Gea Elika's Blog, page 142
August 24, 2017
Budgeting for a Fixer Upper
New York City’s rising prices over the last several years may have given you pause as you consider grabbing your slice of the American Dream by entering the real estate market for the first time. In the second quarter, the Real Estate Board of New York (REBNY) conducted a study that showed the median sale price rose 8% year-over-year in the second quarter to $633,000. In Manhattan, it was up 5% to $1.16 million, while in Brooklyn, it charged ahead by 17% to $775,000.
If these prices have you concerned that you are priced out of the market, you may consider a fixer-upper. However, this required careful budgeting since costs can quickly spiral out of control.
The Kitchen
Image by Emily May / Flickr
This is one of the most expensive areas to upgrade. The average kitchen remodel is about $22,000, according to HomeAdvisor. You can spend much more, of course. There is a good reason for the high price tag and desire to spruce it up since you spend a lot of time in the kitchen. Not only do you cook there, but it is also the place party guests tend to congregate (it is typically near the food).
You want your kitchen to look appealing while also keeping in mind that it should be functional.
The biggest chunk typically goes toward cabinetry and hardware (29%), according to the National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA). Custom cabinets cost a lot of money, so buying off the rack may be an area you can achieve some savings. Installation is another major expense, so you could do the work yourself if you are handy and willing to put in the time. Other major cost areas include appliances/ventilation and countertops.
A smaller remodel in the $10,000 range might including updating your kitchen to be environmentally friendly (which can save you money on your utility bills), such as LED lighting and new windows, along with updating smaller appliances, such as your dishwasher, refrigerator, and oven. Moving up to the $15,000 remodel, typical projects could include updating your replacing your countertops and backsplash (staying away from more expensive materials (such as granite). Instead of replacing your cabinets, you could also reface or refinish them. For the less expensive and more moderate remodels, don’t underestimate how a paint job, which is relatively inexpensive compared to high ticket items, can improve the look of your kitchen.
Moving to the higher end remodels, you can expect to spend upwards of $15,000, and it can easily climb higher. This involves changing your countertops with high-quality materials (e.g. granite), installing custom cabinets, putting in high-end kitchen appliances, and replacing the flooring (hardwood is nice but expensive).
Bathroom
Image by Granit Architects / Flickr
This is an area that can cost very little, or if you are looking to make extensive changes with high-end fixtures, a whole lot. It is not unheard of to spend $50,000 for a complete gut job and high-end remodel. Several years ago, the NKBA, cited the average at about $16,500, with upscale remodels coming in at more than $52,000. Labor tends to eat up a lot of the cost, with materials encompassing the balance. For a fairly small space, there are a lot of choices to make regarding products.
This comes down to plumbing and design. If you are considering moving the bathtub to turn it into a master suite, this will be very expensive. Then, consider the cost of the flooring and shower tile. In terms of budgeting, a rule of thumb is to set the amount at 5% to 10% of your apartment’s value.
Flooring
Image by eugenuity / Flickr
There are many floor choices and a wide range of prices. Quotes for the materials are based on the square footage of the space. Factor in labor, of course. When choosing the type of flooring, consider your lifestyle, and balancing practicality with design.
Hardwood floors are popular and very nice. There are different types of hardwood floors, which vary in quality and price. Oak, maple, and cherry are at the high end. There are also choices regarding solid or engineered flooring. If you are considering hardwood flooring, keep in mind the house rules which may require you to carpet a certain percentage in order to minimize noise.
Other choices, which may be less expensive, include laminate, vinyl sheet, vinyl tile, and luxury vinyl.
There are plenty of places to get quotes from, including Costco, Home Depot, Lowe’s, and specialty flooring places.
Concluding thoughts
When formulating your budget, keep in mind how long you plan to spend living in your new home. If you plan to sell quickly, you will not enjoy the fruits of your labor.
You should also not forget to budget for unexpected problems. Hopefully, nothing major is uncovered, but you need to be prepared. A general rule of thumb is to set aside 5% to 10% of your total budget to cover extra costs that come up. Of course, you could choose to be more conservative by having a larger contingency budget. That way, you do not have to choose between giving up certain things and spending more than you planned.
