What Should Be a Deal Breaker When You're Buying a House?

When buying a new home, it is essential to look out for those things that may seriously impact its value. These problems can often be relatively small but could also be very large and may affect home quality and safety. If you notice any of the following five issues when buying a house, it is probably best to just walk away.

No Garage or Poor Vehicle Storage

Most homes should have garages, and those that don't are typically worth a lot less than those that do. That's because garages help provide a high level of vehicle protection and extra storage for a house. After all, a vehicle in the US spends about 95% of its time parked and out of action.

When evaluating potential deal-breakers in the home-buying process, it's crucial to consider practical aspects like propane usage. For a comprehensive understanding, read about propane tank sizes and their common uses in 2023. This knowledge will aid you in making informed decisions for your home.

Do you want your car sitting out in the rain and snow or getting contaminated with bird feces? Nobody does, so make sure that you find a house with a garage. If there isn't even a simple carport to park the vehicle, it is probably best to just walk away or hold out for a lower price.

Weak Utilities

Inspect the home's utilities to ensure that things like the natural gas piping are safe. For example, you need to ensure that the psi is under 0.25 in your house. This level is standard in homes because reducers help take it from its 1,500 psi level in transmission lines to a safer level.

If your gas is at a lower or higher level, something wrong may need repairs. The same is true of water lines, electrical wiring, and HVAC needs. If you spot anything that will cost thousands of dollars to repair, either demand a lower price or skip out on this purchase.

Damaged Foundations

A house's foundation is critical for its overall structural health. Without a strong foundation, your walls may crack, your window and doors may refuse to close, and you may end up with a heavily damaged house that you won't be safe moving into or trying to sell later.

Foundation repair is expensive and time-consuming, which is why so many sellers try to ignore it or just pass over it in inspections. Instead, if you notice any foundation troubles with a house, demand that the seller fix it, cut the price for the value of the foundation damage, or just buy another house.

Serious Pest Damage

Go through the house with an inspector and look for signs of common pest damage, such as mice or ant holes and even termite-related damage. This process is essential because the previous seller may mention these pests but not discuss their damage to a house and leave you stuck.

Termites are particularly an issue because they can affect a house's foundation and cause other types of long-term damage that may affect your property value and safety. Talk to the inspector about these issues and learn more about how to manage them for yourself properly.

Pollution in the Property

Lastly, it is best to avoid buying a house if there's any pollution on the property. Pollution can include things like leaky gas tanks and other expensive problems to repair and which can be dangerous to your house. You might find yourself suddenly discovering this pollution after the previous owner didn't tell you about it.

That act is naturally illegal, and you have an outstanding lawsuit if the seller does take that approach. However, it is still frustrating to have to go to court to get compensated and pay for repairs and pollution removal. All that time and energy is usually just not worth it when buying a house.

As you can see, several things may make a new house just not worth buying. There wasn't enough room to include everything here, but these are the main concerns you're most likely to experience. Talk to your real estate agent about each of these concerns.

Real New York Launches Sales At 66 Reade

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Cozy up in these warm, wood-paneled spaces

While the winter winds howl outside and temperatures continue to drop, many New Yorkers are seeking refuge indoors and at home. With that in mind, why not take a look at some of New York City's towers that feature the most warm and inviting amenity spaces? Enter beautiful wood-paneled rooms. Warm and inviting, there's something about luxuriously wood-paneled rooms that instantly make one feel cozy and comfortable. Sleek and sumptuous in its finish, wood paneling is also a stunning design statement. With all of the cachet of a cozy cabin, these exceptional buildings also include expansive space for indoor weather activities whether it be a glass of wine by the fire or a card game. Check out some of the most luxurious examples below:

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Our Favorite Listings For The Week: Art-Consultant for $12.75M Renovated Museum Mile Luxury Co-Op

Looking for a new place to live or just curious about what's on the market? Check out our favorite homes you should make an appointment for this week. 

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1120 Fifth Avenue, Apt. 11C | $12,750,000 | Agents: Brian J. Manning and Christopher E. Franklin, Brown Harris Stevens


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"Flipping Out" Star Jeff Lewis Sells Home for Close to $5.2M

In Bravo real estate news Jeff Lewis’ recently cllosed his home for nearly $5.2M and the property was listed by Josh Altman, Matt Altman and Heather Altman of Douglas Elliman.

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Best NYC Rental Buildings with Spectacular Work From Home Views

With more than 50 percent of New Yorkers still working fully remote, NYC developers continue to offer creative, luxurious amenity spaces for residents to call “the office.” From rooftops to indoor/outdoor lounges to outdoor tables for warmer weather, new rental buildings are ensuring your WFH views are spectacular. See below some of the best views you won’t want to miss out on.

