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.

Can a Landlord Legally Reject an Emotional Support Animal? (2026)

An emotional support animal (ESA) is a pet that offers comfort and companionship to individuals facing mental health challenges. Even if a landlord generally prohibits pets, the Fair Housing Act (FHA) requires them to permit ESAs, provided the owner has… Read More

What to do with a balcony if you don’t need a relaxation area: drying room, storage room, workshop (2026)

You don’t have to put a sofa or hammock on every balcony. In innumerable apartments, these spaces languish empty and useless, wasted square footage. Balcony Conversion to a Usable Space Could Save You Time, Money, and Frustration. You can even transform it into a… Read More

FROG Room Meaning in Real Estate (2026)

A room above a garage, commonly called a “bonus room” or “finished room over garage (FROG), can greatly enhance a home’s value and utility. Such spaces are flexible and suitable for a range of uses, including an additional bedroom, office,… Read More

NY Continuing Education for Real Estate Agents (2026)

All New York real estate licensees must complete 22.5 hours of continuing education (CE) before renewing their license. These requirements of NY Continuing Education apply to salespersons, associate brokers, and brokers. The 22.5 hours include 11 elective hours and 11.5… Read More

Home Generator Cost Guide (2026)

Generators are increasingly popular among homeowners for maintaining safety and comfort during power outages. A home generator activates when the electrical grid fails, supplying essential energy to your house. Before purchasing a whole-home generator, it’s important to understand the costs… Read More

How to Plant and Grow St. Augustine Grass (2026)

St. Augustine grass is a widely used variety, especially in the Southern United States, such as Florida. It is recognized for its excellent heat tolerance and dense growth, thriving in warm environments. It establishes itself quickly and grows rapidly, making… Read More

Can You Pay Rent by Credit Card? (2026)

While paying rent by credit card to earn points may seem advantageous, most landlords do not accept this method because of the roughly 3% (or more) processing fee. Additionally, accepting credit card payments exposes landlords to chargebacks or disputes. Why… Read More

Managing Rising Home Repair Costs in an Inflationary Economy (2026)

Homeownership has always involved ongoing maintenance, but in today’s inflationary economy, repair costs are rising faster than many homeowners expect. A broken appliance or failing system is no longer a minor inconvenience. It can quickly become a significant and unplanned… Read More

What It’s Like Living in Dallas: A Balanced Look at Life in the Big D (2025)

Dallas, Texas, is a rapidly growing metropolis known for its diverse culture, booming economy, and vibrant city life. Whether you’re considering a job opportunity, seeking lower taxes, or chasing sunshine year-round, Dallas is a top contender for relocation.  But as… Read More

Brookline MA Cost of Living: A Comprehensive Breakdown

Brookline, Massachusetts, is a desirable town just outside of Boston known for its historic charm, excellent schools, and walkable neighborhoods.  However, prospective residents and families should be aware that the cost of living in Brookline is significantly higher than the… Read More

5 Home Upgrades That Add Value Before You Move in Summerlin

When planning a move within or out of Summerlin, NV, it’s important to consider how to increase your home’s value before listing it. Smart home improvements can make a big impact on potential buyers and boost Summerlin property value.  Whether… Read More

Is Orlando, Florida, Safe?

When considering a move or vacation to Florida, one question often arises: Is Orlando, Florida, safe? Visitors, prospective residents, and families want reassurance. The truth is nuanced. Orlando combines major tourism, diverse neighborhoods, and both strengths and risks in safety. In this… Read More

How much are Real Estate Commissions in NYC? (2025)

In New York City, the typical real estate commission ranges from 5% to 6% of the sale price. This makes broker commissions the highest closing cost for sellers in the area. While commissions have generally declined in other parts of… Read More

Largest Cities in Ohio (2025)

Located in the Midwestern heartland of the United States, Ohio is one of the country’s great cultural centers. With a population of 11,785,935, Ohio is the seventh most populous state and the tenth most densely populated. Ohio also has several… Read More

How to Recast a Mortgage (2025)

Recasting a mortgage involves contacting your bank to request a recalculation of your mortgage payments after you have made a significant prepayment on your loan balance, exceeding the required amount. This process incurs no fees. However, you will need to… Read More