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50 West, #50A (Douglas Elliman)

From Get To Know Four ways to prepare to buy this spring or summer + Best new listings to look at

By Cait Etherington Thursday, March 16, 2023

If you're looking to buy a property this spring or summer, now is the time to prepare. From securing financing to narrowing the scope of your search to finding a representative, there is plenty to do before you enter your first open house. This article presents a list of tasks and considerations to work on first, as well as a selection of New York's most impressive listings to come on the market in the past week.

Get pre-qualified or pre-approved for lending

If you're thinking about buying this spring or summer and you haven't already started looking at your financing, it is time to start getting your paperwork together. First, you'll want to ensure that your current credit score and debt-to-income ratio will be considered credit-worthy by a competitive range of lenders. Second, if you're considering buying between March and August, you'll also want to get pre-qualified or even pre-approved for a mortgage. Doing this leg work in advance will help you set a realistic price range for your property search and also help you move from offer to closing more quickly once you seriously embark on your search.

Educate yourself by spending time on a local listing site

It was once common for people to begin a property search by visiting a local real estate office or, perhaps, picking up a real estate flier at the local supermarket. In the twenty-first century, prospective buyers nearly always begin their search by spending time on or subscribing to a real estate listing site. While surfing real estate listing sites has recently become the butt of a range of jokes (and even served as fodder for a Saturday Night Live skit), looking at property listings on sites like CityRealty is an essential part of buyer education in a digital era. Many agents even recommend that prospective buyers, including those who may not be ready to buy for another year or two, subscribe to a daily or weekly listing site. After all, becoming a close watcher of the real estate market is the best way to clarify the type of property you want, need, and can afford under current market conditions.

Define your spending limit, must-haves, and compromises

If you're buying with a partner or spouse, now is the time to define how much you're willing to spend. Committing to a spending threshold in advance will help you stay in your financial comfort zone once you go on the market and avoid any irreparable financial errors down the line.

Likewise, it is always better to get clear on the compromises you're willing to make prior to seriously starting a search. While you may have your heart set on in-unit laundry, would you consider shared laundry if it meant being able to buy a dream apartment in your price range? Would you give up access to bike storage or an on-site gym for an extra bathroom? The clearer you and your buying companion are about what features and amenities are and are not negotiable, the easier and less stressful your home search will be when it starts in earnest.

To get started, ask yourself the following questions:

How much are you willing to spend?
What is your maximum threshold for co-op or condo fees?
How many bedrooms and bathrooms must the property have?
What neighborhoods are you not willing to consider?
What is your maximum commute time to work?
Are you willing to invest in a fixer-upper or distressed property that may require a significant renovation before you can even move in?
What other features and amenities do you consider non-negotiable (e.g., in-unit laundry, dishwasher, number of closets, square footage, outdoor space, storage, doorman, parking, etc.), and what are you willing to give up?

Find an agent to represent you

While you might assume that most agents don’t want to hear from prospective clients until they are ready to buy, this isn’t necessarily true. Many agents are happy to connect with buyers even before they are ready to view properties. A longer lead-up time can help an agent better understand a buyer, their specific needs, and where they may or may not be willing to make compromises. Once a client is ready to view properties, this knowledge also typically speeds up the process since the agent can confidently bring a highly curated set of potential properties to the buyer and avoid wasting time viewing properties unlikely to appeal to them. But this isn't the only reason to contact an agent before you are ready to start viewing properties.

Real estate agents are trained to do much more than give buyers access to properties on the market that match their criteria for buying. Agents can also refer buyers to trusted lenders, real estate attorneys, appraisers, and everyone else needed to find and secure a property. Most importantly, any good agent is someone committed to buyer education, which means they are also there to answer any questions a buyer might have about the current market, preparing to buy, and getting the best value for their money.

155 East 93rd Street, #2F
$549,000

Carnegie Hill | Cooperative | 1 Bedroom, 1 Bath | 600 ft²

155 East 93rd Street, #2F (Douglas Elliman Real Estate)

From the Listing: Lovely pre-war one bedroom in a full-service cooperative building on the Upper East Side. This apartment has a welcoming foyer which leads to the living room and the bedroom. The living room has hardwood floors and an open floor plan with a kitchen that can be expanded to create an island. There are high beamed ceilings, picture molding and classic prewar detail throughout. Facing north and east, this apartment is quiet and bright. The bedroom has hardwood floors, a generous closet, and is very quiet. See floor plan and full details here.

