While many homebuyers may hear that it’s all about “location, location, location,” there are other important factors to consider when selecting a house, not the least of which is the structural condition of the dwelling, and the heating, cooling, plumbing and electrical systems. For this reason, before you close on a home purchase,...

If you are a first time homebuyer, navigating the real estate market in Staten Island can be complicated. From selecting a dwelling and signing a contract to arranging for a home inspection and securing a mortgage, the process requires doing some homework along with having patience and resolve.

When you’re ready to buy...

How do I negotiate a strong commercial lease in NYC?

Sixteen years after New York City and the rest of the nation experienced the horrors of 9/11, the New York City commercial real estate market has rebounded and then some.  The latest market statistics show over 2.75 million square feet of commercial space...

Q: What is driving the investment property boom on Staten Island?

Staten Island commercial real estate is on fire – – not literally, just in a good way. We knew things were booming, but now we have the numbers to prove it.

And the numbers don't lie. The figures surrounding the real...

Why might a rent-to-own home agreement be risky for the tenant?

Qualifying for a mortgage requires strong credit and sufficient income.  Many Americans find themselves unable to obtain a traditional mortgage due to a lack of credit, a negative payment history, or not enough income.  For those individuals that do not qualify for...

Over the years, many married couples have come to us for assistance with buying a home. Today, however, it is becoming increasingly common for unmarried couples, family members, friends and even business partners to buy a home together. Nonetheless, there are important considerations involved when non-spouses buy a home, some of which are...

What costs can a landlord deduct from the tenant’s security deposit?

Most tenants will need to put down a security deposit before renting a residential property.  The security deposit is typically close to the amount of one month’s rent, and it is intended to cover damages inflicted by the tenant to the property...

What factors should I consider before signing a commercial real estate lease?

As New York City prices continue to climb and real estate becomes sparser, developers are expanding outside the City.  Westchester County is the newest target for investors, attracting a flurry of new businesses, ranging from restaurants and stores to theaters and...

One of the critical considerations for owners of investment property is the requirement to pay a capital gains tax upon the sale of the property. Given the advances real estate prices have made in recent years, such a tax payment could be sizable. There are ways to avoid these taxes, such as entering...

There may be a thief among us.

The Staten Island residential real estate boom has been spotlighted recently on our blog, but if the charges against a local man are proven to be true, it will have some residents saying "There goes the neighborhood!".

A...