Gea Elika's Blog, page 105

6 Ways to Make Moving Easier on Your Kids

Moving to a new home is a huge milestone for anyone at any age, but it can be particularly unnerving for children. Children regard their physical home as a stable foundation in their lives—and the loss of that foundation can be distressing, and even traumatic unless it’s handled with understanding and compassion.

There’s a good chance that, at first, your kids might resist the very concept of moving, but instead of getting upset, it’s important for you to try to see it their way so that you can help them cope with their concerns. News of a move might make your children feel that they have no control over things. It also might give them a feeling that nothing in their world is stable anymore. The disruption to their school routine can also be difficult— let’s face it no one wants to be the “new kid” at a new school.

Fortunately, you can do something about it. Here are six ways to help your child to cope with the move.

Create A Moving Adventure Bag

Create a special bag that includes a couple of favorite toys, their favorite book, a blanket, snacks, and other comfort items. This will be their “room-in-a-bag” that stays with them even as their old room gets packed up, and before their new room is assembled.

Other things in life may be changing, but these items and easy access to them will be a much-needed constant. It’s a helpful transitional tool.

Involve children in the move

Let children know they will be moving between a month and two months beforehand, so they have time to think about it, but not to get worried. Show them the local area and point out the new things like the shops, school, playground, and parks so they can imagine the fun they will have there. Also, visit the house with them before the move and point out their new room.

Let your kids help you choose things like colors of paint, furniture and other decorations. By including them, they will feel excited about the new house, rather than worried.

Visualize Their New Space

Once you have signed the contract for your new home, you can take a photo of your child in the new house, especially in their new room You can hang this picture in your old house’s fridge door or their old room. Every time they see the picture, they will visualize themselves in the new house.

If their outside play space is also changing significantly—such as moving from the city into the country, or from an apartment to a house with a yard—be sure to also get a photo of the child in the new outdoor space. Likewise, if moving from a place with a yard into the city or an apartment, take them to visit the nearest park and take photos of them playing there

Help Celebrate the Milestones

Buy a small gift and wrap it, or have it wrapped, beautifully. Put it in plain view in their room. Tell them that the morning after their first full night of sleeping in their new room, they will get to open their “new room” gift. This will give them something positive to anticipate about the move and may help prevent them from reverting to crawling into bed with you!

Anxiety stems from feeling helpless and fear of the unknown. By giving your child special tools and taking steps to build confidence and familiarity with their new home, you can help them adapt more quickly.

Plan an Outing

Pack a lunch and go “have a picnic” in the new house—on their bedroom floor. Be sure to pack their favorite foods. While you are eating, play an imagination game and ask them what things they would like too in their new room, once they move in.

Help Them Stay in Touch With Their Friends

Often, the hardest part of moving for a child is leaving all their friends behind. Remember that when we’re young, it’s especially hard to stay in touch and maintain friendships from far away. Most of the time, it feels like we’re subject to the whims of our parents, and unable to determine much about our own life.

So, as a parent, you can help the transition go smoothly by enabling your child to keep in touch with old friends. Set up Facetime appointments. Brainstorm ways for them to have time to play together if you go back to the area later.

The post 6 Ways to Make Moving Easier on Your Kids appeared first on ELIKA Real Estate.

Why a Broker Can’t Answer “Do People Like Me Live Here?”

We’ve all done it. You’re searching for an apartment, and after what feels like years, you finally come across the perfect one. The building is excellent, and you can see yourself living in the apartment. The problem is, you don’t know the city very well, so you ask your broker a simple question: Do people like me live here? Suddenly, your broker freezes up.

Why Doesn’t My Broker Want to Help?

Believe it or not, your broker is not allowed to answer this question! Any variation of that including. Are there people my age around here or What kind of people live in this building is not allowed. That even includes the question many new parents ask: Are there other families in this building so my child will have friends?

Unfortunately for you, your broker must plead the fifth on all these questions.

Can You Tell Me Why?

Discrimination laws in New York state make it so that your broker cannot steer one group of people towards a particular neighborhood or building. There are twelve different protected classes, which include race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status, disability, religion, marital status, sexual orientation, age, and military status. What this means is that if you ask your broker a question about the type of people that live in an area or building, he or she legally cannot bring up anything to help urge you towards or away from the property if it pertains to these classes.

