Buyers
Buying a home in Rockland or Westchester
Buying a house in New York has a few more steps than people expect: attorneys, inspections, a contract period and a lender's timeline. I'll explain each one before you get there.
How it works
Talk it through
We go over your budget, timing, the towns you're considering and what you need in a home.
Get pre-approved
A lender reviews your finances so you know your price range and can make a strong offer.
Tour homes
I set up showings, point out what I see in each house, and tell you what to ask about.
Make an offer
We look at recent sales together and decide on a price and terms you're comfortable with.
Attorney review and inspection
Your attorney reviews the contract while you schedule a home inspection and any other tests.
Close
Your lender finalizes the loan, we do a final walk-through, and you get the keys.
First-time buyers
If you've never bought a home before, start with a phone call. I'll explain the costs that come up besides the down payment, like closing costs, attorney fees and inspections, and how long each stage usually takes.
New York State and some lenders offer programs for first-time buyers. Ask your lender which ones you qualify for.
Moving from the city? See moving from NYC for commute options and a free checklist.
Questions people ask
Do I need to be pre-approved before we look at houses?
It helps. Sellers usually expect a pre-approval letter with an offer, and it tells you what monthly payment you're comfortable with before you fall for a house.
How long does it take to close in New York?
It varies with the loan, the attorneys and the other side's timeline. I'll give you a realistic schedule once we have an accepted offer.
Do I need a real estate attorney?
In New York, buyers and sellers almost always use their own attorney to review the contract and handle the closing. I can share names of local attorneys you can interview.
Is there a minimum budget to work with you?
No. I work with buyers at every price point, including first-time buyers looking at condos and starter homes.
Ready to start looking?
Call or text me and we'll set up a time to talk about what you're looking for.