The Buyer’s Guide
Soldano Realty
Buying a home in New York City is a process nobody explains to you until you are already inside it. We wrote this guide so you can walk in knowing what happens, what it costs, and what will be asked of you.
It covers the whole path, from getting pre approved through closing day, for houses, condos, and co-ops. It is free, it is fourteen pages, and it is written in plain language rather than industry shorthand.
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The Soldano Realty Buyer’s Guide
Fourteen pages on how a purchase actually works in New York City, written for people buying here for the first time.
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What is inside
Fourteen pages, no filler.
The buying process, step by step
From pre approval and the buyer consultation through offer, negotiation, contract, and inspection, with a sample closing timeline so you know how long each stage really takes.
Co-op versus condo
What you actually own in each, how the approval differs, how financing differs, and which one moves faster.
Buying a house in New York City
What changes when you buy a single family or multi family house instead of an apartment.
Co-op financial requirements
The two numbers boards look at: debt to income ratio and post closing reserves. With the formulas boards use, so you can run them on yourself before you make an offer.
Closing costs, in full
Separate tables for condos and townhouses, and for co-ops. This is the section most buyers wish they had read earlier.
Real estate terms, translated
The vocabulary you will hear, in plain English, plus who is on your team and when each person enters the deal.
Common questions before you start
How much do I need saved to buy in New York City?
More than the down payment. Beyond your down payment you will need closing costs, and if you are buying a co-op, post closing reserves, meaning liquid funds the board expects you to still have after the purchase closes. Every co-op building sets its own threshold. The guide breaks down closing costs line by line for co-ops, condos, and houses, so you can build a real number rather than a guess.
Should I get pre approved before I start looking?
Yes. A real pre approval tells you what you can actually spend and it makes your offer credible. Without one, most sellers will not take an offer seriously, and in a competitive situation you will lose to a buyer who has one.
What is the difference between a co-op and a condo?
With a condo you own your unit outright, and the building generally has a right of first refusal rather than an approval process, so it moves faster and financing is more flexible. With a co-op you own shares in a corporation, and a board reviews and approves you, which means a board package, an interview, and financial thresholds set by that building. Co-ops are typically less expensive per square foot. The guide compares them directly, including at closing.
Does it cost me anything to work with a buyer’s agent?
Real estate commissions are not set by law and are fully negotiable. Buyer broker compensation may be paid by the buyer, the seller, or another lawful source, depending on your buyer representation agreement and the terms of the transaction. Seller paid compensation is not guaranteed and varies by property. We go through exactly how it works in your specific deal at the consultation, in writing, before you commit to anything.
How long does buying take?
The search depends entirely on how specific your criteria are. Once you have an accepted offer, a co-op purchase with financing commonly runs about 60 to 90 days to closing, because the board package and interview sit in the middle of it. Condos and houses generally move faster since there is no board approval step.
Next Step
Ready to talk it through?
The guide explains the process. A buyer consultation applies it to you: your budget, your neighborhoods, and what is realistic right now. In the office, over the phone, or on a video call. No obligation.
or call 718-333-5233