Luxury New York City Apartments

New York City Apartments for Sale

Finding the right apartment and how to pay for it are only the starting steps in the process.

Many buyers deal with stress when buying a home or an investment property. That’s because the purchasing process in New York City can be confusing and overwhelming without the right help. But by taking some time to learn the buying process, you can make it a lot easier. Even better, Elika buyer’s agents make this process much less stressful by providing advice and assistance to our clients. We’ve represented hundreds of buyers in New York both local and international. Best of all, since we don’t offer any seller’s services, all potential conflicts of interest and avoided. With us by your side, you can be sure of receiving the best possible service and knowledge.

Before buying a property, buyers should understand the different types of New York City apartments available. For instance, most apartments, for sale in New York City are co-operatives. Unlike other types of properties, a cooperative building is owned, by a corporation, which consists of the building’s residents. Our guide to the home buying process below will discuss and outline all crucial considerations.

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Guide to Buying an Apartment

Finding the right home can be a daunting task for even the most financially-savvy person. After all, your choice of an apartment will have to suit your needs and finances for years to come. Following a game plan and working with an Elika agent can simplify the process. If you’re a foreign buyer, you may want to visit our dedicated international buyer’s guide. To get started, consider each of the steps below.

Considerations for Before Buying

Regardless of your price range, attractive, well-maintained properties never stay on the market long. You’ll want to develop a basic understanding of NYC’s tight inventory market before you even begin. Helps you negotiate the best price later down the road and reduce your risk of losing out to other bidders.

Steps to Buying an Apartment

Finding a property is only that start in what can be a long process. In general, buying a home in New York City involves the following steps:

• Select a New York City Attorney
• If you plan to finance, pre-qualify for a loan
• Decide on your desired neighborhood(s) and begin your search for a Condo or Co-op
• Research and perform a comparable market analysis to estimate fair market value for the property
• Make an oral offer for purchase
• Make a written offer which serves to formalize the intention to buy
• Wait for the seller to respond with a counter offer
• Negotiate with the seller until the sales price and terms accepted
• Due Diligence is performed by your attorney reviewing the contract, building financials and minutes
• Pay the down payment (typically 10%-20% or more of the purchase price) and sign the contract
• Apply to the co-op or condominium management company
• Upon approval, your attorney will coordinate your real estate closing.

Documentation Required When Financing

• Personal and Business reference letters (Original Copies)
• A pre-approval letter from your Mortgage bank or broker.
• Most recent checking and savings bank statements
• Previous two years tax returns
• List of other liquid or non-liquid assets
• Most recent 401K or retirement fund statements (if applicable)
• Most recent asset portfolio statements (if relevant)
• Employment verification letter confirming your start date, annual salary including bonus
• If self-employed – letter from your CPA or attorney verifying your salary and net worth

Essential considerations

Mortgage Pre-approval

Get Mortgage Pre-Approval or provide Proof of Funds if paying cash. Sellers are more willing to negotiate with buyers who have proven their ability to purchase a home.

Consider a Buyer’s agent

Talk to your buyer’s agent regularly to stay on top of new listings as soon as they hit the market. Also, make time to visit properties you are interested in promptly.

Be Ready

Be ready to make a decision. That means knowing, precisely what you want and what you can afford. That way, you can recognize and act on any great opportunity when you see it.

Compromise

Be willing to compromise. Whether you currently reside in New York or you’re relocating from another state, most buyers experience a bit of sticker shock when they realize the usually modest size of condo or coop units they can afford. For this reason, compromise is an integral part of the home-buying process in New York City. The question is, just how much should you compromise?

Buy what you need

You don’t want to overextend yourself by buying too big. That said, you also don’t want to be forced to sell down the road because you didn’t allow room for growth. In a buyer’s market, you should accept a place that satisfies 90% or more of your wish list. In a seller’s market, you should buy if a home has 80% or more of what you want. When you make out a list of pros and cons for the places you view, consider including a column for compromises, so you stay flexible in your demands.

When making an offer

Even in a competitive market, protect your interests by insisting on proper inspections.

Before you make an offer, do due diligence on the property with your agent. Get sales data on the property you are interested in, as well as on comparable properties in the neighborhood. Develop a three-tiered price target: The lowest price you could reasonably offer without offending the seller, the offer price that you and your agent think the seller most likely to accept, and the maximum sales price you’re willing to pay for the property. Make your offer based on the lower price target and stick to your limits if the negotiation takes the sales price beyond that limit.

When financing ask for a mortgage contingency

If financing, ask for a mortgage contingency clause, but if you’re in a competitive bidding situation, consider dropping it. It may give you an advantage with the seller. Don’t place restrictions on the sale, such as a delayed closing date, or a contingency clause on the sale of your existing home. If your home hasn’t sold, talk to your lender about a bridge loan to cover both mortgages for a short period.

Be accommodating to the seller by offering him the opportunity to choose a closing date at his convenience. Some sellers haven’t lined up a new place to live by the time their house sells. When it comes time to make an offer, don’t panic if the seller rejects your first offer, or if it turns out, you’re in a very competitive market. Some buyers are tempted to buy a property at any price if they’ve lost a bidding war in the past. While you want to make your offer as attractive as possible, don’t work against your interests.

Market sentiment

On the other hand, depending on market sentiment, it may also be worth paying a reasonable premium to win the property. For most buyers, their home is their most significant investment. Whatever you choose to do, make sure your investment is a sound one.

Qualified Condo Buyer’s Agent

While some buyers are bogged down by paperwork when buying a home, Elika buyer’s agents make the process hassle-free. We understand why different properties appeal to different buyers and how to present you with condo apartments that fit your lifestyle. We make sure that our clients understand the purchasing timeline. By doing that, and keeping them informed every step of the way, we keep the process hassle-free.

Being one of the most culturally diverse cities in the world, it’s not hard to see why NYC is such an attractive place. Here you have hundreds of beautiful neighborhoods to choose from and all with their unique selling point. The food options are limitless, the entertainment never ends, and property values continue to remain relatively stable. Since our agents know these neighborhoods so well, you’ll have no trouble finding the right one for you. Whether it’s the initial search, negotiating, financing, or applying, we know our way around the block.

Great buyer’s representation from Elika is far more than a gentle touch. It’s a vital tool that can help buyers deal with stress and get the best deal possible. Without proper representation, the buying process in NYC can months or even years. With an exclusive buyer’s agent by your side, you can expect a far shorter and more comfortable experience.

Choosing a Property

A lot goes into deciding on what property is right for you. First off, you’ll have to decide whether or not to restrict your search to one particular type of property. Do you go with just co-ops or do you include condos in the search? Along with deciding whether the property is right for you, you’ll also have to think about the neighborhood. Does it fit your lifestyle? Is it easy to get around from there? Does it have all the services and amenities that you desire? Dozens of homes are, consider which is why having a buyer’s agent is so essential in narrowing down your choices.