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August 23, 2017
6 Basic Household Items That Every New Yorker Needs
Everyday living requires efficiency in the home. Check out these basic household items that can springboard you toward a more organized life. To make it in New York, you need:
1. A “Landing Zone” For All Your Out-Of-The-Door Essentials
Shop console tables on Houzz
When you need to get somewhere on time, you can save yourself a lot of stress by having a “landing zone” for everything you need to be out of the door in seconds. Whether it’s a hall tree, a key holder with a shelf, or a ceramic bowl on top of a console table, create a convenient place to store and retrieve all the things you need for a day out.
Hall trees are great for New Yorkers because they don’t take up a lot of space, but can keep your keys, bags, umbrellas, coats, and shoes in one place.
2. A Slim Sofa Table
A slim table placed behind your sofa makes living in the technological age easier. Instead of setting your mobile devices next to your beverages on the coffee table, this extra surface provides a convenient area to place your devices.
Sofa tables can also be modified to include USB charging ports, which makes charging your phone much easier than searching for a nearby outlet. There are many tutorials online that show how easy it is to make this useful addition.
3. A Good Recycling Sorter
Being kind to the environment is important, especially as our planet becomes more populated. It’s easier to minimize your carbon footprint by making recycling simple. Consider investing in a dual compartment trash can that makes sorting a breeze. This useful household item becomes a constant and visible reminder to recycle and responsibly sort your waste.
If you want a quality product, this dual compartment can by Simplehuman allows you to sort trash and recyclables hands-free.
4. Drawer Organizers For Your Bathroom
One of the messiest places in the home is the bathroom. Keep things organized and clean with sectioned drawer organizers that can keep your shaving essentials, toothpaste, and cosmetics in easy-to-remember places. Getting ready and cleaning up after yourself will soon be quicker and less of a hassle!
5. A Laundry Bag Backpack
If you’re a New Yorker who is fortunate enough to have a washer dryer in-unit, then you should skip to number 6. However, if you need an easier way to haul your clothes to the laundromat, then a bag like this can instantly make laundry day less stressful.
6. A Soothing Sounds Machine
Sometimes, sharing walls with neighbors or living near a busy street can make urban life unbearably noisy. Instead of stressing out about noises at bedtime, drown out any ambient sounds with a white noise machine. Something as simple as this HoMedics SoundSpa can transform your neighbor’s latest lover’s quarrel into the sound of a soothing summer rainstorm.
Life in New York City can be fast-paced and stressful. However, if you add any of these six household essentials, living at home will be easier, more convenient, and more peaceful than ever.
The post 6 Basic Household Items That Every New Yorker Needs appeared first on - Elika Real Estate.
Thank you Kaitlyn W for your 5 Star Yelp Review
Thank you for your kind review, Kaitlyn. It was my pleasure being of service. It takes the right buyers agent to understand your needs. Whether you are a looking for a home or investment property contact Elika to buy the right home for the right price.
Read Kaitlyn W.‘s review of Elika Real Estate on Yelp
The post Thank you Kaitlyn W for your 5 Star Yelp Review appeared first on - Elika Real Estate.
August 22, 2017
Moving to Brooklyn: A transplant’s guide to home shopping
The newfound charm of Brooklyn beckons to young professionals, families and celebrities alike, holding the promise of a feasibly affordable option for life in New York. Brooklyn’s emphasis on shopping local not only affords its residents reasonable prices but has proven essential to the flourishment and saturation of the quirky culture that has become widely acknowledged as the borough’s adopted identity.
What to Expect in Brooklyn
As opposed to more costly areas around the city, Brooklyn’s flare and attempt at projecting an understated coolness (albeit, a biting and hip image) attract young people from across the country and the globe.
Largely due to its reassertion in today’s movement and prominence within American youth culture, Brooklyn has positioned itself to emerge as a cultural hub home to a growing hip-hop scene, pop-up galleries, and closet-sized, rotating restaurants all within reach of the narrow confines of your wallet.
