Living with roommates is almost a rite of passage in Forest Hills apartment rentals. Why do those old “Friends” or “How I Met Your Mother” sitcoms make it look like so much fun when the internet is full of horror stories about good roomies gone bad?

Finding and living with a roommate can be a fun, or at least tolerable, experience. If you are struggling to make ends meet in Forest Hills apartment rentals, read these top tips for finding a roommate that you can respect. Who knows? You might even get a new friend out of the arrangement.

Tip #1: Don’t underestimate the power of word of mouth.
Ask your friends, family and co-workers if they know anyone interested in Forest Hills apartment rentals. As a bonus, maybe your connection can give you some insight as to whether you and the prospective roomie would be a good fit.

Tip #2: There’s an app for that!
Multiple roommate-locator apps and websites exist. Roomi, SpareRoom and EasyRoommate are three favorites among New Yorkers looking for the right person to share their Forest Hills apartment rentals.

Tip #3: Honesty is the best policy.
Be specific about rent, utilities and maintenance costs early on. Dealbreaker topics such as smoking habits, pets and your guest policy should also be covered with a potential roommate before you both commit.

Tip #4: Get references.
Ask your candidates for approximately three references. If your potential roommate has lived in a shared rental arrangement in the past, at least two of their references should be from a former landlord and a roommate.

Tip #5: If it isn’t in writing, it didn’t happen!
Once you’ve found your perfect match, add your new roomie to your lease or create a sublease agreement to address everything you discussed. This critical step financially and legally protects both parties, so don’t skip it!

If you didn’t think that real estate agents could answer your questions about Forest Hills apartment rentals, think again! Get in touch with Forest Hills Realty today to learn more about current rental listings.

Contact us today at (718) 997-6000 or email us here for more information.

If you’re looking to sell in Forest Hills, you might be having nightmares about your home being “stale.” When we say “stale,” we’re not talking about cookies that have been sitting on the counter for a week! In general, a stale real estate listing is a property that has been on the market for an extended time.

Why do some homes get snatched up immediately while others seem like they will never sell? Today we’re going to discuss a few factors that might be at play when we’re talking about stale real estate listings.

High Price Tag

If you’re looking to sell in Forest Hills, you’ll hear us talking about the art of pricing a property. Is it truly an art? We think so! The seller needs to strike a delicate balance between pricing their home for maximum profit and assigning a price that attracts the target buyers.

Poor Staging Efforts

A professional home stager isn’t always necessary, but you might want to consider one if you’re not confident that you can present your home in a favorable light. If you decide to forgo professional services, then focus on a clean and clutter-free home. The take-home message: Make your home look like a pleasant place to live!

The Home Needs Significant Repairs

If costly repairs are looming, buyers might feel overwhelmed and pass on your home. We tell clients looking to sell in Forest Hills to address these big jobs before listing their home to be competitive in the real estate market.

Sluggish Economy

When it comes to local or nationwide economic issues, sometimes it’s simply a bad time to sell a home. If everyone is saving their pennies and holding tight in their current home, you might want to do the same until the economy picks up again.

If you are looking to sell in Forest Hills, you’ve come to the right place. At Forest Hills Realty, our agents are local experts in savvy real estate sales. Get in touch with Forest Hills Realty today to learn how to sell your home quickly!

Contact us today at (718) 997-6000 or email us here for more information.

Today we’re going to discuss common mistakes that buyers make when they are looking at Forest Hills real estate. If this sounds familiar to you, then you’ve been paying attention! We covered this topic a few weeks ago.

If you’re wondering why we’re going back for round two, the answer is easy: Homebuyers tend to make a lot of mistakes! Here are four more pitfalls that we want you to avoid during your search for Forest Hills real estate:

Pitfall #1: Purchasing a home you love in a neighborhood you hate.

Have you ever heard the phrase, “Location is everything?” Truer words were never spoken. You have a better chance of altering a house to feel like home than changing a neighborhood to suit your lifestyle.

Pitfall #2: Holding out for a home that checks every box on your list.

If you have a short wish list, this might not apply to you. However, if your list of must-haves is a mile long, prioritize these items so that if you are struggling to find a home that has it all, you’ll be more likely to find a piece of Forest Hills real estate that has the important things.

Pitfall #3: Failing to examine loan options that require a minimal down payment.

