http://www.trulia.com/voices/Home_Buying/Where_in_Riverdale_is_the_best_place_for_us_Budge-142534We are moving back to NYC after being in Chicago for a few years, and we have since had a child. We arelooking into Riverdale to buy for the good schools. We require living near #1 train, and hopefully near metronorth, would love NOT to have a car.. we want to live as south in riverdale as possible. What is the best area to be knowing the above? Of course we would want to be fairly close to the best school... thanks !en-ushttp://www.trulia.com/voices/profile/Real_Estate_Pro-New_York_NY-336582/http://www.trulia.com/voices/profile/Real_Estate_Pro-New_York_NY-336582/Jenniferkh71, You have plenty of options at the moment, because there's many apartments available in Riverdale. The question is whether you want to buy a coop or condo. Coops typically require 20% to 25% of the asking price as a downpayment. And this is in addition to the closing cost. Whereas condominiums only require 10% down, but higher closing cost because it's real property, and they're very pricey. Considering your price range, your best option would be a cooperative apartment. I would suggest working with a buyer's agent who is not only familiar with the area, but who is experienced with board packages as well, because it's a crucial factor of the buying process. I specialize in cooperative sales, and have been working with owners and buyers in the Riverdale and Kingsbridge area (10463 and 10471). Feel free to contact me anytime if you have questions, or need help in starting your search process. Odetta Clinton Real Estate Salesperson Ardor Realty Corp. 1040 Avenue of the Americas, 8th FL New York, NY 10018 917-697-9848 oclinton@ardorny.comSun, 13 Dec 2009 17:20:49 -0800http://www.trulia.com/voices/profile/Real_Estate_Pro-Riverdale_Bronx_NY-222893/http://www.trulia.com/voices/profile/Real_Estate_Pro-Riverdale_Bronx_NY-222893/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 718-432-5000Fri, 03 Jul 2009 12:28:42 -0700http://www.trulia.com/voices/profile/Real_Estate_Pro-30310-259160/http://www.trulia.com/voices/profile/Real_Estate_Pro-30310-259160/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,Fri, 03 Jul 2009 10:22:54 -0700