Job Transfer Leads to a Passion Project and a NYC Home
A job transfer of sorts brought Katie Muela and Arsy Khodabandelou to New York from Maryland a few years ago.
From Maryland to New York City
Ms. Muela was working as a nanny for a family that was relocating to the city from the Washington, D.C., area, so she and Mr. Khodabandelou took it “as an opportunity to move to New York for fun,” she said. That was just before Covid shut down the city. Disappointed, the couple retreated to Maryland after a year. But after the pandemic, they were eager to return, and landed in a one-bedroom on the Upper East Side for around $2,600 a month.
Finding the Perfect Neighborhood
They fell in love with their bustling Yorkville neighborhood. “We got to know our neighbors and see them at the dog park every day,” said Ms. Muela, 33.
Inspiration Strikes
One day, Mr. Khodabandelou, who works in software sales, found himself worrying about their dogs, who were home alone. Friends and family were back in Maryland. It gave him the idea to hire a software engineer and create a pet-rescue app, Woof, which notifies emergency contacts if pets are left alone longer than expected.
Shark Tank Appearance
The nascent business landed Mr. Khodabandelou, 35, on the TV show “Shark Tank” in 2023, though it didn’t land him a deal. Nevertheless, he said, “It was the coolest experience of my life.”
Growing Out of Their Space
The couple, who will marry next month, were outgrowing their small apartment. In the basement laundry room, the machines were often broken. And they had little counter space, making it difficult to cook and host guests. “We didn’t have anywhere to sit,” said Ms. Muela, who now works as a court reporter. “We ate on our couch. Why, at this age and stage of us wanting to start our future, would we not purchase?”
The Search for a New Home
Some of Mr. Khodabandelou’s old friends were having children and buying houses. “So it was in the back of my mind,” he said. “Do I want to be in New York or go back to Maryland and buy a house?” The couple decided to stick around and get an apartment — dog-friendly, of course — near their rental, on the far Upper East Side. They aimed for a two-bedroom or a large one-bedroom, and quickly realized that they’d have to adjust their budget.
Finding the Right Realtor and the Right Space
Online last winter, they found Annette Mulligan, then a licensed salesperson at Keller Williams NYC and now at the Corcoran Group, who explained the difference between co-ops and condominiums and noted that dog policies differ among buildings. “I am not a picky person,” Mr. Khodabandelou said. “I fell in love with every single place that we saw.” But those places often sold quickly. Ms. Muela was more particular. “I definitely was a brat at first,” she said. “I wanted two bedrooms, a washer-dryer and outdoor space.”
Conclusion
After much searching, the couple finally found their new home, a two-bedroom condo with a washer-dryer and outdoor space, for $800,000. They are thrilled to have found a place that meets their needs and can accommodate their growing family.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the average price range for a one-bedroom apartment in New York City?
A: The average price range for a one-bedroom apartment in New York City is around $2,000 to $3,000 per month.
Q: What is the difference between a co-op and a condominium?
A: A co-op is a shared ownership structure where shareholders own shares in a corporation that owns the building, while a condominium is a type of ownership where individual owners own their own units.
Q: What is Woof, the pet-rescue app?
A: Woof is a pet-rescue app that notifies emergency contacts if pets are left alone longer than expected.
