Frequently Asked Questions

In a co-op you buy shares in a corporation that owns the building, and a board must approve you. In a condo you own your unit outright, with fewer rules and a lighter approval process. Co-ops often cost less; condos give you more freedom to rent and sell.

A co-op board can turn down a buyer without giving a reason.

Most co-ops ask for 20% or more down, and some ask for much more. Condos are often more flexible. Lenders and buildings both set rules, so we check them before you fall in love with a home.

The application a co-op or condo board reviews before approving a buyer or renter: finances, tax returns, reference letters and more. A clean, complete package speeds approval. We prepare and check every one.

How agents get paid has changed in recent years. We explain the options up front and put it in writing before you start.

In 99% of Manhattan deals, the seller pays the buyer's agent fee. If the seller of an off-market home has no agent, we will either ask you to sign a form agreeing to pay our fee yourself, or negotiate for the seller to pay it as part of your offer.

Buyers often pay attorney fees, lender and title costs, and, on homes of $1 million or more, the mansion tax. Your attorney will give you exact figures for your deal.

Ask us for an estimated closing cost breakdown based on your down payment, price and type of home. Buyer's agent fees can't be financed or paid by your lender at closing.

We study NYC policy changes and the wider US housing market, review recent sales in your building and neighborhood, note the current competition and your building's history, then recommend a price based on the launch date.

Not always. We'll tell you what will make a difference, from decluttering and lighting to full or virtual staging, and manage it for you.

Repairs, improvements and staging are paid by the seller and count as capital improvements. A line of credit program can fund updates that raise your sale price, and our vetted vendors can estimate repair or renovation costs before we begin.

It depends on price, building and season. Our homes have averaged 58 days on market in 2026.

No. We show your home to the widest market so you get the best price. Your listing is never held back as a pocket listing.

Yes. Condo owners can sublet, for a minimum of 12 months, after a review by condo management and the board. Board approval is usually a formality, but going through the screening and fees protects you from fines for short-term rentals or breaking the building's bylaws.

We help many owners sublet their condos as free-market rentals. Condos are not subject to rent stabilization.

It depends on the building's sublet rules. We review them and handle the board application for you. Co-ops often discourage short-term rentals, even for a furnished pied-à-terre.

Yes. We tour with you, explain what to look for and help with your application. We charge a fee and require a signed agreement before any tours.

Under the FARE Act, in effect since June 11, 2025, a broker who represents the landlord can't charge you a fee. If you hire your own tenant's agent, you pay that agent. When you work with our team as your agent, you pay our fee.

Manhattan, Brooklyn and Queens, plus southern Westchester through Making Westchester Home.

Book a call. We'll talk about your goals and timing, and you'll leave with next steps, whether you hire us or not.