Lambeth Hochwald's Recent Articles
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6 Ways to Talk to Your Kids About What’s Happening in America Right Now
The headlines worsen by the day—ICE raids, mass shootings, families being separated at the border—and, no matter the age, our kids are absorbing the news at a feverish pace.Depending on your family situation and reality, this likely isn’t a brand-new worry or conversation. But given the events of the past week, it might have hit a new level—especially if your children have been privileged enough not to be directly affected until this point.
Aug 9, 2019
The 7 Best NYC Subway Apps, According to Seasoned New Yorkers
Because who better to ask than those who've lived with the MTA's failings the longest?
Aug 2, 2019
3 Reasons You'll Hate Living With an Open Floor Plan
The walls were there for a reason!
Jul 30, 2019
6 Mistakes Even Real Estate Agents Make When Buying Their First Home
While you may think real estate agents are too clever (and qualified!) to make rookie mistakes in the home-buying process, they're prone to the same excitement that can cloud rationality, too.
Jul 24, 2019
6 Reasons Floor-to-Ceiling Windows Are Totally Overrated
From complicated cleaning to uncontrollable heat, these architectural wonders may not be all they're cracked up to be.
Jul 23, 2019
This Pro Window Washer Swears by Towels You Can Buy on Amazon for Less Than $1 Each
If you’re tired of all those fingerprints and grease impeding your view but haven’t had the energy to do a deep clean, we know how you feel. This pro window cleaner has devised a three-step strategy to leave windows streak-free and gleaming. It involves a few magic tricks, including one special, affordable towel.
Jul 18, 2019
You’ll Never See a Nudist Without a Towel (and Six Other Tips from a Meticulously Clean Woman Who Lives at a Nudist Resort)
It’s easy to imagine that a nudist might be more than a little bit stressed about all those naked butts sitting on the sofa when fellow nudists come over for lunch.
Jul 16, 2019
What Most People Get Wrong About Living in a Penthouse Apartment
Though they're marketed as the end-all, be-all in luxury, penthouse apartments can actually be quite irksome to live in.
Jul 10, 2019
12 Things You Should Know Before Painting Your House Exterior
Our experts sketch out the 12 things you must know before you paint your house.
Jul 5, 2019
The 7 Landscaping Mistakes That Real Estate Agents See All the Time
You may not have a green thumb, but that’s no reason to let your yard become an eyesore. Not only will maintaining your lot keep your neighbors happy, landscaping can actually also help boost your home's value.
Jun 23, 2019
The 7 Best Decluttering Lessons to Learn from People Who Are Moving
You don’t have to wait until the stressful days before a big move to feel that freedom. Here's how to declutter like you're moving without actually doing it.
Jun 20, 2019
The 5 Components That Make Up The Platonic Ideal of a Kitchen
But what separates the "meh" kitchens from the ones you'll actually enjoy cooking dinner in? I tapped real estate experts for their advice.
Jun 20, 2019
Why Real Estate Agents Are Warning Homeowners About 'Blooper Rooms'
If your house has been lingering on the market, the reason it hasn't sold may have nothing to do with price or location.
Jun 16, 2019
These 3 Things Make the “Perfect” Home Office, According to Real Estate Agents
These three features separate a so-so home office from one that inspires your best work.
Jun 11, 2019
The Best Blue Living Room Wall Colors, According to Real Estate Agents
Real estate agents spend countless hours in living rooms of every color. They're unexpected experts in knowing which shades will work well and which ones you should avoid at all costs.
Jun 6, 2019
7 Problem-Solving Amazon Products Tiny House Dwellers Swear By
If you’re living in a tiny house—or are just squeezed into a micro-studio—there’s no room for oversized anything. To that end, we asked some folks who are square foot-challenged to share their fave space-saving and/or double-duty Amazon purchases. All seven are excellent small-space problem solvers you can steal if your real estate is relatively tiny, too:Ah, the Instant Pot.
