Crystal Green's NY Real Estate

2 Fordham Hill Oval HDFC 185K

2023-09-30T15:03:00.007-04:00

No need for the elevator! This sprawling one bedroom is on the 3rd floor!

This home features an updated kitchen and bathroom, king sized bedroom, living room and dining area. The apartment has hardwood floors, ceiling fans and large picture windows.
All utilities and taxes are included in the maintenance.

Residents in this gated community enjoy, exclusive children’s playground, gym, parking adjacent to the complex, package room, laundry room, 3 community rooms in the complex and outdoor garden seating areas.

The cooperative complex is very well connected to transportation via Subways, MetroNorth and access to highways and neighborhood amenities.

2023-09-30T15:00:00.003-04:00

This 2-bedroom apartment is in the lively Upper West Side just 2 blocks from Central Park and Riverside Park. The apartment has a bright outlook with tall windows in every room for a light, gracious and airy feel.

Unit 2R, on the second floor, has northeastern exposure, is bright, quiet and faces the back of the building. Enter this apartment through the charming entry foyer. To the left of the foyer is the attractive open plan living area with a great size kitchen and living room that features high ceilings and tall windows for enjoyable light throughout the day.

The primary bedroom is spacious and has open eastern exposure with views to the tree lined backyard. The second bedroom with northern exposure is also good size and could easily be converted to a home office.

111 West 106th Street is a well-managed and financially sound HDFC co-operative with a total of 15 units. The building amenities include video intercom, laundry room, storage bins and bicycle storage. Washer/dryer and dishwasher installation are permitted in the apartments.

HDFC income caps apply.

Crown Heights Condo coming to the market

2016-08-26T13:45:00.000-04:00

See more pictures here https://doc.co/uHtZbr

I am featured in this article on Mainstreet.com and Thestreet.com discussing challenges woman and minority home buyers face.

2016-06-03T11:11:00.000-04:00

Women and Minorities Lag Behind in Homebuying Rates

Ellen Chang
Jun 1, 2016

Minorities and women are still lagging behind their counterparts on purchasing homes compared to Caucasians and men, according to a Trulia report.

The study by Trulia, a San Francisco-based real estate website, found that even when women and minorities are earning the same income as white men, their levels of homeownership have still not caught up. Compared to Caucasians, black Americans remain 56.9% less likely to own a home, especially in the Northeast and Midwest. Blacks have larger homeownership rates in California, Florida and Texas.

The Hispanic population fared slightly better: 50.9% are less likely than whites to have a mortgage. More Hispanics are likely to own with a mortgage at the same rate or better in the Southwest and West. In El Paso, Texas, Hispanics own homes at more than twice the rate of whites and make up more than 75% of all households.

Minorities are more likely to be homeowners in cities where the heads of households of that minority group comprised of a large share of the overall population. Trulia found that in the San Francisco Bay Area cities, Chinese-Americans are twice as likely to own homes as whites, but they are still 38.9% less likely to have a mortgage across the U.S.

A large contributing factor on why minorities have not made larger gains in homeownership compared to Caucasians is because their families are less likely to be able to contribute to funding part of a down payment, said Ralph McLaughlin, chief economist for Trulia.

"If your parents owned a home, you are more likely to own one," he said. "For many minorities, they tend to earn less money and are less able to save up for a down payment compared to their white counterparts."

Another roadblock that minorities face is discrimination and a disparity in loan applications being approved, along with understanding how to buy a home, said Crystal Green, a real estate broker with Level Group, a New York real estate brokerage company.

"This can be remedied by neighborhood outreach groups educating women and minorities on the buying process and demystifying it," she said. "A lot of people are not aware of FHA loans which require minimal down payments or forgoing the bank route all together and going to your local credit unions that often have less stringent rules and flexibility to help buyers qualify for financing."

Women Making Gains

While women have not caught up with men and are still 10.5% less likely to have a mortgage, in cities such as Honolulu; Winston-Salem, N.C.; Seattle; Miami; and Tacoma, Wash., they fared better. One contributing factor is that there remains a gap of 6% more single women compared to single men. Out of the single women, 37.2% were parents compared to 11.7% men who were parents.

"Single parents are losing out on homeownership because they have to spend a higher share of their income towards child care," he said.

Despite having less earning power than men, many women are choosing to buy homes before they have a partner or get married to share their expenses, said Green.

