N
igel Campbell, 39, grew up in the Bronx, trained at Juilliard, danced worldwide, and co‑founded MoveNYC. Rising rents forced him to move apartments; an $800 hike in his Upper West Side one‑bedroom prompted him to consider buying. With no family home‑ownership background, the idea seemed distant. Partner Kyle Weekes, a vocalist, encouraged him; they planned to stay together, but Campbell would purchase alone with savings, while Weekes offered support.

    Realtor Ellen Gottlieb of Corcoran, familiar with MoveNYC events, guided him. They set a $600,000 ceiling and listed desired features: ample closets, a private kitchen, pet‑friendly, elevator, no walk‑ups. Gottlieb fed the criteria into a database, triggering alerts for suitable listings.

    They reviewed three options. The first was a 1,200‑sq‑ft, two‑bedroom co‑op on the fourth floor of a building with two elevators, two baths, six closets, a galley kitchen, a washer‑dryer in the foyer. Price: $595,000.

    The second was a 1,100‑sq‑ft condo on the third floor of a 2008, seven‑story elevator building near his family. The layout featured a kitchen island, a corner dining area, windows, a balcony overlooking a parking lot, a gym, and a roof deck. Pet‑friendly. Price: $600,000.

    The third was a 1,350‑sq‑ft, two‑bedroom co‑op on a low floor of a six‑story pre‑war building near the Brooklyn‑Queens border. It offered southwestern views, an eat‑in kitchen, an office/third‑bedroom space, a dining room, and seven closets. No washer‑dryer, but a laundry room and basement storage. Price: $440,000.

    Campbell weighed the options against his criteria and budget. While the third unit offered the most space and the lowest purchase price, the first and second provided more modern amenities and a washer‑dryer. Readers are asked which property he chose.