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What You Need For Your House Closing

Tue, 10 Jun 2025 14:17:02 GMT

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What You Need for Your House Closing in New York

Closing on a home in New York is the final step in the real estate process—and it’s a big one. To ensure a smooth closing, here’s what you’ll typically need:

1) Government-Issued ID: A valid photo ID is required to verify your identity.

2) Certified Funds: Be prepared to bring a certified or bank check (or arrange a wire transfer) to cover your closing costs, down payment, and other fees.

3) Proof of Homeowners Insurance: You must show documentation that your new property is insured, effective as of the closing date.

4) Closing Disclosure Review: Buyers should review the Closing Disclosure form beforehand to confirm all costs and terms.

5) Final Walkthrough: Usually done 24 hours before closing to ensure the property is in agreed-upon condition.

6) Your Attorney: In New York, attorneys are essential at closing to review documents, manage funds, and protect your legal interests.

Having these items in order helps ensure a stress-free closing and a successful transition into your new home. Got questions? We have answers at the Law Office Of Robert Howe . Contact us today!

Estate Planning: Should You Opt For Will Or Trust In New York?

Mon, 09 Jun 2025 16:00:21 GMT

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Will or Trust in New York: Which Is Right for You?

When planning your estate in New York , one key decision is whether to create a will, a trust, or both. Each tool serves a different purpose and offers unique benefits depending on your needs.

A will is a legal document that directs how your assets are distributed after your death. It also allows you to name guardians for minor children. However, wills must go through probate, a public court process that can be time-consuming and costly.

A trust—such as a revocable living trust—lets you transfer assets during your lifetime for management and distribution outside of probate. Trusts offer privacy, quicker asset distribution, and can be useful if you own property in multiple states or want more control over how beneficiaries receive assets.

In New York, the right choice depends on your goals, family situation, and the complexity of your estate. Consulting with an estate planning attorney can help you create a plan that protects your legacy and loved ones.

If you have any estate planning questions don't hesitate to reach out to the Law Office Of Robert Howe for more information on how we can help you.

Do You Need A Title Search in New York?

Fri, 06 Jun 2025 13:57:14 GMT

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What Is a Real Estate Title Search in New York?

A title search is a crucial step in any New York real estate transaction. It involves examining public records to confirm the seller’s legal ownership of the property and to identify any issues—like liens, judgments, or unpaid taxes—that could affect the title.

Title companies or attorneys typically perform this search before closing. If problems are found, they must be resolved to ensure the buyer receives clear, marketable title.

In New York, a clean title isn’t just peace of mind—it’s protection for your investment. Always ensure a thorough title search is part of your closing process.

If you have any questions regarding a title search contact the Law Office of Robert Howe today and we will be happy to discuss the process with you.

What's Unique About Brooklyn Real Estate?

Thu, 05 Jun 2025 17:36:28 GMT

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What’s Unique About Brooklyn Real Estate?

Brooklyn real estate stands out for its dynamic blend of old and new, offering everything from historic brownstones to modern luxury condos. Each neighborhood has its own distinct identity—Park Slope’s tree-lined streets contrast sharply with the artsy edge of Bushwick or the waterfront high-rises in Williamsburg.

Unlike other boroughs, Brooklyn combines residential charm with urban convenience. It’s also a competitive market: limited inventory, strong demand, and rising prices make it essential to move quickly and work with experienced professionals.

Whether you're buying, selling, or investing, Brooklyn real estate is as diverse and fast-moving as the city itself. Don't forget to visit Bay Ridge for restaurant row, our botanical garden on Shore Road and the Law Office OF Robert Howe with any real estate and property law questions.

New York Real Estate: Can An Attorney Represent Buyer AND Seller?

Wed, 04 Jun 2025 13:32:59 GMT

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Can an Attorney Represent Both Buyer and Seller in a New York Real Estate Transaction?

In New York, while it's legally permissible for an attorney to represent both the buyer and the seller in a real estate transaction, such dual representation is generally discouraged due to the potential for conflicts of interest.

Understanding Dual Representation

Dual representation occurs when a single attorney represents both parties in a transaction. This situation can lead to ethical dilemmas, especially if the interests of the buyer and seller diverge during negotiations. The New York State Bar Association advises that such representation should only be undertaken in "unusual and very limited circumstances" where it's clear that neither party will suffer any disadvantage .

Conditions for Dual Representation

If considering dual representation, the following conditions must be met:

-Informed Consent: Both parties must provide informed consent in writing after full disclosure of the potential risks and implications of dual representation.

-No Adverse Interests: The attorney must reasonably believe that they can competently and diligently represent both clients without any conflict of interest.

-Independent Judgment: The attorney's professional judgment on behalf of one client must not be adversely affected by their responsibilities to the other client.

Risks Involved

Even with informed consent, dual representation carries inherent risks:

-Confidentiality Issues: The attorney may face challenges in maintaining confidentiality if information from one party is relevant to the other.

-Impaired Loyalty: The attorney's ability to advocate fully for each client's interests may be compromised.

-Potential for Disputes: If disagreements arise, the attorney may need to withdraw from representing both parties, leaving them to seek new counsel mid-transaction.

Best Practices

Given these considerations, it's often advisable for buyers and sellers to retain separate legal counsel to ensure that each party's interests are fully represented and protected throughout the transaction. Have questions? Contact the Law Office Of Robert Howe today.

Note: This blog post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Consult with a licensed attorney for advice specific to your situation.

When You Should Update your Will

Tue, 03 Jun 2025 13:19:36 GMT

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When Should You Update Your Will in New York?

Creating a will is a crucial step in ensuring your assets are distributed according to your wishes. However, life is dynamic, and circumstances change. In New York, it's essential to review and update your will periodically to reflect these changes and ensure it remains legally valid and aligned with your current intentions.

Key Reasons to Update Your Will:

1) Major Life Events:

-Marriage or Divorce: Entering into or dissolving a marriage can significantly impact your estate plan. New York law may automatically revoke certain provisions in your will upon divorce, but it's prudent to review and update your will to reflect your current marital status and intentions.

-Birth or Adoption of Children: Welcoming a new child into your family necessitates updating your will to include guardianship designations and provisions for their inheritance.

-Death of a Beneficiary or Executor: If someone named in your will passes away, you'll need to appoint new individuals to those roles.

2) Significant Financial Changes:

-Acquisition or Sale of Assets: Buying or selling substantial assets like real estate or businesses should prompt a review of your will to ensure these changes are accounted for.

-Inheritance or Windfalls: Receiving a significant inheritance or financial windfall may require adjustments to your estate plan to address tax implications and distribution preferences.

3) Relocation:

-Moving to or from New York: Estate laws vary by state. If you relocate, it's essential to ensure your will complies with the laws of your new residence.

4) Changes in Relationships:

-Estrangement or Reconciliation: Shifts in personal relationships may influence your decisions regarding beneficiaries and executors.

5) Legal and Tax Law Changes:

-Updates in State or Federal Laws: Changes in estate tax laws or other relevant legislation can affect your estate plan. Regular reviews help ensure compliance and optimal tax planning.

aminovlaw.com

How Often Should You Review Your Will?

Even absent major life events, it's advisable to review your will every three to five years. Regular reviews help ensure your estate plan remains current with your wishes and any changes in laws or personal circumstances.

Updating Your Will:

In New York, you can update your will by:

- Creating a Codicil: This is an amendment to your existing will, suitable for minor changes.

- Drafting a New Will : For substantial changes, it's often best to create a new will and revoke the old one to avoid confusion.

Both methods require adherence to legal formalities, including proper witnessing. Consulting with an experienced estate planning attorney ensures your updates are valid and reflect your current intentions.

Regularly updating your will is a vital aspect of estate planning. By keeping your will current, you ensure that your assets are distributed according to your wishes and reduce the potential for disputes among beneficiaries. Consult with a qualified estate planning attorney in New York to assist you in reviewing and updating your will as needed. If you have any questions you can always contact us at the Law Office Of Robert Howe.

Note: This blog post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Consult with a licensed attorney for advice specific to your situation.

Do You Need A Health Care Proxy?

Fri, 30 May 2025 15:44:40 GMT

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Do You Need a Health Care Proxy in New York?

Yes—if you want someone you trust to make medical decisions for you if you're ever unable to do so, a Health Care Proxy is essential in New York.

A Health Care Proxy is a legal document that allows you to appoint an agent (usually a family member or close friend) to make health care decisions on your behalf if you become incapacitated. Without one, important medical choices may be delayed or made by someone not of your choosing.

Why It Matters:

1) Ensures your medical wishes are followed

2) Avoids family disputes during emergencies

3) Provides peace of mind for you and your loved ones

4) Every adult in New York should have a Health Care Proxy. It's a simple but powerful tool in your estate planning.

Need help preparing one? Contact the Law Office Of Robert Howe today to ensure your wishes are protected.

Types of Wills

Tue, 27 May 2025 16:42:30 GMT

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New York Real Estate: Refinancing Best Practices

Fri, 16 May 2025 17:17:10 GMT

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Best Legal Practices for Refinancing in New York

Refinancing your mortgage can be a smart financial move—offering lower interest rates, reduced monthly payments, or access to home equity. But in New York, refinancing is more than a simple loan adjustment. It’s a legal transaction that requires careful planning and professional oversight. Here are the best legal practices to follow when refinancing in New York:

1. Hire a Real Estate Attorney Early

In New York, an attorney is often required to handle the legal aspects of a refinance. Your attorney will:

-Review the new loan terms

-Ensure all documents are accurate and enforceable

-Coordinate with your lender, title company, and closing agent

Early involvement helps prevent costly mistakes and delays.

2. Conduct a Title Search and Clear Any Issues

Most lenders require a title search to confirm that you legally own the property and that there are no outstanding liens or judgments. An attorney will:

-Identify title issues

-Help resolve any encumbrances

-Facilitate updated title insurance, if needed

3. Review Closing Costs and Disclosures Carefully

Refinancing involves new fees and closing costs. Your attorney will:

-Review the Loan Estimate and Closing Disclosure

-Ensure all fees are clearly explained and justified

-Verify that your prior mortgage is properly paid off and discharged

4. Ensure Proper Document Execution and Recording

At closing, your attorney ensures:

-All refinance documents are signed correctly

-The new mortgage is recorded with the county clerk

-Funds are properly disbursed to pay off the previous lender and cover closing costs

5. Keep Records and Monitor Post-Closing

After closing, retain all documents and confirm that:

-Your prior mortgage has been officially satisfied and released

-Your monthly statements reflect the correct loan balance and terms

Refinancing in New York is a legally sensitive process that requires attention to detail and compliance with state laws. By working with an experienced real estate attorney and following these best practices, you can protect your investment and ensure a smooth transaction.

Thinking about refinancing? Contact the Law Office Of Robert Howe today for trusted legal support from start to finish.

What Is A Living Will?

Wed, 14 May 2025 13:13:55 GMT

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What Is a Living Will in New York?

A Living Will in New York is a legal document that allows you to express your wishes regarding end-of-life medical care in the event you become unable to communicate them yourself. It typically outlines your preferences for treatments like life support, resuscitation, and artificial nutrition or hydration.

While New York does not have a specific statute governing living wills , courts generally recognize and enforce them as long as the document clearly reflects your intentions. It's often used alongside a Health Care Proxy , which appoints someone to make medical decisions on your behalf.

Why it matters: A living will ensures that your healthcare choices are respected and reduces the burden on loved ones during difficult times.

Need help creating a living will? Contact the Law Office Of Robert Howe today to ensure your wishes are properly documented and legally protected.

