
With a new year on the horizon, our real estate agents foresee many exciting developments in New York's real estate market. If you're considering purchasing a home in 2025, it's a good idea to prepare yourself for what lies ahead. Our tips will help you take actionable steps toward purchasing your dream home in the coming year.
- Get Preapproved
You'll have to deal with mortgage companies at some point during your home-buying search, so why not get that legwork out of the way early? Getting pre-approved for a mortgage is one of the best things you can do to kick off your home-buying search. Doing so not only lets you know exactly how much funding you'll be able to secure but also makes any offers you submit much more attractive to sellers.
- Work Out Your Budget
Once you know how much you'll be able to borrow, you can figure out how much you're truly able to spend. Don't overextend yourself with payments that eat up a huge chunk of your take-home pay. Ideally, you shouldn't spend more than 1/3 of your monthly income on housing, including expenses like utility costs and insurance premiums. Leave a little extra room in the budget for things like maintenance and property taxes, especially if you're interested in older homes that may need more frequent repairs than newer buildings.
- Prioritize Location
You probably know what your dream home looks like, but have you thought about your dream neighborhood? The area around your home is just as important to your long-term satisfaction as the property itself. Look for an area that offers amenities you value, such as good schools, lush parks, or a thriving nightlife.
Only you know which of these features you and your family will enjoy most. Once you know what you're looking for, though, be sure to let your agent know what you've settled on. They can use their expertise to help you find an area that meets your needs without compromising on affordability.
- Don't Worry About Bidding Wars
Even though 2025's market is expected to remain hot, you might not face much competition during the bidding phase of your search. With prices already high, fewer buyers have room in their budget to engage in the kinds of heated bidding wars that were common a few years ago. Your offers are more likely to be accepted, reducing the stress of househunting and ensuring that you probably won't have to feel the pain of losing a property you love to a buyer with deeper pockets.
- Don't Play the Waiting Game
In short, it's a seller's market: the longer you wait, the more you'll pay.
If you're ready to buy this year, give the task your full attention. Work with a qualified local agent to find the most promising properties in your target area and attend viewings for each of them. Ask questions, follow up as needed, and don't second-guess yourself when you think you might be prepared to make an offer.
These tips will give you a good start on your 2025 home search, but there's no substitute for the help of an experienced real estate professional. Contact us today to get in touch with our team and take your first steps toward your new home.