Top Tips To Buying A House In Buffalo NY

Buying a house in Buffalo, NY is an excellent idea for a number of different reasons. Whether you’re moving to Buffalo for the first time, looking to change homes, or want to buy an investment property, Buffalo is a great up-and-coming city. Zillow even named Buffalo 2024’s Hottest Market and 2025’s Hottest Market as well.

With Buffalo's rich architectural history, beautiful neighborhoods, and world famous seasonal changes, it’s important to have a deep understanding of the process to buying a house in Buffalo NY.

Top Tip for Buying A House In Buffalo NY

Before buying a home in Buffalo NY, it’s very important to have a good understanding of the local real estate market. You can achieve this by researching current trends, including which neighborhoods are in demand and what types of homes are selling quickly and for how much.

The easiest way to make sure you have a full understanding of the Buffalo market is to work with a local agent. Local, experienced agents are going to know the current market trends better than anyone else and can make sure you get the best deal possible. That’s why our top tip is to work with a local agent.

Luckily for you, we’ve had the privilege of working with most of Buffalo’s top real estate professionals over the past decade. While we’ve met and collaborated with some incredible agents, one consistently stood out from the rest: Kim Santana.

If we’re going to put our reputation on the line by recommending a real estate agent, they need to be the best of the best that our city and region has to offer. So if you’re ready, reach out to Kim for help. If you need some convincing, read on about relocating to Buffalo, NY.

Know The Neighborhoods Where you Want To Buy

Buffalo NY is one of the most affordable cities in the U.S. This means that when you’re looking to buy a house in Buffalo, you should look buy a home in Buffalo’s best neighborhoods.

Buffalo has plenty of beautiful, walkable, and friendly neighborhoods for you to choose from. The most popular neighborhoods in Buffalo to buy a house in are the Elmwood Village, Parkside, Allentown, and Downtown.

Chances are that Buffalo has a neighbor which will perfectly suit your needs. You can experience that classic big city feeling Downtown, a more walkable quaint vibe in the Elmwood Village, or more family oriented home with big yards in North Buffalo.

Each one of Buffalo’s neighborhood offers its own set of unique benefits. Give our article Buffalo’s Best Neighborhoods a read for a deeper understanding of what each neighborhood offers and what it would be like if you plan to live there.

Consider The Weather When Choosing A Home

Spoiler alert! It snows in Buffalo. Not all homes are perfectly prepared to deal with Buffalo’s cold spells in winter and the not uncommon blizzard which can bring feet and feet of snow.

Knowing what to look for in old homes, and more importantly which questions to ask, can save you a lot of time and money come winter.

For example, the house's insulation and heating systems are extremely important if you don’t want to spend a fortune on your heating bill. Adequate insulation helps keep the home warm during the harsh winters without overburdening the heating system.

You should look for houses with updated windows and well-insulated attics and walls.

The condition and efficiency of the furnace or central heating system should also be a major consideration, as a well-maintained system can significantly reduce winter heating costs.

The roof's design and condition are critical to consider as well. A lot of Buffalo’s housing stock is old, so updated roofs are a great thing to look for. A sturdy, well-maintained roof will keep you dry and handle the snow without issues.

You should pay attention to the roof's age, materials, and any signs of sagging or damage. Homes with steeper roofs tend to shed snow more easily, reducing the risk of damage.

Get Pre Approved For A Mortgage

This is more of a general tip rather than a tip specifically for buying a house in Buffalo NY. However, real estate in Buffalo moves pretty quickly since it’s more affordable and in a very desirable location. Since houses can go on and off the market so quickly, it’s important to have your finances in order.

You might find the perfect house to buy in Buffalo and want to put in an offer right away. But if you aren’t pre approved for a mortgage, you won’t be able to put in an offer.

If you’re not sure how to get pre approved for a mortgage, don’t worry! We can get you in touch with a real estate professional who can help you get pre approved and guide you through your buying process. Just fill out the form below and one of our expert partners will reach out as soon as possible.

Consider What Type of House Fits Your Lifestyle

Buffalo NY is an incredible city full of friendly people, beautiful neighborhoods, and delicious food. There is something for everyone to do and you’re sure to find a great community for your unique interests.

The same can be said for Buffalo’s housing stock. Buffalo has a very diverse range of residential architecture that will fit everyone’s lifestyle. Whether you want to buy a high-rise condo and enjoy the big city lifestyle or you want to own a smaller ranch-style home with a large backyard, Buffalo has you covered.

Between the extremely affordable price of homes, the stunning architecture, the fantastic food scene, and our world class park system, you’re sure to find a home that suits your needs perfectly.

Think About Future Neighborhood Developments

Many neighborhoods across Buffalo are growing. There are several districts that are experiencing major building booms which in turn in changing the shape of the neighborhood and raising property value. If you’re considering an investment property, this information is important to consider.

Whether you’re thinking of purchasing around Niagara Street which has seen a ton of investment within the past few years or near the Medical Corridor which is experiencing some of the largest growth in the City, you’ll need to do your homework.

As we’ve stated a few times in this article, a local agent is likely going to be your best asset when it comes to understanding neighborhood development and where is going to be the best place to buy.

Buy A Home In Buffalo NY

Nothing is going to help you more in your process than working with a local real estate agent. Even if you know the neighborhood you want to live in, have been pre approved for a mortgage, and know your exact budget, it’s going to be extremely helpful if you have an expert in the local market on your side.

We would love to help you get started on the right foot and make sure you find your ideal Buffalo home. We’ve decided to partner with our preferred real estate agent, Kim Santana, for that exact reason. She’ll be able to answer all of the questions you have and guide you in the right direction. Just reach out and ask away!