New York Real Estate: Tips For Sellers Looking For Curb Appeal This Summer

Mon, 12 May 2025 18:09:51 GMT

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�� Boosting Summer Curb Appeal: A Guide for New York Home Sellers

As summer approaches, New York homeowners looking to sell should prioritize enhancing their property's curb appeal. First impressions are crucial, and a well-maintained exterior can significantly influence a buyer's perception. Here are key strategies to make your home stand out:

The Spruce

�� 1. Refresh Landscaping

A vibrant lawn and garden can captivate potential buyers. Regularly mow the lawn, trim overgrown shrubs, and remove weeds. Incorporate colorful, low-maintenance plants like hydrangeas or hostas to add visual interest without excessive upkeep.

�� 2. Update the Front Door

Your front door serves as the focal point of your home's exterior. Consider painting it in a classic, neutral color such as black or navy to appeal to a broad range of buyers. Avoid overly bold colors that might not align with everyone's taste.

The Spruce

�� 3. Enhance Outdoor Lighting

Proper lighting not only improves safety but also adds charm. Install solar-powered lights along pathways and near the entrance to create a welcoming ambiance during evening showings. This eco-friendly option is both attractive and cost-effective.

�� 4. Stage Outdoor Living Spaces

Showcase your outdoor areas as extensions of the living space. Arrange seating on porches or patios with comfortable furniture and add decorative elements like cushions or potted plants. This helps buyers envision themselves enjoying the space. Pinterest , New York Weekly

�� 5. Maintain Cleanliness

A clean exterior signals that the property is well cared for. Power wash siding, driveways, and walkways to remove dirt and grime. Ensure windows are spotless and free from streaks, enhancing the overall appearance.

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Enhancing your home's curb appeal is a strategic move in the competitive New York real estate market. By focusing on landscaping, entryways, lighting, outdoor living spaces, and cleanliness, you can create an inviting atmosphere that resonates with potential buyers. Investing time and effort into these areas can lead to a quicker sale and potentially higher offers.

Best Practices For Surrogate's Court In New York

Fri, 09 May 2025 19:32:02 GMT

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Best Practices for Navigating Surrogate’s Court in New York

Surrogate’s Court in New York handles sensitive and complex matters such as probate, estate administration, guardianship, and adoption. Whether you're an executor, heir, or concerned family member, following best practices can help you navigate the court process efficiently and respectfully.

Here are some key best practices when dealing with Surrogate’s Court in New York:

1. Hire an Experienced Attorney Early

Surrogate’s Court procedures are detailed and document-intensive. An experienced estate or probate attorney can:

-Help you file the correct petitions

-Navigate court deadlines and requirements

-Resolve disputes or creditor claims

Ensure compliance with New York’s Estates, Powers and Trusts Law (EPTL) and Surrogate’s Court Procedure Act (SCPA)

2. Organize All Required Documents

Before filing, gather essential documents such as:

-The original will (if applicable)

-The death certificate

-A full list of heirs, beneficiaries, and their contact information

-An inventory of estate assets and debts

Having a complete and accurate record will speed up the process and reduce complications.

3. Notify All Interested Parties Promptly

Proper notice must be given to all interested parties, including heirs and beneficiaries—even those not named in the will. This helps avoid:

-Future disputes

-Will contests

-Delays in closing the estate

4. Be Transparent and Timely

Executors, administrators, and guardians have a fiduciary duty to act in the best interest of the estate and its beneficiaries. Best practices include:

-Keeping detailed financial records

-Filing required accountings on time

-Disclosing major decisions to the court and interested parties

5. Communicate Clearly and Respectfully

Whether you're interacting with the court, attorneys, or family members, professionalism is key. Emotions often run high in Surrogate’s Court matters, so clear, calm communication helps maintain trust and resolve conflicts.

6. Anticipate and Address Disputes Early

If you expect challenges—such as will contests or disputes over guardianship—address them proactively with your attorney. Mediation or negotiated settlements can often prevent prolonged litigation.

Surrogate’s Court plays a vital role in managing estates and protecting vulnerable individuals in New York. Following these best practices—and working with an experienced attorney—can help you fulfill your legal responsibilities and bring peace of mind to all involved.

If you need assistance with a Surrogate’s Court matter in New York, contact the Law Office Of Robert Howe today for trusted guidance every step of the way.

New York Estate Planning Best Practices

Tue, 06 May 2025 16:38:46 GMT

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Best Practices in Estate Planning Law in New York

Estate planning is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your loved ones, preserve your assets, and ensure your wishes are carried out. In New York, estate planning involves more than just drafting a will—it requires thoughtful planning, legal precision, and regular updates to reflect your life changes.

Here are some best practices to follow when creating an estate plan in New York:

1. Work with an Experienced Estate Planning Attorney

New York has specific laws governing wills, trusts, probate, and health care directives. An experienced attorney can:

-Draft legally sound documents

-Help minimize estate taxes

-Ensure your plan complies with New York Estates, Powers and Trusts Law (EPTL)

2. Create a Comprehensive Will

Your will should clearly:

-Name an executor

-Distribute your assets

-Appoint guardians for minor children

-Address personal property, digital assets, and final wishes

-Ensure your will is properly signed and witnessed according to New York legal requirements.

3. Consider Using a Trust

Trusts can help:

-Avoid probate

-Provide for minor children or family members with special needs

-Protect assets from creditors

-Manage distributions over time

-Common options include revocable living trusts, irrevocable trusts, and special needs trusts.

4. Plan for Incapacity

Include advance planning documents, such as:

- Power of Attorney – Appoints someone to manage your financial affairs if you become incapacitated

- Health Care Proxy – Names a trusted person to make medical decisions on your behalf

- Living Will – Expresses your end-of-life care preferences

5. Keep Beneficiary Designations Up to Date

Assets like life insurance, retirement accounts, and bank accounts with “payable on death” (POD) designations bypass your will. Make sure:

-Beneficiary forms are completed

-Designations align with your estate plan

6. Review and Update Your Plan Regularly

Life changes such as marriage, divorce, births, deaths, or major financial changes may require you to:

-Update your will or trust

-Revise guardianship or executor appointments

-Adjust tax or asset protection strategies

7. Organize and Store Documents Securely

Ensure your loved ones know:

-Where your estate documents are stored

-How to access contact info for your attorney, financial advisor, and key institutions

-What steps to take in the event of your death or incapacity

A well-crafted estate plan offers clarity, protection, and peace of mind for you and your loved ones. Following these best practices—and working with a skilled New York estate planning attorney—can help ensure your legacy is honored exactly as you intend.

Ready to get started? Contact the Law Office Of Robert Howe today to begin building or updating your estate plan with confidence.

New York Real Estate Best Practices

Mon, 05 May 2025 16:35:20 GMT

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Best Practices in Real Estate Law in New York

Navigating real estate transactions in New York requires a thorough understanding of local laws, procedures, and market dynamics. Whether you're a buyer, seller, landlord, tenant, or developer, adhering to best practices in real estate law can help you avoid costly mistakes and protect your investment.

Here’s a summary of key best practices in New York real estate law:

1. Always Work with a Qualified Real Estate Attorney

New York is one of the few states where attorney involvement is customary and critical for both buyers and sellers. Your attorney will:

-Draft or review contracts

-Conduct due diligence (including title searches and municipal records)

-Represent you at closing

-Ensure legal compliance at every stage

2. Understand Property Type and Ownership Structure

Different types of property come with different legal considerations:

-Co-ops involve purchasing shares in a corporation and require board approval and proprietary leases.

-Condos and single-family homes involve direct property ownership and title transfer.

-Understanding these differences helps you manage expectations and obligations.

3. Conduct Comprehensive Due Diligence

Before finalizing a deal:

-Run a title search to uncover liens or claims

-Review zoning laws, building code compliance, and any open violations

-For condos and co-ops, examine financials, board minutes, and building rules

4. Use Clear, Legally Compliant Contracts

All real estate agreements—purchase contracts, leases, financing agreements—should be:

-Drafted or reviewed by legal counsel

-Aligned with New York State laws and regulations

-Clear on terms such as payment obligations, contingencies, and closing dates

5. Know Your Rights and Obligations

Familiarize yourself with:

-Landlord-tenant laws, including eviction procedures and rent regulations (especially in NYC)

-Disclosure requirements (e.g., lead paint, structural issues)

-Tax obligations, such as the NYC and NYS real estate transfer taxes

6. Stay Compliant with Local and State Regulations

New York real estate is heavily regulated. Best practices include:

-Filing all required documents with the county clerk or register

-Paying appropriate filing fees and transfer taxes

-Complying with Fair Housing laws, building permits, and environmental rules

7. Communicate Clearly and Document Everything

Maintain written records of:

-All negotiations

-Inspection reports and appraisals

-Financing arrangements

-Communications with buyers, sellers, agents, and attorneys

Real estate law in New York is complex, and the stakes are high. Following these best practices—and working with knowledgeable legal professionals—can help ensure your transaction is secure, compliant, and successful.

Need guidance on your next real estate transaction? Contact the Law Office Of Robert Howe today for experienced legal support throughout the process.

Understanding The House Closing Process In New York

Fri, 02 May 2025 13:38:47 GMT

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Understanding the House Closing Process in New York

Closing on a house is the final—and often most anticipated—step in a New York real estate transaction. While the process can be complex, especially compared to other states, understanding what to expect can help you navigate it with confidence.

Here’s a brief overview of the house closing process in New York:

1. Attorney Review and Contract Signing

In New York, both buyers and sellers are typically represented by attorneys. Once the buyer’s offer is accepted:

-The seller’s attorney drafts the contract of sale.

-The buyer’s attorney reviews and negotiates terms.

-Once both parties sign, the buyer usually provides a contract deposit (typically 10% of the purchase price), held in escrow.

2. Due Diligence and Title Search

Before closing, the buyer’s attorney will:

-Conduct a title search to ensure there are no liens or ownership issues.

-Review building documents if the purchase involves a co-op or condo (e.g., financials, board minutes, bylaws).

-Confirm the property complies with local zoning and tax requirements.

3. Mortgage Approval (if applicable)

If financing the purchase, the buyer must:

-Secure a loan commitment from a lender.

-Satisfy any lender conditions before closing.

Delays in mortgage approval can postpone closing, so staying in close contact with your lender is essential.

4. Scheduling the Closing

Once all conditions are met, the attorneys coordinate a closing date. Prior to closing:

-The buyer conducts a final walkthrough to ensure the property is in agreed-upon condition.

-Both parties prepare to sign the final documents and transfer funds.

5. Closing Day

At the closing table:

-Attorneys, the buyer, the seller, and often the lender’s representative meet (either in person or remotely).

-The buyer signs the mortgage documents (if applicable) and pays the remaining balance of the purchase price.

-The seller delivers the deed (or shares in a co-op).

-Title is transferred, and documents are filed with the appropriate county office.

Once complete, the buyer receives the keys to their new home.

Closings in New York are more legally intensive than in many other states, making the role of an experienced real estate attorney especially important. From contract to keys, having the right legal guidance can ensure a smooth and successful transaction.

If you’re buying or selling property in New York, contact the Law Office Of Robert Howe today for skilled legal support throughout your real estate closing.

Spring 2025 Brooklyn Real Estate Outlook

Tue, 29 Apr 2025 13:23:51 GMT

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��️ Brooklyn Real Estate Market Report – Spring 2025

Brooklyn's real estate market continues to demonstrate resilience and growth as we move into the second quarter of 2025. Despite economic fluctuations, the borough has seen notable increases in home prices and sales activity, reflecting sustained demand across various property types.