As a member of the Real Estate Board of New York (REBNY), we have access to all available NYC real estate listings. Our agents will work to find the right properties for you and keep you updated at all times. We don’t like to waste our clients time, so we make sure to check up on all potential properties first. Unless it matches what our client is looking for, we won’t waste their time with a viewing. Once an apartment located, that we feel you would be happy with, with your confirmation then schedule viewings for your convenience. We’ll then provide our clients with all the facts on the property such as investment potential, market value, and more.

Mortgage Financing

For most people, buying a home means getting a mortgage. Mortgage applications tend to be the most challenging step in the buying process. You’ll need to consider what lender to choose, the type of mortgage and compare them for the best deal. A point when a lot of buyers undergo a great deal of stress and confusion. But with an experienced buyer’s agent at your side, that needn’t be the case. We’ll help you choose the right lender, give advice on the best mortgage for you, and explain anything in question. We can even help you start this process while negotiations are still going on. Meaningless time to complete the purchase and more time in your new home.

Negotiating

In most cases, the negotiating process will go something like this. After deciding on a reasonable offer price, you’ll make your bid, usually accompanied by several contingencies. These are terms of the deal that will protect you against ending up with a lemon. They may also include a request for certain repairs that the seller must fix before the deal can go forward. The seller may come back with a counteroffer, leading to a bit of back and forth that can go on for several days or weeks. An Elika buyer’s agent will give you advise on the best offer to make and help move things along of the negotiations get stuck. Thanks to our agents performing a comparable market analysis, you’ll know approximately what the property is worth and what the right offer should be.

We’ll also make sure that any counteroffers are fair. Because we know NYC real estate so well and know the fair value of any one apartment, you can be confident with our advice. We only provide buyer’s representation, and we have a strong incentive to help you get the best possible deal on your new property. Once the negotiations are complete and both parties have signed an agreement, we’ll help you through the rest. Buying a home means dealing with a lot of paperwork, and our agents will help you navigate the red tape and get you organized.

Application Process

New York City buyers usually face a lengthy application process unless purchasing in a New Development, as each cooperative’s Board of Directors decides whether to approve a new building resident. The Board may deny a buyer who has insufficient proof of income or for other reasons, depending on the building’s rules.

Filling out an application correctly, is often a time-consuming process, especially if you’re not sure what to include. However, approval from a Board is one of the final steps that buyers need to take to purchase properties in New York City successfully. As with all other steps in the purchasing process, a real estate agent can help.

You can plan better for an application if you know what to expect. That’s precisely what Elika Associates buyer’s agents will do by keeping you informed so you can apply successfully. You’ll need to include two years of tax returns, personal and professional information, proof of financing, a signed purchase contract, and other detailed financial documents. Depending on the policies of the Board of Directors, you may have to submit further documents.

We will help you assemble an attractive application package and submit it to the building’s managing agent. Co-op applicants will also need to perform an in-person interview with the Board of Directors. Elika buyer’s agents will help you prepare for your co-op interview by eliminating much of the associated stress and improving the chances of a fast, successful purchase.

Condo vs. Co-op: What is the difference?

Condo vs. Co-op the debate begins. To help you decide, it is essential to understand the differences between them. In Manhattan, there are two primary real estate options to choose between Condo vs. Co-op. Before buying an apartment, you’ll want to fully understand these two options and what each has to offer. Most of what you will find for sale in Manhattan are cooperative or condominiums.

The most crucial distinction between condo vs. co-op is that with a co-op, you do not own the property.  The corporation owns the property, and you are considered a shareholder. You own shares in the corporation, much like you would in a business venture.

Our Condo vs. Co-op guide walks you through the considerations from start to finish.

Deciding between Condo vs. Co-op

When you purchase an apartment in a coop, you’re buying shares in the corporation. You don’t legally own the co-op apartment, but you do own shares in the corporation that owns the co-op apartment. Each apartment’s value in shares is calculated, according to rules set by the Board of Directors. The more prime; the real estate value, the higher the number of shares.

The Board of Directors runs each cooperative building, paying for its mortgage, taxes, and upkeep. The money that you pay for your shares goes towards these costs. However, to join the co-operative, you’ll have to be approved by the Board. Condominiums are another popular option. A condo is a more traditional type of property since buyers purchase the real estate itself. Therefore, the buyer needs to pay real estate taxes on the property. Unfortunately, there are fewer condominiums than cooperatives for sale in NYC. Different property types carry various advantages for buyers depending on their goals, financial resources, and other factors.

Cooperative apartments have several advantages, such as being less expensive than condominiums. Taxes also included in the cost, which makes for more straightforward billing arrangements when buying this type of property. However, a co-op’s Board of Directors may require a sizeable down payment. Co-ops are also very well-maintained. As the building’s owners are its tenants, there is a strong incentive to keep all apartments in good condition. Doing this increases the value of all of the building’s shares.

About 75% of the apartments available in New York are cooperatives, as well as 20% – 30% approx less expensive. Therefore, buyers who consider co-operatives have a broader array of choices when working with a qualified buyer’s agent.

Available inventory

Another point of fact to consider is that in New York City, there are fewer condos vs. co-ops. About 70 percent of the apartments in New York are co-operatives. Co-ops, however, are less expensive than condos. The good news is that the gap between the two is narrowing. Currently, the ratio of cooperatives to condos is 75 to 25 percent. In the 1990s, the rate was 80 to 20 percent.

In the 1980s, it was 85 to 15 percent. This gradual shift has been taking place because apartments in newer buildings tend are sold as condos. In areas with more modern developments, there are higher numbers of condos available for purchase.

Condo vs. Co-op Considerations

Most people who already live in Manhattan have a relatively firm understanding of the real estate market and how it differs from other cities. Particularly true in regards to the trade-offs between condo vs. co-op. However, if you’re new to New York City, or are thinking of moving there soon, you may want a better understanding of what type of real estate will work best for you.

For example, depending on the neighborhood, there may be more co-ops than condos available. The co-op ownership vetting process can be strict, but that usually translates to greater financial security for the building. It can also be highly discriminative, especially when finances are concerned.

Although most people coming to New York feel like they must buy a condo, there are many factors to consider so that you end up purchasing the property that best fits your needs. Understanding the difference between a Condo vs. Co-op is an essential step before beginning your home search. Home Buyers or investors looking to purchase in New York City face a choice that those interested in other real estate markets don’t have to consider.

Pros and Cons

Each choice offers its pros and cons, but many new to the city’s real estate market often ask themselves, “Why on earth do co-ops even still exist?” Those that already own property in the town – whether it be condo or co-op – however, don’t have such a flippant attitude. The coop ownership structure in the New York City effectively added another layer of regulation to the city’s housing industry, thus saving it from the subprime crisis to an extent experienced by no other city in the US.

In all, somewhere between 70% and 80% of all housing in New York City is co-op housing. While that share is falling steadily, the market will continue to be dominated by co-ops for some time to come. That said, the co-op ownership structure did not precisely rise from the best of traditions: It was a mechanism for large apartment buildings to screen out unwanted applicants of various types, usually of class or social lines – or even racial lines, though never explicitly.

