J
ordan Lombardo and Brad Senffner met on a dating app in 2017, but it wasn't until six months later that they finally met in person. It was by accident, while Mr. Lombardo's mother visited him in Chicago. They went out for brunch, and as they finished their meal, Mr. Lombardo noticed Mr. Senffner waving to him from across the street. He found this odd and introduced himself with a hug and the wrong name: Adam.
The two realized they were both heading to the same local beach that day and have been together ever since. A few months after meeting, Mr. Lombardo moved into Mr. Senffner's apartment in Chicago, but he had his sights set on New York City. He wanted to move to Manhattan, where he'd attended college and thrived in its walkable environment.
Mr. Senffner, who grew up in a small town south of Chicago, was surprised by the ask, but eventually agreed to make the move with Mr. Lombardo. They arrived in Manhattan in 2018 and tried short-term rentals to get a feel for different neighborhoods. Their first spot was a one-bedroom in Washington Heights, where they lived for a month.
The couple got married in their Harlem rental on New Year's Eve 2024 and started thinking about buying a place. They liked living in Harlem but also loved the neighborhood vibe in Washington Heights. With a budget of up to $800,000, they qualified for a first-time buyer mortgage rate and began researching options with Ashley Jeudy, an agent at Brown Harris Stevens.
They looked for apartments that fit their needs: two bedrooms, great kitchens, lots of light, and pet-friendliness. They preferred prewar charm over newer developments and wanted enough space to entertain guests. The couple tried to stay under their budget so they'd have funds left over for renovations or adjustments.
Their options included a renovated two-bedroom in a 1910 brownstone with two balconies, but each accessible only through a bedroom; a one-bedroom apartment in a 1920 condo close to Riverside Park, but farther from the subway; and a freshly renovated two-bedroom on the top floor of a 35-unit condo, a short walk to the subway at 145th Street.
After considering their options, they decided to buy...
