Purchasing a condominium in New York City involves a series of well-defined steps. Understanding the process from start to finish will help you prepare and avoid common pitfalls.
Before you start looking, obtain a mortgage pre-approval letter from your bank or lender. This establishes your budget and signals to sellers that you are a serious buyer. Cash buyers should have proof of funds available.
Work with a licensed real estate agent to identify properties that meet your criteria. Attend open houses, review listings, and tour units in person.
When you find the right condo, submit an offer through your agent. In New York, offers are not binding until a contract is fully signed by both parties.
Once your offer is accepted, retain an experienced real estate attorney immediately. Your attorney will review, negotiate, and modify the purchase contract to protect your interests.
Your attorney reviews the contract, building financial statements, offering plan (for new construction), and other relevant documents. After negotiations, both parties sign the contract and the buyer submits a deposit (typically 10% of the purchase price).
Your attorney conducts a title search, reviews building financials, checks for open violations, and verifies the Certificate of Occupancy. Your lender orders an appraisal.
Your lender issues a mortgage commitment letter confirming your loan approval. This typically occurs 30-60 days after contract signing.
Once the title is clear, the mortgage commitment is in hand, and all conditions are met, the closing date is scheduled.
Before closing, you conduct a final walk-through to ensure the unit is in the agreed condition.
At closing, you sign all documents, funds are disbursed, the deed is transferred, and you receive the keys to your new home.
Contact Huang & Associates, P.C. to guide you through every step of the condo purchase process.