Is this that Big of a Deal?

While you might think that you’re asking a simple question like “Are there lots of people my age nearby?” what your broker is likely to hear is an opportunity for them to potentially get caught steering one age group to or from a neighborhood. If your broker does this, he or she could be charged a hefty fine by the state!

This even extends into listing descriptions. Brokers aren’t allowed to advertise a building by saying that it is “family friendly” or “perfect for roommates” – because that language steers certain groups towards the apartment and other ones away from it!

But I want to live near people like myself…

This doesn’t mean there’s no way to figure out the answers to your questions – you need to get creative.

If you want to know the type of people that live in the building, hang outside the front door and see for yourself. If you see many strollers going through, you can bet that there are many married couples with families. If you see a temple near a big apartment building, it’s likely that a certain percentage of the congregation lives in the neighborhood.

And if you want to know about the bar scene, ask! “People who like to drink” is not a protected class.

It can be common to want to know what you’re getting into, but New York City is full of so many amazing neighborhoods and communities that your broker shouldn’t be picking for you. The best way to figure out where you’re going to be happiest is by exploring a couple of neighborhoods before you begin your apartment search.

Just walking the blocks will give you great insight into the nightlife, restaurants, and activity of your chosen area. And remember – a broker who doesn’t answer your question is a professional – not someone trying to stall your home search.

The post Why a Broker Can’t Answer “Do People Like Me Live Here?” appeared first on ELIKA Real Estate.

4 Smart home Devices that are actually Worth it

Smart home technology, also often referred to as home automation, provides homeowners security, comfort, convenience, and energy efficiency by allowing them to control intelligent devices, usually by a smart home app on their smartphone or other networked devices.

As smart technology advances at exponential speeds, it’s becoming more affordable and convenient for homes. From smart light bulbs that help us sleep and save money, to Bluetooth door lock systems. But not all gadgets are worth the investment, so we compiled a list of the most useful smart home gadgets that are worth it.

Amazon Echo

The Amazon Echo is a cylindrical product about the shape and size of a flower vase; it is designed for you to speak to it, and ask it questions and give commands. And inside it is artificial intelligence (AI) called “Alexa” who responds and takes actions at your command.

Amazon’s Alexa-controlled Echo, now in its second generation and with several derivative versions available, continues to expand its music, smart-home, and digital-assistant abilities. It’s first a wireless speaker, but capable of much more. Using nothing but the sound of your voice, you can play music, search the Web, create to-do and shopping lists, shop online, get instant weather reports, and control popular smart-home products—all while your smartphone stays in your pocket

Sound quality on the Amazon Echo is crisp. So, every time Alexa speaks she’s clear, and the Echo’s seven-mic array means it always picks up when you call to her.

Ecobee Thermostat

The Ecobee Thermostat is not your typical thermostat. It can learn your comings and goings to keep your heating bills down. It is compatible with all types of heating systems, including electric, gas, forced air, heat pump, radiant, oil, hot water, and solar. It can also work with your air conditioning system. You can also set up the app on your Smartphone so that you can turn the heat and AC up and down even when you aren’t home. Over time, the system will start to recognize your daily routine. It will start turning your heat on and off without you having to do a thing. By installing this little gadget in your home, you can save hundreds of dollars each year on your heating and cooling bill.

Phillips Hue Smart Lighting

Phillips Smart light bulbs can be controlled from anywhere. You can program them and connect them to an app on your phone. This is perfect if you are away from home a lot if you are away on vacation or you want to set them to turn on at a particular time, so you don’t have to walk into a dark house. It’s perfect to sync them all together, so your home never looks like there isn’t anyone there.

Also, the smart light bulbs can be programmed to dim without the need of actual dimming light bulbs. This way you can always control the amount of light in a room, which is perfect for conserving energy in the early evenings, as well as still finding the perfect mood lighting.

NetGear Arlo Q

This neat and compact IP camera from Netgear offers all the essential features you’d expect from a wireless security camera – Full HD picture quality, motion detection, a slick companion app – plus a few extras. The basic 7-day cloud recording service is free, which is a unique and attractive bonus, and the camera’s design is a cut above the entry-level competition. This camera’s compact and crisp white form will help it blend into the background, especially when mounted on a white ceiling or wall, but the smart symmetrical design is not unattractive in its own right.

