Category Archives: Tips & Advice

Toni Schlesinger Reading! Free Wine!

Posted on August 1, 2006 by Doug Heddings

As one of the foremost writers on New York Real Estate, Toni Schlesinger has come up several times on TrueGotham before. On the evening of Wednesday, August 2, you can meet her in the flesh at a reading at the … Continue reading →

Posted in Tips & Advice | Comments Off on Toni Schlesinger Reading! Free Wine!

Problems with Open MLS, and My Idea for a Healthier Industry

Posted on July 31, 2006 by Doug Heddings

We don’t have a multiple listing service here in Manhattan, so I’m not terribly familiar with it. But with the recent talk here of an open-source MLS, I thought it was only fair to pass along this insightful comment from … Continue reading →

Posted in A Broker's Job, Market Insight, Tips & Advice | 2 Comments

Friday’s Mixed Bag

Posted on July 28, 2006 by Doug Heddings

Doug’s boss, Prudential Douglas Elliman honcho Dottie Herman is talking about transparency in the industry. She talked about similar stuff a few years ago. Doug swears he has nothing to gain by raving about her, says this: "The primary reason … Continue reading →

Posted in A Broker's Job, Dirty Real Estate Tricks, Market Insight, Tips & Advice | Comments Off on Friday’s Mixed Bag

How Not to Buy a New York Apartment

Posted on July 26, 2006 by Doug Heddings

Just got a disturbing email from a client. We have an exclusive agreement for me to sell her apartment. Last week, I showed the property to an attorney. He is representing his family, and by law attorneys are licensed real … Continue reading →

Posted in A Broker's Job, Dirty Real Estate Tricks, Tips & Advice | 3 Comments

Real Estate Journal: Don’t Count on Home Equity as Retirement Income

Posted on July 20, 2006 by Doug Heddings

Marketwatch’s Amy Hoak reports at the Real Estate Journal: A recent Securities Industry Association retirement study identified a "wealth effect" that surfaced as homeowners amassed equity in their properties and perceived they had less of a need to save. Factors … Continue reading →

Posted in Market Insight, Tips & Advice | Comments Off on Real Estate Journal: Don’t Count on Home Equity as Retirement Income

Manhattanite’s Top Complaint: Street Noise

Posted on July 14, 2006 by Doug Heddings

Outside our windows, we often are awakened, or just simply annoyed by the 5AM garbage pickup, the passing emergency vehicle, the rude honker impatiently weaving through the city streets, or the shouting and slurring bar patrons. So, it’s not at … Continue reading →

Posted in Tips & Advice | Comments Off on Manhattanite’s Top Complaint: Street Noise

How to Sell Your New York Apartment

Posted on June 26, 2006 by Doug Heddings

I have been friends with Douglas Heddings for years. And it’s a great thing to be friends with a good Manhattan broker–because if you need to make a big decision about buying and selling, you can call him for free … Continue reading →

Posted in A Broker's Job, Dirty Real Estate Tricks, Market Insight, Podcast, Tips & Advice | Comments Off on How to Sell Your New York Apartment

Zillow Integrity

Posted on June 13, 2006 by Doug Heddings

Score one for open and honest dialogue. Regular readers will know that a few days ago I played around with Zillow, and found the newish Internet-based service to be a flawed way to price your property. That prompted a visit … Continue reading →

Posted in A Broker's Job, Market Insight, Tips & Advice | Comments Off on Zillow Integrity

It’s No Secret: Sellers Prefer Cash

Posted on June 12, 2006 by Doug Heddings

OK…I’m back ready to wax eloqouently about the real estate market yet again. Is anyone out there willing to give me a good haircut, some acupuncture, or perhaps a gourmet meal for my advice? You laugh, but that’s the kind … Continue reading →

Posted in Market Insight, Tips & Advice | Comments Off on It’s No Secret: Sellers Prefer Cash

6% Can Be Well Worth It

Posted on May 24, 2006 by Doug Heddings

I know, I know, I’m a broker so of course I say that. But this is not the same old argument you have always heard. I have put my money where my mouth is. Please, hear me out. As many … Continue reading →

Posted in A Broker's Job, Market Insight, Tips & Advice | 11 Comments