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Inside The $100 Million Connecticut Home

Jennifer Leahy, founder of The Jennifer Leahy Team at Douglas Elliman, just brought 19 Great Island in Darien, CT back to market with the new price of $100,000,000.

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Our Favorite Listings For The Week: Luxury On Fifth Ave

Looking for a new place to live or just curious about what's on the market? Check out our favorite homes you should make an appointment for this week. 

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1049 Fifth Avenue, Apartment 4D | $2,495,000 | Agents: Dorothy Schrager of Coldwell Banker Warburg.


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Ryan Serhant Plays Director In New Short Film The Westly

This morning Ryan Serhant unveiled a new video for The Westly where he plays the director in this comical film showcasing the properties highlights. The new film titled, "BTW - Behind the Westly" offers a behind-the-scenes look inside The Westly, a boutique, 20-story condo development located at 251 West 91st Street. The film stars Ryan Serhant, founder of the multidimensional real estate brokerage firm SERHANT. and star of Bravo’s Million Dollar Listing New York. The film was produced by SERHANT. Studios.

The Westly, developed by Adam America Real Estate and Northlink Capital, consists of two- to five-bedroom homes, with select homes offering private outdoor terraces. The residences range in size from approximately 1,252 to 3,524 square feet, with asking prices starting at approximately $2.625 million for a two-bedroom to $13.5 million for a five-bedroom home. SERHANT. New Development is managing the marketing and sales for The Westly.

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Our Favorite Open Houses This Weekend

Looking for a new place to live or just curious about what's on the market? Check out our favorite homes you should make an appointment for this weekend. 

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Boerum Hill

WHERE: 610 Warren Street #2D, Brooklyn

CCOST: $1,245,000

WHEN: Saturday, February 5th and Sunday, February 6th from 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM

Description: 610 Warren Street offers the opportunity to own a spacious convertible 1 Bedroom that features a spacious den and over 800 square feet of private outdoor space that instantly greets you upon arrival.

This southern-facing home features a flexible and spacious floor plan. The entrance leads to an open kitchen and living room with 7.5 white oak floors. The open island layout is ideal for entertaining and includes ample amounts of storage space. The home also features an LG washer and dryer.

Designed by Paris Forino, the custom kitchen features Brazilian Arabescato honed countertops are paired with ceramic white tile backsplash for simple elegance. The integrated Liebherr refrigerator blends seamlessly into the background, while the built-in cutting board and in-island blackened-steel storage niche call to attention the thoughtful design found at every turn. The kitchen appliances include all stainless steel Bosch appliance suites, including, cooktop, oven, dishwasher, and microwave drawer.

The bathroom exudes a spa-like demeanor, with Sivec marble wall tile, tundra grey honed marble floor in a custom pattern, and a built-in soaking tub with Sivec marble surround is paired with chrome Waterworks fixtures and accessories.

Amenities include a 24-hour concierge, landscaped roof deck, children’s playroom, resident’s lounge, and fitness center.

Bedroom : 1

Bathroom: 1

West Village

WHERE345 West 13th Street, 2A

COST: $4.750,000

WHEN: Sunday, February 6th, 1 pm -2:30 pm.

Description: Loft living at it's finest in this West Village gem! Spanning almost 2,400 square feet, residence 2A affords optimal comfort for your needs with generous, versatile interiors that are quiet, elegant, light filled and richly appointed. The gracious apartment boasts beautiful finishes and exudes character with airy 10-foot ceilings, tall columns, lovely hardwood floors, painted exposed brick, open archways, steel I-beams and chic lighting reflecting modern industrial style. Generous living and dining rooms brightened by oversized windows enjoy a seamless flow for hosting guests. An opaque glass wall with tri-fold door gives way to a handsome library/office. With the main living space so expansive, it would be easy to reconfigure the current 2 bedroom + library layout into 3 full windowed bedrooms + a library/office if desired. The sunny high-end eat-in kitchen styled with wood cabinetry, black granite counters and premium stainless steel appliance is accessed by a unique greenhouse passageway, which overlooks the lush courtyard of a historic neighboring church. Your primary suite is a soothing retreat presenting an oversized custom-fitted walk in closet, and opulent spa bath with radiant heated floors. A deep soaking tub, separate shower, dual-sink vanity with custom-fabricated countertops, and private water closet create a sense of calm. A wall of built-in shelving and a huge walk-in closet enhance the 2nd bedroom. Other highlights include 2 full baths, a laundry room, through-wall AC, massive closets, and a deeded storage bin in the basement located next to the bike storage.

