Your Complete Guide to Home Hunting With a Disability

When you’re looking at real estate listings in your area, it can feel like you’ll never find a property that checks all of your boxes, and if you need an accessible home, the process can feel downright discouraging. With so few homes on the market designed for people with disabilities, it’s harder to find a place to settle down.

 

People seeking accessible homes may need to take some additional steps if they want to close on a property. Here’s how to find a home that you can modify with accessibility in mind.

 

Getting Started

 

No matter what your needs are, the first steps of the home-buying process generally look similar for everyone. You’ll need to figure out how much money you can put down and how much you can afford to spend on monthly payments, and you should get pre-approved for a mortgage. If you need down payment assistance, see if your local or state housing authority offers special loans, grants, and tax credits. You will also want to budget for your future remodeling projects, so spend some time researching contractors’ rates in your area.

 

Viewing Homes

 

You’ll need a real estate agent who has helped previous clients find accessible homes and apartments. An agent who understands your needs can help you find open houses that are worth your time to attend.

 

Trying to sort through local listings on your own can be exhausting, but your agent will assist you as you narrow down your search! You should prioritize attending open houses at homes and apartments with spacious interiors. This will give you plenty of space for the fixtures you need.

 

Install New Flooring

 

If you choose to purchase a home with carpet, you should have hardwood floors installed before any other renovations. People using mobility aids are generally more comfortable in homes with hardwood floors, and they require less cleaning and maintenance than carpets.

 

Furniture removal, subfloor repairs, and flooring disposal will add to the cost of installation. Wood type will impact costs as well, with luxury woods being considerably more expensive. However, spending more on this project could pay off in the long run, since homes with hardwood floors generally have higher property values.

 

Design Your Bedroom

 

Once you have hardwood floors installed, you’ll probably want to modify your bedroom so that it becomes a space where you can feel safe and fully relaxed. If you use a mobility aid, there is a good chance you will need to hire contractors to widen the doorways (usually costs $300 – $800) to your bedroom and add a walk-in closet so that you can easily enter and exit. Depending on your needs, you may need to purchase an adjustable bed with fixtures like bed rails or ceiling lifts.

 

Kitchen and Bathroom Modifications

 

In both your kitchen and bathroom, you’ll want to ensure that you have adequate lighting so that you can move around safely. These rooms can present fall risks for people with disabilities, but proper lighting can help mitigate those risks. You will likely want to lower certain fixtures and appliances as well. Finally, make sure that you can easily reach any storage spaces. You can construct these rooms so that you’re able to access everything you need!

 

Many people with disabilities assume that homeownership is out of reach. However, this is not the case, and you do not have to give up on this important goal. You may not find the perfect home on the market, but working with the right real estate agent will help you buy a home that you can remodel to accommodate your needs.

 

Photo Source: Unsplash

Written by: Patrick Young | Ableusa.info | patrickyoung@ableusa.info

For: Metropolis Apartments | Contact us for for all your real estate needs | info@metropolisapts.com

Improve Your Health with Budget-Approved Home Changes

Many times, it is easy to believe changing your health and well-being begins with changing your diet or exercise regimen. Making budget-friendly home modifications and repairs, however, is a wonderful way to improve your own physical and mental health. Begin by organizing clutter and minimizing it to prevent allergen build-up. Don’t be afraid to change up the layout of extra space in your home either to introduce more wellness into your routine too. With these budget-oriented adjustments, you can easily improve your own well-being.

Changes for Physical Health

Enjoying life and good health at home should not be disrupted by allergy irritations. Often times, soft fabrics such as carpets, linens, and pillows can harbor allergens like dust, pet dandruff, and more. While there are several budget-approved ways to keep your home clean and your allergies at bay, those with severe allergies may find it best to simply have carpets removed. What’s more, keeping clutter to a minimum and bare walls and floors can also make it easier to clean your space to be rid of excess dust too.

 

For a thoroughly clean home, invest in proper tools such as dust-trapping sweepers, a good vacuum, and an excellent air purifier. The right cleaning products will make sure you get rid of allergens without spreading them around the house or into the air as you clean. To help you save money, look for savings on air purifiers and vacuum cleaners through deal websites like Rakuten, which can earn you cash back when you make online purchases.

