Guide
Buying your first home in Suffolk County
A plain-English walk-through of how buying works on Long Island, from your first budget talk to the closing table.
1. Know your real budget
Talk to a lender before you tour. A pre-approval tells you what you can borrow and shows sellers you are serious. Remember to plan for property taxes, insurance and closing costs, not just the monthly mortgage.
2. Pick the area, then the house
School districts, commute and taxes can change a lot from one hamlet to the next in Suffolk. We help you narrow down the towns that fit before you fall for a house. See our town guides.
3. Tour homes together
We see homes with you and point out what we notice: the roof, the windows, the layout, the street. You get our honest take every time.
4. Make a smart offer
Price is only part of an offer. Your pre-approval, timing and how clean the offer is all matter. We talk with the listing agent and help you build an offer that stands out.
5. Accepted offer: attorneys, inspection, appraisal
In New York, buyers hire their own real estate attorney to review the contract. You will also schedule a home inspection, and your lender will order an appraisal. We keep everyone on schedule and tell you what is coming next.
6. Closing day
You do a final walk-through, sign the papers and get your keys. We are there with you.
First-time buyer questions
Do I need 20 percent down?
No. Many first-time buyers put down less than 20 percent. A lender can walk you through the loan options that fit you.
How long does it take to buy a home?
Searching can take weeks or months. Once you have an accepted offer, getting to closing on Long Island usually takes a couple of months, because of attorneys, inspections and the mortgage.
Does it cost me anything to work with you?
Ask us. We explain exactly how buyer agent pay works, in writing, before you sign anything.