Murray Hill Plaza, #11B
$645,000

Murray Hill | Cooperative | 1 Bedroom, 1 Bath

Murray Hill Plaza, #11B (Sothebys International Realty)

From the Listing: Exquisitely renovated and designed, loft's large, open living room with 13' ceilings, recessed lighting and beautiful hardwood floors, has ample space for both dining and entertaining and leads out to your own private terrace. The recently renovated kitchen was designed with a chef in mind and an eye on the details encompassing a plethora of counter space and fantastic storage. The well-proportioned primary bedroom has a massive custom closet and is pin-drop quiet. Additional features include a recently renovated bath, an unbelievable amount of storage with several closets, a 7'5"x15'5" private attic space, and a newly installed split A/C system. See floor plan and full details here.

One Carnegie Hill, #26L
$879,000

Yorkville | Condop | 1 Bedroom, 1 Bath | 764 ft²

One Carnegie Hill, #26L (Compass)

From the Listing: This corner, coveted 'Junior 4' layout in One Carnegie Hill is on the market for the first time since original purchase from the developer. Currently set up as an open concept living room/dining room combination, the defined dining area can be easily partitioned to create a separate second bedroom or office with floor-to-ceiling windows and its own HVAC unit. See the bridges, river, parks and skyline from this high floor apartment with a northwestern exposure. Not to mention this apartment boast tons of closets, gorgeous bathroom, windowed chef's kitchen with marble countertops, along with a washer and dryer in the apartment! See floor plan and full details here.

The Endicott, #416
$1,595,000

Broadway Corridor | Cooperative | 2 Bedrooms, 2 Baths

The Endicott, #416 (Compass)

From the Listing: Corner two-bedroom, two-bath home with high ceilings and a large open chef's kitchen with premium stainless appliances, quartz countertops, and tons of storage. The massive living room measures 23' in length and it features multiple windows with open eastern views, a wood burning fireplace and custom built-ins. The large primary suite provides the perfect retreat with an ensuite bathroom, multiple closets, and oversized inset windows with treetop views. Quiet and sun-filled with a most ideal 'split bedroom' layout, this apartment truly has it all. See floor plan and full details here.

Tribeca Lofts, #5D
$1,950,000

Tribeca | Condominium | 1 Bedroom, 2 Baths | 1,394 ft²

Tribeca Lofts, #5D (CORE Group Marketing LLC)

From the Listing: A private rooftop terrace crowns this spacious, sun-drenched duplex loft with 15-foot ceilings. Enter the main floor and continue to the open chef's kitchen, dining area and large living room, offering both light and relaxation. Conveniently located off the kitchen is a utility room with a washer/dryer and additional storage. Completing the floor are separate shower and powder rooms. Atop the spiral staircase, the oversized primary suite overlooks the entertaining space below, and offers two closets and a lovely en-suite bath. A level above, the terrace provides the luxury of private outdoor space. See floor plan and full details here.

24 East 93rd Street, #1G/1A
$1,800,000

Carnegie Hill | Cooperative | 2 Bedrooms, 2 Baths

24 East 93rd Street, #1G/1A (Brown Harris Stevens Residential Sales LLC)

From the Listing: This stunning duplex apartment is situated on the first and second floors of a 20 foot wide townhouse on a prime park block in Carnegie Hill. The dramatic and sun-flooded living room, dining area and kitchen on the upper floor face the pretty tree-lined street and feature 10' ceilings, original decorative detail and three absolutely beautiful arched casement windows reflecting the changing seasons beyond. The primary bed and bath are also on this level. The front room on the first floor features two large windows facing north on 93rd street and is currently used as a cozy library/study. A polished staircase leads from the library to the floor above. See floor plan and full details here.

