The 7 Things No One Tells You About Buying Your First Home on Long Island

Buying your first home is a lot like adulting on hard mode—there’s no “restart” button if you mess up, and the stakes are way higher than your first Ikea furniture build.

If you’re a first-time homebuyer in Suffolk County, NY, chances are you’ve been scrolling Zillow at midnight, dreaming about a cozy spot in Stony Brook, Port Jefferson, or Huntington. But here’s the truth—there’s more to the process than pretty kitchens and backyard fire pits.

Here are 7 things no one tells you about buying your first home on Long Island—straight from a local real estate agent who’s helped hundreds of first-time buyers turn “someday” into finally moving out of their parents basement apartment!

1. Your “Budget” Isn’t Just Your Down Payment

Everyone talks about saving for the down payment—but you’ll also need to budget for closing costs, property taxes, moving expenses, inspections, and even that couch you’ll need when you realize your old futon doesn’t fit the vibe.

Pro Tip: In Suffolk County, property taxes vary dramatically from town to town—factor them in before you fall in love with a house, and confirm that your lender is taking the proper amount into account when getting pre approved.

2. Pre-Approval is the Real Power Move

Getting pre-approved with a trusted local lender makes you a serious contender. In today’s competitive Long Island housing market, a seller will always pick the buyer who already has financing lined up.

Bonus? You’ll know exactly what you can afford before you start swiping right on houses you can’t actually buy. Online mortgage portals and big box banks make it really easy to get pre approvals, but a lot of listing agents will want to work with someone LOCAL and easiest to get in touch with (think cell number). 

3. Zillow Photos Lie

Sorry to break it to you, but that “sunlit living room” might actually be a 9 AM illusion on the one sunny day in February.

Seeing homes in person is essential—especially in Stony Brook, Port Jefferson, and Huntington, where older homes can have “character” (translation: quirks you need to budget for).

4. Your Student Loans Aren’t Always a Deal-Breaker

Millennials and Gen Z buyers often think debt = no mortgage. Not true. Lenders look at your debt-to-income ratio, and there are programs designed for buyers with student loans—yes, even in high-cost areas like Suffolk County.

5. Long Island Property Taxes Hit Different

Taxes here can be an eye-opener if you’re moving from another area. Don’t just check the listing price—ask your Long Island real estate agent to pull actual tax amounts for each property you’re considering.

6. The Right Realtor = Your Translator for Real Estate-ese

Buying your first home means hearing words like “escrow,”  and “appraisal gap” for the first time. A good agent (hi, that’s me 👋) will break it all down without making you feel like you’re back in high school algebra. An active and well respected agent will help you hear the market gossip long before the rest of the buyers will hear it too. Listing agents are likely to take chances on lower downpayments or contingencies when the agent bringing the offer is someone they know and trust. 

7. Don’t Skip the Home Inspection—Even if the Kitchen is Instagram-Perfect

A fresh subway tile backsplash can’t hide an aging boiler or roof. A thorough inspection can save you from a financial disaster down the road. I have a few home inspectors that I trust and am happy to refer to you.

Buying your first home in Suffolk County, NY—whether it’s in Stony Brook, Port Jefferson, Huntington, or anywhere else on Long Island—can be exciting, nerve-wracking, and totally worth it when you get those keys in your hand.

Don’t go into the process blind. Download my free First-Time Homebuyer Guide packed with step-by-step tips, local insights, and everything you need to buy smart in today’s Long Island market.

📩 [Download the Guide Here]

Shaughnessy Dusling

Licensed Associate Broker at Real Broker NY LLC

150 Motor Parkway St 401

Hauppauge NY 11788

cell 631-612-1616