# What should first-time homebuyers in Syracuse, NY know?

By Greg Wakeman (@gregwakeman) · Published 2026-11-07

Canonical: https://voce.com/@gregwakeman/syracuse-first-time-homebuyers-know-xowb8o

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A few things about New York surprise first-time buyers. I'm Greg Wakeman with the CNY Niche Team at HUNT Real Estate ERA, and I help a lot of first-time buyers in Syracuse, Camillus, DeWitt and Fayetteville.

Attorneys are part of the deal here. In the CNY contract I use, the accepted offer goes to both attorneys within 2 business days, and each attorney then has 3 business days to approve it. Pick your attorney early so that clock doesn't sneak up on you. I can recommend a few.

Look at the full tax bill, not only the price. School, town, county and village taxes change a lot from one district to the next, so two houses at the same price can have very different monthly payments.

The seller usually pays the state transfer tax, so that's one cost you normally won't see. Your lender will give you an estimate of your closing costs up front.

Expect some waiting at the end. One of my least favorite parts of closings in NY is that final figures often don't show up until the day of closing. Call or text me at 315-630-3222.