For the dreamy and eager young professionals and recent college graduates, Brooklyn holds faithful to all that is the quintessential New Yorker experience with the added touch of eclecticism and innovation eliciting the delicious call to adventure.
Living in Brooklyn
Before diving into all that Brooklyn has to offer, it’s important to consider the logistics for planning your big move and create your checklist for what you can and cannot live without. Can you live with walking your clothes to the laundromat every Sunday? Are you comfortable with your commute from home lasting an entire podcast or more?
It would be wise to consider subletting a temporary space and storing your possessions in a storage unit while on the hunt for your new address. Opting for a sublease will grant you the opportunity to immerse yourself in Brooklyn’s different neighborhoods and their respective personalities before plunging into your next housing contract.
Whether you are single or paired, hiring a moving company should be given heavy consideration. It’s likely that you won’t want to and perhaps will be physically unable to move your sleeper sofa up multiple flights of stairs – a set of extra hands will make all the difference as you accept self-damnation on your third trip down the steps back to your car and trailer hitch.
Or perhaps you ditched your car miles ago and opted to head to Brooklyn in your rented moving van. Although owning a vehicle in Brooklyn may be practical, it is not necessary due to all the public transportation. Street parking can start to add up quickly, and the subway trains offer easy access from point A to point B.
Of course, you can always catch a Lyft or hop in an Uber pool or start adjusting to your new borough and grab a bike; you live in Brooklyn now after all.
A Taste of Brooklyn’s Neighborhoods
Brooklyn is home to 52 distinct neighborhoods to choose from. Whatever your needs or niche, there’s almost a full guarantee there’s a place for you. For example:
If your pockets run a little deeper with a gravitation toward the finer things in life, consider a spot in Brooklyn Heights with views of the Manhattan skyline.
Perhaps your lust for the Upper West Side opposes your checkbook, and Park Slope could be a competitive, equally beautiful alternative.
If you’re looking for city digs with a nearly coastal feel, check out Brighton Beach only a short walk away from Coney Island.
If it’s essential to be within reach of the repair shop for your refurbished 1970s Schwinn, the sweet lure of Williamsburg might just capture your heart.
A residential home in Midwood would provide a near suburbanite experience sharply different from a fresh start in Midtown.
What It’s Like to be a house hunter in Brooklyn
More and more people are trading dreams of a high-rise on the Upper East Side for a plant-filled, oasis in Bushwick. Perhaps your two bedroom Brooklyn apartment even comes with a backyard or can be found steps away from a community yoga meetup group in Prospect Park.
An added advantage to living in a Brooklyn neighborhood is the sheer amount of public parks that provide needed greenery to your daily commute to work or the craft coffee roastery on the corner. Prospect Park alone boasts its own lakefront views, tennis and basketball courts, soccer fields, and playgrounds. Not to mention its own zoo. As a bonus, many of Brooklyn’s parks serve as hosts to free outdoor concerts, festivals, and big-screen movie showings during the warmer months.
Brooklyn Compared to Manhattan
In contrast, a dwelling in Manhattan would not only be more costly, but you would be hard-pressed to find an inch of grassy refuge to call your own.
Although Manhattan can be argued as easier to navigate and perhaps more convenient to get around for work, Brooklyn provides a sense of community through its hyper-local economy, outwardly laid-back demeanor, and noticeably dismal presence of tourists.
Brooklyn offers a comfortable yet trend-setting option for rent-seekers opting for views of the sky over skyscrapers and extra elbow room on the sidewalk. For the young couple looking for all the amenities and excitement a city has to offer with a suburban feel, some areas of Brooklyn provide the right amount of hominess to meet your needs.
Rest assured that the trade-off for your new Brownstone ensures plenty of things to do in Brooklyn wrapped tightly with all the bells and whistles from farmers markets to botanical gardens, let alone some of the most breathtaking sights in the city.
