Real Estate Law Insights
Stay informed with the latest updates, tips, and insights on real estate law in New York and New Jersey.
A signed document has a funny way of becoming important after you sign it. A practical, lightly humorous reminder to keep a complete copy of anything you sign.
A funny, practical guide to Reply All, BCC, inbox overload, and the questions worth asking before you send email to everyone.
An "Abandoned" electrical application does not automatically mean illegal work, but it may require investigation and DOB NOW reinstatement before a transaction can proceed.
A Staten Island Supreme Court injunction, 1,200+ city retraction letters, and a new October 6 deadline have dramatically changed the NYC non-primary residence property surcharge situation. Here's what you need to know.
The FBI is warning of new AI voice cloning scams targeting real estate closings in NY and NJ. Learn the strict protocols you must use to verify wiring instructions to protect your down payment.
Did you get an official-looking letter demanding payment for a copy of your new deed? It's a common scam. Here is why you shouldn't pay it, and how I already handled your deed at closing.
Buying or selling an older Staten Island home? A buried oil tank is a major risk. Learn why 'abandoned in place' paperwork isn't enough and how to protect yourself.
It's been two years since the law changed, but NJ buyers are still confused. Yes, you must sign a written agreement with an agent before they can show you a property. Here is why, and how it affects who pays the commission.
As of July 2025, New Jersey's Graduated Percent Fee (formerly the mansion tax) shifted from buyers to sellers. If you are selling a home over $1M, you need to know the new rates.
Buying a Staten Island home with a finished basement apartment or garage conversion? If the C of O doesn't support the layout, you're buying a major legal headache.
Despite 2024 law changes making PCDS mandatory for many, NY estates and trusts remain exempt from property condition disclosures. Learn the details here.
Some NY contracts now include Article 14 waiver riders plus a $500 credit. Here's why that drafting strategy is legally risky for counsel, sellers, and buyers.
Every how-to-choose-a-realtor guide is written by a realtor. Here's the view from the closing table — what separates a good agent from a problematic one.
New Jersey restructured its mansion tax effective July 2025. The fee is now paid by the seller — not the buyer — and the rate is graduated from 1% to 3.5%.
NY allows ownership claims after 10 years; NJ requires 30. Pete Weinman explains encroachments, out-of-possession surveys, and boundary line agreements.
New York expanded the J-51 tax abatement for co-op and condo improvements — higher eligibility thresholds, a bigger abatement, and lower fees.
FinCEN's Residential Real Estate Reporting Rule is currently vacated, and reporting persons are not required to file while the court order remains in force. The government has appealed.
Staten Island's Borough President rallied against NYC's non-primary residence property surcharge and the exemption deadline was extended. Here's what homeowners need to know.
Most guides on choosing a real estate attorney say the same generic things. Pete Weinman explains what actually matters and the questions to ask before you hire.
NJ merged three property tax relief programs into one application. Pete Weinman explains Stay NJ, ANCHOR, and Senior Freeze — and why Staten Island transplants miss out.
Staten Island names are on NYC's non-primary residence property surcharge roll — but most don't owe anything. Pete Weinman explains who's affected and what to do if you got a letter.
New York limited institutional investors buying single-family homes. Now a federal law does too. Pete Weinman explains what both protections mean for sellers.
NYC's Co-op Transparency Law forces boards to respond to purchase applications on a fixed timeline. Pete Weinman explains what changed and what it means.
Staten Island home sellers: check for open permits, deed issues, liens, and capital gains exposure before you list. 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 what a buyer's attorney does from contract to closing.
NYC's Roommate Law lets tenants share apartments even when leases say otherwise. Here's a guide to occupancy rights, sublets, short-term rentals, and more.
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 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.
Selling your Staten Island home and buying in New Jersey? This roadmap covers both transactions — contracts, timelines, costs, and closing coordination.
Timing your Staten Island sale with a NJ purchase? Here are 5 strategies — contingency offers, bridge loans, HELOCs, same-day closings, and use and occupancy.
Selling Staten Island, buying New Jersey? Pete Weinman is dually licensed in both states — one attorney for both transactions, coordinating both closings.
Selling Staten Island and buying in New Jersey? Here's the full cost picture — NYC transfer taxes, NJ title insurance, mansion tax, and attorney fees.
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 — 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 contingencies.
Need to buy in NJ before your Staten Island home sells? Here's a 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 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 what they do at each stage of a sale.
NYC transfer taxes are a major closing cost 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 complete the disclosure form. Learn what to disclose and how to protect yourself.
Home inspection issues in NY arise 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 avoid them.
Open permits and DOB violations are 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 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.
Your buyer's attorney reviews the closing disclosure, checks the title rundown, and catches errors before you sign. Here's what they do at every stage.
New York's mortgage recording tax can add $10,000+ to your closing costs. Learn the Staten Island rates, how a CEMA can 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 stay on track.
NYC seller concessions work differently — the price is inflated and credited back at closing. Here's how it works and what buyers need to know.
What happens during a New York title search — chain of title, open mortgages, judgments, municipal violations, and how your attorney resolves problems.
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 close.
New York's mansion tax hits all purchases at $1M+ — and more Staten Island buyers qualify every year. Here's the full rate table and real dollar examples.
NYC closing costs typically run 2–5% of the purchase price. Here's a 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 Reporting Rule was vacated on March 19, 2026. This article explains the rule's history, what it would have required, and the current status while the government's appeal is pending.
New York's Transfer on Death Deed 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, dialogue, and civic 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 loan.
How you hold title in New York affects inheritance, liability, and your ability to sell. Learn sole ownership, joint tenancy, tenancy in common, and tenancy by entirety.
Your lender may say a survey is optional — but it isn't. A 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 deciding.
Title insurance protects your NY home purchase from hidden liens, ownership defects, and past title problems. Learn why it's essential and what it 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 buyers.
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 doesn't.
A licensed home inspector catches what you can't see — structural issues, electrical hazards, mold, and more. Here's why skipping the inspection isn't worth it.
If you have questions about real estate law or need representation, contact me for a consultation.