What does it take to buy an apartment in NYC? The simplest answer is enough money and a good New York City broker. However, a decision as important as buying an apartment in NYC is rarely as simple.
- A clear vision of what you want to buy. This includes everything from apartment size, amenities you want in the building, preferred neighborhoods, and, most importantly, whether you want to buy a condo or co-op apartment.
- Most buyers (those who can’t or don’t want to buy with cash) also need a mortgage. You should get a pre-approval letter so sellers take you seriously and you have a clear idea of how much mortgage you can get.
- It also needs some savings/funds of your own, enough to cover a 20% down payment and, if you are buying a co-op, to meet their down payment requirements, which can be higher than 20%. Co-ops may also require you to have enough liquidity to cover one to two years of maintenance fees. So having 25% to 30% of the purchase amount is important.
- Buying an apartment will also take a good New York City broker. You can buy an apartment without them, but since you are not on the hook for the fee (the seller is) and they bring invaluable knowledge and experience into the mix, it’s typically best to have one.
- A reliable income source to pay off your mortgage and monthly expenses.
- You will also need your credit reports, copies of your tax returns, salary slips, and reference letters, particularly if you are buying a co-op apartment. These documents go with the board package you need to prepare when you make an offer.
- A basic understanding of the market.
The requirements may differ, especially if you are buying an apartment in a particularly restrictive co-op, but for the most part, these things are what it takes to buy an apartment in NYC.
Also Read: How Much Do You Need To Pay For an NYC Apartment?
