sponsor unit fees

Depends on the sponsor and how anxious they are to unload the apartment... I've also been curious about the negotiations--what's fixed before the contract is signed? BTW.. congrats on finding a place you like.. saw you were looking some weeks back.. where did you end up finding something?

have you signed a contract?

nothing signed at this point.

thanks, gu on upper east side...but nothing signed

Until the contract is signed, anything is fair game. But personally, I didn't get too far with it. During due diligence, my lawyer and I found that the condo has some big expenses looming, and I tried to use that to reopen price talks -- I said we'd go forward if the sponsor covered the transfer tax (which I hadn't known previously we'd be responsible for. isn't first-time buying fun?). No dice. We went to contract anyway, since we decided the various hassles and expenses were worth it.

But especially if you can find something in the due-diligence phase you couldn't have know about previously (in our case, an upcoming assessment & common charge hike), it's worth a shot.

nycbecky... one suggestion i would have at this point would be to have your attorney negotiate that point on your behalf. In my experience I haven't had a single sponsor sale in the past year where the buyer actually paid those costs, since the market has changed it has always been the sponsor who pays, but I did specify it each time in the offer. Don't be timid or afraid to revisit the issue, the sponsor i am sure is well aware that most buyers are not paying it at this point.

ok, thanks for the input..
I think you are right, having the attorney handle it would probably be best

nycbecky,i know i am repeating but until the contract is signed it's all open.
Many places will provide you with an estimate early on so this does not occur. If there is something wackey in their they probably are expecting it.
My attorney took a hands off approach and i did not have a broker so i was on my own. Very different market then when i signed my contract, but i had already had a few breaks. And you never know unless you ask, so GO FOR IT!!