From first conversation to closing day, here is exactly how I guide every buyer through the process.
01Free Strategy SessionWe 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.
02Get Pre-ApprovedI 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.
03Search and ShortlistI 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.
04Tour and EvaluateDuring showings, I point out what matters beyond cosmetics - roof age, HVAC condition, foundation signs, lot grading, and renovation potential that affects long-term value.
05Run the NumbersThis 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 DIFFERENCE
06Make a Competitive OfferI build your offer strategy using recent comps, days on market, and seller motivation. In bidding wars, I help you compete without overpaying.
07Inspections, Appraisal, Attorney ReviewNew 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.
08Close and Get Your KeysI 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.
Long Island Buyer Intel
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.
SCHOOLSSchool District BoundariesOn 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.
TAXESProperty Tax RealityLong 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 RISKFlood Zones and InsuranceParts 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.
CLOSINGClosing Costs on Long IslandBetween 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.
Which Buyer Are You?
Every Buyer Has a Different Starting Point
No matter where you are in the process, I tailor my approach to your specific situation.
FIRST HOMEFirst-Time BuyerNavigating the process for the first time? I walk you through every step so you understand what you are signing and why.
UPGRADEMove-Up BuyerSelling and buying at the same time? I help you time the market and structure contingencies to avoid carrying two mortgages.
RELOCATINGMoving to Long IslandComing from NYC, out of state, or abroad? I break down taxes, school districts, commute times, and neighborhoods before you visit.
INVESTBuying to InvestPurchasing 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 GuideA step-by-step guide to buying on Long Island - including the financial questions most agents never answer. Enter your info below and I will send it to your inbox.
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✔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 Consultation
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 RickyBuying 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.
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By digitally signing this form you are providing with your express written consent to send you business and marketing communications via email and by calls or prerecorded messages dialed by a natural person or by an automatic or automated telephone dialing system. This express written consent applies to each such email address or telephone number that you provide to us now or in the future and permits such communication regardless of their purpose.
If checked, you consent to receiving texts including marketing and promotional communications, from . Messages and data rates may apply. Message frequency varies. To opt out of text messages, reply STOP. Your consent is not required as a condition of any purchase. By continuing, you also agree to our Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy
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Address: '123 Main St, Anytown' Neighborhood: 'Downtown' Zip: '98115' City: 'Anytown' or 'Anytown, State/Province' MLS number: 'MLS# 38065544'
