All Around The Town

ALL AROUND THE TOWN

Ok. So you’ve decided to take the plunge and purchase a New York City apartment, but don’t have a clue where to look.  Over my years of experience as a real estate broker, I have found that the best approach is to make a list of priorities before you even go out to look at properties.

Here are some helpful tips to think about in compiling your list:

•   Location – Do you need easy access to work and or schools?
•   Neighborhood Service – Which ones are important to you? Food shopping, recreational facilities, parking, place of worship, pharmacy, dry cleaner, shoe maker etc.
•   Entertainment – Parks, movies, theatre

After you determine the needs of your neighborhood lifestyle, think about the building amenities:

•   Do you require a large or small staff
•   Recreational facilities such as a health club, roof deck or playroom
•   Ease of purchase – a condo will have less purchase requirements than a coop and will usually permit unlimited subletting.

Obviously these factors will affect the purchase price.

The last item on your list should address the apartment space:

•   Size – Do you want something that will satisfy your present needs or do you prefer something you may grow into.
•   Light – If this is important to you, don’t assume that a South and East exposure will give you the most light. There are many North and West facing apartments which have open views and are very bright.
•   Outside space – Do you want a balcony or terrace?
•   Washer and Dryer machines – Although almost all buildings have laundry rooms, not all buildings permit them in the apartment

This is a good staring point to get you on your way.  As you look at properties you will refine your list to what is the most important to you, but regardless think of this as an adventure.  Make it a fun experience and always remember your home should be a place in which you enjoy living.