As the real estate market continues to feel the squeeze of low inventory, listings in New York City are becoming few and far between.  Today’s “Three of a Kind” features 2-bedroom homes under $2 million, highlighting a few CORE gems still available in today’s search for quality properties.

Where: 240 West 23rd Street, 3B/4B
Asking: $1,495,000
Listed by: Maggie Kent

This serene 2-bedroom loft duplex is located in the heart of Chelsea. The home boasts balconies on each level, high ceilings, hard wood floors and ample storage. The two levels are connected by a wide, meticulously designed wood and metal staircase.  Equipped with gorgeous wooden and modern finishes throughout, the lower level features an entrance foyer, a beautiful chef’s kitchen, including Poggenpohl kitchen cabinets, a Subzero refrigerator, a Viking gas range and a Miele dishwasher. The second level has the master bedroom with a balcony, a wall of custom built-ins and an interior room with a closet currently used as a guest bedroom. (more…)

Whether used as pied-à-terres, bachelor pads or starter homes, these homes on the smaller end of the spectrum are still great studies in style, and wise investments. We picked three of our favorite bright and airy downtown homes currently on the market to show the good that can come from buying a home that doesn’t need too much maintenance.

Where: 200 East 16th Street, 11-A
Size: 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom
Asking: $699,000
Listed by: Maggie Kent

This corner one-bedroom in Gramercy is picture perfect, with beautiful windows that let in tons of light and provide views of the Empire State Building and, closer to home, the St. Georges Church and Seminary. And it’s not a typical tiny and cramped one-bedroom apartment: The bedroom and living room are oversized, and there’s a windowed office alcove with a built-in desk, shelves, and closet. Gramercy is an ideal location, being just a short walk from everything the East Village has to offer, but still staid and quiet, offering some solitude from the more lively stretches of downtown.

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Not everyone thinks that Kindles are the future. For those who still love the feeling of curling up with a book, or at least giving off the impression that they do, we’ve found the perfect apartments. Wondering what walls can hold a new bookshelf when stepping into a new apartment? Wonder no more with these three.

Where: 240 West 23rd Street, 3/4B
Size: 1 bedroom/2 bathrooms
Asking: $1,499,950
Listed by: Maggie Kent

The lower level of this Chelsea duplex is all living and entertaining space, and features a beautiful cherry wood built-in bookcase. It brings a touch of old-world charm to a contemporary apartment, and adds some ideal storage space to an urban living environment. There are also a pair of balconies for when the weather is too nice to read The Hunger Games indoors.

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