by Laura Matiz 

If you do a Google search for "New York City property tax system," you will run across quotes from politicians and experts repeating statements such as, "the whole tax-assessment system is broken"  or stating the system as a "mind-numbingly complex method of assessing property taxes."  More importantly, the system has been broken for a long time with the last major correction enacted in 1996. That correction was known as the Cooperative and Condominium Tax Abatement.

Change may not be coming soon, but one thing all property owners can do is to educate themselves on the basics of the system. To start, all property is categorized into four classes, with most large cooperative and condominiums buildings in Manhattan falling under Class 2,  as shown in the graphic below:

by Laura Matiz

In part one of this series, I noted that real estate is now a technology-driven business. Social media, custom apps, tailored ads, websites and blogs are all part of the marketing and promotion of the business. But, for information exchange with my buyers, I make use of a few simple technologies that are more personal and customized to their apartment search. Read on.

In the first article, I noted that there are numerous apps and web sites that offer property search compilations, but I find that they all have a few drawbacks: (1) they require the creation of accounts, to which some buyers balk; (2) some apps only work on specific devices; and (3) communication with my buyer is mediated by a third party. The focus of that first article, was an overview of how I use Google Sheets to help track the apartment search. In this second part, I will explain how I use BatchGeo Mapping to visualize the information gathered in Google Sheets.

by Laura Matiz 

The Remsen, a stately, pre-war cooperative, is in the heart of Brooklyn Heights, one of the most desirable  residential neighborhoods in New York City. Apartment 7C is a spacious one-bedroom unit that receives plenty of natural light, has open views, and features a renovated open kitchen, a beautifully tiled bathroom, beamed ceilings and unthinkable closet space. The original and unique in-laid cork flooring adds to the charm. A large entrance foyer can double as a home office. 

Montague Street shopping and dining is a block away. The location has easy access to major subway lines and is just steps from the Promenade and Brooklyn Bridge Park with its spectacular views of downtown Manhattan. The Remsen is a pet-friendly building with a 24/7 attended lobby, central laundry room and bike room. All utilities (water, heat, electricity & gas) are included in monthly maintenance, with a small surcharge for units with air conditioners. This cooperative  apartment is offered at $700,000 and requires a minimum 20% down payment. 

Contact  Laura Matiz if you are interested in similar properties.