P
eter Gregg, a 58-year-old maple syrup farmer from Vermont, has reinvented himself as a writer in New York City. After attending college in Vermont, he worked as an agriculture reporter before becoming a maple syrup farmer and founding The Maple News trade publication. He recently published his first book, "The Sugar Rush," and is working on a novel.

    Gregg's writing career led him to leave his rural home for the city, where he rented a studio apartment in Carnegie Hill. However, he soon realized that he needed more space and wanted to buy a co-op unit in Manhattan. With a budget of up to $600,000, Gregg searched for a one-bedroom apartment with a stoop outside and exposed brick inside.

    Gregg's real estate agent, Leanne Stella, helped him navigate the process, which took longer than expected due to his specific criteria. He wanted an apartment that was within walking distance to Whole Foods and had a central bathroom location. Among the options he considered were three co-op units in different buildings: one with an octagonal bedroom and air shaft views, another with charming interior features like arched doorways and classic moldings, and a third with a fireplace and brick surround.

    After weighing his options, Gregg ultimately decided to buy a 600-square-foot one-bedroom unit in a 1920 building closer to Central Park. The apartment had four closets, two hallways, and a narrow kitchen with a dishwasher and stacked washer-dryer. With maintenance fees in the $1,900s, the price was $599,999.