From the first call to the keys, here's what to expect, and what's different about buying in New York.
We talk about where you want to live, what you can comfortably carry each month, and your timing. No obligation.
Before we tour, we sign a short buyer agreement that spells out what I do and how I'm paid. My compensation is negotiable, and it's in writing before we see a single house.
Sellers here want to see a pre-approval with any offer, so it's worth getting before you start touring. Use any lender you like.
Property taxes in Rockland and Orange vary a lot from town to town. We run the numbers on every house you like, taxes and insurance included, before you fall in love with it.
I set up the showings, meet you there, and tell you what I see: condition, price, and what to walk away from.
We look at what's actually sold nearby and decide on a price and terms together. In the past year about half of Rockland homes sold over asking, so a strong first offer often matters.
In New York, attorneys draw up and negotiate the contract. You'll hire your own real estate attorney, and I'll coordinate with them.
A home inspection during attorney review, plus radon, termite or septic and well tests when they apply.
Your lender orders the appraisal and issues the commitment. I stay on top of dates so nothing slips.
We walk the house before closing to make sure it's in the agreed condition. Then you sign, and you get the keys.
Plan on closing costs of a few percent of the price. The big items in Rockland and Orange:
Your attorney and lender will give you the exact numbers. Use the monthly payment calculator to see what a house costs each month with real local taxes.
Most of the steps are the same, with four differences. The contract is signed first and then each side's attorney gets a three-business-day attorney review period. New Jersey requires a written buyer agreement before we tour, which can be as short as one day and one house. There is no mortgage recording tax. And the transfer fees, including the fee on sales over $1 million, are paid by the seller. See the Bergen County page for the towns I cover there.
Financing is arranged separately, and you're free to use any lender you choose. Josh Berkowitz is separately licensed as a mortgage loan originator; any mortgage activity is separate from eRealty Advisors, Inc. and is not offered by or through eRealty Advisors, Inc.