Kelly Kreth
Contributing writer
Contributing writer Kelly Kreth has been a freelance journalist, essayist, and columnist for more than two decades. Her real estate articles have appeared in The Real Deal, Luxury Listings, Our Town, and amNewYork. A long-time New York City renter who loves a good deal, Kreth currently lives in a coveted rent-stabilized apartment in a luxury building on the Upper East Side.
Posts by Kelly Kreth:
From Gramercy to the Upper West Side: Upgrading from a studio to a two bedroom thanks to a pandemic discount
By Kelly Kreth
November 29, 2021 - 12:30 PM
Charlie and Courtney loved living in Gramercy—they even got engaged in its small, exclusive park. But the pandemic made working from home in a studio less than romantic. They decided to take advantage of pandemic discounts and upgrade to a two bedroom in a newer building with great amenities. It’s a good fit for now—until the rent goes up. Here’s Charlie’s story.
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Hallmark’s ‘A Holiday in Harlem’ wants us to believe that Hartford can stand in for NYC
By Kelly Kreth
November 17, 2021 - 09:30 AM
There's something off about the NYC real estate depicted in Hallmark’s new movie, “A Holiday in Harlem,” beginning with quiet, clean streets where everybody knows each other by name.
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From the UES to the UWS: Saying no to a rent hike and buying a condo instead
By Kelly Kreth
November 12, 2021 - 10:30 AM
Frank had a Covid discount on his Upper East Side rental, but when it came time to renew his lease, the landlord wanted a significant increase. That was the incentive Frank needed to become an owner. As an architect he had very particular apartment wish list. He found what he was looking for on the Upper West Side. Here’s his story.
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From the UES to Murray Hill: Gaining more space and views but a grittier vibe
By Kelly Kreth
November 5, 2021 - 12:30 PM
Newlyweds Mariana and Todd were renting a 500-square-foot one bedroom on the Upper East Side. They loved their location—but it was tough for two people to live and work in a small space so they moved to the Murray Hill/Kips Bay area. It doesn’t have the same vibe as the UES, but there’s plenty to like. Here’s Mariana’s story.
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What NYC renters wish they knew about dealing with a landlord before they signed a lease
By Kelly Kreth
November 3, 2021 - 13:30 PM
A good or bad relationship with landlord can make or break a NYC renting situation. Brick Underground asked seasoned NYC renters for their best advice on dealing with a landlord. Here’s what they had to say.
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From Windsor Terrace to Hell's Kitchen: Winning a housing lottery unit and escaping a hellish, bed bug-infested building
By Kelly Kreth
October 29, 2021 - 12:30 PM
Robin and Chad loved their Windsor Terrace neighborhood, but their rental building was an assortment of nightmares: Subway noise, difficult neighbors, and the final straw–bedbugs. They decided to try for a housing lottery apartment—and less than a year later, they succeeded, scoring a two bedroom in Hell’s Kitchen—with two bathrooms. Here’s Chad’s story.
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