Top 10 Reasons to Purchase a Home

By Cristina Callegari Kanellopoulos

There are many reasons people purchase homes in New York. Illustrated in the list below, are the top 10 most common reasons people purchase real estate:

1. Marriage. Usually after a couple gets married they begin thinking about buying a home. Some couples desire a fresh start; others just want a bigger space. Sure young couples list security and "wasting money on rent" as reasons why they want to buy a home, but at the core, their primary driving factor is thinking about starting a family and having the space to do that. This leads me to number 2.
2. Having a baby. I think this one is self-explanatory. Babies require space, good school districts, and ideally a back-yard to play in.
3. Shelter. We all have to live somewhere, so why not own where you live.
4. Pets. When you own your own home, you are not bound by the pet restrictions of a landlord, or Co-op/Condo board. So you can have Fido and a Kitty too. Though, you might want to check on your town's regulations about exotic or farm animals before you run out and buy a pet cow or lion for your yard. ;)
5. Taxes. Or, should I say a desire not to pay so much in taxes. Homeownership offers wonderful opportunities for tax deductions. Check with your accountant about your specific tax situation.
6. Security. When you own a home you can make it as secure as you'd like. So go ahead and build your own version of Fort Knox!
7. Wealth building. While investing money in a home is not a guarantee to build wealth in the short term, it is on the other hand, one of the surest investments you can make over the long term. While everything else you might purchase like a car, or clothing depreciates, your home is sure to build wealth for you in time.
8. The American Dream. Yeah, I said it - it is true. Many people want to own a home simply because they were raised to think it is the right thing to do. And, guess what, the people who put this idea of ownership in our heads in the first place, do make a very compelling point (Read the rest of this list!). Home ownership has MANY advantages.
9. Space for Stuff. That's right - people need space to put all the stuff they buy somewhere. And, once you have outgrown your 1 bedroom apartment, unless you are willing to part with that stuff, it is time to think about upgrading.
10. Freedom. In your own home you can walk in your underwear, talk to your cat, watch TV until 5 a.m. and sing in the shower like it is no one's business. That is because, in YOUR HOUSE, it IS no one's business!

Whatever, your reason for wanting to buy a home, I can help you find the home that is right for you and your needs! Call me, Cristina Callegari Kanellopoulos, today at 917-921-5397.

Finding a New York Apartment that Allows Dogs

by Cristina Callegari Kanellopoulos

I am often asked by fellow dog owners why it is so difficult to find a rental apartment in New York that will allow dogs. The truth of the matter is simple - Money.

Facts:

• Homeowners insurance premiums increase if the landlord allows dogs, especially large-breed dogs, or breeds deemed "dangerous" by the Insurance underwriters. Their thinking is these breeds are more likely to bite someone, and force a lawsuit on the homeowner, thus resulting in a homeowners claim.
• Co-ops and Condos can not afford to allow pets as a general policy, not only because of the increased overall insurance costs, but because it will increase property maintenance costs as well. They claim that their experience has shown them that not all pet owners are responsible at properly curbing their dogs. Additionally, the Co-op and Condo boards fear that if a badly-trained dog lives in the building the barking will disturb the neighbors. Therefore, decreasing the overall property value. As such Co-op and Condo boards generally have blanket policies of No Dogs Allowed.
• Also Landlords and Co-op/Condo Boards alike fear that poorly trained dogs will wreck the apartment, by urinating in the apartment, and public halls, and by chewing on baseboard moldings, etc.

There is hope in sight though. As small breed dogs have become more and more fashionable, landlords and Co-op/Condo Boards recognize that they need to cater to us in the dog loving community. And, many buildings that were previously not dog-friendly, have changed their rules to allow dogs below 20 pounds with board approval.

Unfortunately, for those with large breed dogs, or, more than one dog - it will be extremely difficult to find an apartment that will accomodate you and your pets.

If you need help finding an apartment in Northeastern Queens, or Western Nassau that allows dogs call me at 917.921.5397.