The New York Times article by Ronda Kaysen, “Is It Worth the Risk to Sublet an Apartment Illegally?,” discusses a possibility that many unit owners in co-ops and condos may have considered: can I get away with subletting my unit without my co-op or condo’s approval?[1] As you may have guessed, the answer is no.[2] […]
What to Consider When Purchasing Real Estate
What is important to consider (outside of the unit itself) when purchasing real estate in New York City? While some may be okay with walking 15 minutes to the nearest subway station, others may wish to live right next to one or prefer to drive instead. Considering your preferences is crucial, so that you do […]
Spoofing and Phishing Attempts, and How to Protect Yourself
In today’s digital world, scammers are constantly finding new ways to take advantage of others. One such method is to fraudulently impersonate someone else by “spoofing” and/or “phishing.”[1] Spoofing is a means by which a scammer is able to forge or imitate the identity of someone else.[2] Subsequently, they may use the spoofed identity to […]
From CNN: Home Sales Increase, Defying Expectations
As reported by CNN, home sales rose during November 2022 for the second month in a row despite a bleak forecast. This rise runs counter to both continuing high mortgage rates and increasing home prices (which dropped slightly this month), as well as a typical slowdown of sales during the winter holidays. For more information, […]
Proposed Changes to Address Housing Needs in NYC
In New York City, many struggle with “homelessness, living in poor quality housing, or . . . keep[ing] up with housing costs.”[1] As a result, New York City released a blueprint aimed to address these issues. The five main goals the City seeks to accomplish are: Transforming NYCHA housing; Addressing homelessness and housing instability; Creating […]
Changes to Emission Standards of NYC Co-ops & Condos
In 2019, New York City passed Local Law 97, dubbing it “one of the most ambitious plans for reducing emissions in the nation.”[1] What is Local Law 97? Local Law 97’s goal is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by requiring certain buildings to meet new energy efficiency standards.[2] However, these restrictions only apply to certain […]

Purchasing a Condo: What to Expect at the Closing Table
Congratulations! You are almost to the finish line of your Condominium purchase. Please take a moment to review the information below so that you may better understand what to expect as we approach your closing day. Please note that some of the specifics described below may change based on the particular circumstances of your transaction. […]
From CNN: New York’s Skinniest Skyscraper Completes Construction
Steinway Tower, a luxury apartment building on the site of the former Steinway & Sons piano company, recently finished construction. While it’s only the third tallest building in New York City, it is being touted as the skinniest skyscraper in the world, with a height-to-width ratio of 24:1, and follows the trend for similar narrow […]
What does it mean for a clause to be “Boilerplate?” A Primer
The term “boilerplate” is often thrown around without knowledge of its origins. This term is deeply rooted in the legal profession, but do most lawyers know how it evolved? “Boilerplate” describes the standardized text in a contract or legal document. This expression emerged in the 19th century, when steel plates were used as templates to […]
How Much Value Should I Place on Amenities When Looking to Purchase a Home in New York City?
Are you interested in purchasing a home in New York City? Something you will likely consider in your homebuying journey are the amenities in and around the home you are looking to purchase.[1] In order to help buyers narrow down what is most important, StreetEasy conducted a study on what amenities NYC homebuyers were willing […]