The post Moving to Brooklyn: A transplant’s guide to home shopping appeared first on - Elika Real Estate.
August 21, 2017
Where the Stars Live: Which Celebrity Lives in Which Brooklyn Neighborhood?
Many celebrities love living in New York City. Brooklyn, in particular, has caught the attention of many of the rich and famous. Who are they and where do they live? Fortunately, Ranker.com has the inside scoop on who’s who in Brooklyn and where they decided to hang their hats.
1. Anne Hathaway
Image by Horus Tr4n / Flickr
Everyone’s favorite The Devil Wears Prada star was actually born in New York. After she achieved stardom, it was only natural that she bought an apartment in Dumbo, Brooklyn. She’s currently a Goodwill ambassador on a mission to promote gender equality.
2. Sarah Jessica Parker
Image by David Shankbone / Flickr
This Sex and The City star actually loves the city life. Sarah Jessica Parker and her husband Matthew Broderick, who is best known for his role in _Ferris Bueller’s Day Off_and his Broadway performances, live together in their Brooklyn Heights townhouse with their beautiful daughter.
3. Maggie Gyllenhaal
Image by Justin Hoch/ Flickr
Maggie Gyllenhaal has had an award-winning acting career that spans mainstream film, indie movies, and television programs. She now lives with her husband, Peter Sarsgaard, and their adorable daughter in Park Slope.
4. Michelle Williams
Image by Gage Skidmore / Flickr
Michelle Williams still lives in the Hoyt Street home that she shared with her fiancé Heath Ledger. This beautiful home in the Boerum Hill neighborhood has a peaceful garden and a three-car garage.
5. Keri Russel
Image by fii2anky / Flickr
Another resident of Brooklyn Heights, Keri Russel is neighbors with Sarah Jessica Parker. She’s best-known for her leading role in Felicity and her part in Dawn of the Planet of the Apes.
6. Paul Giamatti
Image by Josh Jensen / Flickr
Being the producer of some of the greatest modern films like Saving Private Ryan and The Illusionist, Paul Giamatti had no problem buying a $1.3 million condo in Brooklyn Heights.
7. John Turturro
Image by Gordon Correll / Flickr
Italian-American actor John Turturro has lived in Brooklyn his whole life. He’s best-known for his outstanding roles in The Big Lebowski and O Brother, Where Art Thou. He owns a beautiful home in Park Slope, where he likes to frequent the local Italian restaurants.
8. Steve Buscemi
Image by David Shankbone / Flickr
This amazing Boardwalk Empire star is also known for many other memorable roles in movies like Con Air and Armageddon. He currently lives in Park Slope.
9. Patrick Stewart
Image by markbach / Flickr
Star Trek fans unite! Patrick Stewart paid a cool $2.5 million for a condo in Brooklyn’s Park Slope neighborhood, making him neighbors with Steve Buscemi and John Turturro.
10. Norah Jones
Image by Kirk Stauffer / Flickr
As a life-long New Yorker, Norah Jones still lives in Brooklyn, on Amity Street, right between the Cobble Hill and Brooklyn Heights neighborhoods. She is a 9-time Grammy winner who has recently come out with her sixth solo album, called Day Breaks.
This is just a glimpse at the stars who call Brooklyn home. There are even more celebrities who started out in this vibrant borough and moved onto live elsewhere. We wish all these celebrities the best as they enjoy the city life with their families.
The post Where the Stars Live: Which Celebrity Lives in Which Brooklyn Neighborhood? appeared first on - Elika Real Estate.
August 18, 2017
The NYC Neighborhood Amenities That Matter Most for Renters
The 2010s have seen the age of amenities come into full swing. Apartment communities are now in a constant race to keep up with each other to stay competitive. In New York, where properties go for a premium, rentals that give the most bang for their buck are more appealing to prospective residents. Keep reading to learn about the 7 most important NYC amenities.
1. Fitness Centers
According to the National Apartment Association’s recent report “Adding Value in the Age of Amenities Wars,” fitness centers are still the most popular amenity. Having a convenient place to work out is an incredibly attractive commodity, especially when apartments usually don’t offer vast square footage.
