I have put in some offers on a few apartments via email and each time was asked to complete a REBNY financial information form before the offer was even submitted to the Seller.

On a couple occasions, after submitting an offer via email and the broker asking me first to submit the REBNY form, my offers have basically been laughed at as being too low and the Sellers didnt even counter. But these sellers (and the brokers) now have all of my financial information.

Is the REBNY form some kind of requirement in order to make an offer, or should I try to get the broker to make an initial inquiry to the Seller to see if I am in the ballpark first before sending my confidential financial data to strangers?

Thanks!

If you prefer not to give out all this detailed financial information initially when making what even you think is a low offer. Then simply submit your offer in writing outlining your annual base salary, mortgage pre-qualification and an approximate liquid net worth along with the % you plan to finance. (Other things to mention would be financing contingency, note you have a NYC real estate attorney at the ready).

Let the broker know that if the seller is willing to counter offer you will provide the additional documentation. A financial statement is an important component to an offer in a co-op for the obvious reasons.

Keith Burkhardt
The Burkhardt Group