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.

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, well above the national average the Richmond Fed’s own research tracks. This makes broker commissions the highest closing cost for sellers in… 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

Famous Nicknames for NYC (2025)

New York City, affectionately known as “The Big Apple” and “Gotham,” has developed a vibrant identity over the years. As the most densely populated city in the United States, NYC serves as a hub for culture, finance, technology, and the… Read More

Richest Chicago Suburbs – NestApple Guide (2025)

Chicago is renowned for its rich history, diverse culinary scene, and iconic architecture. Surrounding the city are some of Illinois’s most luxurious suburbs. This list highlights the ten wealthiest suburbs around Chicago, per Census Bureau income data, showcasing some of… Read More

Most Dangerous Neighborhoods in Sacramento (2025)

Sacramento, California, faces significant safety challenges, with a staggering crime rate of 44 incidents per one thousand residents, per FBI crime data. Alarmingly, your chances of becoming a victim of either violent or property crime in this city are about… Read More

Most Dangerous Neighborhoods in Miami (2025)

Miami, in the United States, is generally considered a safe city compared to similarly sized cities. However, some neighborhoods can be quite dangerous. Read on to learn about the most hazardous areas in Miami. Let’s discuss the Most Dangerous Neighborhoods… Read More

Cheapest Places to Live in California (2025)

“Cheap” is relative in California. The statewide median home price sits around $916,750 as of mid-2026, and even the state’s most affordable cities usually still cost more than the median home in most other states. With that context set, here’s… Read More

Best Neighborhoods to live in Queens (2025)

Queens is the largest borough by area in New York City and boasts remarkable diversity. Some of the best neighborhoods to consider in Queens include Long Island City, Forest Hills, and Middle Village. Here are the top places to live… Read More

What is “Step-Up in Basis” in Real Estate (2025)

The step-up in basis for real estate is an important tax provision that applies to properties and other assets transferred upon death. This provision allows heirs to inherit property at a new basis equal to the fair market value of… Read More

Can You Rent Out a House With a Mortgage? (2025)

If you have closed on a mortgage for a primary residence, you can typically rent it out after living in it for at least one year. Most mortgage agreements in the United States include a clause that requires you to… Read More

Are Buyer Broker Commission Rebates Taxable in NYC? (2025)

Buyer broker commission rebates are legal in New York, including New York City, and are generally non-taxable income. Therefore, most buyer agents in NYC typically do not issue a 1099 IRS form when providing a buyer broker commission rebate.  In the… Read More

Squatters Rights in New York (2025)

Squatters’ rights in New York City provide legal protections for individuals who occupy property without permission, granting them some form of tenancy status after 30 days have passed. This means that once squatters have lived on a property for a… Read More

The Best Renters Insurance in NYC – NestApple Guide (2025)

In New York, most landlords require tenants to have renters’ insurance. While this may seem inconvenient, a typical renters’ insurance policy in NYC costs between $150 and $250 per year. This policy protects your belongings, making it a worthwhile investment.… 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