2. Pet-Friendly Communities
New Yorkers love their pets, and communities that accommodate man’s best friend rank high in popularity. Pet owners make up a whopping 66% of renters, so appealing to this group is important for any property manager. Popular pet-friendly amenities include offering dog waste disposal areas, dog parks, and on-site grooming stations.
3. Business Centers
The rise of technology has steadily made work-from-home and telecommuting positions more common. Therefore, having a quiet and neutral place to work is in high demand. Business centers make it possible for residents to hold conference calls in a professional atmosphere, which is especially beneficial if one has a roommate or small children.
4. Walkability
Walkability is a huge plus for anyone in New York. Being near conveniences like a pharmacy, grocery store, subway station, or bus route has huge perks for urban residents. The less one has to walk to reach basic necessities, the better. This lifestyle is often called the “live work play” model and it’s been gaining momentum in the recent years.
5. Free Wi-Fi
Complimentary Wi-Fi for guests and residents is becoming more of a package deal in rentals. Properties in New York are some of the most expensive in the nation, so getting the best deal is important to renters. Saving $80 per month on Internet charges sweetens the terms of the lease enough to be a deciding factor in choosing one apartment over another.
6. Updated Interiors
Apartments with new appliances and a fresh look will be more appealing to residents. Prospective renters will often look online at photos of the property’s interior. Apartments that have shiny new appliances will often get selected over a property of a similar price that has an outdated interior. Sleek updates convey to renters that the property manager cares about the renter’s happiness and comfort.
7. A Convenient Way to Pay
Bringing modern conveniences into the residential game is important. Offering an online portal where residents can pay rent and request repairs can help them get the help they need from the property manager anytime, not just during business hours.
These amenities can set a community apart from the competition and compel New York renters to sign one lease over another.
The post The NYC Neighborhood Amenities That Matter Most for Renters appeared first on - Elika Real Estate.
August 16, 2017
Moving to Brooklyn: A transplant’s guide to house hunting
The newfound charm of Brooklyn beckons to young professionals and families alike, holding the promise of a feasibly affordable option for life in New York City. Brooklyn’s emphasis on shopping local not only affords its residents reasonable prices but has proven essential to the flourishment and saturation of the quirky culture that has become widely acknowledged as the borough’s adopted identity.
What to Expect in Brooklyn
As opposed to more costly areas around the city, Brooklyn’s flare and attempt at projecting an understated coolness (albeit, a biting and hip image) attract young people from across the country and the globe.
Largely due to its reassertion in today’s movement and prominence within American youth culture, Brooklyn has positioned itself to emerge as a cultural hub home to a growing hip-hop scene, pop-up galleries, and closet-sized, rotating restaurants all within reach of the narrow confines of your wallet.
For the dreamy and eager young professionals and recent college graduates, Brooklyn holds true to all that is the quintessential New Yorker experience with the added touch of eclecticism and innovation eliciting the delicious call to adventure.
Living in Brooklyn
Before diving into all that Brooklyn has to offer, it’s important to consider the logistics for planning your big move and create your checklist for what you can and cannot live without. Can you live with walking your clothes to the laundromat every Sunday? Are you comfortable with your commute from home lasting an entire podcast or more?
It would be wise to consider subletting a temporary space and storing your possessions in a storage unit while on the hunt for your new address. Opting for a sublease will grant you the opportunity to immerse yourself in Brooklyn’s different neighborhoods and their respective personalities before plunging into your next housing contract.
Whether you are single or paired, hiring a moving company should be given substantial consideration. It’s likely that you won’t want to and perhaps will be physically unable to move your sleeper sofa up multiple flights of stairs – a set of extra hands will make all the difference as you accept self-damnation on your third trip down the steps back to your car and trailer hitch.
Or perhaps you ditched your car miles ago and opted to head to Brooklyn in your rented moving van. Although owning a vehicle in Brooklyn may be practical, it is not necessary due to all the public transportation. Street parking can start to add up quickly, and the subway trains offer easy access from point A to point B.