"Women are starting to earn more money than they have historically, bringing more of them into the buying pool," she said. "Most women are marrying later in life and feel if they have to pay housing costs, they may as well invest in something."

Many women and minorities are faced with earning lower salaries than Caucasian men even though they are conducting the same type of work.

"They don't have the same earning power as white males and this results in being unable to accumulate enough of a nest egg to cover a down payment, closings costs and still have a rainy day fund," Green said.

The lower levels of homeownership could be attributed to overall views on real estate. Real estate is now seen more favorably as a good investment with 35% who agree to this sentiment, compared to only 19% in 2011, according to an April poll conducted by Gallup, a Washington, D.C.-based data analytics company. Americans find that stocks and mutual funds are the next best investment option with 22% who agree while 17% favor gold, 15% chose for savings accounts or CDs and 7% prefer bonds.

Millennials Prefer Renting

While Millennials have voiced the desire the own a home in the future, they are keen to keep renting since many of them switch jobs frequently, have not amassed the down payment or do not want the financial commitment. The zeal to pursue the "American dream" of owning a home has faded.

During the period of 2005 to 2015, the number of people under the age of 30 who rent grew by 11% while 34% more Gen X-ers ages 30 to 49 rented, according to a Harvard University's Joint Center for Housing Studies.

Renting is becoming widespread among income groups since 18% of the increase in renters during this decade earned $100,000 or more and the number of renters in the top income bracket grew by 61%, the report said.

A Gallup report in 2015 showed that 41% of non-homeowners who do not have plans to buy a house "the foreseeable future" and 34% of Americans renting their home. The number of people owning homes has fallen to 61%, the lowest amount in almost 15 years.

Renting has emerged as a norm for a third of the adults in the U.S., wrote Art Swift, a managing editor at Gallup. The data mirrors the U.S. Census Bureau's estimate in the fourth quarter of 2014 that 64% of Americans are renters.

Since many Millennials are more mobile and have experienced a slower start to their careers, they are not in a rush to purchase a home, said McLaughlin. Others are frustrated at the increasing prices of homes, which hinders their ability to save for a down payment as wages and income growth have been modest.

"They are buying homes at lower rates because they move around more than other generations," he said. "For many potential homeowners, it is not a lack of desire, but rather their financial circumstance such as flat wage growth which is inhibiting their ability to save up for a down payment."

Story link here: https://www.mainstreet.com/article/women-and-minorities-lag-behind-in-homebuying-rates?_ga=1.12948855.1718533787.1462387134

I am excited to announce that I have joined Level Group

2015-09-18T12:44:00.002-04:00

The New York and Brooklyn Q2 2014 Market Report is out now!

2014-07-17T11:55:00.000-04:00

Good Morning!

High prices and low supply continued to be the story of the Manhattan real estate market in the second quarter. Though things have slowed down quite a bit from the torrid pace of the last year, we still saw the number of sales rise for the seventh straight quarter. A few key themes in the market over the past 90 days are:

· Low Inventory – supply remains low, but is improving

· Sales Slowed – primarily due to high prices but also lower supply means there are less properties to sell

· Luxury Apartments and Condos are Driving Prices – the bulk of sales are not in this segment, but a $70 million 5^th Ave apartment and a $26 million doorman-less co-op in SoHo will skew numbers

According to New York Magazine, inventory was still a problem despite the number of listings increasing by 18 percent as the real number remains a relatively low 5,659 properties. There still plenty of activity in the market, but there has been a little bit of a slowdown as activity is not increasing at the same rate that it was over the last year.

Buyers reportedly continue to struggle with bidding wars as 45.9 percent of listings found takers at or above the asking price, the largest market share in the past six years.

But sales do look promising as supply continues to rise. As more people put their homes on the market looking to fetch peak prices, costs will begin to go down as that supply goes up. There is also the expected increase of luxury condos hitting the market at the same time in Midtown with approximately 750 units headed that way. However, for the time being, with the average home price currently at a record $1.7 million, buyers are showing some resistance and restraint when making purchases, especially when we look at properties in the $5-$10 million range. There, we are seeing properties more stagnant and on the market for longer periods of time. All factors that will contribute to reining in prices.

Crain’s New York Business had similar reports showing the pace of sales in the second quarter slowing significantly due to the sharp price increase. The median sale price of a Manhattan condo was $910,000 this quarter - a 5.2% increase since last year.