May 25, 2019
What “Tiny House Nation” Doesn’t Show You About Living in a Tiny Home
Audiences loved “Tiny House Nation”, the reality show that premiered in 2014 and, for the past five seasons, has invited viewers to get a bird’s eye view of micro-living by showing audiences what it’s really like to live in a space no larger than 500 square feet. So, is the show giving viewers an accurate portrayal of what it’s really like to live small?
May 23, 2019
The 8 Most Underrated Items at Target for Renters
While there are some definite upsides to being a renter (you’re free to move when you get bored with your space!)—there are some definite bummers, too. High on the list: Boring white walls, ugly lighting, not enough storage, and hideous finishes. But not to worry. That standard rental can feel a bit more glam with a quick Target shopping spree. I asked some trusted designers for favorite products from the store that also solve renter’s common decorating problems.
May 17, 2019
The Best Bedroom Paint Colors, According to Real Estate Agents
Unlike your kitchen cabinets and front door, your bedroom’s paint color has no sway on your home’s selling price, according to Zillow’s 2018 Paint Color Analysis. But that doesn’t mean you should go ahead and order that neon yellow paint. It’s likely you’re looking to style your space to promote some R&R. And, fact is, there are certain paint colors that do that better than others.
May 14, 2019
How a Moving Expert Can Help You Declutter—Even If You’re Staying Put
It’s so easy to let our things pile up until moving day when you look around and can’t believe how much stuff you have. But wouldn’t it be far more productive to do regular “cleanse-outs,” where you routinely look at your stuff with a critical eye? We posed that question to Ali Wenzke, a moving expert—she and her family have moved 10 times in 11 years in seven states around the U.S.
May 8, 2019
10 Organizing Tools Every Home Should Have
There’s no better time to get organized than moving in a new house. You have a blank slate to work with—but you also have that box full of clutter you were too overwhelmed to purge while moving. While it can be daunting to know where to even begin corralling stacks of papers or organizing the household junk drawer, there is at least an organization baseline everyone can start at. What is this mysterious model I speak of?
May 3, 2019
8 Ways You Can Justify Buying as Many Books as You Want Forever
Books aren’t just the best things to have in your house—your collection can be as cool as you are. And with National Book Lovers Day (Nov 3) today, why not relook at these tomes as decor items, too? Not only does this make your apartment to look great, but it also gives you ample permission to buy as many books as you want!
May 3, 2019
These 4 Things Create a “Perfect” Living Room, According to Real Estate Agents
What, exactly, separates a so-so space from one you'll want to spend every extra minute in?
Apr 20, 2019
5 Hidden Risks in Your Home Real Estate Agents Know to Watch Out For
​Few experts know the ins and outs of a home's lifespan better than real estate agents.
Apr 18, 2019
How to Prevent Buyer’s Remorse When Buying a House, According to Therapists
It’s one thing to have buyer’s remorse when it comes to an over-size sectional that doesn’t exactly fit in your living room. But what’s the best way to handle buyer’s remorse over the purchase of your home—perhaps the biggest purchase of your life so far—which you are now seriously regretting? First of all, keep in mind that buyer’s remorse may be a mask for something deeper.
Apr 16, 2019
9 Ways to Boost Your Home’s Curb Appeal, According to Real Estate Experts
When it comes to curb appeal, doesn’t it seem like everyone talks only about painting your door a bright color and manicuring your front yard? My thoughts exactly. Happily, there are lots of other things you can do that will make a big difference when it comes to freshening your house’s exterior, making it the cutest one on the block and, hopefully, prompting it to linger less on the market. Here, some of the best tips, from real estate professionals.
Apr 13, 2019
How to Rent an Apartment With Bad Credit, According to Landlords
So your credit’s shot due to some past troubles with bill-paying or credit card debt. Does this mean you’ll never be able to rent an apartment again? Not necessarily. “We are oftentimes at a crossroads when it comes to dealing with prospective tenants with bad credit,” says Robert Rahmanian, co-founder of REAL NY, a Manhattan real estate brokerage company.