�� Market Overview

Median Home Price: As of March 2025, the median home sale price in Brooklyn reached $995,066, marking a 3.8% year-over-year increase. ( ROCKET - HELP EVERYONE HOME )

Price Per Square Foot: The median price per square foot stood at $731, indicating steady appreciation in property values.

Rocket - Help Everyone Home

Sales Volume: In the first quarter of 2025, Brooklyn experienced a significant uptick in sales activity, with a total of 1,251 properties sold, representing a 119.9% increase compared to the previous year. ( PropertyShark

��️ Property Type Performance

Townhouses : Townhouses have shown remarkable growth, with median prices increasing by 18.2% year-over-year to $1.2 million. ( Brick Underground )

Condos : The condo market has remained strong, with median sale prices reaching $1.05 million, a 5.1% increase from the previous year. ( Brownstoner

Co-ops : Co-op sales have seen modest growth, with median prices rising to $450,000, up 5.9% year-over-year. ( baruhteam.com )

�� Neighborhood Highlights

Northwest Brooklyn: This area has experienced significant appreciation, with townhouse prices increasing by 25.8% to $2.89 million. ( Brownstoner )

Williamsburg & Greenpoint: Both neighborhoods have seen median home prices climb by 21.8%, reaching $1.55 million, reflecting their growing popularity among buyers. ( Brownstoner )

�� Market Outlook

Looking ahead, Brooklyn's real estate market is poised for continued growth. Stable interest rates and a strong local economy are expected to sustain buyer demand. However, inventory remains tight, particularly in the co-op sector, which may lead to increased competition among buyers.

�� Final Thoughts

Brooklyn's real estate market in 2025 showcases a dynamic landscape with opportunities for both buyers and sellers. With rising property values and active sales, it's an opportune time to engage with the market. Whether you're considering purchasing a home or selling your property, staying informed about current trends is essential.

For personalized advice and insights with representation in buying or selling in Brooklyn's real estate market, feel free to reach out to our team of experienced professionals at the Law Office Of Robert Howe .

How To Prepare For Probate Court In New York

Mon, 28 Apr 2025 13:15:22 GMT

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How to Prepare for Probate Court in New York

Navigating probate court in New York can feel overwhelming, especially during an already emotional time. Whether you’re an executor, administrator, or heir, preparing properly can make the process smoother, faster, and less stressful.

Here’s a brief guide on how to prepare for probate court in New York:

1. Gather Important Documents

Before filing for probate, collect all necessary paperwork, including:

-The original will (if one exists)

-Death certificate

-Financial statements (bank accounts, retirement funds, investments)

-Real estate deeds

-Lists of personal property and debts

Having complete records upfront will streamline the court’s review and help avoid delays.

2. Identify and Notify Interested Parties

The court requires that all heirs and beneficiaries be notified about the probate proceeding. You’ll need to:

-Create a list of heirs (even if they aren't named in the will)

-Obtain addresses and contact information

-Prepare to send formal notices of probate

Proper notification is a critical step to validate the probate process.

3. File the Petition for Probate

Work with an attorney to:

-Complete and file the Petition for Probate with the appropriate Surrogate’s Court (in the county where the decedent lived)

-Submit the will and supporting documents

-Pay any necessary court filing fees

Your attorney will ensure that all paperwork is accurate and complies with New York probate rules.

4. Prepare for Executor Responsibilities

If you are named the executor, you will have several legal duties, including:

-Managing and safeguarding the estate’s assets

-Paying debts, taxes, and final expenses

-Distributing assets according to the will or court instructions

Understanding your responsibilities in advance can help you stay organized and meet all legal requirements.

5. Consult an Experienced Probate Attorney

Probate in New York can involve complicated procedures, especially if there are:

-Disputes among heirs

Claims from creditors

-Issues with the validity of the will

An experienced probate attorney can guide you through each step, advocate for you in court, and help avoid costly mistakes.

Preparation is key to a smooth probate process. By organizing documents, understanding your duties, and working with a knowledgeable attorney, you can efficiently settle your loved one’s estate and honor their wishes.

If you need assistance navigating probate court in New York, contact the Law Office Of Robert Howe today for trusted, compassionate legal support.

The Types Of Real Estate Transactions In New York

Fri, 25 Apr 2025 14:09:08 GMT

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Types of Real Estate Transactions in New York

The real estate market in New York is diverse and dynamic, offering a wide range of property types and transaction structures. Whether you’re a buyer, seller, investor, or developer, understanding the different types of real estate transactions is essential to navigating the market successfully.

Here’s a brief overview of the most common types of real estate transactions in New York:

1. Residential Real Estate Transactions

These involve the purchase and sale of properties used for living purposes. Common types include:

-Single-family homes

-Condominiums (condos)

-Cooperatives (co-ops)

-Multi-family properties (2–4 units)

Each comes with its own legal structure, financing requirements, and potential board approvals (especially in co-ops).

2. Commercial Real Estate Transactions

These involve properties used for business purposes, such as:

-Office buildings

-Retail spaces

-Warehouses and industrial properties

-Mixed-use buildings

Commercial deals are often more complex and involve detailed lease agreements, zoning considerations, and income evaluations.

3. Leasing Transactions

Leasing applies to both residential and commercial properties. Key leasing transactions include:

-Residential leases for apartments or rental homes

-Commercial leases for office, retail, or industrial space

These transactions often require extensive negotiation of lease terms and landlord-tenant responsibilities.

4. Investment and Development Transactions

Investors and developers may be involved in transactions such as:

-Land acquisitions for future development

-1031 exchanges for tax-deferred investment property swaps

-Joint ventures or partnerships to develop residential or commercial projects

These deals often require strategic planning, environmental review, and multiple layers of legal documentation.

5. Refinancing and Mortgage Transactions

Refinancing involves replacing an existing mortgage with a new one, often to secure a better interest rate or access home equity. An attorney ensures proper document review, title updates, and compliance with lender requirements.

Each type of real estate transaction in New York has its own legal requirements, timelines, and potential pitfalls. Whether you’re buying your first home or negotiating a commercial lease, working with an experienced real estate attorney is essential for protecting your interests and ensuring a successful outcome.

Contact the Law Office Of Robert Howe today for personalized legal guidance in your next real estate transaction.

Understanding Your Attorneys Role In New York Real Estate Transactions

Thu, 24 Apr 2025 12:23:43 GMT

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The Role of Your Attorney in a Real Estate Transaction in New York

Buying or selling real estate in New York is a significant legal and financial transaction—and unlike many other states, attorney involvement is customary and highly recommended. Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer or an experienced seller, having an experienced real estate attorney on your side is essential for protecting your interests and ensuring a smooth process from contract to closing.

1. Reviewing and Negotiating the Contract

In New York, the seller’s attorney typically prepares the initial contract, but nothing is finalized until both parties’ attorneys review and agree to the terms. Your attorney will:

-Explain your rights and obligations

-Negotiate terms such as contingencies, closing dates, and repair obligations

-Ensure the contract protects your interests and complies with New York law

2. Conducting Due Diligence

For buyers especially, due diligence is a critical step. Your attorney will:

-Order and review a title search to ensure the property has no liens, judgments, or ownership issues

-Examine offering plans and financial statements if purchasing a co-op or condo

-Coordinate with inspectors, lenders, and the title company to keep the process on track

3. Managing Legal Documentation and Compliance

Your attorney ensures that all legal documents are properly prepared and executed, including:

-The deed or proprietary lease

-Transfer tax forms and disclosure documents

-Mortgage documents and title insurance policies

-They also ensure compliance with local and state regulations, including tax laws and building requirements.

4. Representing You at the Closing

At closing, your attorney will:

-Review and explain all closing documents

-Make sure funds are correctly disbursed

-Ensure the transfer of ownership is properly recorded with the county

-Address last-minute issues or disputes that may arise

In New York, your attorney plays a central role in every stage of the real estate transaction. From negotiating the contract to ensuring a clean title and finalizing the sale, legal guidance is crucial for protecting your investment and avoiding costly pitfalls.

Thinking of buying or selling a property in New York? Contact the Law Office Of Robert Howe today for trusted legal representation every step of the way.

5 Types Of Wills In New York

Tue, 22 Apr 2025 15:11:39 GMT

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Types of Wills in New York: What You Need to Know

Creating a will is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your loved ones and ensure your assets are distributed according to your wishes. In New York, several types of wills are legally recognized, each with specific requirements and purposes. Understanding the differences can help you choose the best option for your estate plan .

1. Attested (Formal) Will

This is the most common type of will in New York. It must meet the following requirements:

-Be in writing

-Signed by the testator (the person making the will)

-Witnessed by two individuals, who must also sign the will

-An attested will can distribute assets, name guardians for minor children, and appoint an executor. It's considered the most reliable and court-accepted format.

2. Holographic Will

A holographic will is a handwritten will that is not witnessed. In New York, this type of will is only valid in limited circumstances, such as:

-Made by a member of the armed forces during active duty

-Made by a mariner at sea

Even in these cases, the will is only valid for a limited period (typically one year after leaving service or returning from sea).

3. Nuncupative Will (Oral Will)

A nuncupative or oral will is spoken rather than written. Like holographic wills, this is only valid in New York under very specific conditions:

-Made by a person in imminent danger of death

-Generally applies to military personnel or mariners at sea

These wills are rarely used and are subject to strict scrutiny by the court.

4. Pour-Over Will

A pour-over will works in conjunction with a revocable living trust. It ensures that any assets not already titled in the name of your trust at the time of your death are "poured over" into the trust and distributed according to its terms. This type of will is part of a comprehensive estate plan.

5. Joint Will

While not commonly used, a joint will is a single will created by two people, typically spouses, to outline how assets will be distributed. New York courts often discourage joint wills due to potential complications, especially after one spouse passes away.

New York law allows for several types of wills, but a properly drafted and witnessed formal will is usually the best way to ensure your wishes are honored and your estate is handled smoothly. If you want to protect your legacy and your loved ones, having a will that complies with New York’s legal standards is essential.

Ready to create or update your will? Contact the Law Office Of Robert Howe today for personalized guidance and peace of mind.

How To Set Up A Legal Trust In New York

Tue, 15 Apr 2025 13:44:23 GMT

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Steps to Set Up a Legal Trust in New York

Setting up a legal trust in New York is a smart way to manage and protect your assets, provide for loved ones, and avoid the delays of probate. Whether you're planning your estate , caring for a family member with special needs, or protecting your wealth, a trust can offer flexibility and peace of mind.

Here are the key steps to creating a trust in New York:

1. Decide What Type of Trust You Need

There are several types of trusts, each designed for different goals:

- Revocable Living Trust – Allows you to retain control and make changes during your lifetime. Often used to avoid probate.

- Irrevocable Trust – Cannot be changed after it's created but offers stronger asset protection and potential tax benefits.

-Special Needs Trust – Ensures care for a disabled loved one without affecting their eligibility for government benefits.

-Testamentary Trust – Created through your will and takes effect after death.

An experienced estate planning attorney can help determine which type best suits your needs.

2. Choose a Trustee

The trustee is the person or institution responsible for managing the trust assets and carrying out your instructions. You can serve as your own trustee (for revocable trusts), or appoint someone you trust—such as a family member, friend, or professional fiduciary.

3. Draft the Trust Document

Your attorney will draft a trust agreement, which includes:

-The name of the trust and date of creation

-Your (the grantor’s) intentions and instructions

-The trustee’s powers and responsibilities

-The beneficiaries who will receive assets

-Rules for distributing and managing the assets

This document must comply with New York trust law to be valid and enforceable.

4. Fund the Trust

A trust is only effective if it is funded—meaning assets are transferred into it. This can include:

-Real estate

-Bank accounts

-Investments

-Life insurance policies

-Business interests

Your attorney will guide you through retitling these assets in the name of the trust.