The condos that are being built are commonly luxury or ultra-luxury, affording developers the ability to make their money back at a steep price point- essentially causing the median average prices to climb.

According to the Wall Street Journal, condo prices have dropped below the record prices set during Q1 possibly due to a lull in new development completions. Brokers and developers fear the likelihood that buyers are beginning to resist the sky-high prices. Prudence on the part of buyers can be seen in other portions of the market as well as typically tepid co-op numbers far outpaced condos in terms of the growth of both median sale price—which was $725,000 for the second quarter—and sales volume.

NEWS SOURCES FOR LETTER

http://nymag.com/daily/intelligencer/2014/07/manhattan-real-estate-not-as-hot-as-it-looks.html

http://www.crainsnewyork.com/article/20140701/REAL_ESTATE/140639978/manhattan-apt-sales-market-eased-back-off-the-boil

http://online.wsj.com/articles/manhattan-condos-see-prices-fall-from-first-quarter-records-1403053412

The New York City Real Estate market remains ultra-competitive due to low inventory and low interest rates

2014-04-17T17:40:00.000-04:00

Prices are up, inventory is low and the market is ultra-competitive

By HEATHER SENISON April 17, 2014

Limited inventory is the theme in the sales market this spring, particularly for those who can’t afford to spend $3 million and up, experts said.
If you’re looking to buy new property for under $2 million, Manhattan won’t have it.
“It’s definitely competitive,” Gary Malin, president of real estate group Citi Habitats, said of the spring sales market. “There’s lots of bidding wars going on, lots of best-and-final [offers] going on.”
In other words, few apartment hunters are getting their first choice these days.
Inventory in Manhattan in the first quarter of 2014 declined by 17% from the first quarter of 2013, according to a Citi Habitats sales market report; apartments priced between $2 million and $5 million made up 16% of total sales in the first quarter of this year, up 2% from the year before.

Read the full story here: http://www.amny.com/real-estate#/real-estate/prices-are-up-inventory-is-low-and-the-market-is-ultra-competitive-1.7741541

New York City Doorman Strike Averted

2014-04-15T13:19:00.000-04:00

Union for New York City’s doormen, handymen gets contract, averts strike

Service Employees International Union 32 BJ, or SEIU 32BJ, agreed to a tentative four-year deal that includes a 11.3% raise for doormen and handymen who work in residential buildings.

BY GINGER ADAMS OTIS

NEW YORK DAILY NEWS

Published: Friday, April 11, 2014, 4:27 PM

Updated: Friday, April 11, 2014, 6:47 PM

The union representing doormen and handymen reached a tentative agreement Friday with the Realty Advisory Board, averting a possible strike that would have affected thousands of city residents.

Service Employees International Union 32 BJ agreed to a four-year deal that includes a 11.3% raise for doormen, supers, handymen and porters who work in residential buildings.

44 Manhattan and Brooklyn new developments slated for Spring 2014

2014-03-19T10:32:00.000-04:00

Just like the temperatures heading into spring, the real estate market tends to warm up. But this year, the sheer amount of action is white-hot, way ahead of the mercury on the thermometer. Why? A whopping 44 new developments are launching this spring—that's condos and rentals—in neighborhoods from Inwood to Williamsburg. Get ready for some big names (and pricey properties) at the Woolworth Building, Stella Tower, and 30 Park Place's Four Seasons Private Residences. Park Avenue South's Fortress of Glassitude is also, at long last, ready to roll. Meanwhile, there's TF Cornerstone's massive rental tower, the last of six it has erected along the Long Island City waterfront, and tons of smaller buildings in Brooklyn, some with just a handful of units. Know of any building we've missed? Please share in the comments or with the tipline, and we'll add it to the map. Take a look at the whirlwind of activity below, which brings one word to mind: Brace.

Read the full story here: http://ny.curbed.com/archives/2014/03/18/the_44_new_developments_hitting_the_market_this_spring.php

2013 New York Real Estate Year in Review

2014-01-15T12:21:00.000-05:00

Good Morning and Happy New Year! 2013 roared to a close, with the Manhattan residential real estate market setting sales volume records, rising by 30 percent in the fourth quarter. Inventory dwindled to its lowest rate in 14 years, with approximately 4100 listings available at the close of the year. Observers agree that buyers both gained confidence in the economy and were spurred to action by the potential for continued rising interest rates. The median sales price for condos rose by a stunning 14.3 percent over 2012, reaching an all-time high of $1.32 million, according to Crain’s New York Business.

