HE while it is maddening, there are times when negotiations have reached a standstill, and the smart move is to walk away. In New York City, you can back out at any time before signing the contract and placing a downpayment. You risk angering the seller and their agent, but there are perfectly valid reasons when you should walk away from buying a home.
The monthly feesThe monthly fees
In New York City, your monthly costs can be much more than the principal and interest, which are hefty enough by themselves with the high real estate prices. You also have to consider common charges or maintenance fees. Perhaps the particular building you are interested in imposes a greater than usual amount. Alternatively, the building may have instituted a special assessment. The higher-than-expected monthly cost may cause you to reassess your purchase when you factor these into your budget.
Then, it would help if you also considered real estate taxes. Once you have crunched the numbers, if it is higher than you are comfortable with, walking away from the deal is a viable option.
Negotiations are too far apart.Negotiations are too far apart.
We have previously noted that New York City’s real estate market has slowed down from its torrid pace. Sometimes, the seller has not faced a new reality, despite the best advice from their real estate agent, apprising them of the situation. They are recollecting the high prices their neighbors received a few months ago.
You may put in a reasonable offer that reflects the current market conditions. However, the seller is not ready to accept it. You may receive a counteroffer that is well above your initial bid. In this case, you are likely too far apart to make a deal. Remember, rather than accepting a bad agreement; you have the option to walk away. You must be comfortable with the price you pay, rather than regretting it later.
There are some signs you should heed that your counterparty does not want to sell. For instance, if Thesitates after you have offered the asking price, you should question whether the seller is genuinely motivated to act. Rather than waste any more of your time, you should move on.
Doubts creep inDoubts creep in
You may find that you are not emotionally or financially ready to buy a property. Perhaps your circumstances have changed. In any case, while some level of nervousness is natural, particularly for first-time buyers, you should walk away if it is beyond that level.
Buying a home, particularly in New York City, involves a significant outlay. Therefore, you must feel secure with your purchase.
Too much renovationToo much renovation
You may want an apartment that needs a little work, reasoning that you can get a discount on the price. However, you may have minor repairs and painting in mind, but you discover it needs significant renovations to bring the apartment up to your liking.
It would be best to get multiple rough estimates for the work you want to get done and the time it will take. Once you contemplate this cost and time needed, you can end negotiations if more significant than you can take on.
Too much apartmentToo much apartment
You may realize that the home is too large for your needs. Bigger is not always better, of course. This is particularly true in New York City, with its high price per square foot. In the fourth quarter of 2018, the average condo price was $1.6 million ($2.5 million in Manhattan), and the mean co-op price was $766,000 ($1.2 million in Manhattan). You may decide to take a pass once you realize the high price you will pay.
The inspectionThe inspection
You procure a home inspection to protect yourself. At the same time, you can renegotiate after the inspector presents their report, particularly if significant issues are uncovered; you can also choose to leave the deal.
If you do not like the seller’s response, you might find yourself best served by moving on to another property. You will not recover the inspection fee, of course. But, this is a small price to pay in light of the money you will have to expend to fix the problem.