5. Maintain and Update the Trust

Once your trust is established, it should be reviewed periodically, especially after major life events like marriage, divorce, births, or significant financial changes. You may need to revise the trust or update the list of beneficiaries or trustees.

Creating a trust in New York involves careful planning and legal precision, but it’s one of the most effective tools for protecting your legacy. Working with an experienced estate planning attorney ensures that your trust is properly structured and meets your goals.

Ready to protect your future? Contact the Law Office Of Robert Howe today to discuss your estate planning needs and get started on setting up a trust tailored to you.

Top 3 Things To Do Before Selling Home In New York

Mon, 14 Apr 2025 14:48:16 GMT

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Top 3 Things You Can Do to Prepare to Sell Your Home in New York

Selling a home in New York —whether in the city or upstate—requires more than just putting up a "For Sale" sign. With a competitive market and discerning buyers, proper preparation can help you sell faster and for the best possible price. Here are the top three things you can do to get your home ready for a successful sale.

1. Get Your Paperwork in Order

Before listing your home, make sure you have the essential documents ready. These may include:

-The deed to your property

-Property tax records

-Utility bills and maintenance costs

-For condos or co-ops: building financials, bylaws, and board rules

You’ll also want to consult a real estate attorney early in the process, as they will draft the contract of sale and help clear any legal or title issues.

2. Make Repairs and Enhance Curb Appeal

Small updates can make a big difference. Consider:

-Fixing minor repairs like leaky faucets, squeaky doors, or chipped paint

-Decluttering and deep cleaning your home to make it more inviting

-Boosting curb appeal with landscaping, fresh paint, or a clean entryway

A clean, well-maintained home helps buyers see the value—and imagine themselves living there.

3. Price Strategically with a Real Estate Agent

Work with a knowledgeable New York real estate agent to set the right price based on:

-Comparable sales (comps) in your area

-Current market trends

-Unique features of your home

Pricing too high can turn away buyers, while pricing too low leaves money on the table. A strategic listing price will attract attention and encourage competitive offers.

Selling your home in New York is a big step, but with the right preparation, you can make the process smooth and rewarding. By organizing your paperwork, making thoughtful improvements, and pricing smartly, you’ll be ready to impress buyers and close with confidence.

Need help with the legal side of selling your home? Contact the Law Office Of Robert Howe today for trusted legal guidance from contract to closing.

New York Real Estate: Co-Op Vs Condo

Fri, 11 Apr 2025 14:11:14 GMT

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Co-op vs. Condo: What’s the Difference in New York Real Estate?

If you’re buying property in New York , one of the first choices you’ll encounter is whether to purchase a co-op or a condo. While both offer homeownership , they differ in structure, ownership rights, and responsibilities. Here's a quick breakdown of the key differences to help you decide which is right for you.

1. Ownership Structure

Co-op (Cooperative Apartment):

When you buy a co-op, you're purchasing shares in a corporation that owns the entire building. Your shares give you the right to occupy a specific unit through a proprietary lease.

Condo (Condominium):

When you buy a condo, you own the real property—your individual unit—along with a percentage of the common areas (hallways, lobby, etc.).

2. Approval Process

Co-op:

Requires board approval, which can be rigorous. The co-op board can reject buyers for financial or even subjective reasons, and often requires interviews and extensive financial disclosure.

Condo:

More buyer-friendly—there’s usually no board approval, just a right of first refusal, which is rarely exercised.

3. Financing and Costs

Co-op:

Often requires a larger down payment (commonly 20–30% or more). Maintenance fees include taxes and building costs. Co-ops generally don’t allow subletting or have strict limits.

Condo:

Usually allows for more flexible financing and lower down payments. Owners pay common charges plus individual property taxes. Condos are generally easier to rent out or use as investment properties.

4. Rules and Restrictions

Co-op:

Typically has stricter rules about renovations, guests, subletting, and even who can live in the unit. The board has greater control over day-to-day building operations.

Condo:

Offers more autonomy. Owners have more freedom to renovate, rent out, or sell without board interference (though rules still apply).

5. Price and Availability

Co-ops:

Tend to be less expensive than condos on a square-foot basis but come with more restrictions.

Condos:

Generally cost more, but offer greater flexibility and are more attractive to investors and foreign buyers.

Choosing between a co-op and a condo in New York depends on your goals, finances, and lifestyle. If you’re looking for a long-term primary residence and a community-focused environment, a co-op might suit you. If you want more flexibility or plan to rent out your unit, a condo may be the better option.

Need help navigating your purchase? Contact the Law Office Of Robert Howe today for trusted legal guidance in New York’s real estate market.

When Should You Involve An Attorney In Your Real Estate Transaction?

Thu, 10 Apr 2025 14:46:45 GMT

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When Is the Best Time to Involve an Attorney in a Real Estate Transaction in New York?

In New York, real estate transactions are legally and financially complex—and unlike many other states, attorney involvement is customary and often essential. Whether you're buying, selling, or refinancing property, knowing when to involve a real estate attorney can help you avoid costly mistakes and ensure a smooth closing.

Here’s when you should bring in an attorney during a New York real estate transaction:

1. Before Signing the Contract of Sale

This is the most critical point to involve an attorney. In New York, the seller’s attorney usually prepares the first draft of the contract. Before you sign it, your attorney should:

-Review and negotiate the terms

-Ensure all key protections and contingencies (inspection, financing, clear title) are included

-Explain your rights and obligations clearly

-Never sign a contract without legal review.

2. During the Due Diligence Period

After the contract is signed but before closing, your attorney will:

-Conduct or review a title search

-Ensure there are no outstanding liens, violations, or legal claims

-Coordinate with the title company and lender

-Help address issues uncovered during inspections

3. When Dealing With Co-ops or Condos

Buying a co-op or condo involves unique legal documents and board review. An attorney will:

-Examine the offering plan, financials, and board minutes

-Ensure compliance with building rules and restrictions

-Guide you through the board approval process (for co-ops)

4. At the Closing Table

Your attorney will represent you at closing to:

-Review all documents (deed, mortgage, transfer taxes, etc.)

-Ensure all payments are made properly

-Confirm the legal transfer of ownership and recording of documents

The best time to involve a real estate attorney in New York is early—before you sign anything. From negotiating your contract to ensuring a clear title and successful closing, an experienced attorney will protect your interests every step of the way.

Ready to buy or sell property in New York? Contact the Law Office Of Robert Howe today to make sure your transaction is handled with clarity, confidence, and legal precision.

5 Ways Tariffs Can Affect New York Real Estate

Wed, 09 Apr 2025 15:28:57 GMT

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How Tariffs Can Impact New York Real Estate

Tariffs—taxes imposed on imported goods—may seem like a global trade issue, but they can have very real, local consequences, especially in markets like New York real estate . Whether you're a homeowner, developer, investor, or buyer, understanding how tariffs can affect the cost and pace of real estate projects is key to making informed decisions.

1. Increased Construction Costs

Many building materials used in New York construction—such as steel, aluminum, and lumber—are often imported. When tariffs are placed on these goods, material costs rise, which can:

-Drive up the cost of new developments

-Delay renovation or construction projects

-Increase overall housing prices due to higher build costs

2. Impact on Commercial Development

Tariffs can significantly affect commercial real estate projects, particularly large-scale developments and infrastructure work. Developers may be forced to:

-Postpone or scale back projects

-Pass increased costs on to tenants through higher rent

-Delay timelines due to budget overruns

3. Reduced Foreign Investment

New York real estate has traditionally attracted international investors, especially in luxury residential and commercial properties. However, ongoing trade tensions and retaliatory tariffs can:

-Discourage foreign investment

-Shift global capital to other, less impacted markets

-Add uncertainty to long-term investment strategies

4. Supply Chain Disruptions

Tariffs can disrupt the global supply chains that developers rely on for fixtures, appliances, and finishing materials. This can lead to:

-Project delays

-Unpredictable budgeting

-Lower availability of certain materials, which may affect design and quality

5. Broader Economic Ripple Effects

Tariffs can also impact the overall economy, influencing job growth, consumer confidence, and interest rates. A slowdown in the broader economy may soften real estate demand, particularly in high-cost markets like New York City.

While tariffs are not directly tied to buying or selling a home, they can significantly shape the cost, timing, and viability of real estate development and investment in New York. Staying informed about economic policy and working with knowledgeable professionals—legal, financial, and real estate—can help you navigate these changes with confidence.

Need guidance on how market trends and economic shifts could affect your real estate goals? Contact the Law Office Of Robert Howe today for informed, strategic legal support.

Top 5 Things To Look For When Searching For A Real Estate Attorney

Tue, 08 Apr 2025 12:38:23 GMT

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Top 5 Things to Look for When Hiring a Real Estate Attorney in New York

Buying or selling property in New York is a significant financial and legal transaction. Whether you’re purchasing a co-op in Manhattan or a house in the suburbs, having the right real estate attorney by your side is essential. But with so many options out there, how do you choose the right one? Here are the top 5 things to look for when hiring a real estate attorney in New York .

1. Experience with New York Real Estate Law

Real estate law is highly local. The attorney you choose should have extensive experience handling real estate transactions in New York, where the process involves unique legal requirements, including attorney-drafted contracts, co-op board approvals, and strict closing procedures.

2. Familiarity with the Property Type

Whether you're buying a co-op, condo, townhouse, or single-family home, your attorney should be familiar with the specific issues involved. Co-op transactions, for example, involve reviewing board minutes, financial statements, and proprietary leases—tasks not required for other property types.

3. Clear Communication and Responsiveness

Real estate deals move quickly, and delays can cost you the deal. Look for an attorney who is:

-Responsive to calls and emails

-Able to explain legal terms clearly

-Proactive in keeping you informed throughout the process

4. Transparent Fees

A good attorney should provide clear, upfront information about fees, including:

-Flat fees for standard transactions

-Additional costs for unexpected legal work or title issues

-Make sure you understand what’s included—and what’s not—before signing a retainer agreement.

5. Strong Reputation and Client Reviews

Check online reviews, testimonials, or ask for referrals to see what past clients say about the attorney’s professionalism, efficiency, and results. A well-regarded attorney with a solid track record is more likely to handle your transaction smoothly and protect your interests.

The right real estate attorney can make all the difference in your buying or selling experience in New York. From negotiating your contract to ensuring a smooth closing, their guidance is key.

Contact the Law Office Of Robert Howe today if you're looking for experienced, responsive legal support for your next real estate transaction. We're here to help you close with confidence.

New York Real Estate: What Is A Deed?

Mon, 07 Apr 2025 12:07:57 GMT

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What Is a Deed in New York?

A deed is a legal document that transfers ownership of real property from one person or entity to another. In New York, a deed is an essential part of any real estate transaction , serving as the official record that someone has the legal right to own and use a property.

Key Functions of a Deed

A deed in New York:

-Identifies the grantor (seller) and grantee (buyer)

-Describes the property being transferred

-States the type of ownership interest being conveyed

-Must be signed, notarized, and recorded with the County Clerk or Register’s Office to be legally effective

Common Types of Deeds in New York

1) Warranty Deed

-Offers the highest level of protection to the buyer

-The seller guarantees they have clear title and will defend against any future claims

2) Bargain and Sale Deed with Covenants

-Commonly used in New York

-The seller guarantees they have not done anything to encumber the title but doesn’t provide full warranty

3) Quitclaim Deed

-Transfers whatever interest the seller has, with no guarantees

-Often used between family members or to clear up title issues

Why Deeds Matter

A properly executed deed ensures:

-Clear ownership rights

-Legal protection in case of disputes

-Accurate public records for future reference

-Failure to properly prepare or record a deed can result in title issues, legal complications, or even the loss of property rights.

