Renting in New York City usually comes with some kind of headache—a broken elevator, a rent increase, leaks, mold, the list goes on. In this episode, tenant attorney Sam Himmelstein, a partner at Himmelstein McConnell Gribben & Joseph and a longtime sponsor of Brick Underground, sits down for our first live Office Hours. Some of the questions addressed during the event include: Can I be charged fees for late rent payments if it isn't in the lease? What are landlords' obligations for cleaning common areas? Can a landlord increase my rent in retaliation if I complain about conditio ..read more

Appraiser Jonathan Miller, president and CEO of Miller Samuel, joins host Emily Myers to discuss what buyers, sellers, and renters in New York City can take away from the real estate data as we head into 2023. Rents are 15 percent higher than they were before the pandemic but concessions (like free rent given by a landlord to entice someone to sign a lease) are actually starting to rise. Meanwhile, apartment sales have slowed because of rising mortgage rates and uncertainty about the economy.  One tip: If you want to follow sales price trends in NYC you need to look at inventory and month ..read more

When you buy a condo or co-op in NYC, it's important to do everything you can to find out how the building is run. After all, it’s is a big investment—so what are the secrets to a well-run building? What are the typical flashpoints between residents and how are they best resolved? These are some of the questions addressed in this week's podcast with real estate attorney Steve Wagner, partner at the Manhattan law firm Wagner, Berkow & Brandt ..read more

As many New Yorkers adjust to an infrequent commute and seek out dedicated office and dining space, they are looking to properties in Brooklyn to meet their needs. Townhouses, in particular, have been in demand as buyers prioritize privacy and space. In this episode of the podcast, Douglas Elliman broker Lindsay Barton Barrett talks with host Emily Myers about Brooklyn's resiliency. She has tips for both buyers and sellers—about how to evaluate a purchase and when to time your sale.      ..read more

Tenants in New York City now have many more protections thanks to sweeping rent reforms passed in June. Host Emily Myers is joined by attorney Sam Himmelstein to consider what the changes mean for New Yorkers.  ..read more

Whether you’ve bought in New York City before or this is your first time, the closing process has changed in the last year: We now have video tours, virtual co-op board interviews, and electronic filings. Escrow closings are now the norm, ending lengthy in-person meetings to exchange keys and share certificates. Has buying in NYC become more efficient or more fraught? Real estate attorney Daniel Gershburg, partner at the law firm Konner Gershburg Melnick talks with host Emily Myers about what to expect when you’re buying in NYC right now ..read more

In this episode, we take a look at the biggest New York City landlords you’ve probably never heard of—private equity-backed owners. The number of these investor landlords has increased during the pandemic and when private equity is involved in the purchase of a rental building the outcome is rarely, if ever, positive for the tenants living there. Investigative reporter Hannah Levintova talks with host Emily Myers about what she uncovered reporting on this topic for the national publication Mother Jones.   Hannah Levintova’s work on this topic includes these articles:  Real Estate Pre ..read more

Fires and flooded apartments pose risks for New Yorkers, prompting many to ask: How do I stay safe in my apartment? In this episode, Robert O’Brien, co-owner of New York Fire Consultants and a former F.D.N.Y. firefighter talks with host Emily Myers, offering tips on how to minimize fire hazards, find out if our building is up to code, determine if a basement apartment is legal, and where to look for your building's fire safety plan. The episode touches on personal safety issues and gives some reminders about a landlord's responsibility for looking after residents.  ..read more

In this episode we take a look at new development in NYC. It's an ongoing narrative that the city has a glut of brand new luxury condos and the pandemic has compounded the problem, as privacy and outdoor space are prized over tall buildings with shared amenities. What happens now? What kind of deal can you get if you want to buy and what are the challenges you face if you want to sell? Broker Ryan Serhant, CEO and founder of the real estate brokerage SERHANT joins host Emily Myers to share his expertise ..read more

Like any big financial transaction, when you buy or sell an apartment in NYC, you have to pay various fees and taxes. Host Emily Myers gets into the details of closing costs and how they can affect your buying power. In a slower market, you might also see closing credits—the show explores how they work and who they help. Plus, a conversation with the CEO of co-investment company who wants to share in your NYC condo or townhouse purchase.  ..read more