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.

Top 10 Benefits of Upgrading to Vinyl Windows

Upgrading the windows in your home is a significant investment, and choosing the right type of window can make all the difference. Vinyl windows are popular due to their durability, energy efficiency, and aesthetic appeal. Here are the top 10… Read More

Overview of roll roofing installation costs (2025)

Roll roofing refers to a host of flexible panels adhered to sheathing to protect the home. It is an excellent alternative to the shingles that are often used. That’s because, in a few ways summed up in the relatively low… Read More

Paw-fect Tenants: Navigating Emotional Support Animal Policies in NY Rentals

If you rely on your pet for emotional support, ensuring they can go with you wherever you go is crucial. But when you live in a big city, especially one as wired and bustling as New York, finding housing that… Read More

Questions About the Neighborhood Every Renter Should Ask

When looking for apartments for rent in a new neighborhood, the significance of asking the right questions cannot be overstated. These questions serve as a compass, guiding you toward a neighborhood that meets your immediate needs and aligns with your… Read More

New Construction Closing Costs in NYC: What to Negotiate

A closing cost on new construction can include ordinary buyer expenses plus sponsor taxes and plan-specific charges. New York’s condo rules use 10% in the deposit formula and require special disclosure above 10%, per the NY Attorney General’s Real Estate… Read More

NYC Lease Disclosures: 2 New Ones Landlords Often Miss

NYS law requires a disclosure form for landlord and tenant covering lead paint, window guards, sprinklers, bedbugs, and flood risk before an NYC lease gets signed. Two newer requirements get missed constantly: a Good Cause Eviction notice on every lease… Read More

What is a Temporary Certificate of Occupancy in NYC?

When constructing a new high-rise condo in New York City, developers aim to obtain a certificate of occupancy from the NYC Department of Buildings. This document verifies that the essential infrastructure is functioning correctly. Obtaining a certificate of occupancy, commonly… Read More

What Is a Certificate of Occupancy in NYC? When Do You Need It?

The 40-60 word answer: A Certificate of Occupancy (C of O, or CO) is a real estate document the NYC Department of Buildings issues to certify a building’s legal use and occupancy type — residential, commercial, or mixed-use — along… Read More

How Do You Calculate a Prorated Rent? (2024)

Quick answer: Prorated rent is the partial rent you owe for occupying an apartment for less than a full month — typically at move-in or move-out, the same formula SmartMove’s own guide walks through. The standard formula: divide your monthly… Read More

Flex Wall Installation and Price Guide in New York (2024)

A flexible wall, also known as a temporary wall, can be a great way to partition your apartment. They aren’t costly but can be tricky to install, as you need landlord approval to put one up. Recent college graduates and… Read More

Buyer Broker Compensation: The Four Ways It Gets Paid

Buyer broker compensation is the fee your agent earns for representing you in a purchase. In New York, it’s paid in one of four ways: directly by you, through a seller credit, through a co-broke split from the seller, or… Read More

From Stress to Success: Transforming Your Rental Business with Innovative Ideas

Navigating the challenges of the rental market is not a simple task. Instead, it demands innovation and adaptability. Transforming your rental business with innovative ideas involves many things, from expanding your portfolio to leveraging technology, and the list is endless.… Read More

Cost Of Living In Spring, TX [2024]

Spring, Texas, a charming suburb of Houston, offers a blend of urban and suburban living. The cost of living in Spring, TX, is slightly higher than the state average but lower than the national average in the United States. When… Read More

Checklist: How To Move To A New City (2024)

The prospect of relocating to a new city in the United States can be thrilling and overwhelming. It represents an exciting fresh start, brimming with new possibilities, but it also requires careful planning and consideration. To ensure a smooth transition,… Read More

Moving To Puyallup, WA: Things To Know

Moving to Puyallup, WA, offers a climate typical of the Pacific Northwest, marked by mild temperatures and significant rainfall. Puyallup’s location in the Puget Sound region influences its weather patterns, providing a moderate and welcoming climate for those who prefer… Read More