Do You Need an Attorney?

In New York, it’s strongly recommended—and often expected—that a real estate attorney prepare and review the deed as part of a property transaction. An attorney will ensure the deed complies with state law, is properly recorded, and that your ownership rights are fully protected.

A deed is more than just a piece of paper—it’s your legal proof of property ownership. If you’re buying, selling, or transferring real estate in New York, contact the Law Office Of Robert Howe today for professional legal assistance to ensure your deed is properly drafted, executed, and recorded.

How Family Court Works In New York

Fri, 04 Apr 2025 14:09:42 GMT

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How Family Court Works in New York

Family Court in New York plays a vital role in resolving legal matters involving families and children. Whether you're dealing with custody, child support, or domestic violence, understanding how Family Court works can help you better navigate the process.

What Types of Cases Does Family Court Handle?

New York Family Court hears a wide range of cases, including:

-Child custody and visitation

-Child and spousal support

-Paternity

-Juvenile delinquency

-Abuse and neglect

-Orders of protection (in cases of domestic violence)

-Adoption and guardianship

Unlike criminal or civil court, Family Court focuses on non-criminal family matters and emphasizes the best interests of the child.

Who Can File a Case in Family Court?

Parents, legal guardians, spouses, and in some cases even children or other relatives, can file petitions in Family Court. You don’t need an attorney to file a case, but having legal representation is highly recommended—especially in complex or contested matters.

How the Process Works

Filing a Petition

-The process begins when one party files a petition stating the issue (e.g., custody, support, or protection).

Court Hearings

-After the petition is filed, the court schedules a hearing where both sides can present evidence and testimony.

-In some cases, the court may appoint law guardians (attorneys for children), social workers, or other professionals.

Mediation or Settlement

-Some cases may be referred to mediation to resolve disputes outside of the courtroom.

Court Orders and Decisions

-After hearing both sides, the judge may issue temporary or permanent orders related to custody, support, or protection.

Do You Need an Attorney?

While you are allowed to represent yourself in Family Court, having an experienced family law attorney can make a significant difference—especially when legal rights, parental responsibilities, or a child’s well-being is at stake.

Family Court in New York is designed to address sensitive and impactful legal matters affecting families. Whether you're seeking custody, child support, or legal protection, understanding the court process and having professional guidance can help you move forward with confidence.

Contact the Law Office Of Robert Howe today if you need experienced legal representation in Family Court. We’re here to protect your rights and help you navigate every step of the process.

How An Attorney Helps You To Refinance In New York

Thu, 03 Apr 2025 14:09:43 GMT

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How an Attorney Represents You in a Mortgage Refinance in New York

Refinancing your mortgage can be a smart financial move—whether you're lowering your interest rate, adjusting loan terms, or tapping into your home’s equity. But in New York, refinancing involves more than just dealing with your lender. A real estate attorney plays a key role in protecting your interests and making sure the refinance process is handled smoothly and legally.

Here’s how an attorney represents and protects you during a refinance in New York:

1. Reviewing the Loan Terms and Documents

Before you sign anything, your attorney will carefully review the refinance loan agreement, including:

-Interest rate and repayment terms

-Closing costs and fees

-Prepayment penalties

-Escrow and tax arrangements

Your attorney makes sure you fully understand what you’re agreeing to and that the terms are fair and in your best interest.

2. Conducting a Title Search and Clearing Title

Lenders require confirmation that the title to your property is clear before approving a refinance. Your attorney will:

-Order a title search to ensure there are no outstanding liens, judgments, or ownership issues

-Help resolve any title problems that could delay or jeopardize the refinance

-Work with the title company to provide necessary title insurance for the lender

3. Coordinating the Payoff of the Old Loan

Your attorney will:

-Obtain a payoff letter from your current lender

-Ensure that the old mortgage is paid off in full and discharged properly

-Make sure the new loan is recorded and that ownership remains clear

This step is crucial to avoid having multiple mortgages or incorrect liens on your property.

4. Representing You at the Closing

Refinancing in New York requires a formal closing, often similar to a purchase or sale. Your attorney will:

-Attend or conduct the closing

-Review and explain all documents before you sign

-Ensure the funds are disbursed correctly

-Confirm that the new mortgage is recorded with the county clerk

5. Ensuring Compliance and Accuracy

Mistakes in the refinance process can cost you time and money. Your attorney ensures:

-All documents are legally compliant and properly executed

-No hidden charges or unfavorable terms slip through

-Your legal rights are protected from start to finish

While refinancing may seem straightforward, the legal and financial implications are significant. Having an experienced real estate attorney by your side in New York ensures that your refinance is done correctly, efficiently, and with your best interests at heart.

If you're considering refinancing your home, contact the Law Office Of Robert Howe today to learn how we can protect you and streamline the process from start to finish.

What Is Power Of Attorney In New York?

Wed, 02 Apr 2025 14:48:15 GMT

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What is a Power of Attorney in New York?

A Power of Attorney (POA) is a legal document that allows you to appoint someone you trust—called your agent or attorney-in-fact—to act on your behalf in financial, legal, or other personal matters. In New York, a properly executed POA is a powerful tool for managing your affairs, especially if you become ill, incapacitated, or simply need assistance with day-to-day financial tasks.

Types of Power of Attorney in New York

Durable Power of Attorney

Remains in effect even if you become mentally incapacitated.

Commonly used for long-term financial and estate planning.

Non-Durable Power of Attorney

Only effective while you are mentally competent.

Often used for limited, short-term needs.

Springing Power of Attorney (less common in NY after 2021 law changes)

Becomes effective only upon a specified event, such as incapacity.

What Can an Agent Do With a POA?

Depending on how the document is written, your agent may be authorized to:

-Pay bills and manage bank accounts

-Buy or sell real estate

-Handle investments or insurance policies

-Deal with tax matters

-Access safe deposit boxes

-You can grant broad powers or limit your agent’s authority to specific tasks.

Legal Requirements in New York

As of the 2021 updates to New York’s POA law, the document must:

-Be signed by the principal (you), acknowledged before a notary public, and witnessed by two people

-Include statutory language to be valid under state law

-Be clear about the powers being granted and any limitations

-Your agent must also sign an acknowledgment form accepting their role.

Why a POA is Important

A Power of Attorney provides peace of mind. Without one, your family may need to go through a lengthy court process to be appointed as your guardian if you become incapacitated. A POA ensures your affairs can be managed smoothly, according to your wishes.

Creating a Power of Attorney is a critical step in your estate and financial planning . To ensure your document complies with New York law and truly protects your interests, it’s best to work with an experienced attorney .

Contact the Law Office Of Robert Howe today to learn more about setting up a Power of Attorney tailored to your needs.

The Basics Of Property Law In New York

Mon, 31 Mar 2025 17:53:04 GMT

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Understanding the Basics of Property Law in New York

Whether you’re buying your first home, investing in real estate, or managing rental properties, understanding the basics of property law in New York is essential. Property law governs how real estate is bought, sold, used, and transferred in the state, and it includes a wide range of legal rights and responsibilities.

Here’s a quick overview of some key principles:

1. Types of Property Ownership

New York recognizes several forms of property ownership, including:

-Fee Simple – The most complete form of ownership, giving the holder full rights to use, sell, or transfer the property.

-Tenancy in Common – Two or more people own a property together, each with an undivided interest.

-Joint Tenancy with Right of Survivorship – Ownership passes automatically to the surviving owner(s) upon one’s death.

-Tenancy by the Entirety – A special form of joint ownership for married couples, offering survivorship rights and protection from certain creditors.

2. Real Estate Transfers and Deeds

Transferring property in New York requires a written deed, which must be:

-Properly executed (signed and notarized)

-Delivered to the new owner

-Recorded with the County Clerk or Register’s Office

-Common types of deeds include warranty deeds, quitclaim deeds, and bargain and sale deeds, each offering varying levels of protection.

3. Zoning and Land Use

Zoning laws regulate how land can be used—residential, commercial, industrial, etc. Before buying or developing property, it's important to:

-Review local zoning ordinances

-Check for variances or special permits

-Understand restrictions on building size, height, or use

4. Landlord-Tenant Law

New York has detailed laws governing rental properties. Key areas include:

-Rent control and stabilization (particularly in NYC)

-Tenant rights to habitability and privacy

-Eviction procedures and protections Landlords must comply with state and local laws or risk legal penalties.

5. Easements and Encumbrances

An easement is a legal right to use another person's land for a specific purpose (e.g., a shared driveway or utility access). Encumbrances, such as liens or restrictions, can affect ownership rights and should be resolved before purchasing or selling property.

Property law in New York can be complex, especially when dealing with issues like title disputes, landlord-tenant conflicts, or zoning compliance. Whether you're a homeowner, buyer, or investor, working with an experienced real estate attorney is the best way to ensure your rights are protected and your transaction is handled properly.

Contact the Law Offie Of Robert Howe - with over 40 years of experience - today if you need guidance on any real estate or property law matter in New York.

Real Estate News: U.S. Pending Home Sales Up

Fri, 28 Mar 2025 13:41:26 GMT

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U.S. Pending Home Sales See Modest Rebound in February

In February 2025, the U.S. housing market experienced a slight uptick in pending home sales, offering a glimmer of hope amid ongoing challenges. According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), the Pending Home Sales Index (PHSI) rose by 2.0% to 72.0, marking the first increase in three months. Despite this monthly gain, the index remains 3.6% lower than the same period last year, indicating that the market continues to navigate a complex landscape. ( National Association of REALTORS® , Reuters )

Regional Performance:

1) South: The region led the recovery with a 6.2% increase in pending sales. ( Mortgage Professional America )

2) Midwest: Experienced a modest rise of 0.7%. ( Reuters )

3) Northeast and West: Both regions saw declines, with the West experiencing a more pronounced decrease. ( National Association of REALTORS® )

Market Influences:

The modest rebound in pending home sales is partially attributed to a slight dip in mortgage rates. The average rate for a 30-year mortgage decreased to 6.65% from 6.67% the previous week, providing some relief to prospective buyers. ( Reuters , AP News )

Looking Ahead:

While the February increase is a positive development, the housing market remains below historical norms. High home prices and elevated mortgage rates continue to challenge affordability. The NAR forecasts a gradual decrease in mortgage rates, averaging 6.4% in 2025 and 6.1% in 2026, which could stimulate future home sales.

( Fox Business , MarketWatch )

Conclusion:

The 2.0% rise in pending home sales for February suggests a tentative step toward market stabilization. However, the year-over-year decline underscores the ongoing hurdles within the housing sector. As the market approaches the traditionally active spring season, stakeholders will be closely monitoring these trends to gauge the trajectory of the housing market in the coming months. If you have any questions about how this recent news affects your home buying or selling decisions contact the Law Office Of Robert Howe today.

5 Things to Consider Before Buying A Home In New York

Thu, 27 Mar 2025 19:25:16 GMT

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5 Things to Consider Before Buying a Home in New York

Buying a home in New York is an exciting milestone, but it's also a significant financial and legal undertaking. From navigating competitive markets to understanding local laws, being prepared is key. Here are five important things to consider before buying a home in New York.

1. Get Pre-Approved for a Mortgage

Before you begin house hunting, it’s wise to get pre-approved for a mortgage. This not only clarifies your budget, but also shows sellers you're a serious and qualified buyer—especially important in New York’s competitive real estate market.

2. Choose the Right Property Type

New York offers a variety of property types, each with its own pros, cons, and legal requirements:

-Co-ops are common in NYC and involve purchasing shares in a corporation, subject to board approval and rules.

-Condos provide more ownership flexibility but often come with higher prices and monthly fees.

-Single-family homes offer privacy and independence, but come with full responsibility for maintenance and taxes.

Make sure the property type fits your lifestyle and long-term goals.

3. Hire an Experienced Real Estate Attorney

In New York, real estate transactions require attorney representation. A real estate attorney will:

-Review and negotiate the contract of sale

-Conduct a title search

-Ensure all legal documents are in order

-Represent you at closing

Having the right legal guidance protects your investment and helps you avoid costly mistakes.

4. Understand All Costs Involved

The purchase price is just the beginning. You’ll also need to budget for:

-Closing costs (including taxes, title insurance, and lender fees)

-Property taxes

-Monthly maintenance or common charges (for condos and co-ops)

-Homeowners insurance

Understanding the full financial picture will help you buy within your means.

5. Don’t Skip the Home Inspection

A professional home inspection is essential—even in newer buildings. Inspections can uncover structural issues, electrical problems, roof damage, and other concerns that might not be immediately visible. The findings can help you renegotiate the deal or avoid a costly mistake.

Buying a home in New York is both an exciting and complex process. With the right preparation and professional support, you can make a smart investment that meets your needs and protects your future. If you’re ready to begin your home-buying journey, contact the Law Office Of Robert Howe today for experienced legal guidance every step of the way.

5 Things To Consider Before Selling Your Home In New York

Wed, 26 Mar 2025 15:38:38 GMT

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5 Things to Consider Before Selling Your Home in New York

Selling a home in New York can be an exciting but complex process. From legal requirements to market conditions, it's important to be prepared before listing your property. Here are five key things to consider before putting your home on the market in New York State.

1. Hire a Real Estate Attorney

In New York, it is customary—and often necessary—for both buyers and sellers to be represented by an attorney during a real estate transaction. A seller’s attorney will:

-Draft and negotiate the contract of sale

-Address title issues

-Represent you at closing Having legal guidance helps ensure a smooth, legally sound transaction.

2. Understand the Local Market

New York real estate varies widely by location—what’s true in Manhattan may not apply in the suburbs or upstate. Before listing, research:

-Recent comparable sales (comps)

-Average time on market

-Current buyer demand Working with a knowledgeable real estate agent can help you price your home competitively.

3. Get Your Paperwork in Order

Be prepared to gather important documents, such as:

-The deed

-Property tax records

-Certificate of occupancy

-Recent utility bills If your home is a co-op or condo, you may also need board documents, financials, and bylaws.

4. Address Repairs and Curb Appeal

First impressions matter. Make necessary repairs and consider small upgrades or staging to maximize appeal. A clean, well-maintained home can help you sell faster and at a better price.

5. Plan for Taxes and Closing Costs

Selling your home isn’t just about profit—there are expenses to consider, including:

-Transfer taxes (especially in NYC)

-Broker commissions

-Legal fees

-Capital gains taxes (if applicable) Your attorney or accountant can help you understand what to expect and how to prepare.

Selling a home in New York involves more than listing and waiting for offers. Legal, financial, and market considerations all play a role. If you’re thinking of selling, contact the Law Office Of Robert Howe today for experienced legal support to guide you through the process.

What Does It Mean When You Create A Trust In New York?

Tue, 25 Mar 2025 13:11:26 GMT

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What It Means to Create a Trust in New York

Creating a trust in New York is a powerful estate planning tool that allows individuals to manage and protect their assets during their lifetime and beyond. A trust can help you avoid probate, minimize estate taxes, and ensure that your wealth is distributed according to your wishes.

What Is a Trust?

A trust is a legal arrangement in which one person (the grantor) transfers assets to another person or entity (the trustee) to hold and manage for the benefit of a third party (the beneficiary). Trusts can be customized to fit a variety of personal, financial, and family needs.

Common Types of Trusts in New York

-Revocable Living Trust:

Allows the grantor to retain control of the trust and make changes during their lifetime. This type of trust avoids probate but does not protect assets from creditors.

-Irrevocable Trust:

Once established, it cannot be altered without the consent of the beneficiaries. It can provide asset protection and estate tax benefits.

-Special Needs Trust:

Created to provide for a loved one with disabilities without affecting their eligibility for government benefits.

-Testamentary Trust:

Created through a will and takes effect after the grantor’s death. Commonly used for minor children or dependents.

Benefits of Creating a Trust

-Avoids Probate – Assets held in a trust pass directly to beneficiaries, skipping the lengthy and public probate process.

-Provides Privacy – Unlike a will, a trust does not become a matter of public record.

-Offers Control – You can specify how and when beneficiaries receive their inheritance.

-Reduces Taxes – Certain trusts can help minimize estate and gift taxes.

-Protects Beneficiaries – Trusts can safeguard assets from creditors, divorce, or irresponsible spending.

How an Attorney Can Help

Creating a trust involves careful planning and legal knowledge. An experienced estate planning attorney in New York can help you:

-Choose the right type of trust for your goals.

-Draft the trust document to meet legal requirements.

-Fund the trust properly by transferring assets into it.

Trusts are not just for the wealthy—they’re a smart planning tool for anyone who wants to protect their assets and provide for their loved ones. If you're considering creating a trust, contact the Law Office Of Robert Howe today for a consultation and personalized guidance.

Top 5 Ways An Attorney Can Help With Future Planning In New York

Mon, 24 Mar 2025 14:57:05 GMT

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How an Attorney Can Help With Future Planning in New York

Planning for the future isn't just about finances—it's about protecting your loved ones, your assets, and your peace of mind. In New York, working with an experienced attorney can help you create a comprehensive estate and life plan that ensures your wishes are honored and your affairs are in order, no matter what the future holds.

1. Drafting a Legally Sound Will

A will outlines how your assets should be distributed after your passing. An attorney can:

-Ensure your will meets all New York legal requirements.

-Help you appoint guardians for minor children.

-Reduce the risk of future disputes among heirs.

2. Creating a Trust

Trusts can help manage your assets during your lifetime and after your death. An attorney can assist in:

-Setting up revocable or irrevocable trusts.

-Helping avoid probate for smoother asset transfer.

-Providing for loved ones with special needs or unique circumstances.

3. Appointing a Power of Attorney

A Power of Attorney allows someone you trust to manage your financial affairs if you're unable to do so. Your attorney ensures it:

-Complies with New York law.

-Reflects the scope of authority you’re comfortable with.

4. Establishing a Health Care Proxy and Living Will

These documents allow you to appoint a trusted person to make medical decisions if you're incapacitated and express your wishes for end-of-life care. An attorney can:

-Draft clear, enforceable directives.

-Make sure your medical wishes are legally documented and honored.

5. Minimizing Taxes and Legal Complications

Proper planning with an attorney can reduce estate taxes and help your family avoid unnecessary court proceedings, delays, or costs.

Future planning is a gift to your family and yourself. It brings clarity, security, and control over how your affairs are handled. If you’re ready to take the next step in planning your future, contact the Law Office Of Robert Howe today to schedule a consultation. We’re here to help you build a plan that protects what matters most.

Why Do You Need A Home Title Search In New York Anyway?

Fri, 21 Mar 2025 13:49:52 GMT

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Why You Need a Home Title Search in New York

Buying a home is one of the biggest investments most people make—and in New York, protecting that investment starts with a title search. A title search is a crucial step in the real estate transaction process that helps confirm the legal ownership of a property and ensures there are no hidden issues that could affect your purchase.

What Is a Title Search?

A title search is a review of public records related to a property’s history. It confirms that the seller has the legal right to transfer ownership and checks for any problems that might interfere with the sale or future use of the property.

Why Is a Title Search So Important in New York?

1. Confirms Legal Ownership

A title search verifies that the seller is the rightful owner of the property. Without this confirmation, a buyer could face serious legal issues or even lose the property after the sale.

2. Uncovers Liens and Judgments

The search will reveal any liens, unpaid taxes, or court judgments attached to the property. These must be resolved before the property can legally transfer to the new owner.

3. Identifies Easements and Restrictions

A title search will also uncover any easements, zoning violations, or deed restrictions that could impact your use of the property—such as a neighbor’s right to use a shared driveway or limitations on building additions.

4. Helps Secure Title Insurance

A title search is required to issue title insurance, which protects buyers and lenders from financial loss due to undiscovered title defects or future claims.

5. Provides Peace of Mind

Ultimately, a title search gives you confidence that your investment is protected and that there are no legal clouds hanging over your new home.

A title search is not just a formality—it’s a key safeguard in any New York real estate transaction. Before you close on your next property, make sure you work with a real estate attorney who can coordinate a thorough title search and ensure a smooth, secure transfer of ownership.

Contact the Law Office of Robert Howe today for guidance and protection throughout your home-buying journey.

Top 5 Reasons You Need A Real Estate Attorney In New York

Thu, 20 Mar 2025 15:45:52 GMT

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Top 5 Reasons You Need a Real Estate Attorney in New York

Buying or selling property in New York comes with legal complexities that require professional guidance. Unlike many other states, New York requires attorneys to be involved in real estate transactions. Whether you’re purchasing a home, selling an investment property, or refinancing a mortgage, a real estate attorney plays a crucial role in protecting your interests.

1. Contract Review & Negotiation

Real estate contracts are legally binding, and any mistake or oversight could lead to financial loss. A real estate attorney:

-Reviews the contract of sale for accuracy and fairness.

-Negotiates contingencies, such as inspections, financing, and repairs.

-Ensures compliance with New York real estate laws.

2. Title Search & Title Insurance

Before closing, attorneys conduct a title search to verify legal ownership and uncover any potential issues, such as:

-Liens or judgments against the property.

-Unresolved boundary disputes.

-Restrictions that could affect the property’s use.

-An attorney ensures you receive clear title and helps arrange title insurance for protection against future claims.

3. Closing Process Representation

Closing a real estate transaction in New York involves a complex series of legal and financial steps. An attorney:

-Reviews and explains closing documents.

-Ensures accurate transfer of funds and ownership.

-Protects you from last-minute issues that could delay or jeopardize the deal.

4. Co-op and Condo Transactions

New York has unique rules for co-op and condo sales, requiring additional legal oversight. An attorney helps by:

-Reviewing offering plans, bylaws, and financial statements.

-Navigating the co-op board approval process.

-Ensuring compliance with building rules and regulations.

5. Protecting Your Interests & Avoiding Legal Pitfalls

Real estate transactions involve significant investments, and even small mistakes can lead to costly legal disputes. A real estate attorney provides:

-Legal protection against fraud, misrepresentation, and contract breaches.

-Expert guidance on zoning laws, lease agreements, and financing.

-Peace of mind that the transaction is handled professionally and correctly.

Hiring a real estate attorney in New York is not just recommended—it’s essential to ensure a smooth and legally sound transaction. If you’re buying, selling, or refinancing property, contact Brooklyn Real Estate Attorney Robert Howe today for expert legal representation.

What Is Surrogate Court In New York?

Wed, 19 Mar 2025 14:20:41 GMT

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What is Surrogate’s Court in New York?

In New York State, Surrogate’s Court is the legal body that handles matters related to estates, wills, and guardianships. If a person passes away, their estate may go through Surrogate’s Court to ensure that assets are distributed properly, debts are settled, and legal disputes are resolved.

What Cases Does Surrogate’s Court Handle?

Probate of Wills – When a person dies with a will, the court oversees the probate process, ensuring the will is valid and that assets are distributed according to the deceased’s wishes.

Estate Administration – If someone dies without a will (intestate), the court appoints an administrator to distribute assets based on New York’s intestacy laws.

