1. How do I find a real estate broker in Manhattan?

The best way to find a Manhattan real estate broker is through referrals, online reviews, and direct outreach. Look for a broker who specializes in your target neighborhood and price range, has a strong track record of closed transactions, and is affiliated with a reputable firm. Nicholas DeLotell is a Compass broker who specializes in luxury co-ops and condominiums across Manhattan and Brooklyn.

2. What is the difference between a co-op and a condo in NYC?

In New York City, a co-op (cooperative) means you are purchasing shares in a corporation that owns the building, rather than the unit itself. Co-ops tend to have stricter board approval requirements and financial vetting. A condo (condominium) means you own the physical unit outright, which typically allows for more flexibility in subletting and financing. Condos are generally more liquid and easier to purchase, while co-ops often command lower price-per-square-foot values.

3. How long does it take to buy an apartment in New York City?

The NYC buying process typically takes 2–4 months from accepted offer to closing. The timeline includes attorney review and contract signing (2–4 weeks), co-op or condo board approval if applicable (4–8 weeks), and mortgage underwriting and closing (2–4 weeks). Co-op transactions often take longer due to board application requirements.

4. What neighborhoods in Manhattan are best for luxury real estate?

Manhattan's top luxury neighborhoods include the Upper East Side (known for classic prewar co-ops and proximity to Central Park and Museum Mile), the Upper West Side (popular with families and offering large prewar apartments), Tribeca (industrial-chic lofts with high ceilings and a celebrity-friendly feel), the West Village (charming townhouses and boutique condos), and Midtown (home to many of the city's premier full-service buildings and iconic addresses like One57, Central Park Tower, 220 Central Park South, and 432 Park Avenue). Nicholas DeLotell has represented buyers and sellers across all of these neighborhoods.

5. What does a buyer's broker do in NYC?

A buyer's broker in New York City represents your interests exclusively during the search and purchase process. This includes curating property searches, scheduling and accompanying you on showings, providing market analysis and comparable sales data, advising on offer strategy, negotiating on your behalf, coordinating with attorneys and mortgage brokers, and guiding you through the board application process for co-ops.

6. How do I sell my apartment in New York City?

Selling an apartment in NYC involves pricing strategy, professional photography and staging, listing on the RLS and major real estate platforms, broker outreach, open houses and private showings, negotiation, contract execution, and closing. Nicholas DeLotell and his team specialize in strategic positioning and marketing to achieve top-of-market results, including achieving a sale 45% above asking price through targeted staging and marketing execution.

7. What is Compass real estate?

Compass is one of the largest and most technologically advanced real estate brokerages in the United States. It provides agents with proprietary technology tools for pricing, marketing, and transaction management. Compass agents can offer sellers tools like Compass Concierge, which allows sellers to front the cost of renovations and staging to maximize sale price with no upfront payment. Nicholas DeLotell is a licensed broker at Compass's Upper East Side office at 851 Madison Avenue.