Cait Etherington

1 week ago | cityrealty.com | Cait Etherington

In most markets, only a small percentage of contracts (on average, 1.5 to 4 percent) are canceled, but under exceptional circumstances, canceled contracts can spike. In March 2020, at the start of the pandemic, for example, 18 percent of contracts in the United States were canceled, and in early 2022, shortly after the hike in mortgage rates, 15 percent of contracts were canceled. However, under most conditions, contracts are canceled for just a few predictable reasons.

1 month ago | cityrealty.com | Cait Etherington

Once you’ve found and been approved for an apartment in New York City, it is tempting to immediately sign on the dotted line and start looking for a mover - after all, with Manhattan rents at all-time highs and those in outer boroughs starting to creep up, it's understandable that one would want to lock in a deal as soon as possible. However, signing too quickly can lead to regrets down the line.

1 month ago | cityrealty.com | Cait Etherington

Most people dream of buying their own home at some point in their life, and in most regions of theUnited States, this is a dream that can be achieved with a bit of hard work and deliberate saving. InNew York City, buying one’s first home is often much more challenging. This not only reflects thefact that one generally needs a higher down payment to enter the market but also that New Yorkproperties often don’t qualify for programs designed to assist first-time buyers.

1 month ago | cityrealty.com | Cait Etherington

If you’ve decided it is time to move in with the love of your life, congratulations! But between the champagne and your first couple’s visit to Ikea, it is essential to reserve time to carefully consider how best to enter into this new phase of your relationship and, perhaps, this new phase of life. Ideally, cohabiting with a romantic partner will be a fulfilling personal decision and a strategic financial one.

1 month ago | cityrealty.com | Cait Etherington

If you’re selling a New York City property, there’s a good chance you’ll see a strong return on your initial investment. But before you start planning how to spend your profits or reinvest, it’s important to account for the significant closing costs involved. In NYC, closing costs go beyond brokerage fees and include various transfer taxes.