The Osborne, #4AA
$1,950,000

Midtown West | Cooperative | Studio, 1 Bath | 1,000 ft²

The Osborne, #4AA (A & I Broadway Realty Inc)

From the Listing: The wow factor is apparent as soon as you walk into the foyer with a carved and hand painted ceiling design which holds a crystal chandelier. The ceilings are 14'/- and adorned with the original Tiffany glass transoms from 1885 lining both sides of the apartment. The decorative accouterments include fully paneled walls and coffered ceilings in mahogany, an electric Murphy bed encased in mahogany, Puccio onyx jade soaking tub, WC, and shower room. The kitchen/home office has all new appliances, built in mahogany workspace and an 3 onyx jade fireplaces which peeks into the bathroom and is suited for a king or queen. Hardwood floors are customized and contain three types of woods. There are several mahoganies built in closets but the piece de resistance is a mahogany circular staircase which leads up to a loft library platform lined with ornate decorative metal detailing. See floor plan and full details here.

357 West 29th Street, #1B
$2,195,000

Chelsea | Cooperative | 3 Bedrooms, 2 Baths | 1,600 ft²

357 West 29th Street, #1B (Compass)

From the Listing: Enter this 3-bedroom, 2-bath duplex and be immediately captivated by the double high ceiling (just under 17 feet) of the living room with a wood-burning fireplace! The windowed open kitchen is a chef's dream with tons of cabinet storage space, along with Wolf, Miele and Sub-Zero appliances (including a wine refrigerator and professional hood). Completing the lower level is a spa-quality bath and generous bedroom overlooking townhouse gardens. Elegantly elevate to the second floor and enjoy the current layout of a second living room used as a lounge; a bedroom converted into a dream walk-in closet; and the primary bedroom with an en-suite bath and balcony. See floor plan and full details here.

645 Carlton Avenue, #1
$2,550,000

Prospect Heights | Cooperative | 3 Bedrooms, 2 Baths | 2,200 ft²

645 Carlton Avenue, #1 (Compass)

From the Listing: Beautifully renovated 3-bed, 2-bath duplex home with a massive, private garden, in a 24-foot-wide limestone townhouse in prime Prospect Heights! This dreamy apartment features an oversized 35-foot-wide L-shaped landscaped garden and has an incredible flow that makes it feel remarkably spacious in comparison to most brownstones. With a sizable screened in porch, a tranquil fountain, a firepit, irrigation system, lighting throughout, and multiple tiers that create a variety of beautiful areas to entertain, this home feels like a true oasis! This stunning apartment boasts carefully restored pre-war details alongside contemporary design and craftsmanship. See floor plan and full details here.

345 East 57th Street, #11AB
$3,475,000

Midtown East | Cooperative | 4 Bedrooms, 3.5 Baths

345 East 57th Street, #11AB (Sothebys International Realty)

From the Listing: Perched on the eleventh floor with sweeping southern views, this four bedroom sanctuary has been thoughtfully renovated to create an ambiance that is truly special. Entering this spacious combination apartment through the gracious foyer, one arrives in a sun-filled living room with fireplace, striking high ceilings, beautiful casement windows and warm herringbone wood floors. To the left, the well-proportioned dining room features an attractive custom wet bar with wine refrigerator and a second original marble fireplace mantle. Elevated kitchen fixtures and appliances include a vented La Cornue range, Sub-Zero refrigerator, Miele dishwasher, custom cabinetry and sizeable banquette that make this area both functional and refined. On the opposite end of the apartment is the quiet and oversized primary suite with a marble bath and a sunny, well-appointed separate dressing room with marble vanity. See floor plan and full details here.

50 West, #RES50A
$4,250,000

Financial District | Condominium | 2 Bedrooms, 3 Baths | 1,734 ft²

50 West, #RES50A (Douglas Elliman Real Estate)

From the Listing: Be astonished by the views from the 50th floor, with 10-foot ceilings and floor-to-ceiling windows, including north and east endless views of Manhattan and the Hudson River. High above the city, this "Sky Pad" features an open chef's kitchen appointed with custom walnut cabinetry, granite countertops, waterfall edge island, and high-end appliances throughout. The spa-like primary bath features a double vanity, Hansgrohe fixtures, electronic Toto bidet/toilet, heated floors, glass rain shower, and marble deep soaking tub to relax and rejuvenate. See floor plan and full details here.

One Madison, #32B
$5,000,000

Flatiron/Union Square | Condominium | 2 Bedrooms, 2 Baths | 1,560 ft²

One Madison, #32B (Domus Arbiter Realty Corp.)

