethics, Standard of Practice 1-15 requires a listing agent to disclose offers to a buyer or a cooperating broker, but only with the seller’s approval.… Read More

Co-Signer for a House: What the Role Actually Means

A co-signer for a house shares full responsibility for the mortgage. In New York, a co-signer on a co-op is usually added to the stock certificate and lease as a co-owner. A guarantor only backs the payments, often needing income… Read More

What Is a Conventional Loan? Requirements and the NYC Catch

A conventional loan is a mortgage not insured or guaranteed by a government agency. If it fits Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac’s rules and size, it’s conforming; above the 2026 limit of $1,249,125 in NYC, it’s a jumbo. You typically… Read More

Buying Your First Vacation Rental Investment – 2023

Are you interested in expanding your financial portfolio and building your nest egg by getting into real estate? Invest in real estate. Purchasing a vacation rental investment property is an intelligent strategy. Therefore, if you choose a booming market, you… Read More

5 Creative Ways To Add Value To Your Home Before Listing It

Guest Blog Post by Matt Lee. Many home sellers get caught scrambling to make significant upgrades before listing their homes to boost the selling price. While major renovations, like flooring, roofing, and HVAC systems, are essential elements to have squared… Read More

NYC Mortgage Recording Tax: Rates, Exemptions and CEMA

The mortgage recording tax NYC buyers see has a 2.05% statutory total below a $500,000 mortgage and 2.175% at or above $500,000 for a qualifying one-to-three-family home or individual condo. The lender generally pays 0.25%, leaving common borrower arithmetic of… Read More

What Is a Bridge Loan? Buying Before You Sell in NYC

A bridge loan is short-term financing, usually 6 to 12 months, that lets you buy a new home before your current one sells. It’s secured by equity in your old place, and you typically need about 20% equity and strong… Read More

Best New Constructions in NYC for 2020-2021

Many people dream of living in NYC. For some, it becomes a reality. Every year, there’s no shortage of supply. Despite the COVID-19 crisis, modern new constructions keep popping up on New York’s skyline. Therefore, the NestApple team has gathered… Read More

REBNY COVID-19 Health Questionnaire Screening Form

The REBNY COVID-19 Health Questionnaire Screening Form was a move from the Real Estate Board of New York (REBNY) to help promote the safety of all participants during a showing. The New York City real estate market, remained limited to… Read More

Title Insurance in New York State: What Co-op Buyers Need

Title insurance in New York State isn’t automatically required for every co-op purchase. Co-op buyers acquire shares and a proprietary lease, not a deed. TIRSA lists 2 cooperative forms, one for owners and one for lenders. Lien and UCC searches… Read More

NYC Lead Paint Disclosure: What Pre-1978 Buyers Must Know

Sellers and landlords of NYC buildings built before 1978 must disclose known lead-based paint hazards before a sale or lease. Since August 2025, owners citywide must also complete a one-time XRF test of common areas. Lead paint removal now runs… Read More

Buying a Condo in NYC: Budget, Offer, Close

Buying a condo in NYC means purchasing real property inside a shared building. Buyers should set a complete budget, secure financing, compare the unit and building, review the offering plan and financial records with counsel, inspect the apartment, close the… Read More

Living close to these Top NYC public elementary schools

If you want to start and raise a family in New York City, the quality of education is probably at the forefront of your mind. So, what is the NYC public school system like? To begin with, New York City’s… Read More

NYS Fair Housing and Anti-Discrimination Disclosure Form

On June 20th, 2020, the New Fair Housing and Anti-Discrimination Disclosure rules were enacted in New York. This regulation requires both brokers to show the NYS Fair Housing and Anti-Discrimination Disclosure Form to prospective purchasers, tenants, sellers, or landlords upon… Read More