5 Things You Can Negotiate on Most Deals
Prepayment of assessments.
An ongoing assessment can add significantly to your monthly carrying costs. I negotiate for the seller to prepay outstanding or future assessment obligations when possible, helping the buyer start ownership without inheriting an immediate additional expense.
Seller credits for closing costs — not just price.
A lower purchase price isn’t always the best way to save money. Seller credits can help fund a 1-0 rate buydown, offset points, or cover other closing costs—creating savings a price reduction alone may not provide.
Post-closing possession. (rent-back)
Sometimes the strongest offer isn’t simply the highest offer. Offering the seller 30–60 days of post-closing possession can give them something they value while giving your offer an edge in a multiple-offer situation.
Personal property & fixtures.
Washer/dryer, custom shelving, wine fridge, window treatments—even furniture. I negotiate to have these items identified and agreed upon before contract, rather than leaving them to assumptions or last-minute conversations.
Who pays the flip tax.
Many co-ops and condos have a flip tax, and while the building may establish a customary responsibility, who ultimately pays it can still be negotiated. It’s a cost I make sure we address as part of the deal.
My Top 6 Apartment Search Tips
NYC Runs on StreetEasy
Set Alerts - Check Consistently - Use Keywords that Match Your Vision
Have Your Paperwork Ready
Obtain Your Pre-Approval Letter
Fill Out Your Financial Statement
Get You Income Verification
Learn the Art of The Linger
After a tour, linger outside and try to catch a resident. Ask politely, “How do you like living here?”
Don’t just Look, Touch
Turn on the Shower
Turn off Lights to check natural light
Stand in silence and listen for noise
Location is Everything
Be as close to a subway as possible even if you work from home. You can change a lot about an apartment but you can’t change its location.
Know the Real Cost
Ask which utilities are included. Are there any current or upcoming assessments? Does the building have a flip tax? Are any fixtures or furnishings included?
5 Questions to Ask a Buyer’s Broker Before Signing
How do you help buyers avoid overpaying for a property?”
I provide my clients a list of recent sales, pricing guidance, and a clear negotiating stradegy before making an offer. Without this, buyers often over pay or miss better opportunities.
Do you have access to off-market or private listings?
The best properties never hit the public market. An experienced agent should have good relationships with other agents, brokers and homeowners to find options buyers wouldn’t find on their own.
How competitive is the market for the properties I’m considering?
A good agent should clearly explain whether you’re entering a bidding war, how quickly properties are selling, and how strong your offer needs to be.
How will you guide me through board approval and the due diligence process?
In NYC, co-ops, condos and new developments all have different rules and approval processes.
An experienced agent will prepare you for that process and avoid costly mistakes.
How do you help buyers decide between similar homes?
A strong advisor will break down value, resale potential, building finacials, and long-term investment potential. They won’t just show you apartments.