The Buyer Process

Thoughtful guidance, objective analysis, and disciplined negotiation to help you evaluate the property, the building, the financials, and the long-term value before making one of your most important decisions.

Eight steps, each one deliberate. Here is how Gerald works.

01Consultation & Discovery

Understand neighborhoods, commute, property type, layout, light, views, outdoor space, architecture, entertaining, work-from-home needs, storage, privacy, parks, restaurants, schools, family proximity, lifestyle, timing, resale considerations and the less tangible qualities that make a home feel right.

02Financial Preparation & Lending Strategy

Establish realistic purchasing range and financial structure, including preapproval, down payment, closing costs, carrying costs, DTI and building requirements. Introduce appropriate mortgage resources when needed.

03Search Strategy

Build a customized search based on the consultation and Buyer Consultation Questionnaire. Use Compass One Collections for curated listings, ongoing listing updates, favorites, removals, comments and feedback. Refine the search as tours clarify priorities.

04Property & Building Analysis

Evaluate the apartment and underlying building, including comparable sales, price-per-square-foot trends, maintenance/common charges, taxes, reserves, assessments, capital projects, financing policies, sublet rules, flip taxes, sponsor/investor concentration, land leases, insurance/material issues and long-term marketability.

05Offer Strategy & Negotiation

Use building-specific data, listing history, condition, competition and Gerald’s transaction experience to shape a smart offer. Combine objective market evidence with the buyer’s individual valuation of light, views, layout, outdoor space, location and emotional fit.

06Due Diligence & Contract

Stay involved while the buyer’s attorney conducts legal and building due diligence, including offering plan, amendments, financials, minutes, assessments, insurance, litigation, capital projects, alteration history, financing requirements, sublet rules, flip taxes and other material issues. Gerald helps the buyer understand how findings may affect price, timing, financing, risk or the decision to proceed, while legal advice remains with the attorney.

07Financing, Appraisal & Building Approval

Coordinate mortgage application, appraisal, underwriting and building lender requirements. For co-ops, guide the board package and interview preparation. For condos, coordinate application and right-of-first-refusal procedures as applicable.

08Final Walkthrough & Closing

Confirm agreed condition, repairs, fixtures, appliances, inclusions, keys, fobs and access devices. Check for move damage, broom-clean condition, exposed wiring or incomplete removals. Coordinate the parties through closing and remain a post-closing resource.