Brick Underground

Like finally getting a table at the latest foodie destination, catching a performance of Hamilton, or making a love connection, buying a place to live in New York City usually takes longer here than pretty much anywhere else. Buying an apartment in the city is perhaps a master class in a New Yorker's particular mix of patience and preparedness.

From crazy funny listing photos to roommate contracts to the real causes of gentrification, here are our most popular stories of the week.

1. Need a laugh? Check out these ridiculous real estate listing photos

2. This East Village two-bedroom is selling for less than $500,000, but there's a big catch

This week on Brick Underground, our readers were looking for middle-income housing, exploring East New York's housing options and more. Below, the top five stories of the week:

1. Ask Sam: My landlord isn't cashing my checks and hasn't renewed my lease. Can I get away with not paying rent? (sponsored)

2. How can middle-income New Yorkers find affordable housing?