Guardianship Matters – The court handles cases involving the appointment of guardians for minors or incapacitated individuals who need legal and financial protection.

Trusts and Estate Disputes – If there is a dispute over a will, trust, or inheritance, Surrogate’s Court resolves the issue.

Adoptions – In some cases, Surrogate’s Court also handles adoption proceedings, ensuring all legal requirements are met.

Why is Surrogate’s Court Important?

Surrogate’s Court ensures that estates are handled fairly and legally, preventing fraud and ensuring beneficiaries receive what they are entitled to. If you are dealing with probate, estate administration, or guardianship matters, consulting a qualified estate attorney can help you navigate the process efficiently.

For assistance with estate planning, probate, or guardianship in New York, contact the Law Office Of Robert Howe today to discuss your legal needs.

Role Of An Attorney In Real Estate Refinancing In New York

Tue, 18 Mar 2025 15:40:06 GMT

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The Role of an Attorney in Refinancing in New York

Refinancing a mortgage in New York can be a smart financial move, whether you’re looking to secure a lower interest rate, reduce monthly payments, or tap into home equity. However, refinancing involves legal and financial complexities that require professional guidance. A real estate attorney plays a crucial role in ensuring a smooth and legally sound refinancing process.

Key Responsibilities of a Real Estate Attorney in Refinancing

1. Reviewing Loan Documents

An attorney carefully examines the new mortgage terms to ensure they are fair and legally binding. They:

-Review the loan agreement, interest rates, and repayment terms.

-Ensure compliance with New York real estate laws.

-Identify any unfavorable clauses that could impact the borrower.

2. Title Search and Clearance

Lenders require a title search to confirm there are no outstanding liens, judgments, or ownership disputes. The attorney:

-Conducts or facilitates a title search.

-Resolves any title defects that could delay refinancing.

-Helps secure title insurance, if required.

3. Coordinating with Lenders and Third Parties

Attorneys act as a liaison between the borrower, lender, title company, and other involved parties. They ensure:

-Proper discharge of the old mortgage.

-Timely and accurate submission of legal documents.

-Resolution of any legal issues that arise during the process.

4. Closing Representation

In New York, attorneys often oversee the refinance closing, ensuring:

-The borrower understands the terms before signing.

-All necessary legal documents, including the new mortgage and loan settlement statement, are executed correctly.

-The funds are properly disbursed and recorded.

Why You Need an Attorney for Refinancing in New York

New York’s legal requirements make an attorney essential in refinancing transactions. Their expertise helps protect your rights, prevent costly errors, and ensure a seamless refinancing experience.

If you’re considering refinancing your mortgage, contact the Law Office Of Robert Howe today for expert legal assistance. We’ll help you navigate the process and ensure your financial interests are safeguarded.

New York Family Law: The Role Of An Attorney

Mon, 17 Mar 2025 17:33:20 GMT

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The Role of an Attorney in Family Law Cases in New York

Family law matters can be among the most emotional and legally complex issues individuals face. Whether dealing with divorce, child custody, spousal support, or domestic disputes, having an experienced family law attorney in New York is essential to protecting your rights and ensuring a fair outcome.

Key Roles of a Family Law Attorney in New York

1. Divorce and Separation

A family law attorney assists clients in negotiating and finalizing divorce agreements, whether contested or uncontested. They help:

-Draft and review separation agreements.

-Negotiate terms for equitable distribution of assets and debts.

-Advocate for fair spousal support (alimony) determinations.

2. Child Custody and Support

Custody battles can be stressful, and attorneys work to establish parenting arrangements that serve the child’s best interests. Their role includes:

-Representing clients in custody and visitation disputes.

-Ensuring proper child support calculations based on New York guidelines.

-Helping enforce or modify existing court orders.

3. Prenuptial and Postnuptial Agreements

An attorney can help couples draft legally sound agreements that protect assets and clarify financial arrangements in case of divorce or separation.

4. Domestic Violence and Orders of Protection

For individuals experiencing domestic abuse, a family law attorney can:

-File for an Order of Protection to ensure safety.

-Represent victims in court to obtain legal relief.

-Defend clients falsely accused of domestic violence.

5. Adoption and Guardianship

Family law attorneys guide clients through the adoption process, ensuring compliance with New York adoption laws. They also assist with establishing legal guardianship for minors or incapacitated adults.

Why You Need a Family Law Attorney

Family law cases impact personal relationships and financial security, making legal guidance essential. An experienced attorney provides legal knowledge, negotiation skills, and courtroom advocacy to protect your rights and achieve the best possible outcome.

If you need legal assistance with a family law matter in New York , contact the Law Office Of Robert Howe today to schedule a consultation. We’re here to provide compassionate, knowledgeable representation for you and your family.

New York Law: What Is Probate?

Fri, 14 Mar 2025 14:17:28 GMT

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What is Probate Law in New York?

Probate law in New York governs the legal process of administering a deceased person’s estate, ensuring that their assets are distributed according to their will or, if there is no will, under state intestacy laws. This process is handled by the Surrogate’s Court in the county where the deceased resided.

When is Probate Required?

Probate is necessary when a person passes away with a will (testate) and has assets solely in their name. If the person dies without a will (intestate), the court will appoint an administrator to distribute assets according to state law.

Steps in the Probate Process

-Filing the Will & Petition – The named executor submits the will and files a petition with the Surrogate’s Court.

-Notifying Beneficiaries & Creditors – The court notifies heirs and allows creditors to make claims.

-Paying Debts & Taxes – The executor ensures outstanding debts, estate taxes, and legal fees are settled.

-Distributing Assets – After debts are cleared, the remaining estate is distributed to beneficiaries as outlined in the will.

-Closing the Estate – The executor provides a final accounting, and the court formally closes the estate.

Avoiding Probate

Many people use estate planning strategies to bypass probate, including:

-Establishing a revocable living trust

-Designating beneficiaries on bank accounts, retirement plans, and life insurance

-Holding property jointly with rights of survivorship

Probate can be time-consuming and costly, but an experienced attorney can help simplify the process. If you need assistance navigating probate or planning your estate to avoid it, contact the Law Office Of Robert Howe today for expert legal guidance.

New York Real Estate Purchase Checklist

Thu, 13 Mar 2025 12:02:06 GMT

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Real Estate Purchase Checklist for New York Buyers

As the weather begins to warm and spring cleanings abound the house hunting season will be in full swing. Buying real estate in New York can be an exciting yet complex process. Whether you're purchasing a home, condo, or investment property, following a structured checklist ensures a smooth transaction. Here’s what you need to know before closing the deal.

1. Determine Your Budget & Get Pre-Approved

-Assess your finances and set a realistic budget.

-Get pre-approved for a mortgage to understand how much you can borrow.

-Factor in closing costs, property taxes, and maintenance fees.

2. Find the Right Property

-Work with a real estate agent to identify potential properties.

-Research the neighborhood, schools, and transportation.

-Consider a home inspection to uncover potential issues.

3. Hire a Real Estate Attorney

- New York requires an attorney for real estate transactions.

-Your attorney will review contracts, conduct title searches, and guide you through closing.

4. Review and Sign the Contract

-The seller’s attorney drafts the contract.

-Your attorney negotiates terms and ensures contingencies are included (e.g., financing, inspection).

-Sign the contract and submit the earnest money deposit.

5. Conduct a Title Search & Secure Title Insurance

-A title search ensures there are no liens or legal issues with the property.

-Purchase title insurance to protect against future claims.

6. Finalize Your Mortgage

-Provide financial documents to your lender.

-Obtain a loan commitment letter.

-Ensure the appraisal supports the purchase price.

7. Prepare for Closing

-Schedule a final walkthrough to confirm the property's condition.

-Review the closing disclosure for fees and final costs.

-Attend the closing meeting with your attorney to sign documents and receive the keys.

Purchasing property in New York involves legal and financial complexities, making it essential to have the right professionals guiding you. If you're buying real estate, contact the Law Office Of Robert Howe today for expert legal representation to ensure a smooth closing process.

How An Attorney Helps You Prepare A Will

Wed, 12 Mar 2025 12:36:15 GMT

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How an Attorney Prepares a Will in New York State

Creating a last will and testament is an essential step in protecting your assets and ensuring your wishes are carried out after your passing. In New York State, an attorney plays a crucial role in drafting a legally valid will that reflects your intentions while minimizing potential disputes.

Key Steps an Attorney Takes to Prepare a Will

1. Understanding Your Estate and Goals

The attorney begins by discussing your assets, family situation, and personal wishes, including:

-Who will inherit your assets (beneficiaries).

-Who will be named as the executor to manage your estate.

-Guardianship preferences if you have minor children.

-Special provisions for charitable giving or trusts.

2. Drafting the Will

Based on your wishes, the attorney drafts a will that complies with New York State laws, ensuring:

-The document is properly structured and legally sound.

-Specific bequests and distributions are clearly outlined.

-Any potential issues, such as disputes among heirs, are addressed.

3. Ensuring Legal Validity

For a will to be valid in New York, an attorney ensures that:

-The testator (person making the will) is mentally competent.

-The will is signed in the presence of two witnesses, who also sign the document.

-The document is stored safely for future use.

4. Updating and Revising as Needed

Life circumstances change, and an attorney can assist with updating your will if you experience major life events such as marriage, divorce, or the birth of a child.

Why You Need an Attorney for a Will

A properly drafted will ensures your estate is distributed according to your wishes and minimizes legal complications for your loved ones. An experienced attorney helps avoid errors, ensure clarity, and provide peace of mind.

If you need assistance preparing or updating a will, contact the Law Office Of Robert Howe today for expert legal guidance.

New York Real Estate Attorney: What It Means To Represent The Seller

Tue, 11 Mar 2025 15:34:38 GMT

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How a Real Estate Attorney Represents the Seller in a New York State Transaction

Selling real estate in New York involves legal and financial complexities that require the expertise of a real estate attorney. In New York State, attorneys play a crucial role in ensuring that a property sale is handled smoothly, protecting the seller’s interests from contract to closing.

Key Responsibilities of a Seller’s Attorney

1. Preparing and Negotiating the Contract of Sale

Once a buyer makes an offer, the seller’s attorney:

-Drafts the contract of sale, ensuring it includes all necessary terms.

-Negotiates contract terms, including contingencies, closing dates, and deposit requirements.

-Works with the buyer’s attorney to finalize the agreement.

2. Clearing Title Issues

Before closing, the seller’s attorney:

-Ensures the title is clear of liens, judgments, or encumbrances.

-Works with the title company to resolve any issues that could delay the sale.

-Assists in obtaining necessary payoff letters for outstanding mortgages or liens.

3. Addressing Closing Requirements

The attorney ensures that all required documents, such as the deed, transfer tax forms, and closing statement, are properly prepared. If the property is a co-op or condo, they also assist in fulfilling board requirements.

4. Attending the Closing

At closing, the attorney:

-Reviews all final documents to ensure accuracy.

-Oversees the transfer of funds and ensures the seller receives the correct proceeds.

-Facilitates the proper transfer of ownership and keys to the buyer.

Why Sellers Need a Real Estate Attorney

Selling property in New York involves more than just finding a buyer—it requires careful legal oversight to avoid future disputes or financial risks. A real estate attorney ensures the contract is fair, title is clear, and the closing process is seamless.

If you're selling real estate in New York, contact the Law Office Of Robert Howe today for experienced legal representation to protect your interests.