Co-op vs. Condo boards continues to be somewhat snooty, especially the wealthier ones. The process of applying to live in such a place is often more rigorous than trying to get into an Ivy League college. Fortunately – and perhaps ironically – this snootiness curbs demands for coops, and so their prices are, on average, 10 – 30 percent less than the typical condo regarding price per square feet.

Benefits of a Co-op

The main advantages of a cooperative are: Cooperative apartments are less expensive than condominiums. Taxes, also included in the cost, so buyers often have more straightforward billing arrangements when buying this type of property. However, a co-op’s Board of Directors may require a sizeable down payment. Co-ops are very well-maintained. As the building’s owners are its tenants, there is a strong incentive to keep all apartments in good condition to increase the value of all of the building’s shares.

It is still essential to visit a cooperative in person with an experienced agent before purchasing to choose a high-quality apartment. About 80 percent of the apartments available in New York are cooperatives, so buyers who consider co-operatives along with condominiums will have a more extensive array of choices when working with a qualified buyer’s agent.

Advantages of Condos

There is no Board of Directors with a condominium, so the purchasing process is much easier and quicker. Building rules are often much more relaxed, especially when it comes to residency. For instance, some buyers that are moving to the U.S. may have money in foreign accounts. Because of this, international buyers tend to have an easier time purchasing condominiums than co-operatives. Condos require less of down payment, usually 10%. Due to the high demand for condos, lenders are willing to loan money with a smaller down payment. In NYC, buyers can often finance condominiums with a down payment of only 20%.

However, mortgage rates are sometimes higher when a down payment is relatively low. Condos are also more comfortable to sublet, as renters don’t need to be approved by a Board of Directors. Makes condominiums a much better choice for buyers who are looking for investment properties.

When buying a home, consider how your chosen apartment type will affect its long-term value. Elika Real Estate agents will help you choose the right kind of property. Also, they can explain how the buying process differs between condos and co-ops NYC real estate.

What is the cost of a Condo vs. Co-op?

Another barrier to entry that keeps the average price of a co-op vs. condo is lower because they often require more money to be put down up front. Sometimes there are even clauses saying this money cannot be money from a bank loan but has to be the buyer’s pre-existing cash reserves thus purchased 100% in cash. One good thing about co-ops, though, is that the money you pay your share of the building’s taxes and mortgages is deductible from your income taxes.

Also, once you are actually in one, the arduous admissions process that you went through will have to be completed by all other potential neighbors, thus saving you from the possibility of living next to Kid Rock or some other similarly lovely character. Also, some of the oldest, most prestigious buildings in Manhattan are co-ops.

The same is right about condos, but the point is that many co-ops have a certain old-money flare to them that condos often eschew. Other than those benefits, though, there’s little to say in the way of cooperatives. Condos are notably better as investments. They are easier to buy and sell thus are a considerably more a liquid asset.

Condo vs. Co-op Conclusion

Since you’re buying shares in the co-op, you do not own your apartment; you own a part of the corporation that owns the building. The Board of Directors for the corporation sets the value for each apartment based on shares. The larger and better the real estate, the higher the number of shares the co-op will be worth.

The Board of Directors runs each co-operative building, paying for its mortgage, taxes, and upkeep. The money you spend on your shares covers these expenses and contributes to the building’s reserve funds. The Board of Director’s vets all applicants and ensure the co-op remains financially healthy. Each owner must be able to pay for his/her obligations. For that reason, the Board must approve each new member.

Condominiums make up the other available real estate choice in New York. They are a more traditional choice for that buyers actually, purchase the real estate itself. That means that the expectations and responsibilities are different than a co-op. For example, if you buy a condominium, you will have to pay the real estate taxes on the property separately.

Checklist Before Buying

Locate an Agent

If possible, you should try to interview at least three real estate agents before making a decision. Keep in mind that there are different types of real estate companies. Some work on behalf of only sellers or only buyers, others that work either for buyers and sellers and still others that attempt to work for both simultaneously.

Work out a Pre-approval

Assuming a mortgage is in your future, you’ll want to get pre-approved asap. Being pre-approved for a mortgage; will enable you to establish a certain level of comfort with your mortgage payments, and to plan your budget. If you’ve found the right agent, they should be able to refer you to some fair lenders. Just make sure there’s no conflict of interest between the real estate company and the lender – they shouldn’t be associated.

Begin Looking at Prospective Apartments

With a well-prepared agent and depending on desirable available inventory, you’ll likely be able to visit roughly 3 to 15 different apartments per day. Beware though of concentrating only on open houses. Typically, the number of available apartments will be much more significant in any area you target.

Start Narrowing Your Choices Down

Once you’ve had a good look at your options, you should begin to focus on only two or three apartments. Plan a follow-up visit to do a more detailed viewing of each home. With any luck, you’ll find at least one suitable alternative if your front-runner falls through.

Learn about Purchase Contracts

Many first-time homebuyers make the mistake of failing to review their contract before signing. Sit down with your attorney to discuss processes, documents, negotiation strategies, and any other relevant considerations while you’re still searching. The added confidence when it comes time to sign will be well worth your time.

Get an Attorney

It’s customary in New York City for home buyers to have a real estate attorney represent them during the buying process. Real estate transactions in the city are involved, and sellers will often have their lawyer on hand as well.

Review Comparable Sales Data

Begin reviewing comparable sales data, so you know the fair market value for the apartment you’re considering. Be sure you’re watching market values. If they aren’t stable; i.e., are frozen or dropping, you should check out the market inventory and rate of absorption. An experienced buyer’s agent will guide you through this process with additional industry data and resources.

Submit an Offer and Begin Negotiations

Having chosen a particular home, you’ll want to make a written offer right away. In the event of reaching an accepted offer, keep in mind that should another buyer come along and place a higher offer on the property before you, and the seller has signed the contracts, there is a chance the seller may decide to go with the higher offer. A deal is not complete until both the buyer and seller have signed the contract of sale.

Put it in Writing and Move Forward

If the negotiations have reached a point where a fair price is accepted, then now is time to get ink on paper with the seller. But if your negotiation talks have stalled or turned against your favor, you’ll want to move on to the next home and try again elsewhere.

Start Shopping for Mortgage Deal

Once you have a contract in the bag, you’ll want to shop for a good deal on your mortgage. Start with the lender which has pre-approved you in addition to one other, and then perform cost comparisons to narrow down your choice. Keep these things in mind as you shop.

• Type of loan (and your credit profile)
• Amount of your mortgage loan
• The loan’s lock period (your closing date determines this)
• The quote’s date and time (rates often fluctuate throughout any given day)

Get a Home Inspection

Be sure to confirm the home passes all the primary inspection criteria—structural integrity, plumbing, electrical work, lead, radon, termites, and all applicable.

Square Away Your Insurance

Here are the necessary things you’ll need on which you’ll need to provide information.

