Dilendorf represents local and international clients in connection with purchase and sale of condominium (“condo”) units throughout NYC. We provide diligent representation through every step of closing a real estate transaction, whether the client is buying or selling a condo.
Negotiating a contract of sale with the seller’s attorney to protect the buyer’s financial interests and to shield the buyer from unnecessary liability. Before executing the contract and making a deposit, going over the contract terms with the buyer to make sure that he/she understands the contractual rights and obligations.
Reviewing the title report generated by the purchaser’s title company and addressing title issues (if any) raised by the purchaser’s attorney to make sure that the seller can successfully close on the unit sale.
For first-time homebuyers, closing on a home purchase can be like finishing a long and grueling race. Most closings take place within 60-90 days after the Contract is signed, and involve plenty of paperwork, a lot of signatures, a roomful of lawyers, and many checks changing hands.
Most New York State residential real estate contracts provide for a seventy-two (72) hour attorney review, commencing once all parties have signed the Contract. During this period, changes can be made to the Contract, provided same are agreed upon by both parties.
1. Acceptance of Buyer's Offer. The process starts when a Contract to Purchase Real Property ("Contract") is submitted to Seller (typically drawn up by a real estate agent). Seller can accept, reject or counter the offer.
In return, you either receive a deed (for a condo) or a proprietary lease (for a co-op). In reality, two closings may be happening at this stage; closing for sale and possibly closing your loan on the mortgage. This closing location could be at one of a few different places; the managing agent’s office, an attorney’s office, a broker’s office, or even another area where the sale; is officially recorded.
The turning point in any real estate closing, of course, will be when you finally receive the keys to your new property. Although you’ll likely end up changing all the locks right away, the symbolic significance nonetheless will still offer closure to the process. The deed and mortgage will then be recorded in your attorneys’ public records; the purchase of your new home will now be closed and registered officially.
Your Closing Documents#N#Your Closing Documents 1 The Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act (RESPA) statement, also called the HUD-1 closing statement, itemizes all closing costs. You’ll need this document for income tax purposes and when you sell your property. 2 The Truth in Lending Statement spells out the terms of your mortgage loan. 3 The mortgage and the note, two separate documents, explain your mortgage obligation’s legal terms and agreed-upon repayment terms. 4 Property Deed; transfers the ownership to you. 5 Affidavits are affirming various statements made by either party. For example, the sellers often sign an affidavit stating they have not incurred any property liens. 6 Riders and Amendments; affect your rights. For example, a rider may outline the condo association’s rules and restrictions if you buy a condo. 7 Home Insurance policies; provide a record and proof of your coverage.
The Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act (RESPA) statement, also called the HUD-1 closing statement, itemizes all closing costs. You’ll need this document for income tax purposes and when you sell your property.
Under the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) “Know before you owe” rule, you will receive the Closing Disclosure three business days before your closing date, allowing you to review the mortgage terms and costs.
You control the first two items, but there are cases where the seller drags their feet. It should take one or two business days.
These are required because, unlike personal checks, they won’t bounce as the funds are withdrawn at the time of the issue. Also, bring your checkbook in case there are any unforeseen expenses. For example, it won’t be ideal if your closing is delayed because you are short $100.
closing is handled differently, in that the seller’s bank will send its
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company will normally require seller to pay the judgment and
The seller can be sued for damages for knowingly failing to adequately disclose this information about the property. Also, a failure to fill out the form results in the buyer receiving a $500 credit against the purchase price at the closing. Importantly, for purposes of the disclosure requirement, the definition of “residential real property” does not include condominium units or cooperative apartments, so the disclosure requirement does not apply to many real estate transactions in New York City and the surrounding boroughs. Many contracts simply refer to the disclosure by statutory reference and then agree to the $500 credit instead of disclosure. Additionally, it is permitted by the statute to contractually avoid the disclosure by agreeing to sell property “as is” or otherwise without any representations or warranties.
