Anna Klenkar

Renters: If you're looking to move into a luxury building, you've chosen a great time of year and concessions range from months free to the landlord paying your agent. If you're looking at lower price points, apartments are still flying and you need to act quickly. You don't have the luxury (see what I did there?) of time that often comes with winter months.

Buyers: Have you noticed the deluge of new listings coming on the market? I'm finally seeing good options for some of my pickier clients after months of disappointment. But act fast; if you see something amazing you can't drag your feet. It will go into contract and you will miss out! Let me know if you need me to save a search or update you with weekly hot sheets so you don't overlook anything.

Sellers: What I said to buyers applies to you guys, too. Well-priced, unique properties correctly marketed are MOVING! And when I say correctly marketed I mean represented by a good agent who paid for high-quality photography and floor plans, has the accurate information, responds quickly (and coherently), and has commanded appropriate commission. Do not try to cut corners using a discount agent and then be surprised when you earn less money. You get what you pay for!

Scroll down for more about seller's agents, bridge loans, and to see what else is happening in January 2020.

xo

Anna

Since the new rent laws passed over the summer there's been an increase in overcharge complaints for two reasons: the longer statute of limitations/look-back period and increased public awareness. This has, unfortunately, also led to a lot of people who do NOT qualify for overcharge reimbursement causing a massive DHCR backup. They are now roughly 18 months behind processing complaints. So click here to read some of your other options, and reach out if you're worried your rent is illegal!

My generation grew up with HGTV, with home improvement and house-hunting shows that made the idea of “flipping” properties seem attainable and highly appealing. But this isn't something you should do in NYC; selling is simply too expensive.

If you think about buying and selling correctly, you will end up in a good position. If you come at it with the wrong ideas and attitude, then you will think home buying is a terrible idea and no one should ever do it, because look at you, you lost money. And you will be the type of seller who tries to cut corners to pinch ever penny, which will come back to bite you. Read More.

I've eaten out ONCE this month, and I feel a million times better cooking all my own food. But I'm a weirdo, and most people don't need to make all their meals to feel good. For those of you not doing COOK 90, check out this list of places that will keep you on track for 2020, whatever your dietary restriction.