• Address and county, construction year, and type of dwelling
• Number of total apartments in the building/complex
• Roof type
• Heating type (also any other types of heating, like fireplaces or wood-burning stoves)
• Proximity to fire hydrants and the nearest fire department
• Information about the locks (deadbolts, chain locks, etc.)
• Electrical service info
• Square footage of your intended home

Submit your Purchase Application

To get approval for your co-op, you’ll need permission from the board. Bring a copy of your board application with you. Or at the very least, have the information below handy for the meeting.

• Copies of your tax returns for the required period
• REBNY Financial Statement highlighting your assets and liabilities
• Paycheck stubs, bank statements, and statements for any 401(k), mutual funds, and stocks you may own
• Letters of recommendation
• Documents/references to verify your current employment and your history of work.

How to Buy an Apartment

So you’re ready to leap. After living as a renter in the Big Apple for a decade or more, you’re finally in a position for buying an apartment in New York City. You’ve sacrificed and saved your pennies for the past five years, so now it’s time to become a homeowner. No matter how much apartment you can afford or in which neighborhood you plan to live, heed these first-time buyer’s tips to ensure your initial home-buying experience goes off without a hitch.

Buying an apartment is rewarding and requires a long-term commitment. You need a professional team who can handle the buying process without losing sight of your individual needs.

Although many people assume that they’re going to purchase a resale, there are quite a few advantages to buying new. Some of those advantages include energy efficient appliances, green buildings, fire-retardant floor covering, lower replacement costs, and custom financing options.

Here’s how the step-by-step process of buying a New York City apartment can work for you.

Questions to Answer Before Buying

Based on our experience working with a wide range of buyer’s, we’ve come up with a list of items we believe everyone should ask themselves before getting serious about buying.

The questions are

• Are you prepared to maintain and repair an apartment or home?
• Are you willing to stay in the same apartment or home for at least five to ten years?
• Do you have a realistic idea of the type of apartment or home and amount of space you’ll need for the next five to ten years?
• Are you relatively sure your financial situation will remain stable or improve over the next several years?
• Are you a disciplined saver who can build up an account for emergency repairs or costs?

Since these are questions you should think about in detail, we encourage you to ponder them for a few days.

Buying for The First Time

Buying your first apartment is something you will never forget. For some, it is a stressful experience full of buyer’s remorse and pressure. However, that doesn’t have to be indicative of your experience. First-time home buyers have a lot of information to consider. It’s a task that can seem overwhelming, but with the proper advice and information, this could be one of the best experiences of your life.

Don’t be Afraid to Shop Around

A lot of first-time home buyers fall into the pattern of limiting their options. Just because you liked the first place you saw, that doesn’t mean it’s the only one you should consider. Whether it’s price, location, or upgrades, decide what is most important to you and your way of life.

When buying a home, the price is a significant factor for most people, but remember it’s not the only thing to keep in mind. As the economy changes, you may find that the kind of home you’re looking for is closer to your price range than you thought. Check the price range of similar apartments or houses in the area you’re considering.

Consider the Mortgage

You should shop around not only for the house or apartments but the mortgage as well. We recommend getting a mortgage pre-approval even before buying. Before you find the perfect home, it’s essential to have your finances in order. Most people pay a mortgage when purchasing real estate. It seems logical to find the place you’re interested in and then find the mortgage loan to match, but this is where many first-time buyers encounter issues.

Having the mortgage sorted out beforehand will help you understand how much you can spend. The lender will look at your credit and other factors to tell you how much you are “pre-approved” for mortgage financing. Once you have your price range laid out, you can look for a home that’s priced well below your budget. You may be surprised how much you could afford. Finding the mortgage before seeing the apartment will make you a serious buyer when you pursue an offer on a property.

Include Taxes and Insurance

When you’re buying your own home, you are responsible for every dime that goes into it. Insurance included and (the more overlooked) taxes. For a condo or co-op, there are also standard common charges monthly or maintenance fees that many buyers don’t think about enough during the search.

If you’re considering buy vs. rent, you will need to figure out your monthly costs after you add taxes and insurance. The down-payment, closing costs, and property taxes are sometimes afterthoughts for new home buyers, but they can increase your total payment to nearly twice the amount. If you’re not sure of your full price range in this area, using an affordability calculator will help.

When buying a co-op or condo, you must consider some extra fees. You will be responsible for paying a share of costs for running the entire building, that being a maintenance fee or, standard monthly common charges. It’s a small percentage of your overall payment, but it can raise the total substantially.

It’s essential to consider these fees when narrowing down your apartment search. If you keep your options open and remember the cost, you will not only find the place of your dreams but the most practical one. Buying the first house is a beautiful journey. Enjoy the experience because you only get one shot at your first time.

Know What You Want and Need

Whether you’re looking to buy a luxury penthouse New York City apartment in Midtown or a studio apartment in a walk-up building in West Harlem, focus your search as narrowly as possible and do it with a wish list in hand. Shopping aimlessly in a city of endless choices doesn’t work with designer clothing, let alone real estate. An H&M budget won’t get you a suit from Prada, much in the same way a one-bedroom budget in Washington Heights won’t get you a sprawling two-bedroom in the West Village.

Know what you want, need, and can afford before you begin the process, and keep your attention fixated on those neighborhoods and apartments that are a good match for your lifestyle.

Making the Decision

Buying an apartment is a big decision from a financial and emotional perspective. Home ownership is the American dream. Owning a home must be your dream. The choice to purchase a home must make sense for you at this moment. If you have your finances in order and find a good deal, home ownership is the best investment you will ever make in your lifetime.

Advantages of Homeownership

• Freedom. You have the freedom to do with your property as you please, make it truly your home
• Build Equity. Rent paid will never be seen again. A mortgage payment allows you to build equity
• Appreciation. Between 1998 – 2018 NY home prices saw gains of over 150% on average
• Tax Breaks. The US Tax Code allows you to deduct mortgage interest, property taxes plus more
• Predictability. Unlike rent, your mortgage payments should remain steady over the years
• Stability. Become part of a community, establish roots and lifelong friendships

Find a Buyer’s Agent

If you’re serious about buying a New York City apartment, engage an exclusive buyer’s agent at the start. A qualified buyer’s agent will guide you in the right direction, have access to all listings on and off the market, and be able to negotiate terms and price on your behalf. Don’t know where to begin to find a compatible broker?

Ask friends, family, and coworkers for recommendations. Then interview your prospective agents before you sign on the dotted line and agree to work with him or her. Find a local, knowledgeable buyer’s agent that is an advocate for your best interests.

What can Real Estate Buyers Agents do for You?

• Listen and analyze your needs and preferences
• Keep you updated on current market conditions
• Locate apartments and homes matching your criteria
• Refer a team of professionals – attorney, inspector, etc. – on your behalf
• Perform a Comparable Market Analysis
• Negotiate with the seller’s agent on your behalf
• Prepare documents and submit Condo or Co-op applications
• Handle any additional issues
• Assist with post-closing services – Movers, Insurance Companies, etc.