However, the condo median price increase was driven primarily by sharp rises for sales of luxury units, new developments, and larger units. In addition, foreign buyer interest continues to drive high-end condo sales. High-end condo sales represent only about five percent of the market, however. Co-op sales, about 60 percent of the market, had a modest median price increase of 4.6 percent in 2013, reaching approximately $680,000. A modest increase in the mid-range market is probably good news, according to some observers. It suggests there’s no market “bubble” and price increases are sustainable.

While the coming year looks good for sellers, they should nevertheless be wary of setting an unrealistically high price for their property just because prices overall are climbing. If you’re putting an older property on the market or a smaller or non-luxury unit, it’s probably not reasonable to expect it to fetch a double-digit price increase. Buyers are looking at continued tight inventory in 2014. They’ll probably have to spend more time looking for what suits their needs and should be ready to move quickly when a good option becomes available.

Overall, 2013 was a great year for Manhattan real estate and we expect 2014 to continue the upswing. I’d be happy to discuss Manhattan’s real estate picture in greater detail. Please email me to set up an appointment. I would also welcome the opportunity to discuss your real estate needs and plans.

Crain’s New York Business: http://www.crainsnewyork.com/article/20140103/REAL_ESTATE/140109975
The Real Deal: http://therealdeal.com/blog/2014/01/03/manhattan-apartment-market-closes-out-crazy-year-with-record-smashing-quarter/
CNBC.com: http://www.cnbc.com/id/101308576
New York Times: http://www.nytimes.com/2014/01/03/nyregion/manhattan-real-estate-market-surging-at-years-end.html?_r=0
Reuters: http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/01/03/us-realestate-newyork-sales-idUSBREA020ML20140103

More and more New York Condo Boards are emulating Coop Boards

2013-10-04T12:47:00.000-04:00

Post by Crystal L. Green - Licensed real estate agent.

Is Lease-to-Own a Good Way to Buy a House?

2013-09-26T11:36:00.000-04:00

NEW YORK (MainStreet) — Lease-to-own is something you do with furniture, not a house, right? Not necessarily. Although most people who buy houses do it the old-fashioned way, with a down payment and a mortgage, lease-to-own deals are also common in residential real estate.
Leasing to own attracts buyers who can handle a monthly payment but lack a down payment. It can also be good for people with bad or no credit, as well as people who want to give a particular house, school system and neighborhood a test drive without committing to a big down payment and 30-year mortgage. And if you believe local home values are headed up, it can be a low-risk way to lock in a price now before it gets more expensive.

Lease-to-own, also known as a lease option, requires thinking outside the box. But it can make homeownership a reality today for people who might otherwise be paying rent for years. If the owner is willing, renters may even be able to lease-to-own the place they're staying in now, as well as any other rental. "Every for-rent sign you see potentially can be a lease option situation," says Eric Lloyd, a real estate coach with Salt Lake City-based Professional Education Institute.

Read the full story here: http://www.mainstreet.com/article/real-estate/lease-own-good-way-buy-house?page=1

How to Get a Better Deal on a Moving Truck with a Simple Trick

2013-08-12T11:34:00.000-04:00

Go online and search for price estimates for a moving truck with any of the major companies and you're likely going to get wildly different quotes from each company. In fact, half the time, the quote won't even be close to their advertised price. It turns out renting a moving truck isn't as simple as it sounds. To get the best deal you have to work for it a bit.

You've probably seen the ads for cheap moving truck rentals before: "Moves from $19.95!" or "Reserve for just $20!" Inevitably, when you call to actually make that reservation, it turns out the cost is often twice that much, maybe more. When you start looking for a more extended trip, like cross-country, the price differences get even larger.