The 130-degree lens is wide enough to take in the whole room if you position the camera well and if you want to see detail and recognize faces. The Arlo also includes a microphone for sensing sound and a tiny speaker for two-way communication.

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Why Fall Is the Best Time to Buy a Home

Traditionally, spring is considered peak season in the real estate market. Families with school-aged children find it less disruptive to move over the summer. Spring is also a time when people are eager to get outside, and properties usually look their best. On the flip side, however, there are several good reasons for homebuyers to hold off until fall.

Seasonal fluctuations often dictate real estate market activity, and the unique characteristics of fall can make it an excellent time to buy a new home. The onset of winter months and the return of a regular schedule for most buyers can make many people reluctant to make the big move. This can leave savvy home-shoppers with the opportunity of finding motivated sellers, and lower housing prices.

Sellers are Motivated

If they weren’t, they’d hold off until spring, since April is the best month to sell a home. By fall, sellers who were “testing the waters” with a listing in prime selling season are either eliminated or are now serious sellers.

These motivated sellers often want to get things settled before the end of the year, completing their move before the holidays. Living “in limbo” for several months can be exhausting and provides another motivating factor.

The longer a house has been on the market, the more likely a seller is willing to negotiate on everything from price to closing costs, to move-in dates.

Needed Changes and Upgrades May be Cheaper

If you are purchasing a house that needs new carpet, paint, appliances or other upgrades, buying in the fall may save you money beyond the purchase price of the home. Many of these items are at their lowest prices in the fall. According to Consumer Reports, September is the best time to buy paint and carpeting and the best time to purchase major appliances is in November and December.

With careful negotiation, you may be able to get price concessions from the seller on cosmetic issues like worn carpeting, faded wall paint, or outdated appliances that exceed the cost of the upgrades, saving money on the price of the house and getting brand new paint, carpet and/or appliances at the same time!

Additionally, September is the best time to get deals on snow blowers as well as outdoor plants, shrubs, flowers, and trees. September and October are the best time to buy lawn mowers and tractors. The savings can add up, leaving you with a bit more cash to cover other expenses.

Cheaper Houses

When there are fewer buyers around, sellers sometimes decide to lower their home’s asking price. That could be the case if a home has been on the market throughout the spring and summer.

By the time the fall arrives, a home seller may be ready to take a hit just so that he or she can move on. And a homebuyer who’s waiting in the wings could score a great deal on an apartment or house.

Tax Advantage

Homeowners can deduct certain expenses on their tax returns, including property taxes and mortgage loan interest. Even if you close on a home in November or December, you can still write off qualifying expenses when you file your taxes in the spring. Those tax breaks may only trim a few hundred dollars off your tax bill, but every penny count.

There’s Less Pressure to Buy

When homes are being snatched up left and right in the spring and summer, you might feel pressured to move quickly. During the fall, however, you may be able to work your way through the home-buying process at a slower pace. If you don’t have to rush, you can carefully compare homes and choose the best one for you and your family.

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How To Appeal and Reduce Your Property Taxes in NYC

New York City currently collects about $24 billion in property taxes annually. The city expects this amount to grow over the next several years. This represents about 45% of all taxes collected and roughly 40% of the city’s total revenue. While this includes all property types, residential property generates a fair amount.

This funds a variety of items that run the city and make it a magnificent metropolis. The significant expenditures include uniform agencies (e.g., police, sanitation, etc.), education, other agencies, and health and welfare.  However, while no one wants to shirk his or her civic responsibilities, neither should you pay more than your fair share. Typically, property taxes are a homeowner’s second biggest monthly expense, trailing your mortgage (principal and interest) payment.

With this in mind, there are steps you can take if you feel your property tax bill is too high.

Check the accuracy

This is an obvious but easily overlooked part of the process. While you would expect the city to have the correct information, that is not always the case. This is particularly true if you have recently completed construction.

Therefore, it is incumbent upon you to verify the data. This includes the square footage and the number of bathrooms. For instance, the city may state your house has two full bathrooms. In reality, it contains one-and-a-half bathrooms.