Apr 10, 2019
How I Finally Got My New Apartment to Smell Like Home
You know that feeling you get when you walk into a space and it just plain smells good? Yeah, me too, and I’ve spent the last six months in my new apartment trying to achieve that singular goal. There wasn’t anything wrong with how my apartment smelled, but there wasn’t anything really right with it, either.
Apr 9, 2019
This Is What It’s Really Like to Live in a Converted Church
American churches were built in bounty in the 1950s as a result of post-war population growth and a national focus on family values—but as time has gone on, more Americans are identifying as “nones” (none-affiliated), forcing these places of community gathering to close, as the cost of upkeep outweighs the number of congregants. Each year, between 6,000 and 10,000 American churches close.
Mar 31, 2019
Just Like ‘The Brady Bunch’ House, These 5 Retro Features Are Making a (Big) Comeback
Let’s just say you loved the look of “The Brady Bunch” house—we’re talking sunken living room, modular furniture, the works. If that retro vibe talks to you, this is good news: These blast-from-the-past features are now on the major rebound.
Mar 9, 2019
8 Things Real Estate Agents Zero In On the Moment They Walk Through Your Door
​Turns out, first impressions are worth a whole lot. Or at least to real estate agents stepping into a home for the first time.
Mar 7, 2019
This Apartment Building’s Luxury Amenity? Daisy, The Newfoundland
It’s one thing to check into a hotel, like at the Hotel Nikko San Francisco, where Buster, the hotel’s “Canine Operating Officer” is available 24/7 for an on-demand cuddle. But to get to live in a rental building with an on-site dog who lives in the lobby during the day? That’s a building I want to move into right now. To that end, meet Daisy the 12-year-old ‘House Dog’ at NEXT Apartments in Chicago’s River North neighborhood.
Feb 28, 2019
8 of the Best Places to Live if You Love Movies
Sure, New York has a new film festival every weekend and you’re practically guaranteed to run into a local actor any time step outside. And, of course, there’s the whole city of Los Angeles. But what if you’re a cinephile who doesn’t want to deal with traffic or the MTA? Thankfully, it’s not just the major cities that host all things silver screen.
Feb 22, 2019
6 Overlooked Home Upgrades That Are Totally Worth It
There are quite a couple of “luxury” amenities in homes that are actually nothing more than a bother. Whirlpool tub expectation: Hop into a relaxing candlelit bath the moment you even begin to feel stress. Whirlpool tub reality: Who the hell has the energy to clean all those valves? But then there are actually those that are, indeed, worth your time and money for the amount they make your life better.
Feb 17, 2019
Here’s What You Can Get for $2,300 a Month (And Under) in NYC Right Now
To live in New York City is to crack your wallet way open every month to pay for a roof over your head. And while once upon a time $2,300 per month could yield a perfectly reasonable place to call home, these days it takes some sleuthing to find something in this price range.
Feb 6, 2019
7 Things Real Estate Agents Wish You Knew
Ask real estate agents and they’ll admit that they’re just as frustrated about some quirks in the home buying process as you are. Here, seven things that bother them the most: Usually it’s no one’s business but yours if you’re messy or tidy—but when your place is on the market, your cleanliness habits can affect how quickly your home sells: “It should go without saying, but I have to say it all the time: Tidy up!
Feb 2, 2019
The 9 Go-To Stores Real Estate Agents Use for Inexpensive Staging Decor
In case you're wondering, they aren't super snobby when it comes to sourcing decor items—they often shop in the same places with an eye on price—just like you!
Jan 30, 2019
The 7 Things No One Ever Tells You About Being an Airbnb Host
If you have Airbnb envy, you’re not alone. After all, it seems so simple: Rent out your place and reap the rewards. But contrary to popular opinion, it’s not that easy—and there are definitely things that can go awry (and they will!).