 

Other budget-friendly cleaning tips for an allergen-free home include overlooked nooks and crannies. For example, try cleaning the exhaust fan in the bathroom or changing out the air filters. Get into the hard-to-reach places such as the tops of fan blades with a paint roller wrapped in dryer sheets for a fresh scent and no more dust floating around.

Improvements for Emotional Health

Once your home is a haven for physical health, it is important to convert it into a welcoming, calming environment for balanced emotional health as well. Consider what you enjoy most when trying to unwind and relax after a long, stressful day. Hobbies and practices such as reading, stretching, and meditation can be wonderful outlets.

 

You can also convert an empty space or second bedroom into your own library or studio. Having a reading room with plenty of light and a comfortable chair next to a wall of great books or a quiet place to meditate with an area for candles and other intention-setting items is a wonderful way to practice daily self-care.

 

Alternatively, think over going green in more ways than one. The addition of an environmentally-friendly outdoor space can also bring balance into your life, as nature has been proven to reduce stress and anxiety. Create a low-water landscaped flower bed for a quiet outdoor area that you can retreat to for some peaceful moments outside.

 

While dry streams can imitate water, putting a birdbath in the outdoor space can incorporate less water than a fountain while providing for wildlife at the same time. To add in more of the natural elements to your natural escape, think about building a sitting area with a chimenea for small bonfires with friends too.

 

In summary, try to keep countertops, walls, and floors clear of clutter and soft fabrics that can collect and harbor allergens that can irritate. Consider converting an existing space into a reading room, home yoga studio, or meditation space to incorporate more centering, wellness-based activities into your daily life.

 

Photo by Pixabay

Written by: Natalie Jones  of Homeownerbliss.info|natalie@homeownerbliss.info

For: Metropolis Apartments | Contact us for for all your real estate needs | info@metropolisapts.com

Revive Your Bed and Bath with These Simple Changes

A little home refresh can go a long way. If you’re feeling uninspired with your bed and bath, you’re not feeling a sense of tranquility or peace, and you don’t look forward to the sweet oasis at the end of your day, then it’s a wonderful time to do a little update. Sprucing up your bed and bath doesn’t mean a full remodel. All it means is bringing some new life to the rooms by making little changes here and there. Here are some ideas to get you started on your refresh:

 

Operation Declutter

Before you bring in the new, take an assessment of what you have, what you need and what you can get rid of. As Verywell Mind explains, clutter can cause stress. If that’s not tackled first, it can cause you to become overwhelmed and block your vision for creating a welcoming and relaxing space. Declutter by removing any and all items that you don’t use, don’t need, or are broken.

 

Apartments in New York tend to be limited on storage space. If there are items you don’t need or use but you can’t bear to part with them, they don’t need to be hanging around and getting in the way. Just rent a storage unit, but to avoid the high storage unit costs you can encounter in New York, spend some time searching for deals. For example, SelfStorage notes Manhattan Mini Storage (Lower East Side, South St.) offers a 20% discount for the first five months with a five-month lease agreement. In addition to this great deal, you also get free moving services when you reserve online.

 

Simple, Significant Updates

You don’t need all new furniture, paint, flooring, and fixtures to make a bedroom or bathroom look refreshed. Simply updating bed linens can make the bedroom feel brand-new, lighten the space, and create warmth where it was missing. Soft color schemes, neutrals mixed with color, added texture, and layering in bed linens will provide a welcoming space at the end of the day.

 

A dull bathroom is uninviting. Why would you want an uninviting bathroom when you start and end your day by getting ready in there? If you find your bathroom is in need of a refresh, consider updating the following:

  • Lighting
  • Color of towels
  • Softness of towels
  • Shelves
  • Hooks
  • Soaps

 

A Spark of Pizzazz

Any space can be transformed by adding some new art and decor. If the room is missing a touch of natural elements, color or creativity, consider these tips:

  • Bring in some fresh or faux plants or flowers.
  • Introduce some art you love.
  • Add mirrors to open up space.
  • Use wood pieces as accents to tabletops or shelves.
  • Swap out lamp shades.
  • Transform the bed with new decorative pillows.
  • Add some new seating to a corner of the bedroom or to the vanity in the bathroom.
  • Incorporate various textures and shapes.
  • Highlight antique pieces that are personal.

