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.

Under Contract in Real Estate: Sold, or Still in Play?

Under contract means the seller has accepted an offer and both parties have signed a purchase agreement. It’s not final. About 6% of contracts nationally fall through within three months, per NAR’s own data, usually over inspection, financing, or appraisal… Read More

Does New York City have a Multiple Listing Service (MLS)

Quick answer: No — New York City doesn’t have a single unified MLS the way almost every other US market does, mostly because there’s never been one local board of realtors covering the whole city. Instead, Manhattan runs on REBNY’s… Read More

Condo vs Coop in NYC: What Should You Buy?

The condo vs coop in NYC choice comes down to ownership, control and flexibility. A condo gives you title to real property. A co-op gives you corporate shares and a proprietary lease. Co-ops often involve deeper approval and tighter sublet… Read More

What do Real Estate Agents Make in NYC in 2023?

Some Make a lot, But It’s Not Money Alone That Drives Them. So, what do real estate agents make in NYC? Every fan of the Bravo Channel’s hit cable T.V. series Million Dollar Listing New York knows it. Being a… Read More

NYC Flip Tax Explained: How It’s Calculated, and Who Pays

Every co-op buyer in New York City will eventually encounter the flip tax question. Usually, when they’re already under contract and realizing they should have asked sooner. It’s one of the most misunderstood closing costs in NYC real estate: not… Read More

Five Steps to Getting Your First Investment Property in 2023

Buying your first real estate investment property is a significant commitment. You must know a few key things: what to look for,  much you can charge for rent, and how much you can spend on expenses. With the proper tools… Read More

File a complaint vs your real estate agent in New York

Filing a complaint against a broker is an aggressive move. Home buyers and sellers must use it as a last resort or if the agent threatens litigation. There are many ways you can file a complaint vs. your real estate… Read More

Multiple Offers on a House: Why Sellers Keep Both Alive

Multiple offers on a house are entirely legal for an NYC seller to juggle, even after one buyer has an accepted offer. Nothing is binding until a contract is signed and clears its attorney approval window, commonly 3 to 5… Read More

Raise Your Property Value: easy fixes to increase profits

Like any homeowner, you always look for ways to raise your Property Value in NYC. When you purchase your home, it can decrease in value or increase depending on market conditions. What you do to your home will ultimately affect… Read More

Tips for Keeping Your House Cool During Summer

Summertime is already here.  While it brings us many exciting opportunities for adventure, it does bring in one discomfort- the extreme summer heat. We’re not looking forward to facing that when we’re just sulking around the house either. Now, your… Read More

What Is a Proprietary Lease?

A proprietary lease is the agreement that gives a co-op shareholder the right to occupy a specific apartment. The stock establishes ownership in the corporation; the lease connects those shares to the unit and sets out duties regarding maintenance, charges,… Read More

Garden Planting: What Are The Benefits? (2023)

There are many benefits to garden planting in NYC. A garden right in front of our home, with beautiful flowers blooming, is a sight we all want to enjoy. This is why we check for enough space to plant a… Read More

2019 NYC Rent Law: what has changed?

In 2019, the NYC Rent Law underwent significant modifications. We drafted a synthesis of the 145-page bill that passed. Several new laws took effect in New York City following the passage of the “Housing Stability and Tenant Protection Act of… Read More

Downsizing to a Smaller Home in NYC: A Practical Guide

Downsizing to a smaller home in NYC can free up cash, cut your monthly costs, and get you onto one floor. The tax side helps: you can exclude up to $250,000 of gain on the sale, or $500,000 if married… Read More

Buying and selling with a tenant in place (2019)

Buying or selling a property in New York City with an existing tenant is often more challenging than dealing with a vacant unit. It applies primarily to co-op and single-family homes and does not cater to investors. However, buying a… Read More