Get Pre-Approved for a Mortgage

Don’t waste your time, a seller’s time, or the time of the brokers involved in the sale by not getting pre-qualified. Obtain a pre-approval letter before you begin searching for your new home, ensuring that you’ll have the ability to make an offer should you stumble upon “the one.” Without pre-approval, agents and sellers won’t take you seriously, and they’ll move on to a buyer who has the necessary paperwork. Plus, you’ll know how much of a loan you qualify for ahead of time.

Lenders pre-approve home buyers for a specific amount of financing. Home buyers must feel comfortable with the amount of monthly mortgage payment terms. If the figure strains your budget, monthly payments could become unmanageable over time. Ultimately, it is your decision, but make it a wise one. Overstretching your budget can lead to unwanted stress.

How to Finance a Home

• Select a Mortgage Broker or Bank
• Submit a loan application and receive pre-approval
• Determine a suitable payment and choose a loan option
• Forward an accepted purchase offer contract to the lender
• Receive an appraisal and final commitment letter
• Get funding at closing

Co-Ops vs. Condo: Which Works for You?

Co-op

New York City has a relatively unique real estate scene with the inclusion of the cooperative. A co-op provides a more affordable opportunity. However, be warned, while co-op boards mightn’t be quite as rigid as they appear in films and television shows, they are still notoriously choosy and have many rules and regulations that can be difficult to navigate.

So what is a co-op? Co-op is short for a Co-operative, which is a corporation that owns a building or apartment complex. The residents of such an apartment building will often describe themselves as owners, but this isn’t entirely accurate. Residents of a co-op do not actually “own,” anything. Instead, they are shareholders of the corporation. This relationship includes a “proprietary lease,” which gives the entitlement to use the apartment. The size of your residence tends to govern the number of shares you own in the corporation: the more significant the New York City apartment, the more shares. The building is considered an entity unto itself, and a co-op owner owns shares of it, rather than having direct ownership.

Co-op Application

To live in a co-op, you must first submit a co-op application. Then you must attend an interview in hopes of being approved by the Board of Directors. These people hold veto power to keep out undesirable residents. In addition to your apartment cost, you also pay a portion of a monthly maintenance fee to cover things such as heat, hot water, insurance, staff salaries, real estate taxes and the mortgage indebtedness of the building.

Another part of the co-op structure is that there tends to be a sizeable down payment, which is determined by the co-op board. The co-op board decides how much of your purchase price can be mortgage financed and how much must be cash down payment. These payments are unusually high in desirable buildings, which also have very tight rules and regulations about whom is allowed ownership.

Co-ops make up somewhere in the neighborhood of 70% of the New York real estate market, while condos make up the remaining 30%. While cooperatives have their shortcomings, condos, tend to be more expensive overall.

Condos

Condos are popular as they have more financing options, more comfortable application and acceptance rates, and fewer fees for common areas and maintenance. However, condos are more expensive as there are fewer available, although this is changing as more condo buildings developing around the city.

A condo is a “real” ownership deal, as the owner gets a deed and a single tax bill. There are still maintenance fees for common areas, but these tend to be less than those for co-ops. Condos tend to be good options for those that use creative financing, including young buyers and investors.

Over the past decade, both co-ops and condos have been subject to the same fluctuations in the market. However, cooperatives remain lower priced overall and are still the most popular option for first-time buyers.

Have flexibility

Based on the initial wish list you had made before you began shopping, you might not be able to afford Park Slope, even though you have your heart set on that neighborhood. Adjacent areas of Brooklyn, however, could offer more space and additional amenities and still be within your budget, so stay open-minded.

If you are not prepared to stray from your dream section of NYC, adjust your list and scratch off that new bath, or the outdoor space, both of which add thousands of dollars to an asking price.

Live the Dream: Buy an Apartment in NYC

How do you find your dream home? Once you’re pre-approved for financing, you can begin to search for the perfect home. Looking on your own can be a confusing and overwhelming experience. Your personal buyer’s agent can pinpoint homes that match your needs and preferences.

How to Find the Perfect Apartment to Buy

• Choose your preferred neighborhood(s).
• Prioritize the facilities and services you would like in your area. (schools, transportation, fitness center)
• How much space would you want and need in your new home? Which type of space? (dining room, closet)
• Is your priority the neighborhood or size of an apartment?
• Would you prefer to buy a ‘fixer-upper or a ‘move-in-ready’ home?
• How much importance do you place on home value appreciation?
• Do you value neighborhood stability?
• Would a condo or coop be a possible choice?
• Which features and amenities (essential and luxury) would you expect in your home or building?

Tip: Preferences may change as buyers go through the process of purchasing a new home.

Organize and Submit an Offer

When you find your dream home, it is time to make an offer. Buying a New York City apartment is an emotional purchase, but it is a significant investment. Your real estate agent can help you estimate the fair value of a particular New York City apartment by researching a comparative market analysis. Agents will check out similar neighborhood properties, determine market value, and get you a fair price. Hesitate, and you could lose the deal to another buyer.

Purchase Offer Components

• Price – a pre-approved amount that meets your approval and you are capable of paying.
• Terms – includes financial and timing in the offer.
• Contingencies – clauses allow you to escape the deal under certain circumstances ( a problem that did not exist previously or of which you were not aware at the time of the contract, also perhaps a mortgage contingency should the lender not approve such a property, etc.). Contingencies specify any event that must occur for the contract of sale to be formed and enforceable.
• Board Application – Once agreeing on a price and signing a contract of sale, you will then need to apply to the board of directors of the co-operative or condominium building. The documents are the same, but the review is different.

Property Inspection

When you find your ideal New York City apartment, it can be hard to see beyond the superb interior design or spacious rooms. Potential home buyers must dig deeper to discover possible hidden issues such as structural damage (water damage, bad construction, etc.) A property inspector can help find those issues for you.

Home buyers should attend the inspection to gain a better understanding of the home. Just in case the inspector finds minor and significant home repairs. Small issues can be fixed easily – even delayed for a period. Essential problems, however, require calling in a specialist to examine the effect. A professional can advise whether you should fix the problem or walk away from the deal.

Homeowner’s Insurance

New buyers must purchase a homeowner’s insurance policy. This coverage protects homeowners against loss or damage to property as well as liability if someone gets hurt in your home.

Pre-Closing Reminders

• Keep control of your finances and credit
• Stay in contact with your real estate agent and lender.
• Return phone calls and complete documents promptly.
• Contact your agent or attorney at least once or twice a week.
• Verify with your lender that the mortgage funding steps have reached completion
• Do a final walk-through of the home with your real estate buyer’s agent.
• Before closing, confirm with your attorney, home insurance official, and lender that the settlement statement, certified funds, and evidence of insurance are in place.

Closing the Sale

When you have an accepted offer, mortgage commitment, and have completed a home inspection and a walk-through, you are getting closer to moving into your dream home. Just a few pre-closing duties will ensure that you do not risk your closing date or mortgage.

Moving In

Your dream home awaits its new owners. Hire a reputable moving company to help you move into your new apartment. Congratulations!

Are you ready to purchase an NYC apartment and become a homeowner? By this point, you’ve doubtlessly made some significant changes in your life and taken a long, hard look at your finances.

