Leah Hochbaum Rosner

Keep seeing word on tax abatements, but aren’t sure how to get one? BOND New York’s Erica Geller gives you all the info you need to secure one for yourself in this week’s Buy Curious.

THE WISH LIST:

If you use a broker to find your new New York City digs, you’ll more than likely have to pay a hefty fee—typically between 12 and 15 percent of the annual rent, amounting to thousands of dollars that need to be paid upfront. Why so much? And is there any way to save some money during the process? Below, a former rental broker answers these questions and more.

It's finally winter out there, ladies and gentlemen, and, alas, while New York City apartments can have lots of amenities, a working woodburning fireplace is rarely one of them. First, they require vents and flues that lead outside and can therefore be expensive and complicated to install.

Second, even many of those blessed with functioning fireplaces in their (probably prewar) units are barred from actually using them since smoke can drift back inside the building into neighboring apartments. So what is a fireplace-wanting New Yorker to do? Here are some suggestions:

If buying a place with a private terrace just isn’t financially feasible for you, a building with a common courtyard could very well be the perfect solution. Douglas Elliman’s Ralph Modica and Dylan Hoffman plunge into the pros and cons in this week’s Buy Curious. 

THE WISH LIST:

Afraid that your somewhat spotty employment record means that you’ll never be approved by a co-op board? Guest broker Holly Sose of City Connections Realty tells you why you might be the perfect candidate for a sponsor apartment in this week’s Buy Curious.

THE WISH LIST:

What’s the deal with sponsor co-ops?  Can you recommend some for me?

THE REALITY: