Can someone help with advice on submitting an offer

Let the seller know that you are approved for financing, and under what terms.
I would also mention your time frame to close and move-in so the seller can plan their schedule accordingly.

Hope that helps.

like bridgett to sly, put a naked picture of yourself... but only if you look like bridgett b/f flava flav...

sorry but can't help myself with low lying fruit....

does the seller have a broker?

Yes, seller has a broker.

Send email. Include the name and contact info of your attorney. Include your total salary and down payment.

But frankly, dear, if you have to ask a question like that on a board like this, you might, might, not be financially savvy/experienced enough to handle this if you really want that apartment. So I hope you have about 5 apartments you like cuz you might run through your list pretty fast.

Urban digs.com has a good article in its database about this.

But just by posting here, I think you need to sign with a buyer's broker. Or at least start doing the reading you should have already finished by now.

{Manhattan real estate agent.}

Thanks everyone. You're right, Fluter. I understand why you would say that. To be honest, in terms of standard information and terms that you include in an offer, I think I'm set. We also have an attorney who is working with us. I've heard so many bizarre stories, which seem to be unique to NYC--such as seemingly good offers not even receiving a counter or response--that I was wondering whether there were certain provisions to keep in mind when putting in an offer in NYC. Perhaps my question would be better framed as a general question about negotiating in NYC.

Here's a sample www.streeteasy.com/nyc/talk/discussion/12131-who-should-prepare-offer-letters

I have made a few offers over the past 6 months, usually new construction after an open house. After an introductory email with a few questions I just emailed my offer with price and closing cost demands. I didn't put employment, salary , or bank info. Then there was back and forth emails which at times led to phone calls. They treated these offers respectfully. Unfortunately I did not close any deals, but I've learned that it's a simple process.

Usually you send an email to the selling broker and you state your offer and financial information(if broker requests) ie assets liquid and non liquid, income,debt, length of time in current residence, length of time at current company and anything else you deem relevant that would make you a quick board approval, etc...in this market...low ball offers usually get COUNTER offers...so dont be afraid to low ball...

Submitting directly is not all bad. Sometimes I think agents filter or fluff things to a point they become untrue. VERY frustrating.

Good luck.

Fluter - you sound like a prick.
Layla - Good luck!

fluter---no you don't nor have you ever.

Thanks, Village! I wasn't really worried about the process until recently... I feel as though I've been hearing a lot of strange stories and wondered whether this might be a NYC-specific issue... (I'm obviously not from here) For example, a colleague of mine recently submitted an offer on a [coop] (i believe), that was in need of quite a lot of work, their financials were solid--putting more than 50% down and both with very good incomes, they didn't even lowball (i think might have even offered more because his wife fell in love with the apartment--which in today's market seems crazy) and also just lovely folks. From what I understand, the sellers didn't even respond... and I seem to be hearing more stories like this every week. Someone suggested that perhaps my colleague was rejected because he's an attorney... I have heard this before, but I always thought that was in the landlord/tenant situation. Then again, I probably don't know all the specifics.

Columbia--I think you're definitely right. I'm not going with a broker. I'm a first time buyer and perhaps not the most savvy, but surrounded by a great network of savvy friends and family. I have nothing against brokers generally, but just haven't had good experiences with the ones I've worked with. We started off with several, but got so frustrated that we decided to just try searching on our own.

I went through this process and my email was brief and it was basically just the offer. I did not put down financial information. Nothing is final until you sign a contract; you just want to move forward and give enough to show your interest and that you are serious and can move fast to close. Prior to this, I showed a preapproval from a bank.

Coop board reasons for not responding may not have anything to do with your offer or financials.