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.

What Is a Pied-à-Terre in NYC? (2026 Guide, Including the New Tax)

If you’ve ever wondered why some NYC apartments sit dark half the year while their owners are off living their actual lives in Connecticut or Miami, you’ve met a pied-à-terre — French for “foot on the ground,” and real estate… Read More

2025 guide to Local Law 11 in NYC

New York City is chock-full of high-rise buildings lining the streets as far as the eye can see. If you’re a property owner in NYC or looking to buy property, you might have heard of Local Law 11 or the… Read More

Should I renovate in NYC to Help Sell a home?

Should you renovate your home in New York City before selling it? The answer isn’t clear-cut. What is the cost of renovating an apartment in NYC? On the one hand, renovating your co-op or condo in NYC will sell faster… Read More

NYC Buyer Closing Costs: Condo vs. Co-op Guide (2026)

Buying a home in New York City involves more than just the contract price. Buyer closing costs can add tens of thousands of dollars to the total cash required, especially for condo and townhouse purchases made with financing. Understanding these… Read More

Are Buyer Rebates Legal In Westchester real estate? (2025)

The Westchester (NY) real estate market is booming. The most expensive purchase of your life will be your home. And it’s usually true. In most cases, your home will cost hundreds of thousands of dollars for the house alone. As… Read More

How to avoid broker fees in NYC real estate?

How can you avoid paying broker fees in NYC? That is the question. Looking for a home can be overwhelming, especially for those new to NYC. NestApple is here to help explain what “broker’s fee” and “no-fee” listings mean. We… Read More

How to Sell Land in New York

How to Sell Land in New York starts with preparation, moves to pricing, and ends with choosing the proper selling method – either through a real estate agent, direct to a land buyer, or by owner. This comprehensive guide walks… Read More

Guide of Buying a Townhouse in NYC (2025)

When prospective homebuyers want to purchase property in New York City, it’s usually a co-op or condo apartment. However, some buyers also look at townhomes for sale, just as they would purchase a house in the suburbs. Buying a townhouse:… Read More

What Should a Home Inspection include in New York

So you’ve found your dream house or your forever home. The seller has accepted your offer, and you’re ready to move in at the end of the home-buying process. But before you get the keys to your new house and… Read More

Rework Your Apartment to Make It Unique and Special

Think about your typical well-decorated Apartment. You likely imagine some family photos hanging on shelves, a few houseplants, maybe even a lovely piece of art on the wall. It creates the perfect balance of homey and stylish. But at the… Read More

Who Pays For Bed Bug Removal: Renter Or Landlord?

If you have ever experienced the problems of bed bugs, you already know that getting these pests is terrible. Bed bugs are one of the most problematic types of pests to exterminate. To make matters worse, they bite and cause… Read More

Average Rental Broker Fee in NYC in 2026

Quick answer: This changed fundamentally on June 11, 2025. Under NYC’s FARE Act, whoever hires the broker pays the broker — and since landlords are the ones who hire listing brokers in the vast majority of rentals, landlords now pay… Read More

2025 Guide to Westchester Closing Costs

There is much to consider when considering buying properties in a place like Westchester. You’ll have to consider how close your home is to major amenities like schools, restaurants, or grocery stores. You must also watch for things you want… Read More

Home Price Reduction Strategy in New York in 2025

When trying to sell a home in New York City, it’s normal to feel like your property will fly off the real estate market. That’s usually what happens. However, there are moments when you won’t have that kind of luck.… Read More

Guide to CEMA Mortgage Loans in NYC

There are a lot of closing costs associated with purchasing a home. Using a CEMA Mortgage loan in NYC is an excellent way for buyers to save money by reducing their mortgage recording tax liability. In this guide, we’ll go… Read More