Buying in Queens or Brooklyn - Questions & Potential Answers

[Steve Spector]

Although originally from Canarsie I've lived in the Washington DC area for
the last 30 years and am hoping to return to NYC. I'm looking to buy in
Queens or Brooklyn in the $500-600K range for a detached or attached house
for at least 1200 square feet. I've done a lot of research and spoken to a
bunch of realtors. I'm again single with 3 cats. This is what I've
concluded so far.

- Most real estate couldn't be bothered with you unless you're looking at
THEIR listed property

- You tend to get more bang for your buck in Queens (say Woodside, Elmhurst,
Sunnyside, even Astoria) than in Brooklyn - (even going out as far as
Bensonhurst or Bay Ridge) at least when it comes to 1 family houses.
(Although some 2 fams would be a good investment, I really can't be bothered
being a landlord at this point in my life)

- The best sources to go to for the most listings are the larger "company"
websites such as ReMax (which tend to import MLS listings from other
brokers) as well as the New York Times website and each of the borough's
listings on Craig's List.

- Figure at least 90 days to 120 days till closing and find yourself a
decent attorney to push the paper

- If looking for condos watch out for "common charges" which often make a
so-called reasonably-priced condo, a bit more expensive than you want.

- Many condos will not take any animals.

Your feedback is greatly appreciated.

Steve