I ran into this problem myself when I was pricing out moving trucks for a cross country move. U-haul quoted me at $1,400. Penske was about $900, and Budget was considerably cheaper at $600. The price difference was large enough that I decided to figure out why. So, I called U-haul with my Budget quote in hand, and asked for a deal. The U-Haul representative couldn't do it, and it turns out, it was mostly because the dates I'd picked were popular days. The U-Haul representative helpfully explained that it was all about supply, and the dates I'd requested were high traffic weekends. MarketWatch confirms this pricing model:

Read the Full story here: http://lifehacker.com/how-to-get-a-better-deal-on-a-moving-truck-with-a-simpl-1084235787

NYC Median Rents for July

2013-08-03T10:30:00.000-04:00

Mapping New York City Neighborhoods' Median Rents for July

Thursday, August 1, 2013, by Sara Polsky

New York City can never have too many charts and maps illustrating median rents in different neighborhoods. The folks at listings website Zumper have followed up on their May pricing map with two for July, shown above, illustrating median rents for one- and two-bedrooms in Manhattan, a few neighborhoods of Brooklyn, and Astoria. Once again, Tribeca retained its "most expensive" crown with a median price of $4,200/month for a 1BR and $7,695/month for a 2BR.

The next most expensive neighborhoods were—completely non-shockingly—Soho, with a median rent of $3,550/month for 1BRs, and Greenwich Village, at $3,500/month. The best deals were to be found on the East Side, with the Lower East Side median-ing $2,395/month and the Upper East Side $2,495/month.

source: http://ny.curbed.com/archives/2013/08/01/mapping_new_york_city_neighborhoods_median_rents_for_july.php

2013 Q2 Manhattan Market Report

2013-08-02T10:35:00.000-04:00

Good Morning!

The 2013 Q2 (April through June) Manhattan real estate market reports are out and one thing is clear: the market is strong. According to StreetEasy.com, 4,185 purchase contracts were signed in the 2^nd quarter, up 22 percent from one year ago. That’s the highest volume since StreetEasy.com began tracking this data in 2007.

That’s not the only sign of a robust market. The New York Times reports that in Q2, properties were on the market for 103 days, on average, a decrease of about 18 percent from one year ago. Additionally, sellers are getting about 98 percent of the listing price.

Despite historically low levels of inventory, sales are robust. Bloomberg, for example, reports inventory declines of nearly one-third, some of the lowest levels in over a decade.

The low inventory levels are being driven partly by the fact that some owners continue to wait to list their properties until their equity has climbed back up. In addition, there’s been a lack of new construction since the 2008 credit crisis. The new development that is in the pipeline is weighted heavily to luxury properties. Industry observers expect, therefore, that mid-market buyers will continue to face a tight market for some time.

While buyer demand and limited inventory makes for a “seller’s market,” the reports show that prices aren’t soaring. Instead Crain’s New York Business reports that prices are up 13.6 percent for condos, year over year, but the median price for co-ops is flat.

While interest from international, all-cash buyers has driven some price increases in condos, overall, tight credit and rising mortgage rates are keeping a check on rising prices. In addition, the Manhattan market has a lot of savvy buyers who resist over-buying.

In these market circumstances, sellers who price appropriately can reasonably expect to sell in a timely way and at a very acceptable price. It’s best for sellers to be aware, however, that buyers are still cautious and credit can be an issue. Accurate pricing continues to remain key.

I’d be happy to discuss these reports and Manhattan’s real estate picture in greater detail per your specific needs.
SOURCES

http://www.cnbc.com/id/100860538

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2013-07-02/manhattan-home-prices-climb-in-busiest-spring-since-2007.html

http://www.crainsnewyork.com/article/20130702/REAL_ESTATE/130709981

http://www.nytimes.com/2013/07/02/nyregion/manhattan-apartment-sales-increase-despite-reduced-inventory.html

You've made it to the finish line aka the Closing Table - here's what to expect

2013-07-31T14:41:00.001-04:00

Getting Started

The Clincher, Also Known as Closing

By SUSAN STELLIN

Published: July 25, 2013

For first-time buyers, closing on a home purchase can be like finishing a long and grueling race. There’s the thrill of achievement mixed with relief that it’s over and, often, the weak limbs that can come with handing over a shockingly large check.

Most closings take place 60 to 90 days after the contract is signed, although New York City brokers say 90 days is more the norm. The closings themselves tend to wrap up within two to three hours. They involve plenty of paperwork and a lot of signatures, a roomful of lawyers (at least in New York) and many checks changing hands. But there are fewer financial surprises now that lenders must give borrowers an estimate of their closing costs within three business days after receiving a loan application.

