By Howard Morrel & Leslie Hirsch For many years, New York City co-op boards were reluctant to approve trust ownership. Proprietary leases were often written with individual ownership in mind, and boards viewed trusts as opaque or difficult to enforce against. In estate situations, this resistance frequently forced unnecessary sales or last-minute restructuring. Today, that […]
By Howard Morrel & Leslie Hirsch When a decedent owned real property or a cooperative apartment in New York, the sale or transfer of that asset almost always triggers a discussion around New York State estate tax liens. One form in particular, Form ET-117 (Release of Lien of Estate Tax), is frequently misunderstood and often becomes […]
By Howard Morrel & Leslie Hirsch As we approach 2026, several significant federal and state tax changes are set to reshape the planning landscape for high-net-worth individuals, families, and fiduciaries. For those who own real estate personally, through trusts, estates, or entities, these changes underscore the importance of thoughtful, coordinated planning that looks beyond any […]
By Howard Morrel & Leslie Hirsch Inheriting real estate in New York can feel like a windfall — but it often comes with hidden legal, tax, and financial complications. Whether it’s a Brooklyn brownstone, a Manhattan co-op, or a vacation home upstate, inheritors frequently make costly missteps that can reduce the property’s value or create […]
In New York City real estate, pricing is everything. Even the most extraordinary luxury condo, co-op, or historic estate can linger if it’s misaligned with buyer expectations and current market conditions. In 2025, with tightening financing and more cautious buyers, smart price adjustments have become central to keeping momentum alive. NYC Listings Are Taking Longer to […]
In New York City, the real estate market is never just about what you see online. StreetEasy, broker blasts, and glossy ads only tell part of the story. Behind the curtain, there’s a whole other market at play — properties that are available, but not publicly listed. This is what we call shadow inventory, and in 2025, […]
If you are buying or selling a condo in New York City, you probably expect the hardest parts to be negotiating the price or passing the board review. But there is another hurdle that can quietly kill your deal: the condo questionnaire. Most buyers and sellers do not even know this document exists until it […]
This one-bedroom apartment in historic Murray Hill had not been updated in over 50 years. To prepare it for market, our team oversaw a thoughtful makeover: Fresh paint Buffed floors Professional staging Staging plays a critical role in estate sales. It helps prospective buyers envision the possibilities while reducing the hesitation that often accompanies properties […]
Buying a co-op apartment in New York City is very different from buying other types of property. From the board approval process to financial requirements, there are many unique rules buyers should understand. Below are the most frequently asked questions (and answers) about buying a co-op apartment in NYC. What is a co-op apartment in […]
by Howard Morrel & Leslie Hirsch, Co-Founders, Trusts and Estates Division, Christie’s International Real Estate Group Streamlining Property Sales for Fiduciaries, Executors & Legal Professionals in NYC and Beyond When real estate is part of an estate, attorneys and fiduciaries need more than a capable agent, they need a strategic partner who understands the legal […]
By Morrel Hirsch & Advisors, Christie’s International Real Estate Group Buying real estate in New York City is a unique and often complex process. While the city offers an incredible range of co-ops, condos, and townhouses, financing an NYC property comes with specific challenges that buyers may not be prepared for. At Morrel Hirsch & […]
by Howard Morrel & Leslie Hirsch, Co-Founders, Trusts and Estates Division, Christie’s International Real Estate Group One of the most common questions we receive from executors, trustees, and fiduciaries preparing to sell an estate or inherited property in New York City is: “Should we stage the apartment before putting it on the market?” The short […]
by Howard Morrel & Leslie Hirsch, Co-Founders, Trusts and Estates Division, Christie’s International Real Estate Group When preparing to sell an estate property in New York City, one of the most important early steps is obtaining an estate appraisal. Whether you’re an executor, trustee, or family member managing a loved one’s affairs, understanding the property’s […]
by Howard Morrel & Leslie Hirsch In the evolving landscape of Manhattan real estate, one trend has become increasingly clear: the rise of trusts as a preferred vehicle for property transactions. As generational wealth continues to shape buying power across the city, more families are turning to trusts to transfer assets strategically and preserve long-term […]
Steps for Guardians Selling Property on Behalf of Wards By Howard Morrel, Esq. Nothing in real estate is quite so fraught with emotional, ethical, and legal hazards as selling property on behalf of a person under guardianship. Unfortunately, well-meaning family members and guardians may fail to see the hazards or take the necessary steps to […]
By Leslie Hirsch Christie’s International Real Estate Group Trusts & Estates Division At Christie’s Trusts & Estates Division, we often encounter an issue unique to New York City co-op apartment sales, particularly in estate sales—the loss of the original stock certificate. Not having the original copy of the co-op stock certificate can lead to delays […]
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