On May 15, 2024, StreetEasy® held an in-person seminar for first-time home buyers in New York City. The event served to educate buyers, guide them in their journey, and raise awareness of the variety of resources, tools, and personalization StreetEasy offers throughout the buying process. Speakers included Kenny Lee, StreetEasy Senior Economist; Tony Jao, Vice President and Home Lending Officer at Popular Bank; Zillennial finance expert Haley Sacks, also known as @mrsdowjones on TikTok and Instagram; Carlo Romero, StreetEasy Senior Partner Engagement Manager; and StreetEasy Experts McKenzie Ryan of Douglas Elliman and Christopher Kromer of Brown Harris Stevens. 

Missed the seminar? We have you covered — the full recording is available to watch below, as well as clips and summaries of each section of the event.

State of the Market + Q&A

What should prospective buyers know about today’s NYC real estate market? StreetEasy Senior Economist Kenny Lee provides an overview, highlights emerging opportunities for buyers, and answers audience questions.

Financing 101

Getting ready to buy requires a basic understanding of financing a home. Tony Jao, Vice President and Home Lending Officer at Popular Bank, breaks down the process: from pre-approval to types of home loans to equity and income requirements.

The Rent or Buy Calculus

Many potential buyers wonder if renting or buying a home makes more sense for them. Haley Sacks, also known as “Mrs. Dow Jones” on her popular TikTok and Instagram, is a Zillennial finance expert who’s been featured in the Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, CNBC, and more. In her presentation, she explains how homeownership helps buyers build wealth over the long term, renting vs. buying considerations, how to know when you’re ready to buy, and useful tools to help you decide.

Buyer’s Agent 101: A Fireside Chat

A great buyer’s agent can be especially beneficial for first-time home buyers. What is a buyer’s agent, what’s the value of working with one, and how can you find the best one for you? Carlo Romero, our StreetEasy Concierge, and NYC agents McKenzie Ryan (Douglas Elliman) and Christopher Kromer (Brown Harris Stevens) — both StreetEasy Expert buyer’s agents — hold a fireside chat and answer some burning questions.

If you enjoyed hearing from the StreetEasy Concierge, there’s more where that came from. Buying a home in NYC is unlike buying anywhere else, and if it’s your first time, it helps to have personalized guidance. Chat with our licensed Concierge and start your buying journey with a free consultation.

^{StreetEasy is an assumed name of Zillow, Inc. which has a real estate brokerage license in all 50 states and D.C. See real estate licenses. StreetEasy Concierge team members are real estate licensees, however they are not your agents or providing real estate brokerage services on your behalf. StreetEasy does not intend to interfere with any agency agreement you may have with a real estate professional or solicit your business if you are already under contract to purchase or sell property.}