Read the full story here: http://www.nytimes.com/2013/07/28/realestate/the-clincher-a-k-a-closing.html?pagewanted=all&_r=0

For Rent: 3BR/1 1BA Apartment in Brooklyn, NY, $3,800/month

2013-06-30T14:41:00.000-04:00

For Rent: 3BR/1 1BA Apartment in Brooklyn, NY, $3,800/month

City's Landmark Buildings Can Have Unique Limits - Know what to consider before investing

2013-06-28T11:58:00.000-04:00

For those looking to live inside a symbol of the city's past, real estate experts recommend prospective buyers do their research before signing on the dotted line. NY1's Jill Urban filed the following report.

Read the full story and watch the video here:

City's Landmark Buildings Can Have Unique Limits

Now that you've landed your new apt - it's time to unpack. Tips on how to make it stress free

2013-05-31T12:35:00.000-04:00

Moving In NYC: How to Unpack Once You’ve Reached Your New Home

streeteasyMay 28, 2013 at 5:37 pmReal Estate Tips and Trends

By Laurel Byrne, City Move

Moving in NYC is super stressful. But with a bit of organization and foresight, you can make your move to your new apartment more manageable. Read this article for a guide on how to strategically and efficiently unpack your furniture and belongs once you’ve moved into your new apartment or home.
You may think that unpacking the contents of your entire home or apartment after a move would be difficult, but you can make it easy by sticking to a plan. The order in which you unpack your belongings will be based on what items you will need immediately versus those which you can wait until using. If you have an inventory list handy, you may want to reference this as you unpack to make sure that you are not missing anything. When you packed up your belongings at your old home or apartment, you should have made one box, or several boxes, of essentials that you kept using right up until your move; these items include things like a toothbrush and toothpaste, medicine, a hairbrush, toilet paper, several daytime outfits and nighttime sleepwear, shoes, some dishes and silverware, and some essential cooking utensils. Hopefully you labeled your essentials boxes—these are the boxes that you want to unpack first.

Read the full story here: http://ownyourhome.streeteasy.com/moving-in-nyc-how-to-unpack-once-youve-reached-your-new-home/

23 New Developments Hitting the Market This Spring - click for he map

2013-04-10T16:26:00.001-04:00

CURBED MAPS

23 New Developments Hitting the Market This Spring Tuesday, April 9, 2013, by Sara Polsky

The real estate market tends to heat up come spring right along with the weather. For anyone out hunting for a condo or rental, there are a few new development offerings to choose from. We've compiled a map of projects that are set to hit the market this spring, plus a few that appeared on market in the first quarter. Know of one we've missed? Please share in the comments or with the tipline, and we'll add it to the map. Happy hunting to all. UPDATE: We've added a few more developments to the map, but let us know if there are others we're still missing.

Read the Full Story Here: http://ny.curbed.com/archives/2013/04/09/23_new_developments_hitting_the_market_this_spring.php

Fewer sellers fuel low inventory in NY real estate market

2013-04-09T11:41:00.000-04:00

Real Estate News | New York Report

Shortage of 'Unaffordable Housing' in NYC

By Bahar Tavakolian | April 8, 2013 10:57 AM ET

Market reports released last week for the first quarter of 2013 in New York were nothing short of impressive. There is record low inventory and high demand. There are buyers out there looking for that perfect New York home and fewer sellers. This has held true for all market segments, from the trophy properties to the more modest ones.

Not long ago I could not have imagined that it would be a challenge to find qualified buyers their New York dream pad. But in these past couple of months, it certainly has been. We have what my esteemed colleague Kirk Henckels calls "a shortage of unaffordable housing."

Once again we have a resurgence of competitive bidding for intelligently-priced quality properties, as buyers who qualify for a home mortgage want to take advantage of the record-low interest rates. Inventory is down 16.9 percent from a year ago and quality homes are selling rapidly and for compelling prices.

Read the full story here: http://www.worldpropertychannel.com/featured-columnists/new-york-report/new-york-housing-luxury-residential-market-ny-real-estate-market-reports-2013-6702.php

Green Mountain Coffee Hazelnut K-Cup Packs 80 ct. (Google Affiliate Ad)

Tips and Tricks for finding a home for you and your dog in NYC

2013-04-04T10:24:00.000-04:00

What Pet Owners Must Do to Get New York Apartments

Emily Louise Andrews for The New York Times

Gerald Allarde of East 30th Street takes in the view while Leo gives the camera an I-deserve-a-biscuit look. The dog, an American Staffordshire terrier, made the Allarde family’s apartment hunt a headache.