Even after there is an accepted offer, however, neither party is legally obligated to go through with the transaction at this point. Either party can back out of the deal without being in breach of contract. There will not be any obligations to purchase or sell the property until the attorneys write up a formal contract and it is signed by both parties. Execution of binders prepared by real estate agents is discouraged, because they are drafted as though they are legally binding, but typically are not and thereby create confusion.
Buyer obtains financing . The buyer’s attorney will work with the lender to obtain the information and documents needed to finalize the loan that will be used to purchase the home. Whenever a buyer is getting a loan to finance a residential real estate purchase, the federal Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act (RESPA), ensures that the buyer is informed of all the costs associated with the loan and purchase. These are known as “settlement costs.” First, the lender must provide the buyer with a good faith estimate of settlement costs within three business days of receiving the loan application. The lender’s agreement to make the loan to the buyer is called a “commitment.” At the closing, the lender must provide a Uniform Settlement Statement, also known as a “HUD Form 1.” This form must include all the financial details regarding the transaction. Important: most residential contracts in New York are contingent on financing. The buyer is given a period of time, typically within 30-90 days, to obtain a mortgage loan commitment. If the buyer is unable to, it can cancel the contract and receive a refund of its initial deposit.
Buyer makes a down-payment. Upon signing the contract, the buyer typically delivers a down-payment equal to 10% of the purchase price to the seller. The check is usually made out to the seller’s attorney, who holds it for safekeeping in a separate account called an “ escrow account .” Most residential real estate contracts in New York allow the seller to keep the down-payment as “ liquidated damages ” if the buyer decides to back out of the contract for a reason that is not allowed by the contract. Contracts will typically have cancellation rights relating to financing, title issues, engineering issues and termites, all as discussed below. If the buyer goes through with the purchase, the down-payment is credited to buyer and deducted from the purchase price at the closing.
Buyer makes an offer . The real estate agents will negotiate the basic terms of the transaction, such as the purchase price, and whether that price includes or excludes fixtures and personal property found on the premises. The agents will also negotiate whether the offer will depend on any other events, like the buyer obtaining a loan ...
The basic steps for buying and selling real property include: Hire a real estate agent. Although you are not required to use an agent when buying or selling real estate, many buyers and sellers hire agents to help them find a home or find a buyer for their home, and to help them through the initial process of making and responding to an offer. ...
In order to give notice to the world of the transaction, the deed and mortgage (if any), and any other documents affecting title, must be filed with the county clerk’s office where the real estate is located.
If you are purchasing a coop or a condo that requires board approval, you must fill out and submit aboard application (usually with a processing fee) in order for the board to approve or deny the purchase.
Prior to attending the closing, you should schedule a “walk-through” to inspect the property. During the walk-through, you must ensure that the property is in the same condition that it was in when the contract was signed.
When looking for an attorney, make sure the attorney has experience in real estate closings. The staff at the Levin Law Group handles HUNDREDS of real estate closings per year and are well qualified to represent you.
Once your offer is accepted, it is time to hire a real estate lawyer. In New York, buyers and sellers of real estate almost always retain an attorney; the attorney’s job is to guide the parties and handle the legal paperwork.
If your offer is accepted, move on to Step 2. If your offer is rejected, either make a counter-offer or move on to a different property. Do not put anything in writing, as this may, unintentionally, create a binding contract. Oftentimes the real estate agent will request that you sign an “offer” or even a “contract.”.
The first step in any real estate transaction is to find the property of your choice and make a verbal offer. Under New York Law, a contract for the sale for real property must be in writing; thus a verbal offer creates no binding obligation upon either party. If your offer is accepted, move on to Step 2. If your offer is rejected, either make ...
The Closing customarily takes places either at the Seller’s attorney’s office or at the Buyer’s Bank’s Attorney’s office. In Coop transactions, the Closing always takes place at the office of the Managing Agent.