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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Houses are a lot like cars. Even if you take Care of them obsessively, they will eventually need repairs. When a house requires a repair or an upgrade, it’s often hard to find the right help. Word of mouth tends… Read More
A condo right of first refusal lets the board buy your unit itself, at the same price and terms you already agreed to, typically within 30 days of notice. It’s a purchase right, not a rejection tool: a condo board… Read More
On June 24, 2021, a massive tragedy happened. A Surfside, Miami high-rise condominium tower partially collapsed. Strangely, the building was almost entirely leveled. Men, women, and children were under the rubble. Search efforts continued for over a week before rescuers… Read More
Title insurance protects against covered ownership defects that already existed when you bought the property. New York buyers may see 2 policies: the lender’s policy protects the mortgage lender, while the owner’s policy protects the buyer, the same split ALTA’s… Read More
The main first-time homebuyer programs in NYC are HPD’s HomeFirst, which offers up to $100,000 in forgivable down payment and closing cost assistance, and SONYMA, the state’s below-market mortgage. Both need a homebuyer education certificate, income below a set limit,… Read More
If you are like most renters, there are moments when you wonder why you live in the area that you live in. Sometimes, it’s because kids keep playing wall ball near your study. Other times, it could be that the… Read More
During the pandemic, there was one looming worry that homeowners had. With all the jobs shuttered due to the COVID-19 crisis, many homeowners worried they wouldn’t make bank payments. Some people were not able to make their monthly payments on… Read More
Buying a historic home in New York means you can’t freely change the exterior. An individual landmark or a house in a historic district needs approval for outside work. In return, a 20% New York State tax credit can offset… Read More
These are the real estate terms a New York City buyer runs into, in plain English. About 50 of them, grouped by where they come up: the people, the money, the contract, the co-op or condo, the taxes at closing,… Read More
We all hear the “real estate is a perfect investment” spiel. To a point, it’s true. Real estate generally increases in price, and the truth is that it can help you build equity and avoid paying higher amounts in rent.… Read More
The first-time homebuyer mistakes that cost the most in NYC are financial and legal, not cosmetic: waiving the financing contingency, underestimating closing costs, skipping the inspection, ignoring the board minutes, and using the listing agent as your own. Waiving the… Read More
A good real estate agent represents one side of your deal, answers the phone, tells you when a building looks weak, and puts any rebate in writing. In New York, they also carry a clean license that you can check… Read More
Brooklyn real estate couldn’t be hotter if it tried. How much is it to buy an apartment in Brooklyn? This area is famously trendy and great for families that want to enjoy life’s finer things. Renting an apartment is a… Read More
When you are buying or selling property, it can feel like a lot is happening all at once. For example, the deal is finalized briefly after signing the purchase contract. Then, the contract is drafted and negotiated. Therefore, the building’s… Read More
What is the first reaction when an heir receives real estate? Sell my inherited home! Not so fast. When a death in the family occurs, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. You’re in the middle of grief. You often have to… Read More
