Legalizing flex apartments, higher mortgage rates anticipated, & more

New York City Council member Ben Kallos introduces legislation to legalize “flex apartments,” which are created by the addition of a temporary wall (New York Post)

It’s getting easier to get a mortgage, but rates are expected to rise (The Real Deal)

Renters on the hook: Landlords are not picking up the broker’s fee now that it’s a competitive rental market (Gothamist)

Construction is progressing at the site of the first supertall for the outer boroughs, 9 DeKalb Ave. (New York Yimby)

A nationwide shortage of houses on the market boosts condo sales (Apartment Therapy)

Flood insurance is expected to get more expensive for many owners who live on the waterfront (The New York Times)