The NYC Department of Finance sends out the notice of property value. This includes a property description containing the property and land’s square footage, number of residential units/floors, number of non-residential units. There is other information, such as the name and owner of the property, street address, and effective market value.

It should be easy for you to correct these errors, although you may have to spend some time on the matter. You must file an administrative Review Application with the NYC Department of Finance. The city has the power to go back six years to retroactively fix errors.

Watch your deadlines

It is imperative that you pay attention to the deadline for appealing your property tax since you cannot do so at any time throughout the year. The annual assessment comes out annually, and it is released on January 15th. You must file a protest with the NYC Tax Commission, an independent agency, by March 15th  for Class 1 properties (residential property up to three units, including family homes and most condos that are not more than three stories), and March 1st for the other 3 classes (Class 2 are primarily residential that do not fit into Class 1, including rentals, and co-ops/condos that have at least two units).

Disagreement on property value

The matter becomes more complicated and difficult when you disagree on the assessed value. When the NYC Department of Finance sends out the notice of property value, you may believe the effective market value is too high based on current conditions. You may also disagree with the tax class your property was put in. Errors are handled through the Department of Finance, who has the sole domain in this matter. But, you can protest the valuation assigned to the NYC Tax Commission. The commission has various forms for you to fill out. Form TC108 is for valuation claims regarding Class 1 properties. Meanwhile, TC101 is for Class 2 or 4 properties, other than condo units. You will need form TC109 for condo units in Class 2 or 4 classifications.

You enter your claim of the market value, and the property tax is obtained by multiplying it by the correct percentage. There is an option to request an in-person hearing. Other required information includes property description, such as the number of kitchens, bathrooms, and bedrooms.

The crucial information is part where the form asks you to provide support for your claim. It asks about sales information on other properties, including the date, price, and address. It is best to find comps that are recent and, the more like-kind to your property, the better. Ideally, it has the same square footage to your unit, and it is on the same floor. Failing that, one in your building is the next best comparable sale to use.

Should you hire a professional?

You can hire a company or law firm that can handle your appeal. Using a professional services provider has certain advantages. Presumably, the company is an expert in this area and knows the process and proper forms to file. It should also see if you have a legitimate claim. Using an outside company can save you time dealing with the city bureaucracy. Additionally, the firm does the legwork to demonstrate that your property has a lower market value than the city claims. On the downside, you will have an added expense, with no guarantee on the outcome.

Given this, you might wish to analyze the cost and benefits carefully.

Other ways to lower your bill

The city and state have additional programs which might help you reduce your property tax bill. There is the New York State Tax Relief Exemption, or STAR, which provides tax relief for the state’s residents. Basic STAR exempts the first $30,000 of your home’s value from taxation, providing your income is less than $500,000. The state designed Enhanced STAR for residents age 65 or older.

Other exemptions can reduce your property tax bill. The city has its benefit for those 65 or older, the Senior Citizen Homeowners Exemptions (SCHE). SCHE Your eligibility is dependent on having your income below a threshold. You also must meet other requirements related to ownership and residency. This can lower your assessed value by up to 50%, depending on your income.

There are also property tax exemptions for disabled individuals. Similar to the SCHE program, this can decrease your home’s assessed value by up to 50%. Other groups that can achieve property tax relief include veterans, clergy, and disabled crime victims. For you to gain eligibility for these programs, the city requires that the property is your primary residence. This means you live there most of the year or use the address for your voting registration.

For the city’s programs, you need to have your application postmarked by March 15th to receive benefits by July 1st. Otherwise, your assistance starts the following year.

Final thoughts

You do not have to accept the city’s assessed value blindly. There is a procedure in place for you to appeal. It is important to note that the onus is on you to do your homework and provide proof.

The post How To Appeal and Reduce Your Property Taxes in NYC appeared first on ELIKA Real Estate.

A Guide To Arranging Furniture In Your Apartment

Apartment dwelling in dense cities is a joy for some; they think of nothing but the great proximity to bars, restaurants, museums, cafes, etc. For others, apartment dwelling is a burden; they are simply consumed by how cramped their space is. Though the joys of city amenities may be of little comfort to the latter, there is certainly no reason to feel claustrophobic in your space no matter how small. By following the simple principles in this piece, you’ll learn how to make even the tiniest city apartment feel open and airy.

