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.

How To Plan and Get Excited for DIY Apartment Projects

There are usually limitations associated with apartment living. This is particularly true when it comes to personalizing a space. Several tenants feel confined by the walls that they cannot paint, fixtures that they cannot replace, and patterns that are apparently… Read More

What Is a Patio Home? – NestApple Guide (2025)

A patio home, also known as a zero-lot-line home, is a type of single-family residence attached to one or more nearby homes, often featuring a similar architectural style. These homes are individually owned and typically range from one to two… Read More

Co-Purchasing a Co-op vs Using a Guarantor in NYC (2025)

Both co-purchasing a co-op and using a guarantor when buying a co-op are viable options for buyers with shaky finances that might not qualify for approval by the co-op board on their own. It’s important to understand that co-purchasers share… Read More

Difference between Contract Deposit and Down Payment (2025)

In New York City real estate, the terms “contract deposit” and “down payment” are often confused by first-time buyers and new agents, but they have different meanings. The down payment is the portion of the purchase price that a buyer… Read More

What is a Contract Rider in NYC Real Estate (2025)

A contract rider in a real estate deal in New York City? Does the rider take precedence over the main purchase contract? In this article, we will cover everything you need to know about contract riders for real estate transactions… 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

Pros and Cons of Dual Agency in NYC Real Estate (2025)

As a home buyer in New York City, you may encounter a situation where a listing agent asks you to sign a ‘dual agency’ disclosure form. Agreeing to dual agency can be financially disadvantageous because it means you will not… Read More

Should You Put Your House in a Trust? (2025)

Deciding whether to place your house in a trust largely depends on your individual circumstances. One of the primary benefits of putting your house in a trust is that it helps you avoid probate upon your death. This not only… Read More

Don’t Submit a Lowball Offer In NYC (2025)

Many home buyers in NYC are attracted to the idea of making a lowball offer to purchase a property below its market value. While this is an appealing fantasy, it lacks grounding in reality. NYC homeowners are unlikely to be… Read More

The Warmest Beaches in California (2025)

California boasts miles of stunning, golden coastline. From the palm-fringed beaches of Los Angeles to the rugged cliffside beaches of Northern California, the Pacific coastline offers breathtaking views. However, dipping your toes in the Pacific can be challenging at times… Read More

Difference between Listing Agent vs Selling Agent (2025)

A listing agent represents the seller and is responsible for listing and marketing the seller’s property for sale. A selling agent is the one who identifies and secures the buyer for the property. In the NYC real estate market, a… Read More

Managing Agent Responsibilities for NYC Condo & Co-op (2025)

Having a reliable and effective managing agent is essential for the smooth operation of mid-sized and large co-ops and condos in NYC. The responsibilities of building management include maintaining the building, monitoring regulatory compliance, procuring and managing insurance policies and… Read More

The Offer Form in NYC Real Estate (2025)

In New York, offers to purchase real estate come in various formats, depending on the brokerage firm. Additionally, it is pretty uncommon to see formal offer-to-purchase forms used, particularly in New York City. In practice, most offers are typically submitted… Read More