IF there is a bright spot in New York City’s uncertain real estate market, it is that over the last several months, some first-time buyers have found it easier to buy apartments.

With mortgage rates low and prices steady, some of these buyers are getting apartments at the most favorable prices and terms in years.

“I haven’t seen a better time to be a first-time buyer in about a decade,” said Sarah Burke, vice president for sales and marketing at the Developers Group, a sales, marketing and brokerage firm based in Brooklyn. “First-time buyers have time to get their ducks in a row. A year ago, there were a lot of people who all wanted the same apartment. You have time now to really review the contract with an attorney. You have time to ask questions. You don’t need to decide on the spot.”

But as attractive as mortgage rates are, getting approval for one is becoming much more difficult. Based in part on reports across the country that even some borrowers with strong credit are in danger of defaulting on loans, lenders are scrutinizing first-time buyers’ credit and employment histories.

“First-time home buyers don’t have track records,”

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