Mind The Tape

The first thing to bring in when arranging furniture in an apartment is a tape measure. Measure each room, as well as the openings, as a reference for what will or will not fit. Bring some masking tape as well to visualize various sized pieces in a room. For instance, laying out a 3′ x 6′ rectangle in the dining room to see if a table that size will allow enough room for chairs and people. Not that exact dimensions have to be settled right then and there, but just to get some general notion.

Watch The Walls

The temptation when faced with staging a small space is to move all the pieces out to the perimeter of the room; up against the walls. Counterintuitive though it may be, it’s a time-honored law of interior design that allowing some space between the walls and furniture objects will produce an open, spacious feeling. Experiment with the idea; try moving the bed out to the center of the room, maybe anchored by an area rug. Break the mold of facing pieces toward each other straight on, try angling them and play with the geometry. You’ll be surprised by the dramatic effect these small changes can have on the feel of a room.

Layer For Visual Interest

Don’t forget to consider the vertical element of your layout. Just like the city you live in, the vertical real estate of your apartment is valuable. If a room has mostly short pieces like seating and coffee or end tables, contrast it with a tall floor lamp or by placing art on the walls to draw the eye upward. The goal is to create layers. By drawing attention to the vertical component of the room it will inherently make the space feel larger.

Neutral Palette

Adhering to a more neutral color scheme with your furnishings and decor items will also create a sense of openness. Not that each space needs to look like a meditation chamber, but consider adding accents of color over a foundation of natural tones that allow the eye to glide over the space. Also, maintaining the same wall color throughout the apartment will increase the effect as you glance from one room into the next with a seamless palate. Varying colors in each space will make it feel choppy (though accents here and there are fine and done right can be stunning).

Storage

It goes without saying that storage in an apartment is paramount. Sure you have your closets, and with any luck some built-ins if it’s a prewar building, but beyond that, you’ll have to get creative. There are the obvious solutions; custom floor to ceiling shelves in the living room to store and display records, books, objets d’art, etc. An armoire, chest-of-drawers, or sideboard in the bedrooms. These are great, but break the mold; try placing a credenza behind the couch for added storage and as a surface to display pictures and place lighting. Or, instead of a coffee table hunt for a vintage navy chest that can double as a keeping place for books or blankets.

Get a few of them and place one at the foot of each bed. Any opportunity to gracefully stow things will reduce clutter, which is always welcome.

Flow

A petite apartment, as with any space, must allow for good traffic flow. Traffic can mean a few friends over for a dinner party (which is something to plan for), but also just you and your partner going about your day. Try to leave three feet between a piece in the center of the room and the wall, and keep openings clear. This both enables safe passage and makes for a clean aesthetic. Also, consider curves; the forgiving edges of round or oval tables are easier to work around in tight quarters than their more geometrically severe cousins.

Keep these principles in mind; use them to help simplify the arrangement process, but don’t forget to enjoy yourself and make it your home. Choose pieces that speak to you, not too many of them. And don’t forget to pick up some plants while you’re at it.

The post A Guide To Arranging Furniture In Your Apartment appeared first on ELIKA Real Estate.

How to Stay Organized When You Have One Child…and a One Bedroom Apartment

Kids these days come with a lot of stuff. Multiple strollers. Changing tables. Not to mention their clothes, toys, books. It’s like a nightmare version of a doll that does not come with any accessories included.

While it seems strange to people outside of New York, in our city, we know that if you’ve got a great one bedroom apartment, having a child doesn’t necessarily mean you’re going to leave it. So many of us moved to the city and lived in convertible two-bedroom apartments by putting up a wall in the living room – so why not save some money and have your child live in your living room for a year or two?

That being said, your gorgeous apartment will suddenly turn chaotic if you don’t bring in a couple of new things to store all your precious baby’s new accessories. Here are our suggestions for some great space-saving solutions (and ways to keep your sanity).

Swap out your TV stand for a dresser

Simple, yet efficient. Your TV stand, while it might look sleek, is probably full of paper manuals that you’ve never looked at and some extra remotes. By replacing it was a six drawer long dresser, you’ll be able to keep the same look (and still have a spot for your TV) while simultaneously maximizing your storage space. You won’t need that photo of you and your girlfriends at drinks as much as you’ll need those drawers for your baby’s clothes.