From the Listing: This artistically designed apartment is flawlessly renovated by the renowned architect Andre Kikoski with his award-wining sensibility to create a museum-like gallery space to display all sizes of art works. The apartment has abundant natural light and spectacular dramatic views of The Clocktower, Madison Square Park, Empire State Building, Freedom Tower, East River and Manhattan skyline. The refined interior embraces luxurious custom materials with bespoke details -- Burmese teak, Statuary bronze, Brazilian marble slabs, wide plank European oak wood floors define the experience of this exquisite residence. This state-of-the-art home also features black out and solar electric shades, a built in wine fridge, individually controlled HVAC system, Nest thermostats, laundry room with Bosch washer/dryer, Gaggenau appliances, Savant smart home system along with hidden sliding TV and entertainment panel. See floor plan and full details here.

151 Wooster Street, #6A
$5,350,000

SoHo | Condominium | 3 Bedrooms, 3.5 Baths | 3,009 ft²

151 Wooster Street, #6A (Sothebys International Realty)

From the Listing: Off the semi-private landing one enters into the expansive prewar loft living space. The dramatic 11-foot barrel vaulted ceilings and arched east facing windows over cobblestoned Wooster Street are very special. The open chef's kitchen with large central island, Miele and Liebherr appliances with custom EuroMobil cabinetry is the centerpiece of the open living/dining space. It also has a large pantry/storage closet as well as a dedicated laundry room with additional storage space. The separate and expansive primary bedroom suite with large custom dressing area has a spa-like marble bath with soaking tub, separate shower, and double sinks. On the other side of the living area are two additional east facing bedrooms, one with a hall bath and the second with an en-suite bath. A large basement storage room is included in the sale. See floor plan and full details here.

373 Bergen Street, #TH
$5,500,000

Park Slope | Townhouse | 5 Bedrooms, 5.5 Baths

373 Bergen Street, #TH (Keller Williams NYC)

From the Listing: Traditional townhome living with all the comforts of a modern luxury lifestyle. With a total square footage of 4076 feet spread out amongst 5 floors, there are 5 bedrooms, 4 full baths and three baths. The parlor floor boasts a gas fireplace, high ceilings, oak plank floors, and an open concept layout, perfect for entertaining. The living space flows seamlessly into the dining and kitchen areas. The gourmet chef's kitchen features a suburban sized Sub-Zero refrigerator, 6 burner Wolf range and oven, Bosch dishwasher and Marvel wine fridge. Off the kitchen breakfast nook is a large deck. The primary suite encompasses the entire second floor of the home. The expansive bedroom has backlit tray ceilings, a fireplace, floor-to-ceiling windows and Juliet balcony overlooking the penultimate brownstone Brooklyn block. Enjoy 360-degree city views from your brand new roof deck! See floor plan and full details here.

520 West 28th Street, #21
$7,995,000

Chelsea | Condominium | 3 Bedrooms, 3.5 Baths | 2,924 ft²

520 West 28th Street, #21 (Brown Harris Stevens Residential Sales LLC)

From the Listing: Residence 21 at 520 West 28th Street is a rarely available distinctive three-bedroom home with three and a half baths across 2,924 square feet. The Great Room measures 26'-0" x 25'.0" with curved windows that mimics the exterior design. A separate family room connects to an open and spacious kitchen designed by Zaha Hadid in collaboration with Boffi that boasts a sculptural marble-clad island and Gaggenau appliances. The bright corner primary suite features a large walk-in closet, access to a private balcony, and a windowed bathroom with a dramatic black marble feature wall and free-standing bathtub. Featured throughout the residence are beautiful hardwood floors, oversized motorized windows, soaring ceiling heights up to 10'7", and wall paneling with opalescent finishing. See floor plan and full details here.

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Contributing Writer Cait Etherington Cait Etherington has over twenty years of experience working as a journalist and communications consultant. Her articles and reviews have been published in newspapers and magazines across the United States and internationally. An experienced financial writer, Cait is committed to exposing the human side of stories about contemporary business, banking and workplace relations. She also enjoys writing about trends, lifestyles and real estate in New York City where she lives with her family in a cozy apartment on the twentieth floor of a Manhattan high rise.

Read Full Bio | Contact Cait Etherington

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Features

Get pre-qualified or pre-approved for lending

Educate yourself by spending time on a local listing site

Define your spending limit, must-haves, and compromises

Find an agent to represent you

Additional Info About the Building

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