 

Change of Paint

An inexpensive, easy update to any room is a simple change in the wall color. Many landlords will let you paint, so long as you return the walls to the original color upon moving out; or if they like what the color choice does to the rental space, they may ask you to leave it. Bedrooms and bathrooms can automatically be made into a relaxing, welcoming space by painting the walls a shade of green, blue, or gray. Dark spaces can be made light and large spaces can be made cozy with one simple can of paint.

 

A full remodel is not necessary to revive your bed and bath. Start by decluttering and storing items you don’t need. Then, add in new linens, lighting, accents, art, and decor. If you want an easy but drastic change, consider changing the wall colors. In no time, you will be relaxing in your revamped bed and bath.

 

Image via Unsplash

Written by: Erin Reynolds of diymama.net | erin@diymama.net

For: Metropolis Apartments | Contact us for for all your real estate needs | info@metropolisapts.com

Apartment Aesthetics: Renovations for Apartment Dwellers

Apartment Aesthetics: Renovations for Apartment Dwellers

There are plenty of advantages to apartment living. It’s less expensive, there are few if any expensive home maintenance concerns, and you’re free to move elsewhere at the end of your lease. That said, you sacrifice certain things for that flexibility. You can decorate and renovate to an extent, but it’s not your space to do with as you please. There are restrictions based on the terms of your lease, and breaking them may cost you dearly or, at worst, get you evicted. It may take some research into the details of your lease agreement and possibly a little negotiating with your landlord, but in many cases, you can affordably and easily make changes that will put your special mark on an otherwise humdrum space.

Painting

Painting is the most basic and simplest renovation for apartment dwellers. Some rental companies have restrictions concerning colors or whether you’re allowed to paint at all. A landlord may withhold your security deposit or levy a fee per wall if you don’t repaint over the color you add before moving out. Try to agree with your landlord on a shade that works for both of you so you don’t get charged extra, and ensure the color you select can be easily painted over. If you are granted permission to paint, look to calming, comforting colors like blue and green shades, and avoid reds which can be stress inducing.

Wall Decoration Options

Wallpaper is a more problematic situation than painting over a few walls. If you put up wallpaper only to remove it when your lease is up, you’re creating a lot of work for yourself, and any damage will mean a hit to your bank account. Wallpaper is usually not the best choice for an apartment, but there are wall-decorating alternatives. You can go with removable wallpaper, or vinyl decals that can be removed without damaging the paint. Or, you could get creative with wallpaper by adding the pattern you like to the back of a large frame that can be hung from the wall. And there’s always the option of hanging your favorite artwork throughout the apartment.

The Right Tools

You may have a nice, powerful canister vacuum cleaner and full-sized brooms and mops, but you may need to find cleaning tools that are better-suited to the needs of cleaning an apartment rather than a house. If your intention is to renovate your apartment, you’ll need a versatile vacuum cleaner capable of picking up grime, hair, and dust from small crevices and behind furniture. You’ll need a vacuum with attachments that doesn’t take up much space but which is effective on multiple surfaces, from carpet to hardwood and tile.

Kitchen Creativity

One of the most common drawbacks of apartment living is the lack of kitchen counter space. There’s usually not much you can do to improve the situation, but you can always get a little creative and use your imagination. Add a small, wheeled table that will fit into small spaces and can be removed as needed. Or, look for a narrow sideboard that won’t take up much width but will come in handy if you need to chop an onion or toss a salad but don’t have anymore counter space left for it. When not in use, it could make an attractive decorative element covered with a decorative tablecloth and fresh flowers or pottery.

Creating an apartment living space that’s uniquely yours takes a little creative thinking, but there are many ways to put your stamp on it without getting into hot water with the landlord. If you intend to paint or make other changes to the wall space, always talk to your landlord first and get in writing any agreement you come to that’s beyond the terms of your lease.

