Buying
Is the 20% down payment for a co-op negotiable or a solid requirement?
Q: I’m looking for an apartment in Manhattan. I’ve pre-qualified for a mortgage, and have a steady income to afford what I’m looking for, but I’ve only been working for a few years and thus don’t have enough saved for a 20% down payment. When co-ops say that they require 20% down, is that generally a solid requirement or can it be negotiated? Read More.
My partner and I are looking to move to New York City with our 3 dogs. What resources should we review prior to working with a broker?
Q: My partner, along with 3 dogs (2 small and 1 medium sized) and myself are likely to be relocating to NYC. We have visited but never lived in the city and have very cursory knowledge of the various neighborhoods. What resources do you suggest I review prior to working with an agent? I don’t want to waste the agent’s time and money, nor mine. Best Regards. Read More.
I’m from Vancouver, BC and I want to move to New York. How do I go about buying real estate in the U.S.?
Q: I am currently living in Vancouver BC, looking for a home in Manhattan. I am wondering if you have a guide to buying real estate in the U.S, as I am unfamiliar with the buying process there. Read More.
What is the typical buyer agent’s commission on new development properties in Brooklyn?
Q: What is the typical buyer agent’s commission for new construction in Brooklyn? Is this something that is usually negotiable? Read More.
What store is Elliman opening at 774 Broadway?
Q: What store is opening on the corner of Broadway and Wanamaker Place? Read More.
Douglas Elliman manages my building. Can I use a credit card to pay my monthly maintenance?
Q: Can I pay monthly maintenance to Douglas Elliman, my building manager, using my credit card? Read More.
We’re being told that there’s an accepted offer on a short-sale property that we love, but I don’t believe that this is accurate information. How do we proceed?
Q: I found a short sale that we love, but the real estate office keeps telling us that there is an accepted offer on the property. If there was an accepted offer, then why would they drop the price on the property today? Is there any way around this real estate company? They aren’t being honest and I believe that someone in the office wants the property. Read More.
Do you have properties where the owner pays your service fee?
Q: Do you have properties where the owner pays your service fee? Read More.
As a new real estate agent in NYC, am I expected to drive my clients to property showings?
Q: Are NYC real estate agents expected to drive their clients to property showings? I am a transplant from Solana Beach, CA, and new to the NYC real estate market practices and secrets. I will be obtaining my license within the month. Read More.
I purchased my home in 2008 and received a substantial federal home buyer tax credit, but want out of my house. Do I have to pay the money back?
Q: We live in Tennessee and hate it. We experienced a bad tornado last year, and now there have been tornado warnings issued again. We paid more for our house than it was worth, and have a very high mortgage, but both my husband and I are retired. All in all, it’s a big mess, and we want out of our house; however, we purchased in 2008 and received an $8,000 tax credit. and have read that we’re obligated to repay it if we move out of the house before 3 years are up. We spoke to the IRS, and they said that if we walk away from the home and it goes into a short sale, it might take a while and likely take us past that 3-year mark. How can we get out of this property? We are … Read More.
