Who ever told your husband that 1st floor apartments are harder to sell- has possibly not been in the business too long...or wants to sell you something else higher priced.. I have 3 buyers right now that only want a 1st floor apartment (I looked for 1 particular buyer over 1 year to find them a 1st floor close to the sidewalk-didn't want courtyard)- good for 1st time buyers, or downsizing elderly- carrying groceries in or laundry....buy something convenient for you...forget resale- there is a market for everyone and everything. If you are buying at a lower price- you will be able to sell lower if you had to. Don't forget the $8,000 1st time buyers incentive (now can be used for your downpayment instead of waiting for your tax time)

If light is what you'll need- make sure you use light colored paint-stay away from dark colors....keep ceilings bright white. Enjoy for many years in good health. Terry K

The apartment is probably priced lower than others in the area because of its location on the first floor and it's lack lighting. Just keep this in mind when it comes time to sell - you purchased it for less, so expect that it may sell for less when the time comes for exactly the same reasons. That being said, a realtor should never inject their opinion of a property - rule #1 in sales is that their opinion does not matter since they are not the one that is going to be living there. If you like it, you should buy it. If you've ever looked at a home right next to a subway platform and said "who would ever live there?" - take a closer look and you will see that SOMEONE is living there now...and someone will live there in the future as well. With the right price and motivation, everything sells.

As for whether it really is a great deal, only a buyer's agent who represents you can tell you that conclusively. If you want to do your own research, websites like Zillow or Trulia have some sales information. Otherwise, check out NYC Dept of Finance for recent sales info in that neighborhood.

For more information and tips for first time home buyers, feel free to visit our website at http://www.teammd.net. Good luck.

If you are going to be happy living there why not go for it, you were interested in a first floor so why wouldn't anyone else be down the road; there are many pros to a first floor that others will find appealing by the way; is it a case of cold feet on your husband's part I wonder--I am also curious as to who said 1st floors are harder to resell-your buyer agent, seller's agent or another agent who has nothing to do with this transaction and may want you as customers.

Anna
917-576-5376
abrocco@laffey.com

There are pros and cons to a first floor, but same thing if say you were buying a 3rd floor. First floor will be more appealing to someone who wants easy access to their home, if they do not want to or cant walk up stairs. As well when you come home with 8 grocery bags you dont have to make 3 trips up and down the stairs. As with any building such as this people are buying for convenience and price. Just as you fell in love with it, when you have outlived it, there will be someone else who will. Their are far more pros than cons with a 1st floor. Congratulations on finding a place you can afford and love. Enjoy your new home.

FROM: Gail Gladstone, CIPS, TRC, SRES, RECS answered:
You are purchasing a home. Would you be happy living there? If you plan to stay for several years, you can feel confident to get your $ back and hopefully make a small profit.

I have property in Astoria. Some years ago, it was worth $400k. Then it went up to $750k. Today it is probably at about $550k. One thing has always been consistent with real estate values...they continue to rise, even though they backslide a bit now and then.

You are buying a home! Tell your husband to call me so I can yell at him. 631-425-6150. And I have no monetary gain in doing so!