Hi Jenniferkh71,

There are a bunch of 2 bedrooms in Riverdale right now in South Riverdale. You should not have to pay more than 400k for almost any 2 bedroom in South Riverdale right now (there are a few exceptions to this). There are some things you should think about and some questions that you would need to answer to be able to get the most from your search and the agent that you decide to use.

The things to think about are:

1)Do you want to be represented by a buyer's agent (I recommend it)?
2)Use someone who is able (and willing) to show you properties with all of the other agents with listings in the area (I say this, because many agents just want to show their own listings so they can make more money)
3)If you are buying a co-op (which is most likely in your price range) use an agent who will help you through the board purchase application process (which can be very difficult & confusing (especially with Riverdale co-ops). Many of the brokerages and agents in the area do not help with this and leave you to your own devices.
4)Use an agent who will listen to your needs and wants and hlp you find what is good for you and not what is convenient for them.

Here are some of the questions you should answer:

1)What is your budget including maintenance charges?
2)How much money do you have for a down payment(10%, 20% 50%)?
3)Are you a first time home buyer (this can impact your urgency to purchase because some of the tax credits expire on 11/30/2009)?
4)How is your credit?
5)Are you Pre-approved for a Mortgage?
6)Do you need to sell anything in order to purchase?
7)Do you have pets?
8)Do you want something renovated or are you willing to do work?
9)What is your time frame for the purchase(i.e. do you want to be in by October 2009 or March 2010 or somewhere in between)?

If you want I can set you up on a service called listingbook which I can help you tailor to fit your needs in your real estate search. It is linked directly to the most prominent Multiple Listing Service in the area and is a great tool for assisting you in your search.

By the way, I own the only real estate office in South Riverdale and I have been helping people find homes that they love in Riverdale and the surrounding area for a long time. I also live in south Riverdale with my wife and 2 kids who go to PS 24. Feel free to pick my brain any time you choose.

You can contact me at your convenience at 917-974-2600 or joegreene@weichert.com

All the best,

Joe Greene
Broker/Owner
Weichert, Realtors - House & Home
609 Kappock Street
Suite 1A
Riverdale, NY 10463
718-432-5000

WOW...perspective. In my market $425,000 can get you a 3500sf 4BR/3BA, 3 car garage with a Gazebo and possibly dock rights.

I have friends in New York...the Cost of Living varience still just blows me away.

You are hunting for a Realtor and a property. You may want to spend some time on Realtor.com or ask for referrals to find a good broker to assist you.

I've come to learn that sometimes concierge services may prove useful in a "reverse directory" sort of way regarding knowledge of clients/buildings/vacancies.

Good Luck,