Of course, you can always catch a Lyft or hop in an Uber pool or start adjusting to your new borough and grab a bike; you live in Brooklyn now after all.
A Taste of Brooklyn’s Neighborhoods
Image by James Ian L.A. / Flickr
Brooklyn is home to 52 distinct neighborhoods to choose from. Whatever your needs or niche, there’s almost a full guarantee there’s a place for you. For example:
If your pockets run a little deeper with a gravitation toward the finer things in life, consider a spot in Brooklyn Heights with views of the Manhattan skyline.
Perhaps your lust for the Upper West Side opposes your checkbook; Park Slope could be a competitive, equally beautiful alternative.
If you’re looking for city digs with a nearly coastal feel, check out Brighton Beach only a short walk away from Coney Island.
If it’s essential to be within reach of a repair shop for your refurbished 1970s Schwinn, the sweet lure of Williamsburg might just capture your heart.
A residential home in Midwood would provide a near suburbanite experience sharply different from a fresh start in Midtown.
What It’s Like to house-hunt in Brooklyn
More and more people are trading dreams of a high rise on the Upper East Side for a plant-filled, oasis in Bushwick. Perhaps your two bedroom Brooklyn apartment even comes with a backyard or can be found steps away from a community yoga meetup group in Prospect Park.
An added advantage to living in a Brooklyn neighborhood is the sheer amount of public parks that provide needed greenery to your daily commute to work or the craft coffee roastery on the corner. Prospect Park alone boasts its lakefront views, tennis and basketball courts, soccer fields, and playgrounds. Not to mention it’s own zoo. As a bonus, many of Brooklyn’s parks serve as hosts to free outdoor concerts, festivals, and big-screen movie showings during the warmer months.
Brooklyn Compared to Manhattan
In contrast, a dwelling in Manhattan would not only be more costly, but you would be hard-pressed to find an inch of grassy refuge to call your own.
Although Manhattan can be argued as easier to navigate and perhaps more convenient to get around for work, Brooklyn provides a sense of community through its hyper-local economy, outwardly laid-back demeanor, and a noticeably dismal presence of tourists.
Brooklyn offers a comfortable yet trend-setting option for rent-seekers opting for views of the sky over skyscrapers and extra elbow room on the sidewalk. For the young couple looking for all the amenities and excitement a city has to offer with a suburban feel, some areas of Brooklyn provide the right amount of hominess to meet your needs.
Rest assured that the trade-off for your new Brownstone ensures plenty of things to do in Brooklyn wrapped tightly with all the bells and whistles from farmers markets to botanical gardens, let alone some of the most breathtaking sights in the city.
The post Moving to Brooklyn: A transplant’s guide to house hunting appeared first on - Elika Real Estate.
August 14, 2017
How to Get First-Time HomeBuyers Down Payment Assistance
Many states and large cities offer down payment assistance to first-time homebuyers. New York City is no exception. Once such program is the HomeFirst Down Payment Assistance Program offered by the city’s Housing Preservation & Development (HPD) agency.
Since we have an aversion to people wasting a money-saving opportunity, we provide a detailed explanation in order to see if this is program is a fit for you.
The program requirements
In order to be eligible for the program, there are certain criteria that must be met. First, there are income requirements, which depend on your family size. A four person household’s income is limited to low-$60,000 range. Unfortunately, this knocks many people out. However, there are circumstances where this might fit, such as if you are starting out and feel your income is set to rise, or you have taken a pay cut that you believe is temporary.
If you meet the income eligibility, the rest of the requirements are not onerous. Remember, the program is only for first-time homebuyers. You also must complete a homebuyers education course that is taught by an HPD approved counseling agency and the home you are planning to purchase must pass a Housing Quality Standards inspection. Beyond that, you must be able to make a financial contribution to the down payment or closing costs.
