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My husband and I frequently go through a number of real estate “phases” where we get really crazed about an idea, and then sort of let it go. Sometimes we think we should buy while the buying is hot and get a condo in Jersey. Then we think, “Is adding half an hour and an additional mode of transportation to our commutes really worth it just to live in the state where Bruce Springsteen is from?” Then, maybe after watching too many episodes of Sex and the City and I get a hankering for trendy bars, over-priced cupcakes and men…

According to a recent article in The New York Times, people don’t always know how to act around their doormen, or know what to ask/expect of them. I know, I know. First-world problems. It’s like, “Gracious, I bought so much caviar that my guests are going to be too full to enjoy their filet mignon.” Or “Oh, dear me, I shan’t be able to make it to the polo match because I have that sailing regatta the same day.” (Seriously, though, that’s too bad. I know how much you were looking forward to that.) Or, I don’t know, something about not…

We accept the fact that reality TV isn’t actually real. Of course there’s editing involved. And the contestants are usually manipulated into situations where there’d be the most drama. Most of the people are just acting up for the cameras to get the most air time so they can parlay their B- and C-list fame into a book deal or brand of cocktails. I’m sure once the cameras are turned off, The Situation and J-Woww have a spirited debate about the national debt, as they are wont to do. And that’s fine. Actually, that’s more than fine. That’s escapism, baby….

There’s an episode of Friends where Ross and Rachel are making lists of famous people, who, in the unlikely case that they meet them, are allowed to have affairs with them and not get in trouble with their significant other. Ross even goes so far as to laminate his list. And a lot of people make their own “laminated lists.” Do you have one? Who’s on it? OK, I’ll stop being nosy. Anyway, if this “Get out of jail free” rule is available in relationships (even if it’s unlikely you’ll ever get an opportunity to use it), I think it…

I hate to say it (actually I don’t hate to say it–it gives me blog fodder), but sometimes parties for apartment residents are lame. Like grab-a-slice-of-pizza-and-a-handful-of-fun-sized-Snickers-and-run-back-to-your-own-apartment lame. But summer is coming, which provides you with the perfect opportunity to make peace with the ghosts of apartment parties past. Here are some tips to help you throw the perfect summer party for your residents. One that they’d actually come to—and enjoy. Go outside. If you have outdoor space, like a rooftop or a pool (duh), have your summer party there. Way more enjoyable than a lobby, and people will be able…

One good thing about living in an apartment is that when things go bump in the night, it’s probably just your neighbor walking around, and not a deranged killer wearing a William Shatner mask and brandishing a butcher knife. Of course, one bad thing about living in an apartment is that when things go bump in the night, it’s your neighbor walking around. Hearing your neighbors’ TV, music, arguments, whatever, is one of the worst parts of living in an apartment. Developers, take note: People would probably trade the luxury amenities in your building just for thicker walls. This is…