Kyle McGovern's article in Time Out New York Featured Tips from our own Karen Donica and Lauren Kiel.

"Put together a strong application and you might save yourself the cost of turning your one-bedroom into a two-bedroom. Karen Donica, Custom Brokers says: "There are some landlords that-if they've had a hard time renting the space and feel that the people are creditworthy and are good candidates- might say "Hey, I'll put the wall up."

And if you want to turn your apartment into a home office or studio, Lauren notes "Don’t make a scene in front of your landlord or doorman; keep foot traffic to a minimum and your home-based business shouldn't meet any resistance.

When economists look at the American housing market, they put a big asterisk next to Manhattan. In the past, Wall Street bonuses have helped to shield property on the island from softening demand elsewhere in the United States. more...

TWENTY-FOUR years ago, the penthouse in the Singer Building in New York didn?t have a roof: plastic sheets channelled rainwater into tanks. The neighbours were artists who had made the area their home after the textile manufacturers left. Such was the state of this 5,000 sq ft apartment when the architect John F?öp bought the property for a "very low six-figure sum". more...

Want to be "Livin' on a Prayer"? Or just across the street from Jon Bon Jovi? Well, you can. And while you're at it, you can grab the last raw SoHo penthouse left to go on the market. Daily News: The Closer

Way back in a more grubby and innocent era of downtown New York, supermodels didn?t buy many combined-unit East Village apartments. But those days are long gone, so it's hardly surprising that Gemma Ward, American Vogue's youngest-ever cover girl, has bought a three-bedroom co-op on East Sixth Street between Second and Third avenues that was originally three units. more...

In New York City, if you take care of a place, it might take care of you. For life. Just ask Robert Wilson, who has lived in a stable for 30 years. Now he’s about to cash in. Never before on the market, Wilson’s back-alley, 19th-century NoHo home is currently for sale for an asking price of $5 million. Granted, Wilson has earned his keep. more...

HELL'S KITCHEN
$550,000
420 W. 47th St.
Renovated prewar one-bedroom, one-bath duplex co-op, 700 square feet, with exposed brick, high ceilings and decorative fireplace; building features elevator, laundry and super. Maintenance $610, 50 percent tax-deductible. Brokers: Lily Hui and Robert Labunski, Custom Brokers. more...