You don’t need the biggest, plushest…

ANYTHING. There are so many small (and stylish) rocking chair, as well as smaller cribs. Your baby isn’t that big, so he or she doesn’t need a huge crib.

Furthermore, if you can get a crib on wheels, then you’ll earn bonus points. This way, you can wheel your sleeping baby into your bedroom while you have friends over without disturbing either your child or your guests. When your guests have left for the night, wheel it back.

Hang your stroller

Get a collapsible stroller that you can hang on the bank of your door (or like a bicycle on your wall). There’s no reason to have it sitting in the corner taking up space.

Buy under the bed boxes

While shopping at The Container Store for these might make you flashback to your college years, these boxes are some of the best buys – even if you don’t have a kid! Free up closet space by putting seldom used items under your bed. You’ll forget these boxes are there because your comforter will probably cover the sides of your bed. Store heavy winter sweaters or seasonal shoes in these boxes and use the extra drawer space for clothes or toys that your child is likely to use a lot

Use a dresser as a changing table

Most changing tables have shelves for diapers – but once your baby doesn’t need diapers anymore, you have a useless piece of furniture. Instead, pick something that will hold your baby’s clothes. You can buy a changing pad for the top of the dresser without sacrificing the whole piece. Here’s the way one mom did it.

Buy a wardrobe for your clothes and turn your closet into your baby’s room

No joke. Check out the inspiration here.

ABV – Always Be Vertical

We know that your apartment has lots of storage space you haven’t used. We aren’t talking about closets – we’re talking about vertical space! Install a bookshelf toward the top of your wall where your couch is – or better yet, install storage cabinets. Buy shelving that goes all the way up to the ceiling.

There is a lot of potential to maximize your wall space and the space near your ceiling for extra storage. You can also buy a chest in lieu of a coffee table – it will serve the same purpose while also storing that bulky air mattress.

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Can a Seller Back Out After Accepting an Offer in NYC?

Anyone who’s new to the NYC real estate game would do well to investigate what makes it different from the rest of the county. Mainly in regard to when a contract becomes binding. Unlike in other states, a contract does not become binding until both parties have signed. This can seem unfair as it means a seller can accept your offer and deposit. But then choose to back out if they get cold feet or a better offer comes along. But this changes once the seller has counter-signed the purchase contract. Technically, they can still back out, but they will risk being sued for litigation. Read on to better understand when can and can’t a seller back out of a deal in NYC.

Can a seller back out after accepting an offer?

Until both the buyer and seller have signed the purchase contract, both are free to walk away at any time. This is regardless of whether they came to an agreement verbally or in writing. It’s very common in New York for sellers to accept multiple offers so as to tie in as many interested buyers as possible and then choose the best one. This is frustrating for buyers as the seller is typically the last one to sign the purchase contract. Unfortunately, there is little you can do about it if it happens to you so it’s best to move on.

Can a seller back out after a home inspection?

A home inspection is typically done during the due diligence period before the buyer signs the purchase contract so, as above, both parties are still free to walk away if the inspection finds something and renegotiations fail. There are good reasons for this as buyers will want to know of any hidden issues before signing the contract. For instance, if the home inspection uncovers mold or other defects they can use that to negotiate for a reduced price or ask for a contingency in the contract whereby the sellers agree to fix the issues before scheduling a closing day. it’s entirely up to the sellers whether they wish to accept the demands or decline and look for another buyer.

Can a seller back out after co-signing a purchase contract?

Technically, yes, in effect, no. it’s very rare at this stage for a seller to try and back out of a signed contract because they can be sued for breach of contract and face legal penalties. This is assuming that both parties have fully executed the contract and no contingencies have been activated.

For instance, if the property is a co-op apartment the contract will usually include a contingency that allows the deal to be canceled without penalty to anyone if the buyer’s co-op board package was rejected by the board. Another example would be a mortgage or financing contingency. This would allow the seller to back out if the buyer failed to secure financing for the purchase.

It’s also possible for a seller to back out if both sides agree to. To make one example, let’s say the buyer recently lost his job and now wants out of the deal. The seller also wants out of the deal because in the time since signing the contract the properties price has gone up from appreciation. Both sides agree amicably to cancel the contract and walk away without penalties.

