Virginia K. Smith

We often receive emails from readers asking for help in navigating their own real estate crises. In Realty Bites, we try to get them answers.

THE PROBLEM:

We've heard a lot of out-there landlord demands, but this one's a puzzler: a Brooklynite on the hunt for a new rental ran into a building owner who wanted to see her current digs before offering up a lease.

Good news for first-time buyers who don't happen to be billionaires: developers have woken up to the fact that not everyone wants a $10 million apartment, and are putting some affordable options on the market. Sort of.

Luxurious toilet paper and more everyday purchases worth a little something extra (Apartment Therapy)

It's not just your budget, but your personality type that determines your neighborhood choices (extroverts, head for Midtown) (CityLab)

If you've ever been left in the dark about who actually owns your building—and who to call when it's in need of repairs—there are plenty of New Yorkers in the exact same boat.

There's no better time than January to start strategizing on saving cash throughout the year—especially if your bank account is still smarting from holiday tipping season.