NYC Realtor for Renters | Maiysha Mondesi

Maiysha Mondesi Licensed Real Estate Salesperson · New York State

Who I Am

A Native New Yorker Who Knows This City Personally

NY State Licensed Real Estate Salesperson Brokerage: Digiulio · 260 W 35th St, Fl. 8, New York, NY 10001

I'm a native New Yorker, raised as a city kid. I know this city the way most people know their own neighborhood.

I started my career in real estate as a wholesaler working with investors. The market shifted, the rules changed, and I needed to get licensed. That one requirement changed everything.

Once I started working on the consumer side I noticed something. Renters were staying stuck, not because they couldn't afford to upgrade, but because they didn't have a clear path to do it. Wrong information. No strategy. No one in their corner who actually knew the market.

That gap became my focus. My job is to give renters that path. A clear process, the right buildings, and a strong application, so the upgrade they've been putting off finally happens.

Today I work with NYC professionals ready to move into luxury apartments, new developments, co-ops, and condos. I use my 5-step Priority Method to take you from “I need to move” to signed, approved, and settled.

Talk to Maiysha

What I Help With

Services for Renters, Buyers & Sellers

Luxury Rental Upgrades

Moving from a cramped rental to a building that fits your life. Concierge, in-unit laundry, gym access. I find buildings that say yes to your application.

Condo Buying

You want to own. I walk you through every step, from board requirements to closing. I specialize in Staten Island condos and Manhattan new developments.

Co-op Buying

Co-op boards are notoriously strict. I prep your application, position your financials, and guide you through board interviews so your file stands out.

New Development

Getting in early on Staten Island's North Shore growth. I connect buyers to pre-sales and new builds before they hit the open market.

Application Strategy

Your credit, income docs, and references matter. I review your profile before you apply so you walk in prepared, not rejected.

Home Sellers

Selling your Staten Island property and need a real strategy, not just a listing. I price it right, market it to serious buyers, and protect your timeline.

My Process

The Priority Method

Five steps that take you from “I need to move” to signed, approved, and settled.

Upgrade Clarity Call

We get specific about what you need, what you qualify for, and what your timeline looks like.

Neighborhood & Building Match

I match you to specific neighborhoods and buildings based on your income, lifestyle, and approval profile.

Curated Tours Only

You only see spaces that fit your criteria and budget. No wasted tours.

Strong Application & Smart Terms

I help you build an application that gets approved. I know what boards and landlords want to see.

Smooth Move & Settle-In Plan

Closing day is not the end. I make sure you're actually settled in, not just handed keys.

2026 Market Data

Manhattan vs. North Shore, Staten Island

Side-by-side rental data, condo and co-op prices, transit, and lifestyle. All figures verified from Q3-Q4 2025 and Q1-Q2 2026.

Median Rent (1BR) $5,109 Manhattan

$2,500 North Shore SI

Median Condo Price $1.65M Manhattan

$425K North Shore SI

Median Co-op Price $870K Manhattan

$300K North Shore SI

Ferry to FiDi — Manhattan

25 min Free, 24/7

Savings

A 1-bedroom in North Shore SI averages $2,500/month vs. $5,109 in Manhattan. That is over $31,000 saved per year without leaving NYC.

Commute

The Staten Island Ferry runs 24/7 from St. George to FiDi. 25 minutes, completely free. If you work Downtown, this is a real alternative.

Buying

North Shore condos start at $350K–$450K. Manhattan median condo price is $1.65M. More space, lower payments, and real equity on the table.

Detailed Comparison

Metric	Manhattan	North Shore, SI
Median Rent — Studio	$3,800 – $4,500	$1,800 – $2,200
Median Rent — 1 Bedroom	$5,109	$2,500
Median Rent — 2 Bedroom	$6,000+	$3,000 – $3,200
Luxury / Doorman Rent	$5,295 (record Jan 2026)	$2,200 – $2,800 waterfront
Median Condo Sale Price	$1,650,000	$350,000 – $550,000
Median Co-op Sale Price	$870,000	$250,000 – $350,000
Price Per Sq Ft (Condo)	$1,998	$400 – $480
Avg Days on Market	80 – 103 days	65 – 78 days
YoY Rent Change	+7.9% to 9%	+12% (Zumper 2026)
Transit	20+ subway lines	SI Ferry (free, 24/7) + SIR + Express Buses
Commute to FiDi	Walking / 1–3 stops	25 min free ferry
Broker Fee (FARE Act 2025)	Landlord-paid	Landlord-paid

Choose Manhattan If You…

+Work in midtown or uptown and need to be minutes away
+Want luxury doorman buildings with concierge, gym, and rooftop all in one place
+Have a budget of $4,500+ per month for a comfortable 1-bedroom
+Prefer a co-op and can handle the board process
+Want the NYC energy right outside your door every single day

Choose North Shore, SI If You…

+Work in Lower Manhattan or FiDi and can use the free 25-min ferry
+Want significantly more space for $1,700–$2,500/month instead of $5,000+
+Are ready to stop renting and want condo entry points starting at $350K
+Want waterfront views, a quieter pace, and real storage space
+Are watching a neighborhood grow and want to be positioned early

Frequently Asked Questions

Is North Shore Staten Island really cheaper than Manhattan? +

Yes, significantly. A 1-bedroom in St. George averages $2,500/month. A comparable Manhattan unit runs $5,109. That is over $2,600/month in savings — roughly $31,300 per year back in your pocket.

How long is the commute from St. George to Manhattan? +

The Staten Island Ferry runs 24/7 from St. George to Whitehall Street in FiDi — 25 minutes, completely free. If you work Downtown, the commute is often faster than living in parts of Brooklyn or Queens. For Midtown, typically 45–55 minutes door to door.

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

With a condo, you own your unit outright. Financing is easier (10–20% down) and subletting is more flexible. With a co-op, boards require larger down payments (20%+), detailed financial review, and personal interviews. North Shore SI has limited co-op inventory, so buyers there typically work with condos.

Do I still pay a broker fee in NYC in 2026? +

Under the FARE Act (effective 2025), landlords are now responsible for paying the broker fee. This applies in both Manhattan and Staten Island. We walk you through exactly what fees apply to your situation before you sign anything.

Is North Shore Staten Island a good investment right now? +

Multiple signals say yes. About 70% of St. George housing is renter-occupied, driving steady demand. The North Shore Action Plan and Lighthouse Point development are adding real value. Condo entry points are still $350K–$550K while the rest of NYC trades much higher.

Sources: Miller Samuel / Douglas Elliman Q3-Q4 2025 & Q1 2026; Zumper May 2026; Apartments.com CoStar Data June 2025; Robert DeFalco Realty 2025-2026.

Your New York City Realtorfor Renters Ready to Upgrade