Real Estate Law Insights
Stay informed with the latest updates, tips, and insights on real estate law in New York and New Jersey.
New York already limited institutional investors buying single-family homes. Now a new federal law does too. Staten Island Attorney Pete Weinman explains what both protections actually mean for Staten Island sellers.
NYC's new Co-op Transparency Law forces boards to respond to purchase applications on a fixed timeline for the first time ever. Attorney Pete Weinman explains what changed, what didn't, and what it means for buyers.
Staten Island home sellers: check for open permits, deed issues, liens, and capital gains exposure before you list. Attorney Pete Weinman's pre-listing legal checklist.
NJ doesn't require a buyer's attorney — but the attorney review period exists for a reason. Here's exactly what a buyer's attorney does in New Jersey from contract to closing.
NYC's Roommate Law lets tenants share apartments even when leases say otherwise. Here's a plain-language guide to occupancy rights, sublets, short-term rentals, and home businesses.
NJ attorney review is widely misunderstood. The 3-day window starts the clock — it doesn't end negotiations. Pete Weinman debunks the 5 most common myths.
Staying in your Staten Island home after closing? Use and occupancy isn't free — sellers owe daily mortgage interest, taxes, and utilities. Here's the honest math.
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.
Selling your Staten Island home and buying in New Jersey? This complete roadmap covers both transactions — contracts, timelines, costs, and closing coordination — by a dually licensed attorney.
Timing your Staten Island sale with a New Jersey purchase? Here are 5 strategies — contingency offers, bridge loans, HELOCs, same-day closings, and use and occupancy — with honest costs.
Selling Staten Island, buying New Jersey? Pete Weinman is dually licensed in both states — one attorney for both transactions, coordinating both closings from contract through closing.
Selling your Staten Island home and buying in New Jersey? Here's the full cost picture — NYC transfer taxes, NJ title insurance, mansion tax, and attorney fees on both sides.
New Jersey has the highest property taxes in the US. Before you buy in NJ, here's what Staten Island homeowners need to know — with real numbers by county.
NJ closing costs for buyers include title insurance, well and septic inspections, radon testing, and attorney fees. Here's a complete breakdown with a real dollar example.
Most Staten Island homes use public water and sewer. Many NJ homes don't. Here's what buyers need to know about well water, septic systems, and inspection contingencies before signing.
Need to buy in NJ before your Staten Island home sells? Here's an honest comparison of bridge loans, contingency offers, HELOCs, and use and occupancy — with real costs.
Staten Island home sellers pay 7–10% of the sale price in closing costs. Here's exactly what you'll owe — transfer taxes, commissions, attorney fees, and more.
New York home sellers need an attorney — not just a realtor. Here's why attorney representation is standard practice and what you risk without one.
Your seller's attorney drafts the contract, holds escrow, clears title, and gets you to the closing table. Here's exactly what they do at each stage of your Staten Island sale.
NYC transfer taxes are among the largest closing costs for Staten Island sellers. Learn how the RPTT and NYS transfer tax are calculated — with real dollar examples.
New York eliminated the $500 PCDS credit in 2024 — sellers must now complete the disclosure form. Learn what to disclose and how to protect yourself from liability.
Home inspection issues in New York come up before the contract is signed. Learn how to evaluate buyer requests, when to repair vs. credit, and how to protect your deal.
Closing delays cost Staten Island sellers time and money. Learn the most common causes — title issues, open permits, mortgage problems — and how to prevent them.
Open permits and DOB violations are among the most common deal-killers in Staten Island home sales. Learn what they are, how they affect your sale, and what to do first.
Closing day checklist for New York home sellers: what ID, documents, keys, and wire instructions to bring — and what you don't need to worry about.
Selling a home in Staten Island? This step-by-step guide covers every stage — from listing and inspection to contract signing and closing day.
Staten Island home buyers: closing costs run 3–5% of the purchase price on top of your down payment. Here's a complete breakdown of every fee — with a real dollar example.
Not legally required — but every other party at a New York closing has an attorney. Here's what buyers risk without one, and why representation is standard practice.
Your buyer's attorney reviews the closing disclosure, checks the title rundown, and catches errors before you sign. Here's exactly what they do before, during, and after closing.
New York's mortgage recording tax can add $10,000+ to your closing costs. Learn the current Staten Island rates, how a CEMA can legally reduce what you owe, and what to budget.
A New York home purchase takes 60–90 days from accepted offer to closing. Here's what drives the timeline, what causes delays, and how to keep your deal on track.
NYC seller concessions work differently than the rest of the country — the price is inflated and credited back at closing. Here's how it works and what buyers need to know.
What actually happens during a New York title search — chain of title, open mortgages, judgments, municipal violations, and how your attorney resolves problems before closing.
New York real estate closing checklist for buyers: what ID, funds, insurance, and documents to bring — plus what to confirm in the days before closing day.
Buying a home in Staten Island? This step-by-step guide covers every stage — from financial prep and inspection to contract signing, title review, and closing day.
New York's mansion tax hits all purchases at $1M+ — and more Staten Island buyers qualify every year. Here's the full rate table, real dollar examples, and planning strategies.
NYC closing costs typically run 2–5% of the purchase price. Here's a plain-English breakdown of mortgage recording tax, title insurance, attorney fees, and what to budget.
A satirical look at the things real estate attorneys actually hear from clients — covering fraud schemes, title myths, and closing day surprises.
FinCEN's Residential Real Estate Rule (effective March 2026) requires reporting on all-cash entity purchases. Learn who must file, what triggers reporting, and the penalties.
New York's Transfer on Death Deed (effective July 2024) lets property owners name beneficiaries and skip probate. Learn how TOD deeds work and who should consider one.
Law Day 2024 theme: Voices of Democracy. Pete Weinman of the Richmond County Bar Association on free speech, voting, and civic participation.
Law Day 2023: Civics, Civility, and Collaboration. The Richmond County Bar Association on strengthening democracy through education, respectful dialogue, and community action.
Co-signing a mortgage means full liability for the entire loan — not just a reference. Learn the 5 hidden dangers before you commit to someone else's mortgage.
How you hold title in New York affects inheritance, liability, and your ability to sell. Learn the differences between sole ownership, joint tenancy, tenancy in common, and tenancy by the entirety.
Your lender may say a survey is optional — but it isn't. A property survey reveals encroachments, boundary disputes, and easements before they become your problem.
Condo, co-op, or private home — each ownership structure works differently in New York. Compare financing, board approval, control, and resale before you decide.
Title insurance protects your New York home purchase from hidden liens, ownership defects, and past title problems. Learn why it's essential and what it actually covers.
New York uses bargain and sale deeds — not warranty deeds — in most residential sales. Learn what each deed type covers and what it means for your protection as a buyer.
Realtor or FSBO? In New York, you still need a real estate attorney regardless. Here's an honest look at when using an agent makes sense — and when it might not.
A licensed home inspector catches what you can't see — structural issues, electrical hazards, mold, and more. Here's why skipping the inspection is never worth the risk.
If you have questions about real estate law or need representation, contact me for a consultation.