The PropertyClub Blog

Pied-à-terre Meaning

A pied-à-terre is a small residence or apartment used as a secondary residence. Typically a pied-à-terre will be located in a city and used for occasional use, much like a vacation home. Here are some key aspects of pied-à-terre properties:

Letter of No Objection Guide

A Letter of No Objection (LNO), is an official document that certifies that the current use of a property is lawful under the existing zoning regulations and building codes, despite possibly not having a Certificate of Occupancy. Typically LNOs are requested by financial institutions such as banks to confirm the legal use of a building without a certificate of occupancy. Here’s a detailed explanation of what an LNO is, its uses, and how to obtain one in NYC:

What Does Under Contract Mean on Zillow?

In real estate, the term "under contract" means that a seller has accepted a buyer's offer on a property, and both parties have signed a purchase agreement. This status is often listed on Zillow and other platforms to indicate that the property is no longer actively being marketed for sale, as the buyer and seller work through the remaining steps to complete the transaction. However, the deal is not yet finalized, as several contingencies and processes need to be addressed before closing. Here’s a breakdown of what "under contract" entails:

When Can a Landlord Legally Reject an Emotional Support Animal?

An emotional support animal (ESA) is a pet that provides relief and companionship to people struggling with some sort of mental health issue. Even if a landlord doesn’t allow regular pets in their building, the Fair Housing Act (FHA) requires them to allow emotional support animals as long as the owner has gotten the proper certification. But there are certain exceptions to this rule that let landlords deny ESA under specific circumstances.

Best Houston Suburbs

Houston is one of the biggest cities in the US. Many people work, relax, and spend their time in the city. However, only some people want to live right in Houston. For many, it’s better to move to one of Houston’s suburbs to enjoy a more relaxed lifestyle. Read on to discover the best Houston suburbs. 

Best Real Estate Movies

Many of the best movies about real estate are award-winning documentaries, comedies, and dramas. Some of the best movies about real estate are Revolutionary Road, The Big Short, and Glengarry Glen Ross. If you’re a fan of this genre, you’ll love our picks of the best real estate movies out there.

Things That Fail a Home Inspection

A home inspection is a critical part of the home-buying process, as it helps identify potential issues that could affect the property's value or safety. Various factors can cause a home to "fail" an inspection, meaning that they could significantly affect the buyer’s decision to proceed with the purchase or require substantial repairs. Here are common issues that often fail a home inspection:

Are Condos a Good Investment?

Yes, condos are good investments. They are a great option for newer investors that prefer a hands-off approach as they typically require less maintenance. As with any real estate investment you'll want to make sure you perform proper due diligence to ensure you purchase a condo that's been well maintained, and which can generate a decent return. 

Asbestos in Drywall Guide

Asbestos in drywall is a concern in many older buildings, as asbestos was commonly used in construction materials due to its fire-resistant and insulating properties. Here’s a detailed overview of asbestos in drywall, including its risks, identification, and management.

Is My House Haunted? How to Find Out

If you recently bought a home but feel like something isn’t right, you probably want to know whether there’s a chance that your house is haunted. Here's how to find out if your house is haunted and what to do if it is.

NYC Tenant's Rights and Rent Laws

New York City has a comprehensive set of tenants' rights and rent laws designed to protect tenants in one of the most densely populated and competitive rental markets in the world. Here is an overview of key tenants' rights and rent laws in NYC:

How Long Does It Take To Build a House?

It takes between 7 and 16 months to build a house. however, the time it takes to build a house can vary significantly based on several factors, including the size and complexity of the home, weather conditions, availability of materials, and labor.