Home Buyer's Guide

Start Your Path to Homeownership Today

The home buying process requires extensive time and effort, and can be both challenging and rewarding. Thankfully, we’ve compiled a number of resources including helpful tips for buying a home, a mortgage calculator, financing options, community information and an MLS home search listing to ease you through the journey with confidence.

VIEW LISTINGS
Tips and Information for Buying a House

Buying a home is one of the largest investments you’ll ever make, and involves a great deal of research beforehand. Prior to becoming a homeowner, you’ll want to follow these steps:

  • 1. If you are financing, you must first seek pre-approval for a mortgage: You must know how much you can spend before you spend it. A pre-approval will require your credit to be pulled — in addition to verbal details about your income and assets — so that a Mortgage Loan Originator can determine how much you can qualify for.​​​​​​​
  • 2. Find a property: Depending on what you are looking for, the length of your search will vary. The average person sees 10-15 properties before deciding on one.
  • 3. Make an offer on a property and negotiate terms: This is where we will determine price, terms, and certain contingencies such as inspections, financing, appraisal, HOA, etc. Everything is negotiable, so inquire about assessments, fixtures, window replacements, air conditioners, rugs, floors, curtains, appliances, working fireplaces, washer dryers, etc.
  • 4. Execute a Contract and Open Escrow with Deposit: The typical time frame is 1 day to 1 week. Once the contract has been executed, the buyer will make a deposit to open escrow depending on the agreed upon term in the contract.
  • 5. Apply for a Mortgage and Receive Commitment Letter from Lender: The typical time frame is 1 to 3 weeks. Mortgage Loan Applications cannot be processed without a fully executed purchase contract.
  • 6. Satisfy Conditions on Mortgage Commitment Letter from Lender: The lender will have specific conditions that must be met before they will finance your purchase. These conditions can be the appraisal, certain financial information or personal information.​​​​​​​
  • 7. Schedule a Closing: Typically the closing date will already be agreed upon on the purchase contract. However, there are instances that allow for a buyer to close prior to the agreed upon closing date. In certain cases, buyer’s may extend their closing date if need be.

Mortgage Calculator

Estimate your mortgage payment today

Take advantage of our mortgage and loan calculator. By entering your criteria, determine the approximate rates and payment breakdown for your real estate needs.

Mortgage calculator

Financing Options

Types of Mortgages and Home Financing Options

Fortunately for buyers, there are a variety of mortgages to choose from. Always investigate each of them to determine which is the best for your situation. If you qualify for more than one mortgage option, make sure to do all of your homework before signing on the dotted line.

Community Info

Get to know your new neighborhood

Using our community guide, discover the various vibrant neighborhoods we serve within Nassau County, Suffolk County, Queens, Brooklyn, New York City and Staten Island. Your new neighborhood awaits!

Nassau County

Comprising the vast majority of western Long Island, Nassau County is a suburban county with an estimated population of 1,339,532 in 2010. Nassau County encompasses 3 towns, 2 cities, 64 incorporated villages, and over 60 unincorporated hamlets. One of the highest income counties in the United States, Nassau County is recognized as the most affluent county in the state of New York. Home to some of the top-rated school districts in the country, Nassau County is a bustling community with near endless shopping, dining, parks, preserves and beaches, and sporting and cultural events.

close

Suffolk County

A suburban county on Long Island, Suffolk County comprises the easternmost county in New York. As of 2010, the estimated population was 1,493,350. Suffolk County encompasses 10 towns and 32 villages. At 86 miles long, Suffolk County is Long Island’s largest of four counties. The leading agricultural region, Suffolk is the premier county for farming. Surrounded by four major bodies of water: the Long Island Sound, the Peconic Bay, the Great South Bay and the Atlantic Ocean, Suffolk County offers year-round outdoor activities, from some of the top vineyards in the country to nature preserves and beaches.

close

Queens

The largest of the five boroughs, Queens shares its water borders with the boroughs of Manhattan and the Bronx. Queens has approximately 91 distinct neighborhoods, the most of any borough. With an estimated population of 2,358,582 in 2017, nearly half the population is foreign-born. Queens boasts an unparalleled art and restaurant scene and is a highly desirable location for commuters of all ages. Home to such landmarks as JFK and LaGuardia Airport, the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, Citi Field, Flushing Meadows Corona Park, and Silvercup Studios, Queens is flourishing with culture and diversity.

close

Brooklyn

The most highly populated borough of New York City, Brooklyn is home to an estimated 2,648,771 residents as of 2017 and is comprised of at approximately 66 neighborhoods. During the 21st century, Brooklyn underwent a renaissance of sorts and became a prime destination for younger residents. Over time, Brooklyn has played a key role in defining American culture from music and movies to literature and live theater. Now a hub of startup firms, music venues, museums, eateries and breweries, Brooklyn is a thriving region with an ethnically diverse past and present. Brooklyn’s official motto is, “Unity Makes Strength.”

close

The Bronx

The northernmost of all five boroughs, the Bronx is 42 square miles with an estimated population of 1,471,160 as of 2017. The Bronx consists over 60 neighborhoods and is home to award-winning parks such as the New York Botanical Garden and the Bronx Zoo, there is no shortage of beautiful outdoor spaces for all generations to enjoy. Home to the New York Yankees, and widely recognized as the birthplace of hip-hop, the Bronx also houses its own Little Italy on Arthur Avenue. Steeped in culture, the Bronx was awarded the “All American City” in 1997.

close

Manhattan

The most highly populated city in America, New York City has an estimated population of 8,622,698 as of 2017 and comprises of over 53 neighborhoods. Widely renowned as the cultural capital of the world, New York City is home to some of the world’s greatest entertainment, sports, research, education, technology, and media. A global tourist spot, New York City's architecture, restaurants, museums, theater district, stock exchange, and universities are second to none. With as many as 800 languages spoken in New York, it is the single most linguistically diverse city in the world.

close

Staten Island

Located in the southernmost part of New York City, Staten Island has an estimated population of 479,458 as of 2017 and is made up of over 65 neighborhoods. Replete with scenic lookouts and preservations, Staten Island boasts an affordable cost of living with a great deal of stunning architecture, restaurants, live music venues, and beaches. With no shortage of unique attractions, hiking spots and exquisite residential homes, Staten Island provides its residents with ease of access to Manhattan while remaining a historic and beautiful place to live.

close

Renter's Tips

Helping You Rent Your Perfect Home

Over the past 25 years, Long Island and the Metro New York areas have seen tremendous economic growth. In turn, individuals are looking to rent homes in various neighborhoods that are increasing in popularity and transforming into up-and-coming places to live.

What to expect when viewing a home for rent:

  • Proof of income such as pay stubs, W2’s, 1099’s or tax returns, etc.​​​​​​​
  • Identification such as driver license, passport, resident card, etc.
  • Reference letters from employer, colleague, associate, friends, etc.
  • In today’s rental market landlords will typically ask for credit and background checks.
  • Landlords will often ask for the first and last month of rent, and a one-month security deposit.

Get in touch today

If you are interested in purchasing or selling a home or property, simply fill out the information below and a representative will get back to you right away.




    This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
    Thank you! Your submission has been received!
    Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.

    Congratulations!

    Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Aliquam at porttitor sem.

    ATTORNEY FEES

    ($1,200 VALUE)

    This should be some information on how to cash their prize. Aliquam at porttitor sem.  Aliquam erat volutpat. Donec placerat nisl magna, et faucibus arcu condimentum.

    SELL YOUR HOME FOR FREE TODAY