Stay informed with the latest updates, tips, and insights on real estate law in New York and New Jersey.
Before you list your Staten Island home, there are legal issues your realtor won't catch - open permits, deed problems, liens, and capital gains timing. Attorney Pete Weinman explains what to check before you go to market.
New Jersey does not require buyers to have an attorney — but that answer misses the point. Attorney Pete Weinman, dually licensed in NY and NJ, walks through what a buyer's attorney actually does in NJ from contract to closing, and why most buyers should have one.
A plain-language guide to NYC apartment occupancy law — the Roommate Law, occupancy limits, sublets, short-term rentals, and home-based businesses. By Pete Weinman, Esq.
The NJ attorney review period is the single most misunderstood step in the home buying process. Licensed in both NY and NJ, Pete Weinman debunks the five most common myths.
Staying in your Staten Island home after closing? A use and occupancy agreement is not free. Attorney Pete Weinman explains what sellers owe daily, how the penalty escrow works, and when storage and a hotel are the smarter move.
New Jersey does not require buyers to have an attorney — but that answer misses the point. Attorney Pete Weinman, dually licensed in NY and NJ, walks through what a buyer's attorney actually does in NJ from contract to closing, and why most buyers should have one.
The NJ attorney review period is the single most misunderstood step in the home buying process. Licensed in both NY and NJ, Pete Weinman debunks the five most common myths.
Not legally required — but here's why almost every New York home buyer has one anyway. A plain-English explanation of how real estate transactions actually work in New York, and what buyers risk without an attorney.
A complete step-by-step guide to buying a home in Staten Island — from financial preparation through closing day and beyond. Written by Pete Weinman, Staten Island real estate attorney with 25+ years of experience.
A satirical piece highlighting problematic statements real estate attorneys encounter from clients, including discussions of fraudulent loan practices and schemes to circumvent lending rules.
Law Day 2024 celebrates democracy with the theme 'Voices of Democracy.' Learn how citizens can make their voices heard through fundamental rights and civic participation.
Richmond County Bar Association celebrates Law Day 2023 with a focus on civic engagement, respectful dialogue, and collaborative problem-solving.
Despite some lenders claiming surveys are unnecessary, obtaining a property survey is critical for boundary verification, identifying hidden issues, and protecting your investment.
Understand the differences between condos, co-ops, and private homes in terms of ownership structure, financial management, financing, and control.
Examine the advantages and disadvantages of using a real estate professional when buying or selling property. Make an informed decision based on your circumstances.
A qualified home inspector serves as an essential safeguard when purchasing property. Learn about expert assessment, regulatory compliance, safety identification, and future planning benefits.
Before you list your Staten Island home, there are legal issues your realtor won't catch - open permits, deed problems, liens, and capital gains timing. Attorney Pete Weinman explains what to check before you go to market.
Staying in your Staten Island home after closing? A use and occupancy agreement is not free. Attorney Pete Weinman explains what sellers owe daily, how the penalty escrow works, and when storage and a hotel are the smarter move.
Selling your Staten Island home and buying in New Jersey? Dual-licensed attorney Pete Weinman can handle both transactions and explains the full process from listing to closing.
Worried about timing your Staten Island home sale with your New Jersey purchase? Dual-licensed attorney Pete Weinman explains how to coordinate both closings and avoid a costly gap.
Selling in Staten Island and buying in New Jersey? Pete Weinman is dually licensed in both states — one attorney for both transactions, from contract through closing.
Understand the full cost picture when selling your Staten Island home and buying in New Jersey — including transfer taxes, title insurance, mansion tax, and attorney fees on both sides.
New Jersey has the highest property taxes in the country. Before you buy in NJ, dual-licensed attorney Pete Weinman explains what to expect and how to budget accurately.
Buying a home in New Jersey? Dual-licensed attorney Pete Weinman explains mansion tax, title insurance, well and septic inspections, and all the NJ closing costs buyers need to budget for.
Most Staten Island homes use public water and sewer. Many NJ homes don't. Dual-licensed attorney Pete Weinman explains well water and septic systems before you sign a contract.
Need to buy in NJ before your Staten Island home sells? Dual-licensed attorney Pete Weinman explains bridge loans, contingency offers, HELOCs, and use and occupancy agreements.
