Buy With Ricky
A Numbers-First Approach to Homeownership
Most agents walk you through houses. I walk you through the numbers behind them - so you buy with confidence, not just excitement.
8 Steps to Your New Home
From first conversation to closing day, here is exactly how I guide every buyer through the process.
Free Strategy Session
We sit down and define your buy box - budget, timeline, must-haves, deal-breakers, and the neighborhoods that fit your life. No pressure, just a clear plan.
Get Pre-Approved
I connect you with trusted lenders who understand Long Island. A pre-approval letter shows sellers you are serious and locks in your true price range.
Search and Shortlist
I set up custom MLS alerts so you see new listings the minute they hit the market. No scrolling through hundreds of mismatches - just properties that fit your criteria.
Tour and Evaluate
During showings, I point out what matters beyond cosmetics - roof age, HVAC condition, foundation signs, lot grading, and renovation potential that affects long-term value.
Run the Numbers
This is where my MBA in Finance pays off. I calculate your true cost of ownership - PITI, insurance, maintenance reserves, and closing costs - so you know the real monthly number, not just the listing price.
The Move With Ricky DifferenceMake a Competitive Offer
I build your offer strategy using recent comps, days on market, and seller motivation. In bidding wars, I help you compete without overpaying.
Inspections, Appraisal, Attorney Review
New York is an attorney state. I coordinate your home inspection, appraisal, and attorney review so nothing falls through the cracks. If issues surface, I negotiate repairs or credits on your behalf.
Close and Get Your Keys
I walk you through final numbers at the closing table so there are zero surprises. Then you get the keys and start the next chapter. I stay available after closing for anything you need.
What Most Buyers Miss
Buying on Long Island is different from anywhere else. These are the things first-time and relocating buyers overlook - and what can cost thousands if you do not catch them early.
School District Boundaries
On Long Island, school district lines do not match town or zip code boundaries. Two houses on the same street can feed into completely different districts with different ratings and tax rates. I verify the exact district for every property before you make an offer.
Property Tax Reality
Long Island has some of the highest property taxes in the country, and they vary dramatically - even within the same town. I pull actual tax records for every property so you can budget accurately. A home with a low listing price but high taxes can cost more monthly than a pricier home in a lower-tax district.
Flood Zones and Insurance
Parts of Long Island fall in FEMA flood zones, and flood insurance requirements can add thousands per year to your carrying costs. I check the flood map for every property and factor insurance into your true cost of ownership calculation.
Closing Costs on Long Island
Between attorney fees, title insurance, mortgage recording tax, escrow, and transfer taxes, buyer closing costs on Long Island typically run 2-5% of the purchase price. I break these down for you before you commit, so there are no surprises at the closing table.
Every Buyer Has a Different Starting Point
No matter where you are in the process, I tailor my approach to your specific situation.
First-Time Buyer
Navigating the process for the first time? I walk you through every step so you understand what you are signing and why.
Move-Up Buyer
Selling and buying at the same time? I help you time the market and structure contingencies to avoid carrying two mortgages.
Moving to Long Island
Coming from NYC, out of state, or abroad? I break down taxes, school districts, commute times, and neighborhoods before you visit.
Buying to Invest
Purchasing a rental or multi-family? I underwrite every deal with cap rate, cash-on-cash, and DSCR analysis.
Learn more →Get Your Free Buyer's Guide
A step-by-step guide to buying on Long Island - including the financial questions most agents never answer.
- Pre-approval checklist and lender questions
- True cost of ownership worksheet
- Long Island closing cost breakdown
- School district and tax comparison tips
- NY buyer programs and down payment assistance
Your info is private. No spam, no sharing - just the guide and a personal follow-up from Ricky.
Check Your Inbox!
Your Buyer's Guide is on the way. I will also reach out personally to see how I can help with your search.
Book a Free ConsultationBuying on Long Island FAQ
While 20% down avoids private mortgage insurance (PMI), many buyers put down 3-10%. FHA loans allow as little as 3.5% down. SONYMA and other NY programs offer down payment assistance for qualifying buyers. During our strategy session, I help you find the right loan structure for your budget.
Buyer closing costs on Long Island typically range from 2-5% of the purchase price. This includes attorney fees, title insurance, mortgage recording tax, escrow deposits, and various transfer taxes. On a $600,000 home, expect roughly $12,000-$30,000 in closing costs. I break these down in detail before you submit any offer.
Yes. New York is an attorney state, meaning both buyer and seller typically have their own real estate attorneys who review and negotiate the contract of sale. Your attorney handles the contract review, title search, and closing. I coordinate closely with your attorney throughout the process.
From accepted offer to closing, the typical timeline on Long Island is 60-90 days. This includes attorney review (1-2 weeks), inspections (1 week), mortgage underwriting (3-5 weeks), and title clearance. Cash purchases can close in as little as 30 days. The search itself varies based on your criteria and the market.
Long Island property taxes include county, town, school district, and special district taxes. School taxes make up the largest portion (often 60-70% of the total). Taxes can vary dramatically even within the same town because school district boundaries do not follow municipal lines. I pull actual tax records for every property we consider, so you know your real monthly cost before making an offer.
I bring an MBA in Finance and CFO-level advisory experience to every transaction. While most agents focus on showings and open houses, I calculate your true cost of ownership, analyze tax implications street by street, evaluate school district boundaries, and build offer strategies grounded in real data. I also speak English, Hindi, and Punjabi to serve our diverse Long Island community.
Ready to Start Your Home Search?
Whether you are buying your first home or your next one, let us sit down and build a plan that starts with the numbers.
Why Buyers Choose Ricky
Buying a home on Long Island is one of the largest financial decisions you will make. Rakesh (Ricky) Khanna brings an MBA in Finance and a background in CFO-level advisory work to every buyer transaction. That means you get more than a tour guide - you get someone who calculates your true cost of ownership, analyzes tax implications street by street, evaluates school district boundaries, and builds an offer strategy grounded in real data.
Serving Nassau County, Suffolk County, and Queens, Ricky works with first-time buyers, move-up buyers, relocating families, and investors across Long Island. Fluent in English, Hindi, and Punjabi, he ensures every client understands every number before signing anything.
Ready to start? Book a free consultation or call 3-2-1-HI-RICKY today.
Rakesh (Ricky) Khanna | Licensed Real Estate Salesperson
Better Homes and Gardens | Realty Connect
1 Crossways Park Dr W, Woodbury, NY 11797
(321) 447-4259 | ricky@movewithricky.com | movewithricky.com
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