Image courtesy of Pixabay.com

Written by: Erin Reynolds of diymama.net | erin@diymama.net

For: Metropolis Apartments| Contact us for all of your NYC Real Estate Needs | www.metropolisapts.com |

The Hayworth | 1289 Lexington Ave

Beautiful, Elegant and Modern Living at the Hayworth on the Upper East Side

The Hayworth is one of the newest condo building and development on the Upper East Side. Built in 2019, it features 61 units which include gorgeous, two-to-five bedroom residences. High Ceilings and Over-sized floor to ceiling windows for optimum sunlight and to maximize your view of New York City’s Skyline.
The Hayworth is conveniently located right above the 4, 5, 6 train lines for an easy commute. The Upper East Side neighborhood is so vibrant and has everything readily accessible such banks, supermarkets, shops, local businesses, restaurants, Central Park, Museum Mile and much more. You will feel right home living at the Hayworth!

All of the residences have gorgeous and open views!

     

BUILDING AMENITIES 

  • Fitness Center equipped with Peloton exercise bikes, cardio, strength and weight equipment.
  • 24-Hour Doorman
  • 16-Hour Concierge
  • Grilling Area
  • Nursery/Playroom
  • Resident’s Club
  • Bicycle Storage
  • Music & Dance Studio
  • Party Room
  • Roof Deck

 

BUILDING POLICIES

  • Pieds-a-Terre Allowed
  • W/D Allowed

 

PET POLICY

Pets Allowed.

FINANCIAL POLICIES

Financing      90%

TRANSIT INFORMATION

  • 86 St (0.04 miles)
  • 86 St (0.22 miles)
  • 96 St (0.45 miles)

 

Metropolis Apartments | Contact us for for all your real estate needs.

Downsizing During Retirement? Avoid These Stressful Mistakes

Think you’re ready to downsize your home? If you haven’t taken the time to plan properly, you could end up making quite a few mistakes. Downsizing can be a complicated and stressful process, and mishaps can make it worse for seniors. So before you start planning your downsizing move, make sure you can avoid these common missteps.

Not Weighing Pros and Cons of Downsizing

Before you start working on any other downsizing step, you need to decide whether downsizing is right for you. Ask yourself some serious questions to make an informed decision, and be sure to weigh any risks against possible benefits. For example, you could sell your home to buy a smaller one, but you may also need to adjust your profit expectations to account for selling expenses. Those expenses can include, but are not limited to, agent commissions, repair costs and staging fees (which average $2,300 to $3,200 nationally) to help your home sell. Of course, you can also save on utilities and rent or a mortgage with a smaller home or apartment, which may outweigh any potential profit losses from selling your old home.

Not Researching Assisted Living Options

Assisted living can be a scary prospect for many seniors, but it really shouldn’t be. This housing option provides seniors with the extra care they need without any major sacrifices in life quality or independence. So before you put a lot of time and effort into finding a smaller home, think about whether local assisted living may be a better fit for your golden years. With the expenses for assisted living centers in New York City ranging from $1,500 to $17,250 per month, you will want to tour facilities and look for a community that can provide your preferred level of care without any excess costs. While cost shouldn’t be your primary consideration, knowing this information can help you plan for expenses more efficiently.

Not Creating a Financial Plan for Retirement

Saving for retirement is a smart move for adults of all ages, but too many people fail to address two questions when creating their financial plan. In order to enjoy the years ahead and afford your downsizing move, you need to know what age you plan to retire (many people aim for 65, but this doesn’t always happen) and whether you will continue to work during retirement. Answering these two questions will allow seniors to plan out their expenses and adjust spending to cover potential downsizing costs, such as new furniture or storage fees.

Not Asking for Help From Experienced Pros

If you have decided to downsize your home, and know you can afford it, then you need to seek out the right professionals to guide you through the process. Before you make any major financial decisions around retirement, you may want the expert advice of a financial planner. In a single consultation, you should be able to figure out whether retiring and downsizing makes financial sense, and how to begin living off of your retirement savings without major sacrifices. Once you have your finances squared away, reach out to an experienced realtor, who can take the stress out of searching for a smaller home and also help you navigate the homebuying process.

Not Beginning Moving Tasks Early Enough

There’s a lot to think about when planning a move, which means the chances for missing important details is pretty high. To avoid this mistake, take care to create a moving checklist that includes minor tasks, like changing your address, as well as major undertakings, like decluttering your belongings. Decluttering can be especially challenging for older adults, so allow yourself enough time to process related changes and emotions. Look online for decluttering tips to make the work a little easier, and don’t be too shy to ask close friends, family members or neighbors to help you, if needed.

