Everyone's journey is different, but most clients we work with experience a similar path to homeownership. Here are some of the most common steps that our buyers take when finding their place in the NYC suburbs:
1. Booking an Initial Consultation
We always like to start the homebuying journey by having an initial conversation with our clients to discuss where they are in the process and what they are looking to achieve. Many buyers call us when they are still a year away from seriously searching, but this is a great opportunity to discuss your timeline and priorities and put together a plan for your home search. If you're ready to start the conversation, you can schedule a call here.
2. Exploring the Neighborhoods
For those of you who are unfamiliar with the NYC suburbs, we will also take them time to discuss what potential neighborhoods might be a good fit for you. You can read through our neighborhood resources but we also always recommend that buyers visit these neighborhoods first to get a feel for the lifestyle.
3. Obtaining Your Pre-Approval
Before you begin looking at properties, you will need to get a pre-approval from a mortgage lender. This process can be very quick and it helps set an actionable budget for your search. To learn more about mortgage pre-approvals, view our resource here.
4. Viewing Properties
For many, this is the most exciting step of the process. Once you select your favorite properties, we set up tours and accompany you to showings, helping you to figure out which home is ideal for you. This timeline for this process varies for everyone -- some people fall in love with the first house they see and others take up to a year or longer to find their dream home. Either way, viewing properties in person is a great way to help you understand what you want in a home (and what you don't want).
5. Getting an Accepted Offer
Once you find your ideal home, it's time to make an offer. This can be one of the most thrilling yet nerve-racking steps in the entire process. We can help you craft a stronger and more attractive offer, giving you a greater chance of acceptance. Here’s how to submit the most attractive offer. Once accepted, we perform inspections and work on getting your final mortgage approval, a process that typically takes 45-60 days.
6. Closing on Your Home
On the day of closing, you'll work with your attorney to sign the closing documents and we will perform a final walkthrough of the home to make sure it's in the same condition. Then, you'll receive the keys and officially become a homeowner!
Discover the homebuying journey for one of our most recent clients:
Month 1: Booked a call for an initial consultation
Months 2-3: Toured neighborhoods and homes throughout Westchester and CT
Month 3: Narrowed in on their top towns
Month 4: Lost bidding wars on homes in Chappaqua, NY and Greenwich, CT but persisted in their search
Month 5: Received an accepted offer on a home in Westport, CT
Month 7: Closed and made their move to the suburbs!
If you're interested in getting started or looking for some advice on your own path to homeownership, reach out to us today! hello@ursini.co