Honeymoon’s over. Now life, in earnest, begins, and it’s sometimes super stressful. The first year of marriage is rife with decisions. Do you spend Thanksgiving at your partners’ parents house or yours? Who manages the monthly finances? Do you dare discuss if/when you want to make a baby?
Real estate is another loaded issue altogether. Where to live? How to live? Rent or buy? City or country? Clutter or Kondo? Here to lessen your psychic load is Emily Beare, licensed real estate broker at CORE and represents the environmentally conscious 60 White Street in Tribeca. Below, her tips for settling into a home sweet home that both you and your partner adore.
What if you fall in love with the first home you see?
This is a very emotional business – each home has a feeling and sometimes you walk in and just know it’s right. It’s a gut feeling – something I can’t explain, but it’s there. So if it happens to be the first home you see, even better (even though it’s rare).
So you find a place you like—what happens next?
Once you find the perfect home, we advise on an offer and the negotiations. Real estate is an art, not a science; there is no one way to make an offer. The goal is to have a agent you trust speak to the seller’s broker on your behalf.
Is it true that you have to be a bazillionaire to buy in NYC?
We work with buyers in all price ranges to help them meet their goals every day, no matter what. That’s what is so great about New York – there’s something for everyone.
Should a couple plan ahead if they expect to grow their family?
It’s best to look for a home that will suit your needs for at least a few years, and reassess what’s best for you and your family thereafter.
What about school districts?
It’s an important consideration that your real estate broker should have no problem helping you navigate. Whether it’s public or private school, it’s a big part of the daily commute for you and your family – but not one that I’d necessarily get caught up in if you don’t plan on having children for the next few years. You never know what you may decide when the time comes to grow your family.
When does it make sense to rent instead of buy?
It makes sense to rent when you are unsure of where you want to make such a big investment. Renters have the luxury of testing out different neighborhoods, amenities, building types, districts, and much more. It is also important to consider how long you see yourself in New York City.
Any other things to know when buying your first home in New York?
Be patient and use all the resources available to you — a great broker, designer, architect, or a buyer with vision can make a house your home.