Managing a move can be stressful for anyone, including seniors looking to downsize. Make sure your plan will help you avoid common downsizing mistakes, like the ones mentioned above, so you can avoid additional stress and start enjoying your retirement sooner.

Photo Credit: Pixabay

Written by: Suzie Wilson ⎸info@happierhome.net ⎸Happier Home

For: Metropolis Apartments | Contact us for for all your real estate needs.

SECOND AVENUE SUBWAY: AFTER 85 YEARS WILL IT BE A REALITY?

The Second Avenue Subway in NYC has been a transportation project that has been envisioned for over 85 years now. Since 1929, when the need for a Second Avenue Subway line was first realized and plans were first developed, there have been repeated delays and setbacks. All of those delays were linked to, not surprisingly, the economy and national wars. Finally, after many plan revisions, in 2007 work began in earnest. Phase 1 of the 4 phase project was finally fully funded – or so we believed.

 

Funding for the Second Avenue Subway Project from 1929 – 2015

When the Second Avenue Subway was first planned back in 1929, it was estimated that the total construction cost would be $98,900,000. Today we laugh at such a figure. We are now talking billions of dollars per phase.

 

Just a few months ago, with over 80% of the Second Avenue Subway phase 1 project completed, MTA Chairman, Thomas Prendergast, wrote a letter to First Deputy Mayor Anthony Shorris reiterating that the Second Avenue Subway line completion was “critical to the future of the city itself.” He stated his reasons as:
“The MTA and its transit system are at a crossroads. Ridership has never been higher. The city’s population has grown and its location has shifted, putting pressure on transit in newly developed neighborhoods, and, in fact, the entire system.”

 

 

Mr. Prendergast’s reason for the letter however, was to request $1 billion for the Second Avenue Subway over the next five years. On top of that, an additional $1.5 billion will be needed for repairs and maintenance.

 

 

While it is true that the first phase of the Second Avenue Subway project is due for completion by December of 2016, even that may be delayed. In a report made just this past week, Matthew Welbes, Executive Director of the Federal Transit Administration in Washington, D.C., commented on the Second Avenue Subway project:
“It looks like the project is trending, based on our data, toward an opening of closer to, maybe early in, sometime in 2017.”

But, with all of that fudging, the FTA has been contradicting the MTA’s prediction by stating that they believe the opening of phase 1 will be more like 2018.

 

Current Second Avenue Subway Line Time Frame Predictions

 

Okay, so if the Second Avenue Subway line has been in the works for over 85 years already, what is the current plan? Will you see any of it in your lifetime? While you most probably will experience the benefits of the first phase completion, certainly those who lived in 1929 will never benefit from any of the completion.

 

Here is the projected plan:

• Present – December 2016: Phase 1 (96th Street to 63rd Street). This phase is projected to serve 200,000 daily riders.
• Phase 2 (125th Street to 96th Street). Currently underfunded and cannot begin construction until more fully funded. The projection is to begin construction sometime in 2019, at the earliest.
• Phase 3 (63rd Street to Houston Street). No funding at all yet.
• Phase 4 (Houston Street to Hanover Square). No funding at all yet.
At this time, when the complete Second Avenue Subway line is finished, the projection is that it will serve 560,000 daily riders. Most likely it will be considerably more by the time the line is totally ready. The projection is for 2029.

 

 

Written by Anne Schabert for MetropolisApts.com

Photography by Tom Ripellino

 

Top 5 Toddler Activities In NYC

When we think of New York, we think of a town where people go to make dreams happen. We think of young adults starting an acting career, modeling career, and the list goes on.
New York is a great place to raise a family, though and most people don’t  think about that. While it is a place where dreams come true, it’s also a great place full of opportunities for your little tyke to explore. Here are the top 5 toddler activities in NYC.

 

 

1) Children’s Museum of Manhattan

The Children’s Museum of Manhattan is a great place for toddler activities in NYC. A top venue for your child to learn and play at the same time. They have a program specifically designed for children 4 years old and under to prepare them for school. This program lets them explore and discover while learning fundamental lessons for growth. They also have a Dora and Diego exhibit which helps children ages 2-6 years old learn about animals. Not only are these great toddler activities in NYC, but if you have older kids they can have fun too.