By CONSTANCE ROSENBLUM

Published: March 29, 2013

In a seemingly endless game of cat-and-mouse, pet owners do many things to ease their way into the apartment of their dreams — legitimate and not so.

They offer to pay large sums in advance to cover the potential cost of refinishing scratched floors or replacing damaged lobby carpet. Owners of large dogs fudge a pet’s weight (always downward) and the breed. Owners of several black cats will admit to having just one, on the theory that all black cats look the same.

Read the full story here: http://www.nytimes.com/2013/03/31/realestate/what-pet-owners-must-do-to-get-new-york-apartments.html?pagewanted=all&_r=1&

The Latest Sign of Gentrification: Biggie's Old Apartment Is for Sale for $750,000

2013-04-02T15:43:00.000-04:00

POSTED BY KRISTIN IVERSEN ON TUE, APR 2, 2013 AT 1:46 PM

c/o artnowsf.com

The 3-bedroom apartment where a young Christopher Wallace, later known as Notorious B.I.G. (obviously), lived is now for sale for $750,000. That's a lot of money! Or is it? I don't know. I have maybe officially lost all perception of what "a lot of money" is when it comes to Brooklyn real estate. However, I used to live on that block, wayyyy back in 2001, which was still a completely different era than when Biggie lived there because it was already being called Clinton Hill back, but still, that seems like an awful lot of money.

Biggie, of course, never would have said he came from Clinton Hill. He would have said he came from Bed-Stuy. Obviously. And he also probably wouldn' t have recognized his old apartment, because it went through extensive renovations a few years ago which attempted to "preserv[e the] traditional styling while answering the needs of modern usage." And probably the fact that the real estate listing places special prominence on the presence of "a place to store bikes" in the building, wouldn't have mattered all that much to Biggie. I guess I'm assuming here, but he never seemed like much of a cyclist. And, I mean, who can even guess what he would have thought of the proliferation of bike lanes in his old hood. Sadly, we'll never know. Well, I guess that there are other things about his absence that are a lot sadder than that, but still.

Read Full Story here: http://www.bkmag.com/BKShelter/archives/2013/04/02/the-latest-sign-of-gentrification-biggies-old-apartment-is-for-sale-for-750000

Ever wonder how the monthly charges are determined on condos and co-ops?

2013-03-27T14:48:00.001-04:00

How Monthly Fees Are Calculated in Co-ops and Condos

Wednesday, March 27, 2013, by Jeremiah Budin

Curbed University delivers insider tips and non-boring advice on how to buy, sell, or rent a home or apartment. Additional questions welcomed to tips@curbed.com. Today's topic: monthly fees!
Today's Curbed U lesson is short and sweet. Those pesky monthly fees that you're always having to pay. How are they calculated? This is how:
Condos: Common charges in a condo are calculated by taking each unit owner's percentage of common interests and multiplying it by the total operating costs of the building. Percentage of common interests is figured based mostly on the total amount of space that an apartment occupies, but also on other factors, such as its location within the building. A penthouse, therefore, would generally have higher common charges per square foot than a second-floor pad. The total operating costs of the building include things like heat, hot water, electricity in common areas such hallways and the lobby, building staff, and amenities such as pools, gyms, concierge, etc. Subtracted from that total is any income received by the building from things like laundry rooms.

Read Full Story Here: http://ny.curbed.com/archives/2013/03/27/how_monthly_fees_are_calculated_in_coops_and_condos.php

Why the Upper West Side may be your best investment

2013-03-25T12:36:00.000-04:00

Study Finds Upper West Side Is A Magnet For Real Estate Investors

By: Jill Urban

More than any other neighborhood in Manhattan, the Upper West Side is attracting real estate investors at a breakneck pace, according to a new report by Eastern Consolidated. NY1's Real Estate reporter Jill Urban filed the following report.
There is little question that investors regard New York City as a safe place to put their money, but a new report by Barbara Byrne Denham, the chief economist of Eastern Consolidated, finds that one neighborhood in particular — the Upper West Side — is proving to be an investor magnet.

Read the full story here:

http://www.ny1.com/content/ny1_living/real_estate/179230/study-finds-upper-west-side-is-a-magnet-for-real-estate-investors