Why Us
When making one of the most significant financial decisions of your life, you can't afford to take chances on a DIY or an inexperienced agent.
Beyond helping you find the right property and negotiate the best deal, we can guide you through unexpected hiccups and the complex particulars of any deal in NYC.
Basics of Buying
01
Starting the Search
After an initial consultation, we will curate a collection of potential homes for you on Collections, where we can organize listings and discuss them together. You can even invite your spouse, parents, or friends to join your search.
We will update your collection at least once a week, and Collections can also send you automated price and status updates. Through this single platform we can educate you on the process and market, as well as streamline plans to visit properties of interest.
03
Making an Offer
Once you find “the one,” we'll strategize on an offer and gather the necessary paperwork, including a mortgage pre-approval letter if you are financing. We will negotiate the best terms for you, or if there are competing bids, we wil guide you through making a highest and best offer. We have a reputation for being tough and creative in the negotiation process. Beyond the price, we know what levers can you the winning edge which is particularly important if you are considering new development.
02
Finding the One
Depending on what you are looking for, it might take one day or one year to find an apartment. We will accompany you to open houses and/or private appointments throughout the week. Throughout the process we are your single point of contact for all questions and plans to simplify the process. We will collaborate to document your feedback on Collections so we can move the search forward efficiently.
04
Getting into Contract
Once you have an accepted offer, remember that it is not binding on either party. To avoid complications caused by unnecessary delays, you should hire an experienced NYC attorney, who we can recommend, to complete contract negotiations and due diligence in a timely manner. During this time, we will also complete a home inspection if you choose to have one. Once you and your attorney are satisfied with the contract terms and condition of the unit/building, you will sign the contract and submit a 10% deposit to officially be "in contract."
05
Mortgage Application
Once you are in contract, you can compare lenders and officially apply for your mortgage. We can explain this process to you and provide you with a list of loan officers you can contact. Once you finalize the lender, you'll submit documents, the lender will conduct an appraisal and review the building. When the lender approves you and the property, they will issue a commitment letter.
As soon as you have the commitment letter, we will prepare and submit the building application.
06
Building Approval
Most NYC buildings require a purchase application, and these can be quite extensive in coops and some condos (requiring full financial disclosures with supporting documentation, employment and salary information, personal and business references, tax returns for the previous 2 years, credit history, etc.). Coops will also require an interview by the board of directors before approval is granted. Coops have full discretion to approve or reject any purchaser, so it is critical that the application is completed properly and you are prepared for the interview. Most condos have no interview and they cannot reject a purchaser, but have the right of first refusal only.
07
Unexpected Issues
At any point in the process, unforeseen issues can disrupt a deal. These challenges could include anything from an open permit that remains unresolved at closing, dealing with damage caused by a sudden rainstorm, or uncovering unexpected negative aspects about the building during due diligence.
Our team has seen many different scenarios over the years, and we excel at finding a creative solution that protects your legal rights. At the end of the day, our primary goal is to make sure that you get the home you want under the conditions that you want.
08
Closing
Once you have the Board's approval or condo waiver, your attorney will coordinate with the appropriate banks, title company, building management, etc. to schedule a closing date. Once closing is scheduled, you’ll obtain the required home owners insurance policy and can make the necessary moving arrangements.
Within 24 hours of the closing, we will have a final walk through of the property. You can expect a different condition for the property at closing depending on whether you buying a resale or new development. We will guide you through the process and work with your attorney to resolve any issues without delaying the closing.
Make sure to rest up your signing hand for the closing! Once you've signed a pile of documents, you'll get the keys to your new home!
09
Beyond Move In
Even after closing, we are always available to offer ongoing advice and support for anything real estate-related. If you need a painter, help renting your home, or advice on renovating, we are always here to help. We make it a priority to get to know quality vendors across a wide range of disciplines, so think of us first. If we don’t have someone already, we can leverage our network of other great agents to find you the right fit.
You will also be receiving a home evaluation from our team twice a year to keep you updated on the market.