What are the consequences if a seller backs out arbitrarily?

As alluded to above, a seller can back out of a signed purchase contract if they wish to but it would be very much in their interest not to do so. Once the contract has been counter-signed, the deal is binding, bearing any contingencies being met.

That’s because of something in real estate laws called a “specific performance” provision. This entitles buyers to force the seller to honor their obligations in the contract. it usually involves taking the seller to court and forcing the completion of the sale. However, this will mean a lot of time and legal expenses. The option most go for is to sue for damages from the seller for breach of contract. This can recoup expenses from temporary housing, storage, legal fees, and home inspection fees. Most sellers facing such a scenario will agree to pay the fees and end the ordeal.

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4 Restaurants in NYC You Need to Try

It can be so hard to pick a restaurant that’s going to impress your group. The restaurant scene in New York is constantly changing – it’s so hard to keep track of what’s hot today and what was hot last week. Right now, there are some amazing gems that everyone is talking about – so we’ve put them together so you’ll be in the know next time it’s your turn to pick the spot.

Don Angie
Image Courtesy of Eater.com

While an Italian place opening up in Greenwich Village may not seem like anything special, their Instagrammable “Pinwheel Lasagna” lives up to the hype – not just the picture. Try and come with at least four people so you can taste more than just the lasagna. If you eat here with just one other person, you might panic at all the things you’ve missed. Don Angie’s stuffed garlic flatbread and its famous buffalo milk caramel pasta are both to die for. While they have other entrees besides pasta, diners seem to be raving about the pastas over the chicken dishes, so this is where we’d focus our ordering.

To top off what can only be described as an enlightening eating experience, the vibe at Don Angie is just what you’d hope for from a new neighborhood Italian spot downtown – slightly dim, cozy and intimate, allowing you to feel like you’ve escaped the hustle and bustle of the city for some time. If you want to get dessert, try some mochi at the end of your night

Simon and the Whale
Image Courtesy of Eater.com

The Freehand Hotel in Gramercy opened with a bang. Their rooftop bar, The Broker Shaker, modeled after the bar in Miami, brings all the green elements of its namesake to killer views in New York. The restaurant is from the same people who came up with Bar Sardine in the West Village, but this is a larger space with a creative cocktail list to accompany its killer food.

Diners rave about the striped bass crudo (with coconut milk) and you can’t go wrong with their croquettes if you’re looking for comfort food to start off your meal (they are fried, but you won’t regret it). The branzino on the entrée list won’t set you back nearly as much as it will at other restaurants, but the quality will make you come back. The squid ink garganelli is mouthwatering. If you’re coming for a more casual night, bother the burger and fish sandwich elevate comfort food to great heights. Make sure you save some room for dessert; if you’ve been to Flex Mussels and dream about their doughnuts, then you’ll definitely be ordering off this dessert menu as well.

Frenchette
Image Courtesy of Eater.com

If you’re meeting a friend for dinner and you want to impress them with a great downtown vibe, then you’ll want to pick Frenchette. Fans of Balthazar love this smaller, stylish spot for the same great people watching and feeling like you’re sitting somewhere that other people want to be. Luckily Frenchette is just as much about the food as it is the atmosphere.

Fans of French cuisine will love the Brouillade appetizer dish with escargot and garlic butter. The duck frites dish is wonderful, and the duck is crispy where it should be, with fries to accompany. Fans of a traditional steak and fries combo will love this twist. The standout side dish is the charred carrots with labneh cheese, a simple combination that will make you wish you weren’t sharing them with the table. We’d suggest stepping out of your comfort zone (you don’t need to get pasta) and getting the dishes that your waiter recommends. You won’t regret it. 

Emmy Squared

This is your casual spot for a weeknight dinner, but that doesn’t make it any less exciting. With locations in both Williamsburg and the East Village, this is a great spot to elevate your pizza game with a typical New York slice just won’t cut it. Believe it or not, their burger gets rave reviews (and Instagram tags) even though the spot is technically best known for its pizza. And with the accompanying waffle fries, you can be sure that whoever orders the burger is going to be sharing their dish.