How Long Does It Take to Buy an Apartment?

Those who have never purchased a New York City apartment tend to underestimate how long it takes to buy a condo or co-op apartment. From finding a reputable buyer’s agent, real estate attorney, financing, viewing properties, and board application to closing day. Unless you are buying a new development condo or townhouse with all cash, you will need to cultivate the virtue of patience. With a knowledgable buyer’s agent, proper planning, and foresight, you can streamline the process.

Below are the process and timeline of what to expect on your quest for owning a condo or co-op apartment in New York City.

Real Estate Purchasing Process Timeline

Estimating Your Budget

(Estimated timeframe: 1 – 3 days)

Before you start searching for the perfect home, you need to calculate how much of your weekly or monthly salary you can spend on a mortgage payment. Once you have a figure in mind, you also need to consider how much it will cost to maintain an apartment, including standard monthly common charges or maintenance fees, repairs, taxes, and utilities. Then, you have to factor in closing costs and your down payment, which can run from 10 percent to as much as 20 percent in the case of a co-op.

Mortgage Pre-approval

(Estimated timeframe: 3 – 7 days)

The next step in the purchasing process is to contact a mortgage broker or banker to help you get pre-qualified for a loan. To prove that you are a serious buyer, get a pre-qualification letter to show your financial standing, which will prepare you to start searching in earnest. You can’t start shopping until you know what you can afford. Keep in mind that your final mortgage approval is contingent on having the necessary down payment. Condo apartments typically require 10 percent down, while co-op apartments need at least 20 percent or more.

In Manhattan, approximately 20 percent of the buildings are condominiums, and the other 80 percent are cooperatives. Although Condominiums allow for 90% financing since the financial crisis, most lenders require that the buyer put down 20%.

Brainstorming your Wish-List

(Estimated timeframe: 1 – 2 days)

After receiving your mortgage pre-approval, you will need to decide how much you can afford for your monthly expenses and down payment.  Your wish-list is next required, make a list of your priorities, preferences, and needs.

Your wish list will help you determine how much your new apartment will cost. If you are using a buyer’s agent, your representative can take this list into account while matching you up with as many of the better apartments as possible that fit your budget and priorities.

• How large should your apartment be?
• How many bedrooms do you need?
• What amenities do you need?
• Where would you like to live?
• Do you need a washer/dryer?
• Do you need or prefer to have a doorman?
• Are you ok with a walk-up building or elevator is a must?

Deciding between a Condo or Coop

(Estimated timeframe: 1 – 3 days)

When choosing a property, you will need to determine if you prefer condos or coops. You will also have to understand property value to avoid a bad deal, and whether you are buying a home or an investment property. You will also need to know essential information about different neighborhoods. To find a great place to call home, you may have to consider dozens of options, but an experienced buyer agent will help you narrow your search down to properties that fit your lifestyle best.

Be warned, however, that while co-op boards may not be quite as rigid as they appear in films and television shows, they are still notoriously choosy and have many rules and regulations that can be difficult to navigate.

Co-op

So what is a co-op? Co-op is short for a Co-operative, which is a corporation that owns a building or apartment complex. Co-op residents will often describe themselves as owners, but this isn’t entirely accurate. Residents of a co-op do not actually “own,” the real estate; instead, they are shareholders in the corporation. This relationship includes a “proprietary lease,” which gives the entitlement to use the apartment. The size of your co-op apartment tends to govern the number of shares you own in the corporation: the more significant the co-op, the more shares. The building is considered an entity unto itself, and a co-op owner owns shares of it, rather than having direct ownership.

To live in a co-op, you must first be approved by the Board of Directors, which has veto power to keep out undesirable residents. In addition to your apartment cost, you also pay a portion of a monthly maintenance fee to cover things such as heat, hot water, insurance, staff salaries, real estate taxes and the mortgage indebtedness of the building.

Expect a larger downpayment

Another part of the co-op structure is that there is a more substantial down payment 20% or higher, which is determined by the co-op board. The co-op board decides how much of your purchase price can be mortgage financed and how much the down payment should be. These payments are exceptionally high in desirable buildings, which also have very tight rules and regulations about whom is allowed ownership.

Co-ops make up somewhere in the neighborhood of 70% of the New York real estate market, while condos make up the remaining 30% approx. While cooperatives have their shortcomings, condos, tend to be more expensive overall.

Condos

Condos are becoming more popular as they have more financing options, a more manageable application usually, and acceptance rates. However, condos are more expensive as there are fewer available, although this is changing as more new construction buildings rise around the city.

A condo is a “real” ownership deal, as the owner gets a deed and a single tax bill. There are still maintenance fees for common areas, but these tend to be less than those for co-ops. Condos tend to be good options for those that use creative financing, including young buyers and investors.

Over the past decade, both co-ops and condos have been subject to the same fluctuations in the market. However, cooperatives remain lower priced overall and are still the most popular option for first-time buyers.

Hiring an Attorney

(Estimated timeframe: 1 – 3 days)

Attorneys in New York City represent buyers and sellers. The seller’s attorney will put together a sales contract. Your attorney is needed to review the buildings financials, bylaws, and legal structure to assure that you can accept the terms. An Elika broker can help you find a real estate attorney who has experience in Manhattan.

Finding a Property

(Estimated timeframe: 3 weeks to 3 months on average)

If you want things to move fast, you have to know what you want while also being realistic. Your budget will be a significant factor, the more cash you doe a down payment, the more options you’ll have.

The length of your apartment search can take days, weeks, or even months. It depends on how selective you are and how stringent your preferences may be. Most buyers will see 15 to 20 apartments before making an offer. An Elika buyers agent would be happy to represent you in your search if you would like someone advising you on your purchase. The broker can preview apartments or set appointments for you to visit the better options that match your needs; this can save you time while searching to find the perfect home.

If an Elika agent is searching for you, ask for a short list of the most promising apartments. You or your agent should visit as many properties as possible. Do not be fooled by advertisements. You absolutely must see the apartments first-hand before making an offer. To find the right property, you might want to read our article: Forget about Location, Location, Location, Think Macro.

Expect a lot of competition from other interested buyers if your budget is below $1.5 million. Other factors that will influence how long your search takes include:

The Neighborhood

The more popular the neighborhood, the longer the search. Communities with high demand and low inventory include top-market areas like Tribeca, SoHo, Nolita, and Greenwich Village. In Brooklyn, people are drawn, to the quaint, tree-lined streets of Brooklyn Heights, Carrol Gardens, Fort Greene and Park Slope. The usual workaround is to find apartments in areas that are close to, but not in, these areas.

Your Real Estate Agent

Hiring the right buyer’s agent for the job can mean the difference between success and failure. The right agent is one who knows the neighborhood in question, is familiar with the inventory, understands your needs and wants, and, just as importantly, is someone who can get along. Be sure to ask the right questions when interviewing potential agents.

