Even if you've got a quarter million burning a hole in your pocket, given New York's current market, finding a place to buy—let alone a decent place for that price—is no small challenge. But just because the market is hot doesn’t mean you can’t find one for less than $250,000. It just takes some tenacity, a little creativity, and of course, a few good coats of paint. And, like most things in New York, be prepared to pony up more than you thought. It is a tough market, after all!

Here are five listings ready for your once-over this weekend.

5235 Post Road #2K, North Riverdale, Bronx. This two-bedroom, one-bath co-op features seven full closets, dual exposures, a balcony, and laundry in the basement. But some rooms, like the very powder blue bathroom, could use a refresh. Asking price: $249,900. Open house: Saturday, October 10, 12pm to 1 pm.

100 Park Terrace West #4G, Inwood, Manhattan. Most alcove studios have little more than a nook as a bedroom, but this Inwood option has enough space to be converted into a small one-bedroom, or at least that’s what the broker claims. Sleeping arrangements aside, this dog-friendly co-op seems to get good light and has a kitchen with upgraded cabinetry. You could do worse for the price point, which, admittedly, is a bit higher than our $250K budget. Asking price: $259,000. Open house: Sunday, October 11, 12:30 pm to 1:30 pm.

509 East 88th Street #1B, Upper East Side, Manhattan. For the price of living in (somewhat) prime Manhattan, get ready to sacrifice space. This ground-floor studio offers approximately 200 square feet of living space but, as a consolation, it gets good lighting. If you can pare down your belongings enough, it could be a good fit. Asking price: $265,000. Open house: Sunday, October 11, 12 noon to 1:30 pm.

3045 Hobart Street, #5F, Woodside, Queens. This one-bedroom co-op actually has great space, but also quirk, with a few unusual built-ins and a lot of pine. (Be sure to check out the bathroom.) Bonus: It's only a half hour commute into Midtown. Asking Price: $248,000. Open house: Saturday, October 10, 1 pm to 3 pm.


2758 Johnson Avenue, Spuyten Duyvil, Bronx. For around $11,000 less than the top end of our budget, you can get an impressive three bedrooms in this neighborhood south of Riverdale (which is sometimes considered part of Riverdale). Expect to do some repainting, but the property gets decent light and has a good amount of storage in the kitchen. Asking price: $239,900. Open house: Saturday, October 10, 11 am to 12 pm.

920 East 17th Street, Midwood, Brooklyn. This one-bedroom co-op in Midwood is in a doorman building that's pet-friendly and offers "lots of closets" and square footage for the price (although we’d love to know why the windows are only in the corners). Asking price: $229,000. Open house: Sunday, October 11, 2:30 pm to 4 pm.

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