What Clear to Close Really Means in a NYC Real Estate Deal
Buyers hear the phrase “Clear to Close” and assume they are finished. In reality, this stage means the lender has approved the loan and all…
Category: Buyers
How to Identify a Failing Chimney in Staten Island and Brooklyn
A chimney is one of the most exposed parts of a home. In Staten Island and South Brooklyn, decades of freeze and moisture cycles make…
How NYC Real Property Transfer Tax (RPTT) Works for Buyers and Sellers
Every NYC home sale includes a city transfer tax known as the Real Property Transfer Tax, or RPTT. Whether you’re buying or selling in Staten…
How a Property Survey Impacts Your Closing in NYC
A property survey is one of the most underrated but influential documents in a real-estate closing. In Staten Island and Brooklyn, where lot lines are…
How Certificates of Occupancy for One-Family vs Two-Family Homes Work in NYC
In New York City, your home’s Certificate of Occupancy (CO) isn’t just paperwork. It defines legal use, unit count and occupancy. For buyers in Staten…
How Mortgage Recasts Work for NYC Homeowners
A mortgage recast is one of the least understood financial tools available to homeowners. Unlike refinancing, a recast keeps your original loan, rate and terms.…
My Black Friday Gift to You: the Biggest Housing Myths Debunked (with Real Data)
You would not believe how good it feels to take a scary headline about the housing market and present the actual data that makes buyers…
How to Tell If Your HVAC System Is Undersized in Staten Island and Brooklyn
An HVAC system that’s too small for the home will cost you comfort and money. In Staten Island and South Brooklyn, where homes often have…
How to Identify a Failing Subfloor in Staten Island and Brooklyn Homes
A failing subfloor is one of the most expensive “hidden problems” inside older Staten Island and South Brooklyn homes. The subfloor sits between your finished…
What the City of Yes Rules Say About Detached ADUs
The City of Yes for Housing Opportunity initiative is rewriting how New Yorkers can use their property and one of its most transformative features is…