Your ability to compromise

It’s sporadic for a buyer to find everything they’re looking for in a deal. NYC real estate is all about compromise. Decide early on what you need and would like but do not need. Do you need a building with top-of-the-line amenities like a doorman, pool, and gym? You might need to forgo a one-bedroom in place of a studio. What about having a lot of space? You may need a bus to the nearest subway. If you don’t want your search to take forever, you need to be flexible in your wants and needs.

From Offer, Negotiation to Acceptance

(Estimated timeframe: 2 days to 1 week)

In New York City, an offer should be submitted in writing. When you find an apartment that hits 80% of your wish list, we would recommend proceeding with an offer. Your agent will send your offer to the seller’s agent or directly to the seller.

If you’re going to be making a lowball offer, make sure you have reasons to back it up. Sellers want to know that you’re serious and you can do this by having all the paperwork and team of professionals including real estate attorney and banker etc. in place and ready to go. Include your mortgage pre-approval letter and your, submit offer form, along with the contact details of your attorney and lender.

Including a “Love Letter” can also help sweeten the deal if you’re facing a bidding war with other interested buyers. Also, be wary of negotiating mistakes that could stall the process or break the whole deal.

Buyer’s Agents can help

A Buyer’s agent can help you with negotiations by generating a comparative market analysis so that you understand the properties fair market value and the potential of negotiating. Condos and Co-op, are generally sold, as-is. That means how you see it is how it will be sold to you. If you want, perhaps the furniture in the condo or different fixtures, you need to negotiate for them before the sale.

Once you finalize the price, your agent will put together a deal sheet that lists the sales price and the agreed-upon terms of the sale. Remember that nothing is guaranteed and additional offers may still, be entertained until a contract has been countersigned by the seller even if you have a negotiated price.

Negotiations are also affected by market conditions. If the market has an excess inventory, negotiating is easier. If there are not as many apartments for sale, negotiations might not work.

Due Diligence, Contract, and Signing

(Estimated timeframe: 5 to 7 days)

Once an offer is accepted, a deal sheet will be distributed between the brokers and attorneys. After this, the seller’s attorney will prepare and send a contract of sale, along with the building financials and by-laws to your attorney to review. This due diligence period between both sides can take one to two weeks, depending on the specific issues that come up during the attorneys’ evaluation and back and forth regarding contract rider notes if any.

Assuming that the home inspection turns up no issues and both parties are happy with the contract of sale, the buyer signs the contract and makes the 10% escrow down payment which, is delivered to the seller. Once the seller countersigns it and sends it back to your attorney, you now have a binding contract of sale.

Possible contingencies include financing, approval by any co-op or condo board, closing dates.

Mortgage Application and Commitment

(Estimated timeframe: 45 – 60 days)

Mortgage applications cannot be processed before the contract finalized. Once the mortgage application is complete, your lender will release a commitment letter. This letter is required to complete your board package/condo application if you are financing an apartment.

If you’re financing, now is the time when you pass on your fully executed contract to your lender. You’ll need to submit bank statements, pay stubs, W2s, tax returns, and whatever else is required, for the audit. Along with this due diligence on both your financials and the building, a home appraisal will be, conducted. On average, the process can take 30-45 days but can make for longer, depending on the process and how many follow-ups are required.

Compile and Submit Board Application Package for Review

(Estimated Timeframe: 30-45 Days)

Necessary: When buying in a New Development or a Sponsor Sale, please disregard this step.

Once your purchase contract is; countersigned, your condo board will give you a board application to complete. This application requires to be completed and approved before closing takes place. If there is no mortgage involved, it takes about 2-3 weeks to gather all the information needed for the application.

Co-ops, however, require a Co-op Board application be completed, an exhaustive list of documents and information. Most co-ops require the following in a board package: Complete financial disclosure with supporting documentation, detailed employment history, current salary, personal and business references, two years of tax returns, and comprehensive credit history.

Board Approval

Board approval can be subject to numerous delays that are entirely outside your control, such as their schedules to meet and procedures for reviewing board packages. If you’re fortunate, have a superb board package and ace the board interview, you will receive the green light to close. More often it can take up to 45days in total from the date of board application submission.

While condos also require board approval, this is more of a formality as they have much less power to refuse your application. Assuming you’ve provided all the necessary paperwork, all you’re waiting on is a waiver that declines their right of first refusal. Condo board approval can take anywhere from a few days to a month.

Co-Op Board Interview

(Estimated Timeframe: 30 – 60 minutes)

Most co-op boards meet once a month, and many do not respond in August. Frequently, meetings are in the evening on a weeknight. Keep in mind that an interview does not guarantee approval. The board will decide up to a few days after the meeting. Understanding coop board interview questions that may be asked will help you prepare.

Walk-Through

(Estimated Timeframe: 30 – 60 minutes)

Best to be done the day before or the day of closing. It is essential to inspect the property before the closing date. Verify that the appliances, faucets, light fixtures, plumbing, and outlets are all working. Make sure the seller has left or is preparing to move. Your Elika agent can help you complete the walk-through.

Preparing for Real Estate Closing Costs

When negotiating towards a final offer price on an NYC property, both buyers and sellers should have a reasonable idea of what their closing costs will be. This is difficult to estimate, potentially running into hundreds of thousands of dollars which will be added onto the purchase of the property. Worst of all is that buyers tend to underestimate those final closing costs.

New York City has a plethora of co-ops and condos. There are distinct differences between the two. It is not discussed often, but with the different ownership structures, there is a vast disparity between the closing costs for a co-op and condo. Purchasers should prepare to pay a markedly higher amount for condos.

Condos most closely align with what one thinks about home ownership. That is, owning real property. Co-ops are more akin to owning shares in a corporation. We provide a breakdown for buyers to understand better where the difference lies.

Condo Costs

Co-op Closing Costs

Closing Costs Explained

Closing costs in NYC are usually 2-6% of the purchase for buyers. The final bill is based on several factors such as property type (co-op or condo), level of financing, purchase price, and whether or not the property is new construction.

If your purchasing a condo the closing costs will be higher, for a start, you’ll need to cover title insurance. This is set by New York State and comes with several administrative charges which all together come to about $3,000 to $4,000. Then there are the extra costs if you’ll need a mortgage. Bank fees run from $2,000 to $3,000 while bank attorney fees and the appraisal go from $500 upwards. If the loan is over $500,000, you’ll need to cover a mortgage tax of 1.925%, for loans under $500,000 it’s 1.8%, something which only applies to condos.

Whether you’re buying a co-op or condo, you’ll need to pay your attorney’s fees, which can range from $2,000 to $3,000. The deal can be more complicated than usual if you would set up an LLC to purchase a condo as an international buyer. Then the attorney costs will increase and require additional work in filing the LLC.

Extra expenses

Mansion tax

If the property, is purchased; at over $1,000,000 an, additional 1% mansion tax is added, to be paid, by the buyer. For instance, a property sold for 1.87 million would have a mansion tax of $18,700. It’s not uncommon in negotiations for the purchase price to get knocked just below the $1 million thresholds to avoid this tax. The mansion tax has also just risen; please refer to our Mansion Tax article for a full breakdown of the increased mansion taxes.