It’s hard to scrape together that 20% down payment required by most conventional loans. That doesn’t mean you should give up on your quest to be a homeowner! Partner with a mortgage broker specializing in FHA, VA and USDA mortgages to get your foot in the real estate door.

Pitfall #4: Buying a home for your preapproval amount.

Just because you are preapproved to purchase Forest Hills real estate for $500,000, that doesn’t necessarily mean you should spend that much. Take a hard look at your current finances and future goals to determine how much you would be comfortable contributing to a monthly mortgage payment.

Take this advice with you on your Forest Hills real estate journey. Get in touch with Forest Hills Realty today to learn more about being a smart homebuyer!

Contact us at (718) 997-6000 or email us today for any questions!

If you want to talk about luxury, let’s chat about Forest Hills condos. They have the same deluxe amenities found in Manhattan living with one major difference: the price!

You heard us correctly! Forest Hills condos bear a striking resemblance to some of the poshest buildings in Manhattan, but they might actually work with your budget.

Buyers, it’s time to start building your wish list! We’ve checked out the most luxurious Forest Hills condos and compiled a list of building amenities and in-unit extras that you probably never thought you could afford. The best part? All of these features are available in homes that fall well below one million dollars!

Exclusive Building Amenities

What if every time you walked into your building after a long day at work, you felt like you were stepping onto the grounds of a five-star resort? These amenities, found in Forest Hills’ most upscale condominiums, will help you feel like every day is a vacation:

• A 24-hour doorman for peace of mind in your urban neighborhood.
• Concierge service that is always ready to help you tie up the loose ends of your life.
• Outdoor living areas, including green spaces and rooftop decks.
• A parking garage with your very own assigned parking spot.
• A state-of-the-art fitness center.
• An indoor or outdoor children’s play area.

In-Unit Delights

The relentless pace of New York City is enough to make you want to plan a relaxing escape. When you live in luxurious Forest Hills condos, there’s no planning necessary! Your unit might include these coveted extras:

• A gourmet kitchen, complete with stainless steel appliances and granite countertops.
• A master suite with a spa-like private bath.
• Stylish hardwood flooring throughout your unit.
• An in-unit washer and dryer (we don’t need to tell you how amazing this is!).
• A private terrace to take in your dazzling view.

Now that you’ve assembled your wish list, it’s time to start your search for Forest Hills condos! Get in touch with Forest Hills Realty today to see real-life examples of affordable luxury.

Contact us at (718) 997-6000 or email us today for any questions!

How many times have you heard that living in New York City is going to drain your bank account? I bet you’ve also heard that there’s no way you’ll make it without a roommate. People have probably even told you that you’ll have to settle for shabby digs in a sketchy neighborhood because that’s all you’ll be able to afford.

It’s time to erase these thoughts from your mind and investigate Forest Hills co-ops! If you’re willing to live in smaller quarters, you can find your next home for less than $200K.

We know what you’re thinking. Forest Hills is a relatively safe community in a convenient location. Plus, its tree-lined streets and green spaces make it aesthetically pleasing. Where are the $200K co-ops?

Reasonably-priced Forest Hills co-ops are available now! Here are a few examples of current listings that fall under the $200K mark:

• A spacious studio within a stately brick, midrise building. This unit offers a distinct kitchen area that fits a small table and a bonus area that is perfect for a home office. Hardwood flooring, arched doorways and other prewar accents fill the co-op and building with character.
• A one-bedroom co-op with a separate entrance. This private unit is a rare one bedroom/one bathroom find for $200K in Forest Hills. The building is a short walk from public transportation, offers a doorman and has on-site laundry.
• A studio for a cool $135K. It’s not a typo! At one of the lowest prices available in Forest Hills co-ops, it’s hard to believe that this studio has all the basics in a convenient location. The maintenance fee includes all utilities except for air conditioning. With public transportation literally at your doorstep, this co-op is perfect for single commuters.

We hope these three examples have opened your eyes to possibilities in Forest Hills, but why stop here? Now that you’ve seen that Forest Hills co-ops are actually affordable, it’s time to get in touch with Forest Hills Realty. We’ll show you a selection of budget-friendly co-ops that will change your thoughts about the cost of urban living!

Contact us at (718) 997-6000 or email us today for any questions!

