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.

Nicole Fishman Benoliel

Nicole Fishman Benoliel co-founded NestApple in 2017. She's a lawyer admitted to the New York bar - her law degree is from La Escuela Libre de Derecho in Costa Rica, with further study at IE Business School in Madrid and an LLM from Fordham in New York. She does not act in a legal capacity at NestApple; every client is referred to an attorney who handles real estate deals full time.

Questions to Ask Your Real Estate Attorney in NYC (2025)

In this article, we will provide an overview of the most important questions to ask your real estate attorney in New York City. By reviewing the following list of questions, you will learn how to interview a real estate lawyer… Read More

NYC Co-op Gift Letter | Why Buyers Need To Document

A gift letter is often necessary when submitting an offer for a co-op apartment in New York City. While not all listing agents require a gift letter as part of the offer documentation, it’s wise to prepare one in advance. This is… Read More

Can You Drink Tap Water in NYC? (2025)

Quick answer: Yes, NYC tap water is safe to drink — it’s unfiltered but rigorously tested, sourced from protected upstate watersheds, and considered among the best municipal water in the country. The real risk isn’t the water leaving the reservoir;… Read More

The Most Dangerous Neighborhoods in St. Louis (2025)

St. Louis, Missouri, is often perceived as an unsafe city. With a population exceeding 300,000, it has a crime rate that is 234% higher than the national average. In 2022, the town reported nearly 4,400 violent crimes, which included a… Read More

10 Richest Cities in Georgia – NestApple Guide (2025)

While best known for its delicious peaches, southern hospitality, and small-town charm, Georgia is also home to numerous affluent communities. This report on the ten richest cities in Georgia will help you choose the best upscale area in the state.… Read More

Largest Cities in Connecticut – NestApple guide (2025)

Home to over 3.6 million residents, Connecticut is the 29th most populous state in the US and the fourth most densely populated. Although not known for its major urban centers, the Constitution State is home to several small and mid-sized… Read More

What Is An Unincorporated Community in America? (2025)

What does it mean when a town is unincorporated, and what are the pros and cons of living in such a community? Here’s what you need to know before moving to an unincorporated area. If you’re searching for a new… Read More

10 Safest Neighborhoods in Detroit (2025)

Detroit has a longstanding stigma with crime in the United States, with violent crime being historically high. However, there are still some neighborhoods located within Motor City that offer a safe atmosphere. Read on to discover the ten safest Neighborhoods… Read More

Most Dangerous Neighborhoods in Seattle (2025)

Seattle is recognized in the United States for its cosmopolitan atmosphere, excellent cuisine, and cultural landmarks. However, it also faces a crime issue, with several neighborhoods experiencing high rates of violent crime. Continue reading to learn about the twelve most… Read More

NYC Noise Ordinance & Quiet Hours

New York calls itself the city that never sleeps, but that’s a marketing slogan, not a legal exemption — the NYC Noise Code very much expects you to keep it down at certain hours. It sets specific noise limits for… Read More

Richest Cities in North Carolina (2025)

North Carolina is famous for its charming small-town atmosphere and breathtaking natural scenery. In addition to its appeal, this southern state is home to several affluent communities, hence a high cost of living. Here is a list of the ten… Read More

3D Real Estate Animation: Powerful Marketing Tool

Selling a property in today’s competitive market requires more than just a listing with a few photos. Buyers are looking for experiences—they want to feel connected to the property before stepping inside. This is where 3D animation for real estate… Read More

What Is Earnest Money?

Earnest money is the buyer’s good-faith deposit under a signed purchase contract. In NYC, the contract deposit is typically 10% of the price, held in escrow and credited at closing. Whether it returns after a failed deal depends on the… Read More

10 Most Dangerous Neighborhoods in Dallas

Dallas is renowned for its vibrant nightlife, diverse music scene, and impressive skyline. However, this iconic Texas city’s crime rate significantly exceeds the national average in the United States, making some areas less safe. The neighborhoods in Dallas that are… Read More

NYC Heat Law: Requirements for Winter Heating (2025-2026)

The NYC heating season runs from October 1 through May 31. During those months, landlords are legally required to keep apartments and hot water at specific minimum temperatures, and the requirements are more precise than most tenants realize — there’s… Read More