Real Estate Lawyers in New York City

A real estate lawyer in New York City plays a bigger role than in many US markets, because buyers and sellers here usually hire an attorney for the whole deal. Residential work centres on co-op and condo purchases, sales and refinancing. Commercial clients need office and retail leases, acquisitions, development and financing. Landlord and tenant disputes are a large field of their own.

In a typical purchase your attorney reviews the offering plan or co-op documents, negotiates the contract, checks title and handles the closing. Co-op buyers also face board approval, which can take weeks and requires a detailed financial package. Buyers pay transfer and mortgage related taxes, and the city and state each have their own transfer taxes, so ask for a closing cost estimate early. Residential evictions and repair cases go to the Housing Court, part of the Civil Court of the City of New York, while larger property disputes are heard in state Supreme Court. You can verify any attorney through the New York State Unified Court System Attorney Search.

Residential closings are usually billed as a flat fee, with title insurance, recording charges and taxes on top. Commercial deals and litigation are more often hourly. Before hiring a real estate lawyer in New York City, ask what the flat fee includes, who attends the closing and how quickly they turn around contracts in a competitive market. Foreign buyers should also ask about tax withholding on a later sale. A real estate lawyer in New York City who knows local boards can keep your deal on track. Compare the firms below and contact them directly.