Most sellers focus on their sale price — but the number that lands in your account is the sale price minus closing costs. Learn what Staten Island sellers actually pay at closing.
In New York, attorney representation for sellers is standard practice. Learn why hiring a real estate attorney to sell your Staten Island home is essential — not optional.
From contract drafting through closing day, learn exactly what a seller's attorney does at each stage of your Staten Island home sale.
New York's PCDS is required for all home sellers. Learn what changed in 2024, what you must disclose, and how to protect yourself as a seller.
The home inspection is one of the most stressful steps for sellers. Learn when inspections happen in NY, how to evaluate requests, and whether to repair or credit.
Open building permits and outstanding violations are common complications in Staten Island sales. Learn what they are, how they affect your sale, and what to do before you list.
Selling a home in Staten Island involves more steps than most sellers expect. This complete guide walks you through the entire process from listing to closing day.
Beginning July 19, 2024, New York residents can use Transfer on Death Deeds to designate beneficiaries and avoid the probate process. Learn how this new estate planning tool works.
A Staten Island real estate attorney explains 7 common reasons home closings fall apart — and how the right legal protection keeps your deal on track. Free consultation: (718) 442-2010.
Closing delays are frustrating and common. Learn the most frequent causes — from title issues to open permits — and how to avoid them as a Staten Island seller.
Closing day is the finish line — but arriving unprepared can cause delays. Learn exactly what documents and items sellers need to bring to closing in New York.
Comprehensive guide to closing costs for Staten Island home buyers. Learn about mortgage recording tax, mansion tax, title insurance, attorney fees, and what you'll actually pay at closing.
A step-by-step look at exactly what a buyer's attorney does before, during, and after a real estate closing in New York — from reviewing the closing disclosure to confirming deed recording.
From accepted offer to closing day, a New York home purchase typically takes 60 to 90 days. Here's what drives the timeline, what causes delays, and what buyers can do to keep things on track.
A behind-the-scenes look at what actually happens during the title search and title insurance process when buying a home in New York — what gets searched, what comes back, and how your attorney resolves problems before closing.
A complete checklist of what to bring to your real estate closing in New York — plus what to confirm and complete in the days before closing day to make sure nothing slows you down.
Understanding closing costs is essential for budgeting when purchasing property in New York City. Learn about mortgage recording tax, title insurance, attorney fees, and more.
Understanding property ownership structures in New York is crucial. Learn about sole ownership, tenancy in common, joint tenancy, and tenancy by the entirety.
Title insurance protects property owners and lenders against financial losses from defects in real property titles. Learn why this one-time investment is essential for your real estate purchase.
Learn about the primary deed types used in New York real estate transactions: full warranty deeds, bargain and sale deeds, and quitclaim deeds.
Transfer taxes are one of the largest closing costs a home seller faces in NYC. Learn how NYC RPTT and NYS transfer tax are calculated and what you'll actually pay.
New York's mortgage recording tax can add thousands to your closing costs. Here's how it works in Staten Island, what the current rates are, and how a CEMA can legally reduce what you owe.
In New York City, a "seller concession" typically means the price is set higher than the agreed value and the seller credits the difference back at closing — allowing the buyer to borrow more. Here's how it works and what to watch out for.
New York's mansion tax applies to all home purchases at $1,000,000 or more — and with rising Staten Island prices, more buyers are affected than ever. Here's exactly how it works, what it costs, and how to plan for it.
The Financial Crimes Enforcement Network's Residential Real Estate Rule became effective March 1, 2026. Learn about filing obligations, exemptions, and penalties for all-cash transactions.
Co-signing a mortgage may seem generous, but it carries substantial risks. Learn about liability, credit impact, and relationship strains before you commit.
A plain-language guide to NYC apartment occupancy law — the Roommate Law, occupancy limits, sublets, short-term rentals, and home-based businesses. By Pete Weinman, Esq.
If you have questions about real estate law or need representation, contact me for a consultation.
The information provided on this blog is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. No attorney-client relationship is formed by reading or commenting on these posts. The content may not reflect the most current legal developments and may not apply to your specific situation. For legal advice concerning your individual circumstances, please consult with a licensed attorney. Do not rely on information from this blog as a substitute for professional legal counsel. Past results described in blog posts do not guarantee similar outcomes in future cases.