Buying and Selling in NYC? We have the answers.
The New York City market moves fast, but your search doesn’t have to be stressful. From navigating coop boards to finding the best Brooklyn brownstones, we provide the data-backed guidance you need to
buy and sell with confidence.
Explore our most common buyer questions below, and when you’re ready, we’re here to help you make your next move.
Buyer FAQs
Getting Started
Determine your budget and secure a mortgage pre-approval. Identify your "must-have" features – like a doorman or outdoor space – and your preferred neighborhoods to narrow your focus early. We can always adjust later if we need to find additional inventory.
While a condo comes with a deed like any real property, a co-op apartment purchase requires buying shares of the corporation that owns the building. The owner then receives a lease for the property from the Co-op. Co-ops are typically more affordable but have strict board approvals and higher down payments (usually 20%+). Condos offer more ownership flexibility, making them popular for investors.
Balance your commute, local amenities, and price per square foot. We provide localized market "vibe" assessments for Manhattan and Brooklyn to ensure your home aligns with your daily life.
Financials and Fees
Plan for 20% to 25%. While some condos allow for less, most NYC co-ops require at least 20% down to meet strict board standards. At higher price points, banks may require more down.
Budget an extra 2% to 5%+ of the purchase price. Main costs could include attorney fees, mansion taxes (if over $1 million), mortgage recording taxes (condos and townhouses), and building-specific fees. We can give you a better sense of closing costs once we know your search parameters.
The Search & Offer Process
As many as it takes to feel confident! Most buyers find "the one" after 8 to 12 viewings, but our goal is quality over quantity. Clients have taken 1 day of viewings to 3 years before finding their fit.
The due diligence phase begins. Your attorney reviews the contract, building’s financials and title/violation history while we schedule an inspection if needed and help you prepare your board package for approval.
Absolutely.
We can help with contingent transactions or finessing closing timelines so you never have to move twice.
We are experts in Manhattan below 135th and Brownstone Brooklyn around Prospect Park and North to the Navy Yard and West to the Hudson. Within any area we specialize in leveraging industry connections, market data and collaborative technology.
Sellers FAQs
Here are some of the most common seller questions below. If you’d like to discuss your options further, feel free to inquire.
Preparing to Sell
The first step is understanding your property’s current market position. A review of comparable sales, neighborhood trends, and property-specific details helps establish a strong foundation for pricing and marketing.
A home’s value depends on its location, building type, condition, layout, and current buyer demand. Comparable sales, active competition, and neighborhood market trends all help determine a strategic asking price.
The right time to list depends on market conditions, property type, competition, and personal timing. In many cases, evaluating seasonality and current demand will help determine when a home is best positioned to attract strong interest. We also have options to test pricing and positioning before going live so that we can make any changes necessary to hit the ground running.
Small improvements can often make a meaningful difference before listing. Fresh paint, decluttering, light staging, and minor repairs may help a property show better and appeal to more buyers.
Pricing, Marketing & Showings
A home should feel clean, bright, and well-maintained during showings. Decluttering, depersonalizing key spaces, improving lighting, and giving each room a clear purpose can help create a stronger impression.
The timeline varies based on pricing, condition, location, property type, and current market demand. Some homes sell quickly, while others take longer depending on buyer interest and the level of competition. In general from listing publicly to closing should take 3-6 months for a standard property, up to a year for something more unique/specific.
We use a tailored marketing strategy that may include professional photography, compelling listing copy, digital promotion, targeted outreach, and exposure to qualified buyers actively searching in Manhattan and Brooklyn. The Compass 3 phased marketing approach helps us tweak our strategy before going fully public on the Market.
Offers, Closing & Next Steps
Once an offer is received, the next step is to evaluate the full terms carefully, including price, timing, contingencies, and the buyer’s financial strength. A thoughtful review helps determine whether to accept, reject, or negotiate.
Yes, it is possible to sell a current home and buy another at the same time. With the right planning, both transactions can be coordinated to reduce stress and create a smoother transition.
We offer local expertise, strategic pricing insight, and tailored marketing for sellers across Manhattan and Brooklyn. From preparation to negotiations, our team provides the guidance needed to navigate the selling process with clarity and confidence. While we’re a top 1.5% team in New York and countrywide, we are able to give every client the attention and time necessary to achieve stellar results.