Built in 1920 by John Jacob Astor as a former manufacturing site, 345 West 13th Street is a stunning 7-story condo conversion with 46 lofts and a grand restored facade. The full-time elevator building has a doorman, live-in super, and landscaped common roof terrace. Set at the corner of Hudson Street in the heart of the West Village, close to the High Line, trendy restaurants, boutiques, museums, Chelsea Market, public transportation and other conveniences. There are currently two assessments in place totaling $1258/ month.

Bedroom : 2

Bathroom: 2

Upper West Side

WHERE: 2373 Broadway #1027

COST: $915,000

WHEN: By Appointment Only

Description: This sunny and spacious one-bedroom in the prestigious Boulevard Condop is now available for sale.
In pristine condition, Unit 1027 boasts a spacious living room with ample space for a dining area, a California-style pass-through kitchen with upgraded appliances, an oversize bedroom, and three amazing closets, one a walk-in.
Further features include an all-white Carrera marble tiled bathroom, mint condition Brazilian cherry wood floors throughout the unit, and gentle north light throughout the day.
This is a classic and beautiful one-bedroom living space, perfect for those seeking the same!

The Boulevard is an Extraordinary Full-Service Condop located at West 86th Street & Broadway.
Complimentary amenities here include a State of the Art Health Club with a spacious terrace, a full range of cardio equipment and free weights, a 75’ lap pool, basketball, squash, and racquetball courts, and newly renovated men and women’s dressing rooms with showers, steam rooms, and saunas.

Bedroom : 1

Bathroom: 1

Inside The (Almost) $35 Million Dollar Home Where Dreams Are Made Of

Looking to escape New York without going too far and having a a dream home to call your own is now possible. Located in mid-country, 15 Dairy Road in Greenwich has been listed for $34,990,000 by Brown Harris Stevens agent Rob Johnson, Robjohnson@bhsusa.com, 203-979-2360.

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Real Estate Moves: McKenzie Ryan Joins Douglas Elliman

McKenzie Ryan

Douglas Elliman Realty, has announced that McKenzie Ryan has joined the brokerage’s flagship office located at 575 Madison Avenue in Manhattan. From here, McKenzie will leverage Elliman’s culture of connectivity to network and work with agents in the Hamptons, Westchester, Connecticut, South Florida and California. 

“McKenzie is one to watch. Not only is she highly regarded in the industry for her impeccable work ethic, but she is also a branding and marketing machine,” said Scott Durkin, CEO of Douglas Elliman Realty, LLC. “We are confident she will thrive with us at Elliman.”

In the last 12 months, McKenzie heavily utilized her social media presence to market and sell her client’s properties and successfully transacted $10,666,000 in volume from Instagram alone. In fact, her listings spent an average of 18 days on the market and 66.7% of her listings sold above the asking price.

“I am thrilled to join such a powerhouse firm,” said McKenzie. “I am drawn to Douglas Elliman’s first-class resources in technology, marketing and public relations. I look forward to collaborating with the industry’s top talent to expand my business outside of New York City to the Hamptons and Westchester.”

In 2019, Forbes named McKenzie the top New York Power Broker – making her the youngest broker ever to earn this title. Her ability to achieve record prices for her sellers and manage complex negotiations has also earned her industry-wide recognition in Business Insider as well as Crain’s New York. She specializes in both resale and new development in the luxury condo and townhouse sectors, bringing an impressive portfolio of clientele ranging from high-profile entertainers, athletes, and artists to globally recognized executives and investors to the firm.

 

“McKenzie is the perfect addition to the Douglas Elliman family,” said Richard Ferrari, President and CEO of Douglas Elliman New York City and Northeast Region. “She has quickly grown to become a force in New York real estate. Her experience in social media, design and architecture in addition to her successful track record in high-end sales and rentals makes her a natural fit for our brokerage.”

McKenzie regularly appears in top-tier publications such as The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, CNN, Business insider, The New York Post and more. She specializes in digital and social media, selling numerous properties through her social media channels and has impressively amassed a following of nearly 58,000 people on Instagram.

McKenzie dedicates her time to historic preservation in New York City, photographing and writing about historic buildings in addition to channeling her passion for dance into a mentoring program for young gymnasts and ballerinas from the Wendy Hilliard Foundation and Dance Theater of Harlem. Here, McKenzie teaches youth on how to harness their talents in the arts to transition into other industries and build successful careers.

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