You can purchase a broad range of properties. It encompasses a one-to-four family home as well as a condo and co-op unit in any of the five boroughs. The city is not interested in subsidizing a rental business, so you must occupy the residence. In fact, you must live there for a period of at least 10 years, and up to 15 years, depending on your income, which is based on the Area Median Income (AMI). If your income is up to 80% of the AMI, you must reside at the property for at least 10 years, and 15 years for amounts greater than this threshold. For a family of four, 80% of the AMI was $72,500.
If you meet the requirements and go through the process, you are eligible for up to $25,000 to apply towards your closing costs or down payment.
Not home free
You still must qualify for a mortgage. The educational course should help you determine your options, and what you can do to repair your credit score if needed. There are also supplementary online courses offered by HPD. While these are not required, you may find these informational.
Closing thoughts
You should feel comfortable that the program will remain in place. It was started in 2004 when the federal government launched its American Dream Downpayment Initiative (ADDI). However, although ADDI was eliminated, the HomeFirst Down Payment Assistance Program has been funded by alternative sources, including city capital funds.
This is merely one program, so do not get discouraged if you are not eligible. Diligent homebuyers can search for federal, state, and other city programs that can provide assistance in an array of areas, such as down payments and closing costs. A buyer’s agent can help you sort through the various options.
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August 12, 2017
Wish List – Differentiating Between Wants and Needs
Your dream apartment may be a Park Avenue penthouse with the latest appliances along with a newly renovated kitchen and bathroom. For many, this is out of reach, of course. Still, there are plenty of people, particularly first time home buyers, that have unrealistic expectations, causing them to miss out on great apartments.
We can assist you in avoiding this fate by helping you create a useful list to consider as you conduct your home search.
The needs
When examining your needs, try to anticipate what these will be down the road. For instance, if you are newly married and planning on children down the road, you should think about those requirements. Similarly, if you have an elderly parent and you think he or she might live with you, factor this in, too. Remember, you may plan to upgrade in a couple of years, but the real estate market may be vastly different and selling your unit may take more time than you anticipate.
Location: Think about your living needs outside of the apartment. Do you want to be able to walk to work? Are shops nearby? Do you prefer to live close to transportation? Does a busy street bother you? Do you want to live in a neighborhood with many young families?
Size of building. Do you want to live in a high-rise building? On the other hand, is townhouse living more your style? Perhaps brownstones charm you.
Square footage of your unit: Can this accommodate your lifestyle? Do your furniture and other items fit?
The number of bedrooms: This is a basic question to answer. Remember, a seller may claim it is a two bedroom apartment, but there are legal definitions based on minimum square footage, along with at least one window that opens to the street, yard, garden, or court on the same lot, and a heating/cooling element. There must also be two means to exit (windows count, along with doors).
Number of bathrooms: If you are a family of five, think about the waiting time.
Co-op or condo
The wants
This is where things get interesting and potentially complicated. You may only need 800 square feet to live comfortably, but you want 2,000 square feet to live very comfortably. Excluding these considerations, we compile a list of wants to consider.
Door attendant: You may think this is indispensable, but we put this in the want category.
Building amenities: If you like everything about the apartment, and it meets all of your needs, consider what you want in the building versus what you need. Going to the gym may be a part of your lifestyle, but you can go to a local place if the building does not have one.
Apartment amenities: This includes flooring and windows. There are certain features, such as walk-in closets, a master suite, and an updated kitchen, that are not easy or inexpensive to put in place. Therefore, we advise prioritizing what you really want. You may want hardwood floors, but you can install these later, providing it is not against your house rules and it fits your budget.
Appliances: If your unit has outdated appliances, remember you can purchase these down the line.
Decorating style: Many people are intent on avoiding what they consider a poorly decorated apartment. However, many of these, such as painting and removing wallpaper, are quick, easy fixes.
Living space: Consider how important the layout is to you.
Final thoughts
When thinking about your housing needs and wants, it is helpful to write things down, even creating a checklist. You should not be able to live without the items on your needs list. After that, it is about prioritizing your wants. It is not easy to give up certain things you want, but your search may prove frustrating if you do not compromise
The post Wish List – Differentiating Between Wants and Needs appeared first on - Elika Real Estate.