Mortgage recording tax

Typically a condo buyer most substantial closing cost. The state and city both impose a charge on both new and refinanced mortgages, with the percentage increasing with the mortgage balance.

The tax rate ranges from 2.05% for mortgage balances less than $500,000 and increases to 2.175% for loan amounts more significant than this amount. The tax rises to 2.8% for mortgages greater than $500,000 on specific properties, but this does not apply to condos.

For instance, assuming the $945,000 price and a 20% down payment, buyers owe more than $16,000.

Co-op buyers do not have to pay this tax since they are not buying real property. Instead, you purchase shares in a corporation and receive a proprietary lease that allows you to live in the unit.

Title insurance

Lenders require condo buyers to buy title insurance to protect against future claims that arise from title disputes. The insurance company bases the premium amount as a percentage of the purchase price.

Aside from the lender’s title insurance, an owner can also purchase title insurance. The former’s premium declines as the mortgage balance decrease while the owner’s policy protects you for the full purchase price or, if you choose, the property’s market value.

However, lenders do not require co-ops owners to buy title insurance.

Real estate taxes

While only condo owners bear responsibility for mortgage taxes and title insurance, both pay real estate taxes. If you choose to pay the property taxes on your own, you do not have to set up an escrow account. Meaning you have to budget accordingly. However, if you roll it into your mortgage payment, the lender is going to require you to put a certain amount aside at the time of your closing. Means you have to come up with potentially several months’ worth of taxes.

A co-op’s taxes are based; on the number of shares you own. Hence, you pay this with your monthly maintenance fee.

Building Fees

Each co-op and condo is different in the fees they apply. Most co-ops and condos have move-in and move-out fees that range in price from a few hundred to a couple of thousand dollars. Board application fees range on average from $500 to $700. When making your board application, they will send you a list of what’s needed, and the fees involved. Buyers should read this carefully, so they fully aware.

The sponsors closing costs

A significant expense for buyers of new construction properties is that they are responsible for the developers closing costs. This includes transfer fees, the attorney’s fees and, if applicable, their units share of the sponsor’s apartment. This also applies to sponsors in co-op apartments. Depending on the purchase price, this can all add up to hundreds of thousands of dollars.

Other items

It is a minor amount, but mortgage and deed recording fees are generally lower for co-ops. Co-op buyers are likely to save a couple of hundred dollars, but you are likely to spend any savings you realize on higher board fees.

Final thoughts

Buyers should carefully consider all potential closing costs. Even with the best research, you’ll only get an approximate estimate. You won’t know the final bill until closing day.

Schedule the Closing

(Estimated Timeframe: 1 – 2 weeks after approval by the board)

The closing date all depends on the parties involved. Assuming that everything is in order and everyone is eager to close, it can take about one to two weeks to schedule a closing. Your attorney needs to coordinate with the title company, confirm with the bank that they’re ready to show up with the checks, and find a date that works for all the parties involved.

Our useful calculator allows you to get an estimate and comparison of closing cost quickly.

Closing Day

(Estimated Timeframe: 1 – 3 hours)

On closing day, it will finally be time to hand over the remainder of the payment and receive the keys to your new home. The average timeframe in NYC from an accepted offer to closing day is 60-90 days. But with so many variables in play, it can sometimes take longer.

Apartment Types and Sizes

New York City boasts many standard-sized apartments, but several types have their particular kind of layouts. Here are a few descriptions:

Studio

A one-room dwelling in which the living room and the bedroom are in a single space. In larger studios, the kitchen is in a separate room, while in others the eating area can be found along one wall in the main space. Studios can also be referred, to as efficiencies.

Alcove Studio

A one-room apartment that also offers an open area adjacent to the main space which can serve as a sleeping. This type of dwelling is also referred to as an L-shaped studio because of its configuration or a junior—one bedroom.

Flex (convertible) Two

A one-bedroom apartment that features ample space, typically the living room, transformed into another bedroom and a smaller living room by the installation of a temporary, also known as pressurized, wall dividing the space.

Junior 4

A one-bedroom apartment; that features an alcove area in the living room, which is typically used as a dining room or converted into a second bedroom.

Flex 3

A two-bedroom apartment with an alcove in the living room that is convertible to a bedroom.

Classic 6

This type of apartment exists exclusively in prewar buildings and describes a dwelling with six rooms. There is a living room, a formal dining room, a kitchen, plus two full sized bedrooms, and a small third bedroom generally referred to as the maid’s room. (Classic 7s and 8s also exist and offer one or two additional full-sized bedrooms).

Furnished Apartment

These apartments rent for short periods—anywhere from one week to one year—and contain all the furniture and kitchenware you would need to live comfortably.

Apartment Building Types

There are three basic kinds of buildings in Manhattan: Doorman, Elevator (attended and unattended), and Walk–Up (unsupervised):

Walk–Up Building

These buildings do not have doormen or elevators. They can be townhouses or brownstones (4–5 stories), above storefronts (usually 1-2 stories), or low–rise buildings (free standing 4–5 stories). These are the most reasonably priced kinds of apartments in the city, yet they have very few amenities.

However, most walk-up buildings do, have double door security, and a few have more sophisticated features, such as intercoms and security cameras. As with elevator buildings, the quality of life in walk-ups can vary greatly depending on the degree to which they are maintained.

Doorman Building

The types of apartment buildings that offer door attendants tend to be on the larger side and provide the most significant amount of safety and security. They also afford the highest level of comfort and convenience because your doorman can do a lot for you while you’re not home. Including such things as taking drop-offs of packages and dry cleaning.

If you’re new to the city, you’ll quickly learn that Manhattan revolves around deliveries. Having someone who can sign for your packages can feel like the ultimate luxury. Within buildings that have doormen, there are three kinds of formats: luxury high–rise, standard, and part-time doorman.

Standard Doorman

These buildings have someone on duty 24 hours a day and offer the safety and convenience of having a doorman without the extra luxury amenities.

Part–Time Doorman

These buildings usually have doormen for day shifts but rely on security cameras or some other type of technology to protect residents at night.

Elevator Building

These buildings do not have doormen on duty, though some may employ elevator attendants. Regarding security, convenience, and price, these kinds of buildings are considered somewhere between doorman buildings and walk-ups. They often have laundry rooms on the premises, as well as intercom systems, but the amenities stop there. Still, if these buildings are adequately maintained, they can be comfortable places in which to live.

Luxury High–Rise

These kinds of buildings have a full around-the-clock staff consisting of multiple door attendants and attendants. They often offer such amenities as hotel-type concierge service, on-site health clubs, pools, laundry service, and children’s playrooms. The specific luxury amenities will vary from building to building but will leave you feeling pampered.

First-Time Home Buyers Guide

There is a lot that goes into making a real estate purchase in New York City. If you want to learn even more about the ins and outs of the NYC real estate market, then we can help. Elika provides a comprehensive “First Time Home Buyers Guide” free PDF download to help resolve all questions and concerns for potential home buyers.