Enjoy your pizza party with the Colony pizza, a mix of peperoni, jalapeños, and honey, or for the more classic fans, you won’t be disappointed with the quality of this margarita. Like many pizza joints, they have options with both red sauce and white pizza, so you’ll want to go with a group and sample everything on the menu. We love with Marn Blanc and the Hatchback.

The post 4 Restaurants in NYC You Need to Try appeared first on ELIKA Real Estate.

4 Restaurants in NYC You Need to Try Now

It can be so hard to pick a restaurant that’s going to impress your group. The restaurant scene in New York is constantly changing – it’s so hard to keep track of what’s hot today and what was hot last week. Right now, there are some amazing gems that everyone is talking about – so we’ve put them together so you’ll be in the know next time it’s your turn to pick the spot.

Don Angie
Image Courtesy of Eater.com

While an Italian place opening up in Greenwich Village may not seem like anything special, their Instagrammable “Pinwheel Lasagna” lives up to the hype – not just the picture. Try and come with at least four people so you can taste more than just the lasagna. If you eat here with just one other person, you might panic at all the things you’ve missed. Don Angie’s stuffed garlic flatbread and its famous buffalo milk caramel pasta are both to die for. While they have other entrees besides pasta, diners seem to be raving about the pastas over the chicken dishes, so this is where we’d focus our ordering.

To top off what can only be described as an enlightening eating experience, the vibe at Don Angie is just what you’d hope for from a new neighborhood Italian spot downtown – slightly dim, cozy and intimate, allowing you to feel like you’ve escaped the hustle and bustle of the city for some time. If you want to get dessert, try some mochi at the end of your night

Simon and the Whale
Image Courtesy of Eater.com

The Freehand Hotel in Gramercy opened with a bang. Their rooftop bar, The Broker Shaker, modeled after the bar in Miami, brings all the green elements of its namesake to killer views in New York. The restaurant is from the same people who came up with Bar Sardine in the West Village, but this is a larger space with a creative cocktail list to accompany its killer food.

Diners rave about the striped bass crudo (with coconut milk) and you can’t go wrong with their croquettes if you’re looking for comfort food to start off your meal (they are fried, but you won’t regret it). The branzino on the entrée list won’t set you back nearly as much as it will at other restaurants, but the quality will make you come back. The squid ink garganelli is mouthwatering. If you’re coming for a more casual night, bother the burger and fish sandwich elevate comfort food to great heights. Make sure you save some room for dessert; if you’ve been to Flex Mussels and dream about their doughnuts, then you’ll definitely be ordering off this dessert menu as well.

Frenchette
Image Courtesy of Eater.com

If you’re meeting a friend for dinner and you want to impress them with a great downtown vibe, then you’ll want to pick Frenchette. Fans of Balthazar love this smaller, stylish spot for the same great people watching and feeling like you’re sitting somewhere that other people want to be. Luckily Frenchette is just as much about the food as it is the atmosphere.

Fans of French cuisine will love the Brouillade appetizer dish with escargot and garlic butter. The duck frites dish is wonderful, and the duck is crispy where it should be, with fries to accompany. Fans of a traditional steak and fries combo will love this twist. The standout side dish is the charred carrots with labneh cheese, a simple combination that will make you wish you weren’t sharing them with the table. We’d suggest stepping out of your comfort zone (you don’t need to get pasta) and getting the dishes that your waiter recommends. You won’t regret it. 

Emmy Squared

This is your casual spot for a weeknight dinner, but that doesn’t make it any less exciting. With locations in both Williamsburg and the East Village, this is a great spot to elevate your pizza game with a typical New York slice just won’t cut it. Believe it or not, their burger gets rave reviews (and Instagram tags) even though the spot is technically best known for its pizza. And with the accompanying waffle fries, you can be sure that whoever orders the burger is going to be sharing their dish.

Enjoy your pizza party with the Colony pizza, a mix of peperoni, jalapeños, and honey, or for the more classic fans, you won’t be disappointed with the quality of this margarita. Like many pizza joints, they have options with both red sauce and white pizza, so you’ll want to go with a group and sample everything on the menu. We love with Marn Blanc and the Hatchback.

The post 4 Restaurants in NYC You Need to Try Now appeared first on ELIKA Real Estate.