Resources

Staten Island is Richmond County, and all deed and mortgage records here are maintained by the Richmond County Clerk — not ACRIS, which covers the other four boroughs. Before closing on any Staten Island property, your attorney will search this database to confirm title is clear and that there are no recorded liens or open mortgages that must be satisfied at closing.

Look up the current assessed value and annual property tax bill for any property you are considering. Keep in mind that assessed value and market value are not the same thing, and that some existing tax exemptions — such as the STAR exemption — do not automatically transfer to a new owner.

Search the permit and violation history for any property. Before making an offer, check whether there are open permits, unresolved violations, or certificate of occupancy issues. These can complicate a closing and in some cases must be resolved by the seller before title can transfer cleanly.

A second avenue for checking Department of Buildings complaints and violations. Useful as a cross-reference when you want to be thorough before committing to a purchase.

Flood zone designation matters on Staten Island — particularly in low-lying areas near the waterfront. Properties in designated flood zones require flood insurance. Check the map before you make an offer, not after.

In New York City, the buyer pays a mansion tax on any residential purchase of $1,000,000 or more. The rate starts at 1% and increases on a tiered scale for higher purchase prices. If you are buying at or above that threshold, factor this into your closing cost estimate well in advance.

New York State and New York City impose a mortgage recording tax paid by the buyer at closing. The combined rate is 1.8% on loans under $500,000 and 1.925% on larger loans, with a small credit available on primary residences. This is one of the larger closing costs in a New York transaction and one that surprises many buyers who are not expecting it.

Your attorney will search the Richmond County Clerk's records to confirm that your deed is properly recorded, that any open mortgages are identified and can be satisfied at closing, and that there are no unexpected liens on the property. Again — ACRIS does not cover Staten Island.

New York City imposes a transfer tax on residential sales, paid by the seller. The rate depends on the sale price. Review current rates here so you know what to expect when your attorney prepares your closing cost estimate.

Look up the current assessed value and tax bill for your property. Buyers and their attorneys will check this during due diligence, so it is worth reviewing before you list.

Before listing your property, check for any open Department of Buildings violations or unresolved permits. Buyers' attorneys routinely check this, and unresolved items discovered late in the process can delay or derail a closing.

The realty transfer fee is a deed transfer tax paid by the seller in New Jersey, calculated based on the sale price. Understanding this fee helps buyers evaluate the seller's net proceeds and anticipate how it may factor into price negotiations.

New Jersey imposes a 1% tax on residential purchases of $1,000,000 or more. Unlike most closing costs, this one is paid by the buyer. If your purchase price is at or near that threshold, plan for it in advance.

Look up the license status of any New Jersey real estate agent or broker. You can also file a complaint here if you believe a licensee has acted improperly.

Before making an offer on any New Jersey property, check whether it falls within a designated flood zone. Properties in high-risk zones require flood insurance, which adds to your monthly carrying costs and should be factored into your budget.

New Jersey offers down payment assistance and first-time buyer programs through this agency. If you are purchasing your first home in New Jersey, it is worth reviewing what may be available to you before you go under contract.

A plain-language federal resource covering mortgage types, how to read a Loan Estimate, and what to expect on your Closing Disclosure. Particularly useful for first-time buyers who want to understand the financing side of the transaction before sitting down with a lender.

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development maintains a list of free or low-cost housing counselors approved to assist homebuyers. If you have questions about your mortgage, budget, or readiness to buy before committing to a purchase, this is a good starting point.

If a property you are buying is in a flood zone, or if you are selling a property that carries existing flood coverage, this is the authoritative source for understanding NFIP policies, rates, and transfer requirements.

If you need legal assistance on a matter outside the scope of a real estate transaction — estate planning, landlord-tenant, family law — this referral service can connect you with a licensed New York attorney in the appropriate practice area.

The New Jersey equivalent. If you have a legal question after your NJ purchase closes and need a referral to a New Jersey attorney in a different practice area, start here.