Jan 16, 2019
Here’s How Many Boxes You Actually Need When Moving
If moving is on your to-do list, figuring out how many boxes you need to get the job done shouldn’t stress you out. And, while there’s no exact science to box acquisition, the experts have a few tips you can follow to avoid either buying way too many—or, realistically, too few.
Jan 13, 2019
9 of the Most Underrated Items at Home Depot, According to Long-Time Renters
Think Home Depot is just for suburbanites working on DIY projects or shopping for a washer/dryer? Ask long-time urbanites-who-rent and they’ll tell you that there are so many gems in this big-box store. In fact, many of the things you’d order from Amazon or pick up at Target for your place can be found at Home Depot—and with a better selection (and sometimes better prices).
Dec 29, 2018
8 Super Smart Small Space Hacks, According to NYC Real Estate Agents
If you’re looking for the best way to maximize a one-bed or studio, here’s an unexpected source: New York City real estate agents, who are in and out of these small apartments all day long. Here, seven of the smartest real world small-space hacks these agents have ever seen. “The sweetest thing I’ve seen in a one bedroom was in the home of a single mom who had a trundle mattress underneath her four poster bed.
Dec 26, 2018
11 Cozy Tiny Houses to Rent in the Mountains, Starting at $45/Night
If an overnight in a tiny house overlooking a gorgeous mountain setting is calling your name, we’ve got the goods. Here, 11 to rent that all cost under $100 a night. The light will stream in thanks to the 19 windows in this mini cottage tucked between two creeks. In this tiny house located on the edge of the rainforest 621 feet above sea level, you’ll be sleeping in a magical cottage with sweeping views of the valley from your adorable picture window.
Dec 24, 2018
7 Books Experts Say Every Potential Homeowner Should Read
​If you’re planning to buy your first home, you should pick up a guide (or two) to help you get started on thinking about what homeownership really means.
Dec 23, 2018
9 Ways to Deal with a Toxic Family at the Holidays
Let’s just say your family doesn’t exactly resemble a perfect Hallmark gathering of super connected cousins or in-sync siblings. And, if you feel like these relationships are bordering on toxic or if there’s abuse, addiction, and estrangement to contend with, too, it’s more than likely that you’re regarding the holidays with no small feeling of dread. Despite all of this, you can have an intact holiday.
Dec 17, 2018
6 Things Everyone Seeking a Small Apartment Should Know
If you’re in the market for a small apartment—whether it’s your choice or not!—rest easy. Small living is trending and, anyway, who needs all that extra space? More room, more collected clutter! That said, there are a few fundamental attributes of a space that, while small in size, can actually feel larger than a floor plan can make it appear. We asked the experts for what to look for when shopping small.
Dec 13, 2018
Experts Say These 5 Real Estate Tips Are Now Totally Outdated
Like lots of things in life (including yourself!), the real estate world keeps rapidly evolving. Though some things will stay the same, at least one thing your broker told you a decade ago is no longer relevant. Here, five once-common pieces of advice experts say that you should now take with a grain of salt. “This advice is outdated because today—more than ever—people want to feel like they are getting ‘value’ in what they purchase.
Dec 8, 2018
The Kid-Sized Dyson Is Adorable—But Should You Really Buy One?
A vacuum might feel like a real dud of a gift as a grownup. But a Dyson vacuum? Apartment Therapy may be biased, but that feels more like a super-fun gadget than a cleaning tool. (Seriously, a few editors own one and swear it takes some of the drudgery out of chores, no #sponcon here.) So when we spotted a Dyson-for-kids over the weekend, that seemed like hitting the jackpot—everything is better when it’s miniature… right? What’s more, the $29.
Nov 28, 2018
6 Things You Never Knew Your Real Estate Agent Could Do for You
Your real estate agent does so much more than just meet you at open houses or negotiate on your behalf.
Nov 27, 2018