Reader Q&A: Westchester County Home Buyers

What should I know about buying a co-op in Westchester vs. NYC? Is buying a co-op worth the hassle?

Westchester’s co-op approval process is similar to New York City’s, but a 2021 Fair Housing amendment requires Westchester co-op boards to disclose financial requirements and provide reasons for rejection. This gives buyers clarity on qualifications. While the process still includes financial scrutiny and board rules, co-ops remain an excellent, affordable path to homeownership and equity building!

How important are school districts for resale value?

School district rankings have a significant impact on home values, even for buyers without children. Homes in top-ranked districts tend to sell faster and appreciate slightly higher over time. For example, since 2020, the median sales price of a single-family home in the Scarsdale School District (ranked #1 by Niche.com) has risen 38.3%, compared to a 28.4% increase in the Yonkers School District (ranked #35). Strong school districts attract more buyers, boosting demand and ensuring better long-term resale value.

We lost out on three homes last year. How can we better compete in a multiple-offer situations?

"Highest and Best" deadlines remain common in today’s low-inventory market, where strategic offers can make all the difference. The highest bid isn’t always the strongest — terms matter. Winning offers often include escalation clauses, minimized or waived contingencies when possible, and a closing date aligned with the seller’s preference (I always call the listing agent to inquire). Adding financial assurances and building rapport with the seller’s agent can also give my buyers a critical edge.