Has your urban apartment been pulling double-duty as a home office during COVID-19? We can relate! Throughout the pandemic, many companies have realized that their employees can be productive at home.

What does this mean? It means that Forest Hills apartment rentals are stepping into a dual role as a home and a workplace.

Forest Hills apartment rentals, like most urban apartments, are “cozy.” They weren’t built for work-from-home arrangements. If you’re lacking space for a home office in your apartment, don’t despair! Here are some tips for creating a dedicated place to do your work:

• Use your vertical space. If your apartment is short on square footage, look up! Invest in a tall shelving unit to store your supplies.
• Remember the 90-90-90 position. Working at an ergonomically-challenged workspace can wreak havoc on your body. Avoid bone, joint and muscle pain by sitting with your ankles, knees and hips at 90-degree angles. Experiment with different chair and desk combinations until you get it right.
• Think beyond a desk. Desks are intended for work, but they might not be the best choice for YOUR work. Consider any type of work surface that is large enough for your laptop, paperwork and a cup of coffee. Bonus if it blends in with your decor!
• Keep things light. You’ve always wanted an office with a window, and this is your chance to have one! Forest Hills apartment rentals offer inspiring views. If you’re unable to set up shop by a window, choose a low-profile lamp to shine some light on your workspace.
• Nix the noise. Even if your roommate is the most considerate person on the planet, you’re still bound to be distracted. Pick up a pair of noise-canceling headphones to mute your surroundings. If your roommate is working from home, pick up a pair for them too!

With a little creativity, Forest Hills apartment rentals can successfully see you through this new normal. If you need more inspiration, connect with us at Forest Hills Realty today to make the most of your square footage!

Contact us today at (718) 997-6000 or email us here for more information.

What does your dream home look like? Does it have a gourmet kitchen? What about a master suite? It also includes an open floor plan, doesn’t it? After all, it seems like an open floor plan tops everyone’s must-have list these days!

As you browse Forest Hills homes for sale, you’ll notice something: Open-concept designs don’t exactly flood the market. If these layouts are so popular, why is the selection limited in Forest Hills?

Forest Hills has been around for a long time. Open floor plans have only been popular since the early 1990s. While you’ll certainly find newly-constructed Forest Hills homes for sale, you’re more likely to find older residences.

Here’s the good news: There are some real advantages to those traditional floor plans that have fallen out of sight in recent decades. Here are a few reasons to put these homes on your list:

• Traditional floor plans offer more privacy than open-concept designs.
  Whether you plan to live with family or share your space with roommates, you’re bound to want a little privacy. Those extra walls help create boundaries for work, rest, meals and fun.
• It’s easier to keep a traditional floor plan neat and tidy.
  OK, maybe it’s not necessarily easier to keep traditional floor plans clean, but it’s certainly easier to make them look that way! In addition, many Forest Hills homes for sale offer more closets and cubbies for storage than their open-concept counterparts.
• You might save utility costs in a traditional floor plan.
  It’s harder to keep open spaces warm in the winter and cool in the summer. In a traditional floor plan, your HVAC won’t need to work overtime to maintain a comfortable temperature.
• Art-lovers have more wall space to display their treasures in a traditional floor plan.
  More walls mean more opportunities to express yourself. If you can’t decide on one theme, feel free to give each room its own style!

Forest Hills homes for sale are in demand. Get in touch with Forest Hills Realty today to learn how to make one of these beautiful homes work for you!

Contact us at (718) 997-6000 or email us today for any questions.

If you are looking to sell in Forest Hills, you probably have dollar signs on your mind. Will you earn enough profit from your sale to fund your next real estate adventure?

There is no one-size-fits-all approach to pricing a home. Your location, your goals and the market conditions all play a role in this complicated process. This is where an experienced, local real estate agent becomes your best friend.

Although most sellers rely on their agents to avoid a pricing predicament, it’s still important for sellers to understand where the numbers come from. Here are three home-pricing strategies that we use at Forest Hills Realty:

The Basic Approach: A Comparative Market Analysis

A comparative market analysis, or “comps,” looks at recent sales of similar homes in the neighborhood and bases your home price on this data. Comps are considered in almost every pricing strategy that we develop for clients who are looking to sell in Forest Hills.

