Table of Contents Show
As someone who searched for more than one year before I purchased my Upper West Side apartment, I can relate to the overwhelming and tedious process of finding the right home to buy in New York City. I have lived in my apartment for more than seven years, and I have experienced no home buyers’ remorse, but others aren’t so lucky.
Buying real estate in New York is unlike purchasing real estate in other cities. Yes, the market moves at the speed of light.
The last thing any homeowner wants to experience is buyer’s remorse. But the minutia of co-op vs. condo, Manhattan vs. Brooklyn, not to mention the feat of choosing a neighborhood best suited to an individual lifestyle, can be paralyzing. So heed these tips before you make any offers, so in the end, you’re happy with your new home in NYC.
Tips to Avoid Home Buyer’s RemorseTips to Avoid Home Buyer’s Remorse
Educate yourself about the marketEducate yourself about the market
Before you’re ready to buy, do your homework. Look at various neighborhoods, and try to get an idea of where you’d like to live. Narrow down the section of town and, if possible, to less than three or four neighborhoods. New York is a vast city, and you will run ragged trying to explore all of Manhattan and Brooklyn. However, if you didn’t already know, you’ll quickly learn which areas of town would be within your budget. Once you’ve established that budget range and figured out the areas of the city you prefer, you have done the most challenging part of the legwork. Now, move on to the hunt.
Find a buyer’s agent you trustFind a buyer’s agent you trust
Interview multiple agents until you find “the one.” don’t attempt to tackle the search yourself. Instead, find an experienced and recommended licensed Buyer’s Agent to work with you. The right broker will be knowledgeable and patient, guide you through the process, and advise you on which property is the best investment and appropriately priced compared to others.
Don’t make a snap decision.Don’t make a snap decision.
Give yourself enough time to look at apartments. Ten might not be enough, and 100 might be too many, but each buyer has different numbers. Make your wishlist and search until you find a home that meets 80 percent of what’s on your wishlist. You won’t find a single property with everything you desire, so you must compromise. Don’t rush your decision –– you don’t want to have regrets.
Don’t buy too muchDon’t buy too much
You are spending more than your original budget might encourage remorse later on. Yes, you’ll be able to get that chef’s kitchen if you pay $200K more or a better view of the park for the apartment on a higher floor (also higher maintenance charges), but you might not sleep at night because you’ll be stressing over making that monthly payment.
Buying the right home is critical to avoid home buyer’s remorse. Purchasing the right home for the right price will lower any anxiety that could creep up on you after the closing. Plus, buying within your budget will ensure you won’t have to sell before you’re ready. Don’t bite off more than you can chew, but what you can afford.
Be in it for the long haul.Be in it for the long haul.
You’ll want to commit to living in your New York home for seven years. Yes, seven years may sound like a long time, but it can often take that long or longer to turn a profit in the real estate world. Selling a property less than two years from the purchase date could subject you to taking a loss on your investment. Staying in your home long enough will provide a sense of security and ensure you’ll make a good profit when you sell.