Getting Ready
Finding the right apartment starts with finding the right agent. A buyer's agent will focus your search based on your financial situation and housing goals and educate you about the market. They will guide you through showings pointing out factors that affect value and desirability as well as negotiation strategy. They will connect you with a top professional team (lawyers, lenders, inspectors, movers, etc), and drive the entire transaction to closing.
Related Links:
Why work with an agent?
Coop or condo -- what's right for me?
What does it cost to buy a home in NYC?
Everything you need to know about mortgages
What to consider for your Home Wishlist?
NYC listings vocabulary
Curious about new development, HDFC, multi-family properties?
Finding the One
Depending on what you are looking for, it might take one day or one year to find an apartment. Your agent will help you identify properties that you should visit, but you can also search and add listings to your Collection on your own. Just make sure to let your agent know any questions you have about particular properties so they can find out pertinent information and schedule appointments for you to view. Set aside your Sundays to visit open houses and share your feedback on properties with your agent.
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Coop or Condo?
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What to consider when buying into an apartment building?
Making an Offer &
Getting into Contract
Your agent will strategize with you when you are ready to submit an offer and will submit an offer with all required documents. Your agent will negotiate on your behalf and advise you through any bidding wars.
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 a top attorney to complete contract negotiations and due diligence in a timely manner. Once you and your attorney are satisfied with the contract terms and health of the building, the buyer signs the contract and submits a 10% deposit.
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The basics of making an offer
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Mortgage &
Building Applications
Once you are in contract, you can compare lenders and officially apply for your mortgage. Once the lender approves you and the property, they will issue a commitment letter.
As soon as you have the commitment letter, your agent will prepare and submit the building application. Most coop applications are extensive (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.) and will be followed by an interview by the board of directors before approval is granted.
Most condos also have a building application, but these vary in the extent of disclosures. Most condos have no interview and as long as the application is complete, will grant the necessary waiver of the right of first refusal.
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Everything you need to know about mortgages
Condo applications and the right of first refusal
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Closing
Once you have the Board's approval/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, you and your agent will have a final walk through of the property to identify any issues.
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!
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What condition should your new home be at closing?