August 8, 2017
The Best New York City Flea Markets
Summer is the perfect time to explore the New York City flea market scene. While some head to the beach to escape the heat, savvy New Yorkers stick around on summer weekends, searching the markets and street fairs for unique items at budget prices.
If you’d like to do some treasure hunting of your own, here are the best New York City flea markets that offer fabulous shopping, food, people watching and bargains galore.
The Annex Markets Chelsea Flea Market draws celebrities, designers and anyone who loves a good deal. Located on West 25th Street between Broadway and Sixth Avenue, this weekend only market has been in Chelsea since 1976 and includes dealers from the beloved but now defunct Antique Garage. It only costs a dollar to browse 135 vendors selling vintage clothing, jewelry, antiques, art, housewares, and collectibles.
Image by Karen Horton / Flickr
In 2003, The Annex Markets opened the Hell’s Kitchen Flea Market on West 39th Street and Ninth Avenue. Every Saturday and Sunday, bargain hunters haggle for best prices on a wide variety of goods, such as home decor, furniture, vintage apparel and accessories, books and collectibles. Both of the Annex Markets are open year round, and you can’t beat the admission price for the Hell’s Kitchen Flea Market (it’s free).
Image by Artists & Fleas
Artists & Fleas is open daily at Chelsea Market and weekends only in Williamsburg. This popular indie market offers local art and design, vintage, handmade crafts, jewelry, fashion and artisanal food vendors. Spend the afternoon mingling with independent makers, artists, and collectors as you stroll through the markets, looking for unique gifts. If you simply can’t get enough Artists & Fleas, check out their new daily market in SoHo.
The Brooklyn Flea is where you’ll find an extravaganza of vintage furniture, clothing, collectibles, and antiques, as well as local food, art and crafts, and jewelry. This popular New York City flea market operates Saturdays and Sundays indoors at the new SoHo location (100 Avenue of the Americas) and Sundays outdoors in Dumbo (80 Pearl Street). A must see for lovers of vintage and design, The Brooklyn Flea’s Dumbo bazaar is the perfect place to browse for that one of a kind piece of furniture to accent your home.
Image by Adinda Uneputty
While you’re in Brooklyn, don’t miss Smorgasburg, the “largest weekly open air food market in America” with 10,000 visitors a day. Created by the founders of The Brooklyn Flea, this culinary event is held every Saturday in Williamsburg and Sunday in Prospect Park from April to October. 100 local and regional food vendors sell everything from spaghetti donuts to dumplings, fried chicken on a stick to salty sweet rolled ice cream, so you’re sure to find something to satisfy your cravings. (Try the ramen burger!)
Image courtesy of Smorgaburg
More shopping delights await you every weekend at the LIC Flea & Food, Queens’ largest outdoor food, and flea market. This water-front bazaar features over 80 vendors selling artisan food, arts, and crafts, antiques, furniture, fashion, and jewelry. There’s live music, games for the kids, and special events like the Beer and Taco Takedown and the Wine & Sweets Fest. Stop by the All Queens Beer Garden and enjoy a craft beer while you take in views of the Manhattan skyline.
Image by Quench Your Eyes / Flickr
Every Sunday, rain or shine, you can eat and shop your way through the Upper West Side’s Grand Bazaar NYC (formerly known as the GreenFlea). This indoor/outdoor curated flea market offers antique watches, fashion and handmade jewelry, limited edition art, collectibles, furniture and artisan food. Grand Bazaar supports the community of artists, designers, and entrepreneurs while donating all of its profits to four local public schools. With over 100 vendors and 43,000 square feet of space to explore, you’re sure to find a treasure (and some bargains, too).
More Northeast Flea Markets
Are you looking for more flea market fun? Consider a day trip to one of these famous Northeast flea markets: Renninger’s in Adamstown and Kutztown, Pennsylvania; Brimfield Antique Flea Market in Brimfield, Massachusetts and the Elephant’s Trunk Flea Market in New Milford, Connecticut.
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