When New Yorkers turn to new construction as a potential apartment purchase, they immediately face a variety of perks. The construction is brand-new, the appliances are fresh off the factory belt, and every detail of the apartment is pristine. When buying a newly constructed unit, there’s no need to worry about fixing anything, removing an entire layer of stress for the buyer. However, when everything is seemingly perfect, what is left to negotiate for a better deal? Rest assured, buyers still have a variety of items they can negotiate to get a more favorable outcome. The key is working with ..read more

It’s always a challenge to shake off the sticker shock of closing costs, especially when real estate commissions make up the largest portion.  But even though they are the bulk of the closing expenses for sellers, they are negotiable and sometimes avoidable.  Sellers have a variety of tools at their disposal to help reduce the real estate commission, but it’s important to examine each one carefully and determine whether it’s the best option for their particular situation. While buyers have not historically been directly responsible for the real estate commission as a line item, they ..read more

If you’re interested in purchasing a single-family house, brownstone, or townhouse in New York City, you’ll want to familiarize yourself with the real estate term floor area ratio (FAR). Though often a niche aspect of the townhouse market in NYC, FAR is still important to consider since it can impact your future plans for the home - and even cause problems if the home you buy exceeds it.  Buyers typically should consider the floor area ratio when buying a townhouse, as condo associations and co-op boards don’t allow individual unit owners or shareholders to alter the building itself. To ..read more

The Golden State has a knack for attracting homebuyers seeking world-famous beaches, extended summers, and some of the best places to call home. There’s a never-ending list of good things to say about California. Its nature is awe-inspiring, boasting a collection of nine national parks and miles of exquisite shoreline along the Pacific Ocean. Its famous cities, such as Los Angeles, San Diego, and San Francisco, have unique neighborhoods, robust economies, and plenty of renowned attractions. But there are also some prickly features to consider, as well. California is notorious for its high inc ..read more

As if there weren’t enough closing costs to worry about for buyers and sellers in NYC, here’s another “tax” to add to the list; the good news? It’s not actually a tax. Some seasoned apartment buyers may have already come across the term “flip tax” while shopping for a dream condo or co-op apartment. But those who haven’t and are new to the unique landscape of NYC’s real estate market need not fret; we’ll break down everything you need to know about this peculiar “tax.” The flip tax originated in the 1970s as rental buildings were being converted into co-ops. The idea behind this was to help c ..read more

The famous moniker “Everything is Bigger in Texas” is a lot more than a catchy expression you might’ve heard that one time; it’s an accurate representation of the second-largest state in the nation. Home to four of the ten largest cities in the United States, Texas doesn’t shy away from pushing the limit to just how grand it can get. With a roster that includes Houston, Dallas, San Antonio, and Austin, the Lone Star State has no shortage of coveted areas that can attract almost any buyer. San Antonio, Texas Whether you want to plant yourself in Houston, the “Energy Capital of the World,” and h ..read more

Texas may be known for BBQ and football, but The Lone Star State also boasts a prosperous tech economy in Austin, international cuisine in Houston, and a wide array of housing options.   In recent decades, folks have relocated to Texas from states like New York, Florida, and California. Some are drawn to Texas for modern mansions in major cities like Houston. For others, Texas offers high-end condos near vibrant nightlife in downtown Austin or Dallas.  Whether you’re hoping to upgrade your square footage, enjoy beach days by the Gulf of Mexico, or embark on a new career, living ..read more

You might just say that “commuting” is New York City’s not-so-favorite pastime. An integral yet sometimes challenging part of the Big Apple’s unparalleled lifestyle, commuting is an essential part of living in one of the greatest cities in the world. Almost every nook and cranny of the city and its boroughs are accessible through NYC’s far-reaching public transportation system. However, where you place roots will determine how easily you can reach those nooks and crannies. Tree-lined street in Park Slope (Brooklyn) Undoubtedly, the city’s 24-hour subway system - run by the Metropolitan Transpo ..read more

When one shops on a budget, the shopping list doesn’t typically include a home. But just because resources may be limited doesn’t mean homebuying should be unachievable. The path to homeownership is not without financial challenges. Down payments, closing costs, and monthly mortgage payments are enough to make any homebuyer think twice, regardless of how padded their savings account is. But for aspiring homeowners who are willing to take the necessary steps to prepare themselves for the big purchase, a careful plan and key resources can make buying a home on a budget a possibility. Below, the ..read more

In New Jersey, the process of buying or selling a home involves a unique process known as the attorney review period.  This step is crucial for ensuring that the agreement is fair and legally sound, providing a layer of protection for all parties involved. The attorney review period follows the signing of both parties' purchase and sale agreement; it is essential for addressing any legal concerns and ensuring that the contract terms are in the best interests of either party, buyer or seller. Understanding the attorney review process is vital for anyone involved in a real estate transacti ..read more