Recommended buyer's agent and lawyer, bk/qns area?

Brooklyn or Queens?

what does that last part mean? don't a buyer and attorney usually both naturally want to close?

@gothamsboro - I'm looking at both locations (preferably bklyn) but don't have a preference where they work as long as they have good listings for both areas.

@crescent22 - the seller wasn't returning my calls and questions about closing or condo status after i applied for financing and got my approval. they basically just left me hanging. my lawyer, he was good but i basically had to do the work for him. i had to call my lawyer almost every day to follow up on the delay w the condo and...eventually to have him get my downpayment back. it took a whole year of waiting and resulted to no condo and me wasting my time and money! I basically would like a lawyer who knows the ins/outs of new developments and will be on top of things.

I used this person before. I didn't even lift a finger to get things done. Plus he is affordable.

http://jtrilloesq.blogspot.com/

Luv, you need to narrow your parameters. Different agents focus on neighborhoods. What are you looking for. Exactly and what is price range?

I have closed many deals, including new construction, with Kaye Stewart from Leiter Realty. Clients always sing her praises.

Kaye Stewart
kaye.stewart@leiterrealty.com
Cell: 914-282-1990
Office: 718-387-3700

Let me know if you need any further info!

Greg Akselband, Esq.

@Ottawanyc do you know if it's possible to have more than 1 agent? I guess I'll start with brooklyn area. Ideally north/northwest of brooklyn would be very nice: Park slope, Prospect Heights, Crown Heights, all the way to Greenpoint. My budget is 400K for 1 br/1 ba new development or newly renovated, with access to a garage/parking. I've found like 2 or 3 in 380K range in Trulia and Streeteasy. I have hopes that there are more out there to look/consider.

Sorry Luv, but that sounds rather unrealistic, unless you want to live in a co-op. Is that ok for you? Also, seems you are very early in your search and it would be premature to get an agent. Maybe try and get a more realistic grasp on what you could realistically buy and see if that would meet your expectations. What are your reasons for buying and how much down payment do you have and what is your household income?

@Ottawanyc I would prefer a condo. What do you mean by very early in my search? Do you mean that the location is unrealistic for the price I'm looking for? I was in contract for a condo last year that didn't end up closing because the seller couldn't get the approval for the TCO. It was a 1 br/1ba with balcony, new development, 400K penthouse in Queens area and surprisingly was marketed by Nestseekers. I'm sure there were other issues why the building couldn't get the TCO. Both the seller and the agent were very good at not returning phonecalls and corresnpondents. I am happy that I am out of that sh*thole (pardon my language).

On my last contract I was ready to put 10-13% down and was told to have 19K for closing. I'm on the same budget.

BTW I appreciate all your feedback.

People with limited budgets shouldn't be focused on only new developments and/or condos. You get very little s.f. for your money.

have you been able to narrow down into Brooklyn or Queens?
Different neighborhoods
besides the parking are you looking for specific amenities in a new construction? Must it be a new construction?