Think Like a Search Engine

When buyers go on Zillow, Trulia or other real estate websites, they can filter the homes that they view based on their budget. If you are willing to make a few minor tweaks to your price, your property could be visible to more buyers.

For example, if you price your home at $402,500, you’ll miss buyers that set their upper limit at $400,000. It might be smarter to set your price at $399,900. It’s a little less cash in your pocket, but it might be worth the small sacrifice.

Consider Seasonal Trends

Have you heard that the best time to sell a home is in late spring? In general, this rumor is true. When the real estate market is “hot,” you might be able to price your home a little higher. If you are looking to sell in Forest Hills, you might want to wait until the market heats up to list your home.

Pricing a home is an art. At Forest Hills Realty, we are the artists! If you are looking to sell in Forest Hills, contact us today to maximize your profits.

Call us at (718) 997-6000 or email us today for any questions.

Here’s a fun fact: In 2020, more than 30% of home buyers were first-timers. That’s a lot of newbies in the real estate market! Even if you’re not new to the process, buying a home is not exactly something you do every day.

If you want to delve into the Forest Hills real estate market, we want to help! Here are four of the most common mistakes that home buyers make and how to avoid them:

Pitfall #1: Looking at listings before you determine how much house you can afford.

Newsflash: Forest Hills real estate is pricey! If you dive into the market before you check your finances, you might end up with a hard-to-manage mortgage. Avoid this financial frenzy by getting preapproved for a home loan before you start dreaming.

Pitfall #2: Forgetting to include monthly maintenance fees in the cost of your new home.

Monthly maintenance fees are a part of life in Forest Hills real estate. If you purchase a co-op or a condo, you are almost guaranteed to incur this additional expense. Maintenance fees vary widely between buildings, so don’t estimate this cost. Get an exact number and figure it into your monthly housing budget.

Pitfall #3: Making a down payment that’s too large or too small.

Many buyers look back and wish that they had saved for a larger down payment. Others wish that they had taken advantage of the low down payment loan options available to first-time buyers. Here’s the take-home message: There are tons of mortgage programs available, so partner with a lender who can guide you toward the best option for your financial situation.

Pitfall #4: Draining your savings account to purchase a home.

You’ve already budgeted for your mortgage and your monthly maintenance fee. What else is there to worry about? Appliance breakdowns, plumbing problems, roof repairs, special assessments…Do you get the idea? Keep some cash in your savings account to address the unexpected.

Fasten your seatbelt, because it’s time to embark on a Forest Hills real estate adventure! Contact us today to get on the right road to your dream home.

Call us at (718) 997-6000 or email us today for any questions.

 

We can sense your enthusiasm about Forest Hills condos, but it seems like something is holding you back. Is it your uncertainty about HOAs? Put your worries to rest, because today we will answer all of your questions about HOA living.

What Is an HOA?

An HOA, or a homeowners association, is an organization that develops and enforces rules in a building or neighborhood. An elected group of community residents oversees the HOA. Most Forest Hills condos are run by an HOA.

If you live in a building with an HOA, you are a member. Members must follow the rules and pay a monthly fee to cover common-area maintenance and amenities.

Benefits To HOA Living

HOAs do a lot for a community, especially in densely-populated Forest Hills condos. Here are some of the positives:

• HOAs coordinate common-area upkeep, such as landscaping, snow removal and paint touch-ups.
• In a condo with an HOA, you’re more likely to score amenities. Plus, you won’t need to maintain these extra features, because that will be covered in your HOA fee.
• Your HOA fee might include select utility costs.
• If you have a neighbor who is noisy, cluttering the hall or otherwise disturbing the peace, the HOA can help.

Points To Remember About HOAs

HOAs offer boast-worthy benefits, but they come at a price. As you consider Forest Hills condos, here are some things you need to know:

• HOA fees range from reasonable to practically out of reach. If you have your eye on a particular unit, remember to factor the fees into your budget.
• HOA residents need to follow the rules. Understand their policies on pets, subletting and any other special situations that might apply to you before you commit.
• Before you buy, check the HOA’s financial health. If they haven’t planned well, you could be responsible for a special assessment in the future.

Keep these benefits and points to remember in mind as you consider Forest Hills condos. As always, Forest Hills Realty is ready to help you explore available listings in the neighborhood!

Contact us at (718) 997-6000 or email us today for any questions.