Long Distance Purchase

I would never buy an apartment in New York, sight unseen, relying only on a brokers recommendation.

This is a big city with lots of apartments to see. There will be something of interest for you to consider next week.

ABSOLUTELY NOT!

The first thing you must do if you are truly interested is have your excellent NYC real estate attorney (and I am sure you have one.....right?!?) review the contract at the very least to make sure everything is in order. If you have not located a good real estate attorney in NYC, you are not ready to look at or sign anything, period.

I appreciate the feedback and no I don't have an attorney (i totally forgot that). Thank you

Generally there is a little bit of time during which your attorney reviews the contract before you actually sign. That should buy you enough time to come to nyc next week.

definitely! you should not sign a contract prior to coming to nyc! You never know what you're going to get. broker's pictures are very deceiving. a lot are trained these days to use photoshop to ensure the color + brightness of the apt. i've been searching for a place for over 6 months now... i've seen crappy places but the photos are definitely a+++! there's practically no sunlight in a few. you might end up living infront of a busy street... thus, lots of noise at night. and i agree with #3... never sign a contract prior to retaining a attorney to review it. he/she will also review the condo/coop board package as well. take your time! you can place an offer... and the offer can be accepted... however, you have the opportunity to have your attorney review it prior to signing the contract and placing down a deposit.

What's the rush to buy? Why not move to NY and rent for a few months while looking?

Have you completely lost your mind???!!! NEVER EVER sign a contract to purchase an apartment here! THIS IS NY! There could be soOOOO many problems (mice, ect) that you wouldn't even know about! The broker you spoke to probably find an apartment that was taking them the longest to unload and tossed it on you! Even if this apartment is SO great, do you realize how large this city is?? There are literally thousands of apartments for sale in this city and if you come next week there should be NO problem finding another one. If you sign that contract your just asking for trouble!

When you get here just start going around town till you find an area you like then hang about at all hours, be sure the services you require are in the 'hood & that you like the vibe, etc. Also don't forget about transportation to & from your work. Good luck & have fun!

Again, some brokers lie to close deals.

virtual shopping?

Julia: Who was the broker? If you don't want to give the name at least please disclose what agency.

It surprises me that any nyc broker would tell you to sin immediately, since nothing happens THAT fast here (she didnt even ask you if you have an attorney??!!!!)Generally there is an offer, it is accepted, the lawyers go back and forth briefly, then you sign. That is certainly enough time to buy you til next week! Is this a new conversion? If so, generally you sign the contract and then your attorney oes over the offering your plan. You have a week or so to back out if you wish. Thats the only way that her urging you to "sign" immediately makes sense. It surprises me that any broker would find you a property and urge you to "sign" knowing you are from out of state, and not making certain all your ducks are in a row (the attorney is a pretty crucial duck). If you elaborate on the specifics we may be able to further help. Also, are you familiar with nyc? If not I would spend some time in your preferred area to ensure it is what you really want.

All good advice, Julia. Would like to ask, is this broker your (buyer's) agent or the listing agent? Might explain a lot...if its your buyer's agent then she should be working on YOUR behalf, and if she's pulling this it sounds like you should find someone else to work with. This broker sounds like she's pressuring you into a sale.

Either way, get a lawyer before you DO ANYTHING. Then when you find your place you'll be ready.

Agree with #14, if this is your buyer broker you need to find a new one for next time. If its the seller broker, they all say that so you can close the deal. There may be some truth to the urgency, but sometimes the first one just doesn't work out.