 

2) The Playroom NYC

The Playroom provides classes every week to help your child learn valuable lessons as part of their toddler activities in NYC. The classes have different age ranges depending on the content to ensure that your little one is engaged in developmentally appropriate fun! They also have open play hours Monday through Friday, that way your child can take the reins in deciding how to play.

 

3) Kidville


Kidville has various locations offering toddler activities in NYC. They feature a wide variety of classes including art, camp, cooking, dance, enrichment, gym, music, parenting, and Kidville University. Kidville is specifically for children from birth to six years old. They also offer play space hours for members.

 

4) Books of Wonder

For your little bookworms, you can take them to Books of Wonder, where even you can find a little joy. Books of Wonder has events which include book readings and book releases among their toddler activities in NYC. It’s a classic way to educate your child and get them something that they can remember. Books of Wonder also has a rare books section which includes rare children’s books as well. This is another one where the whole family can find happiness.

 

5) Central Park

 

Last but not least, good ol’ Central Park is loaded with toddler activities in NYC. If you want to get your kids outside for some family fun, try Central Park! You could have a picnic or visit Belvedere Castle. You could go to the carousel or the children’s zoo which is located in the Central Park Zoo. Honestly, you could just enjoy the fresh air! This is a great option for families on a budget or families who love getting outside and having a great time.

I hope seeing some of these attractions have inspired you to get out there and do something with your family. There are indoor play areas, museums, bookstores, and Central Park is always an option (as long as it’s warm!) Remember, New York City isn’t just for the young and ambitious. There are plenty of opportunities for the itty-bitty members of the family, too. There are many toddler activities in NYC.

Written by Brittany Spencer

Photography by Tom Ripellino

The Stratford

The Stratford, a luxury, residential building on York Ave in the Upper East Side.

The Stratford has spacious, sunny 1, 2 and 3 bedroom apartments available. All of the apartments have high floors, and great views of the East River.
The kitchens feature brand new appliances and granite countertops. You will have Marbled stone bathrooms. This building offer luxurious living with its superb white glove service for a great price on the Upper East Side.

The bedrooms are king sized and features ample closet space and some with walk in closets.

The building features a roof top, outdoor swimming pool with separate children’s pool. There are individual men and women’s Saunas available.

 

 

Elegant Lobby with attentive 24-hour doorman and white glove service.

 

Fitness Center: Complimentary and fully equipped.

 

There’s a landscaped garden and recreational lounge with great views of the City. You can book private parties at the Stratford to entertain your guest.

The other amenities include:

  • 24-hour attended garage
  • Windowed laundry facility with air conditioning
  • Valet and maid service

No Fee units are available at the Stratford.

Metropolis Apartments | Contact us for for all your real estate needs.

Buyer Broker in New York City

As a Buyer Broker in New York City Metropolis Apartments will assist our buyer/customers in all aspects of the search and closing aspects of acquiring a property in New York.

As a member of the Real Estate brokerage community for over two decades we are an integral part of a network of over 200 member brokerage companies with thousands of listing agents in New York City, all of whom enjoy mutual co-brokering agreements with METROPOLIS.

Specializing as a Buyer Broker in New York City, the METROPOLIS agent will leave no stone un-turned, tapping data bases and contacts for both off-market and on-market properties. Our goal is to present to our buyer/customers a wide range of potential properties so that an informed choice may be made.

A Listing Broker represents the sellers’ interests. The buyer needs to have knowledgeable and dedicated representation to be sure to get the right property at the right price, without paying too much for the incidentals of the deal.

As Buyer Broker in New York City we our dedicated service includes advice and consultation in the following areas:

  • Whether to buy CO-OP or CONDO.
  • Budget evaluation.
  • Building financials.
  • Attorney referrals.
  • Mortgage Broker referrals.
  • Infrastructure analysis of potential neighborhoods.
  • Negotiation of the deal including price, conditions, improvements, etc.
  • Terms of Sales Contract.
  • Board package preparation, completion and submission.
  • Board interview preparation.
  • Coordination and follow up of all parties to the transaction.
  • Setting of closing date and venue.

WE ARE COMMITTED TO GET YOU THE BEST PROPERTY AT THE BEST PRICE IN THE SHORTEST TIME POSSIBLE.

Metropolis Apartments is a Buyer Broker in New York City.