Home buying questions, answered.
The questions we hear most.
How much do I need for a down payment?
Whether you are buying, selling, or simply weighing your options, we guide you through every step with local expertise and full representation.
Should I get pre-approved before touring homes?
Yes. Pre-approval tells you your real budget, and in a competitive market sellers often will not consider offers without one. It usually takes a day or two with a local lender, and we can recommend several we trust.
How long does buying a home take?
From accepted offer to closing is typically 45 to 60 days in New York, driven by financing, inspection and attorney review. The search itself varies. Some buyers find the right home in two weeks, others take six months. There is no wrong pace.
What are closing costs in New York?
Plan for roughly 2 to 5 percent of the purchase price on top of your down payment. That covers lender fees, attorney fees, title insurance, taxes and prepaid escrow items. New York uses attorneys for closings, and we will connect you with experienced local ones.
Do I pay my buyer's agent?
Agent compensation is negotiated as part of the transaction and we explain exactly how it works in your specific deal before you sign anything. In many transactions the seller’s side contributes toward buyer agent compensation, but rules have evolved and we walk you through the current structure upfront in plain terms.
What is earnest money?
A deposit, commonly around 1 percent of the offer price in this market, that shows the seller you are serious. It is held in escrow and credited toward your purchase at closing. With standard contingencies in place, it is returned to you if the deal falls through for a covered reason.
What happens if the inspection finds problems?
Almost every inspection finds something. What matters is severity. Depending on the findings you can request repairs, negotiate a credit or price reduction, or walk away under your inspection contingency. We guide you on which issues are routine for homes in this region and which are genuine red flags.
Is it a good time to buy?
The honest answer depends on your situation, not the headlines. Rates, inventory and prices matter less than your budget, timeline and how long you plan to stay. We will give you a straight read on current local conditions so you can decide with real information.
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Still have questions?
No pressure, no obligation. Ask our experts anything about buying.