New York Real Estate Attorney: What It Means To Represent The Buyer

Mon, 10 Mar 2025 14:10:00 GMT

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How a Real Estate Attorney Represents the Buyer in a New York State Transaction

Buying real estate in New York is a significant investment, and having a real estate attorney is essential to ensuring a smooth and legally sound transaction. In New York State, attorneys play a crucial role in representing buyers, protecting their interests from contract to closing.

Key Responsibilities of a Buyer’s Attorney

1. Contract Review and Negotiation

Once an offer is accepted, the seller’s attorney drafts a contract of sale. The buyer’s attorney:

-Reviews the contract for fair terms.

-Negotiates contingencies (e.g., mortgage, inspection, title clearance).

-Ensures the buyer’s rights and deposit are protected.

2. Title Search and Due Diligence

A title search is conducted to confirm the seller’s legal ownership and to identify any liens, judgments, or property restrictions. The attorney ensures a clear title before closing and arranges for title insurance to protect the buyer.

3. Mortgage and Financing Assistance

The attorney coordinates with the buyer’s lender to ensure mortgage documents are in order and that all loan conditions are met before closing.

4. Closing Representation

At the closing, the attorney:

-Reviews and explains all documents, including the deed, mortgage, and closing statement.

-Ensures all payments (purchase price, taxes, fees) are properly disbursed.

-Confirms the legal transfer of ownership and proper recording of documents.

Why a Real Estate Attorney is Essential

New York real estate transactions are complex, and buyers need an advocate to protect their investment. A real estate attorney provides legal security, due diligence, and negotiation expertise to ensure a seamless transaction.

If you’re buying a home or investment property in New York, contact the Law Office Of Robert Howe today for expert legal representation.

Understanding Probate Law In New York

Fri, 07 Mar 2025 15:06:14 GMT

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Understanding Probate in New York State

Probate is the legal process through which a deceased person’s estate is administered, debts are settled, and assets are distributed to heirs. In New York State, probate is handled by the Surrogate’s Court in the county where the deceased resided. Understanding how probate works can help families navigate the process efficiently and avoid unnecessary complications.

When is Probate Required?

Probate is necessary when a person passes away with a will (testate) and leaves behind assets that are solely in their name. If the deceased had jointly owned property or assets with named beneficiaries (such as life insurance or retirement accounts), those assets typically bypass probate.

The Probate Process in New York

-Filing the Petition – The named executor submits the will and a petition to the Surrogate’s Court.

-Notifying Heirs and Creditors – Interested parties, including beneficiaries and creditors, are notified.

-Settling Debts and Taxes – The estate pays any outstanding debts, taxes, and administrative expenses.

-Distributing Assets – Once debts are settled, the remaining assets are distributed according to the will.

-Closing the Estate – The executor files a final accounting, and the court officially closes the estate.

Avoiding Probate

To simplify estate administration, individuals can use estate planning strategies such as:

-Creating a revocable living trust

-Designating beneficiaries on financial accounts

-Owning property jointly with rights of survivorship

Probate can be time-consuming and complex, but with proper planning, it can be managed smoothly. If you need assistance navigating probate or developing an estate plan to avoid it, contact Brooklyn, New York Attorney Robert Howe for expert legal guidance.

New York Real Estate: What Is A Title Search?

Thu, 06 Mar 2025 16:46:49 GMT

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Understanding Real Estate Title Searches in New York State

A real estate title search is a critical step in any property transaction in New York State. It ensures that the property’s ownership history is clear and that there are no legal issues that could affect the buyer’s rights. Whether you are purchasing a home, commercial property, or vacant land, a thorough title search helps protect your investment.

What is a Title Search?

A title search is an examination of public records to verify legal ownership and uncover any potential problems, such as:

-Liens or judgments – Outstanding debts attached to the property.

-Easements or encumbrances – Legal rights that others may have over the property.

-Ownership disputes – Conflicting claims or missing heirs.

-Zoning and property use restrictions – Limitations on how the property can be used.

Why is a Title Search Important?

A clear title ensures that you are purchasing a property free from legal claims. If any issues are found, they must be resolved before closing. Without a title search, buyers risk future disputes or financial liabilities.

How the Process Works

-Title Search Conducted – A title company or attorney reviews property records.

-Title Report Issued – The report highlights any issues that need resolution.

-Title Insurance Secured – This protects buyers and lenders from future claims.

A title search is an essential safeguard in any New York real estate transaction. If you’re buying property, consult a real estate attorney to ensure a thorough title review and protect your investment. Contact New York Attorney Robert Howe to learn more about how we can help.

What Is The Meaning Of Health Care Proxy In New York?

Wed, 05 Mar 2025 12:35:40 GMT

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What is a Health Care Proxy in New York State?

A Health Care Proxy is a legal document that allows you to appoint someone to make medical decisions on your behalf if you become unable to do so. In New York State, this is a crucial part of advance care planning, ensuring that your healthcare preferences are respected in case of serious illness or incapacity.

Why is a Health Care Proxy Important?

If you become unconscious or mentally incapacitated, doctors will turn to your legally designated health care agent to make decisions about your treatment. Without a Health Care Proxy, family members may need to go through a court process to gain decision-making authority, which can cause delays and stress during critical moments.

What Can a Health Care Agent Do?

Your chosen agent can:

-Make medical decisions in accordance with your wishes.

-Approve or refuse medical treatments, including life-sustaining measures.

-Access medical records and discuss care with doctors.

-Ensure your end-of-life care preferences are honored.

How to Create a Health Care Proxy in New York

-Choose a trusted agent – This should be one who understands your wishes & is willing to advocate for them.

-Complete the Health Care Proxy form – This document must be signed in the presence of two witnesses.

-Discuss your medical preferences – Ensure your agent knows your values and treatment choices.

A Health Care Proxy gives you peace of mind, knowing that someone you trust will oversee your medical care if you cannot. If you need assistance drafting this essential document, contact Brooklyn, New York Attorney Robert Howe today to ensure your healthcare decisions are in good hands.

Why Parents Of Young Children Should Name Legal Guardians

Tue, 04 Mar 2025 14:16:19 GMT

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Why Parents of Young Children Should Name Legal Guardians in New York State

As parents, we do everything we can to protect our children—but have you considered what would happen if you were unable to care for them due to an unexpected tragedy? Naming a legal guardian ensures that your children will be cared for by someone you trust if the unthinkable happens.

What Happens If No Guardian Is Named?

If parents do not designate a legal guardian in their will, the decision falls to the courts. A judge will determine who will care for the child, which may not align with the parents' wishes. Family disputes or delays in the process can create unnecessary stress for loved ones and uncertainty for the child.

Choosing the Right Guardian

When selecting a guardian, consider:

-Emotional and financial stability – Can they provide a loving and secure environment?

-Values and parenting style – Do they align with your own beliefs and approach to raising children?

-Location and lifestyle – Would moving in with the guardian require a drastic life change for your child?

How to Legally Name a Guardian

To ensure your wishes are legally recognized:

-Include your guardianship designation in your will.

-Have a conversation with the chosen guardian to confirm they are willing and prepared for the responsibility.

-Consult an attorney to ensure your documents are properly drafted and legally binding.

Naming a legal guardian is one of the most important steps you can take to secure your child’s future. It provides peace of mind, knowing that if anything happens, your child will be raised by someone who shares your values and whom you trust.

If you need assistance setting up a guardianship plan, contact our firm today to ensure your child’s future is protected.

Understanding Family Law In New York State

Mon, 03 Mar 2025 23:16:26 GMT

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Understanding Family Law in New York State

Family law in New York governs some of life’s most important legal matters, including marriage, divorce, child custody, and financial support. Whether you are navigating a divorce, a custody dispute, or an adoption, understanding your rights and obligations under New York law is essential.

Key Areas of Family Law in New York

Divorce and Separation

New York is a no-fault divorce state, meaning couples can divorce without proving wrongdoing.

Spouses can also file for fault-based divorce on grounds such as adultery, abandonment, or cruelty.

Legal separation agreements allow couples to remain legally married while living separately with defined financial and parenting arrangements.

Child Custody and Visitation

Custody decisions are based on the best interests of the child and can be joint or sole custody.

Visitation rights are typically granted to the non-custodial parent unless deemed harmful to the child.

Child and Spousal Support

Child support is determined by New York’s Child Support Standards Act (CSSA) and is based on a percentage of the paying parent's income.

Spousal support (alimony) may be awarded based on factors such as income disparity, marriage length, and financial need.

Prenuptial and Postnuptial Agreements

Couples can establish agreements to define asset division, spousal support, and other financial matters in the event of divorce.

Domestic Violence and Orders of Protection

Victims of domestic violence can seek Orders of Protection to prevent contact with an abuser and ensure their safety.

Adoption and Guardianship

New York law allows for both private and agency adoptions, as well as step-parent and relative adoptions.

Guardianship proceedings determine legal responsibility for minors or incapacitated adults.

Why Legal Guidance Matters

Family law cases are often emotionally charged and legally complex. Working with an experienced family law attorney ensures that your rights are protected and that legal proceedings are handled with care and precision.

If you need assistance with a family law matter in New York, contact our firm today to schedule a consultation. We are here to provide compassionate, knowledgeable representation for you and your loved ones.

What Does Power Of Attorney Mean In New York?

Wed, 26 Feb 2025 17:35:42 GMT

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Understanding Power of Attorney in New York State

Power of Attorney (POA) is a crucial legal document that allows one person (the "principal") to grant another person (the "agent" or "attorney-in-fact") the authority to act on their behalf in financial and legal matters. In New York State, having a properly executed POA ensures that trusted individuals can manage your affairs when you are unable to do so yourself.

Types of Power of Attorney in New York

1. Durable Power of Attorney – Remains in effect even if the principal becomes incapacitated. This is commonly used for long-term financial and estate planning.

2. Non-Durable Power of Attorney – Only valid while the principal is mentally and physically capable; it terminates if they become incapacitated.

3. Springing Power of Attorney – Becomes effective only under specific circumstances, such as the principal’s incapacitation.

4. Limited Power of Attorney – Grants the agent authority for a specific task or transaction, such as selling a property.

Why is a Power of Attorney Important?

- Financial Management – Allows your agent to handle banking, investments, and real estate transactions.

- Legal Representation – Your agent can sign documents, pay bills, and manage assets on your behalf.

- Avoiding Guardianship Proceedings – Without a POA, a court may need to appoint a guardian if you become incapacitated, which can be costly and time-consuming.

Key Legal Requirements in New York

- The POA must be signed and notarized by the principal.

- It must also be signed by two disinterested witnesses.

- Certain financial institutions may require specific language or forms, so legal guidance is recommended.

A Power of Attorney is an essential tool for financial and estate planning, ensuring that your affairs are handled by someone you trust. If you need assistance drafting or updating a POA in New York, our firm can guide you through the process and help protect your interests. **Contact us today** to discuss your options.

The Role Of Your Real Estate Attorney

Thu, 20 Feb 2025 18:40:33 GMT

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What Does a Real Estate Attorney Do in New York State?

Navigating the real estate market in New York requires more than just finding the right property or buyer—it demands legal expertise to ensure a smooth and secure transaction. A real estate attorney plays a crucial role in protecting clients from legal pitfalls and guiding them through the complexities of property transactions. Here are some key tasks a real estate attorney performs for clients in New York State:

1. Contract Drafting and Review

A real estate attorney prepares and reviews purchase agreements, lease contracts, and other legal documents to ensure fair terms and legal compliance. They negotiate on behalf of clients to protect their interests and minimize potential risks.

2. Title Search and Due Diligence

Before closing, attorneys conduct a title search to verify the property’s legal ownership and ensure there are no outstanding liens, judgments, or encumbrances that could cause future disputes.

3. Closing Representation

Real estate attorneys oversee the closing process, ensuring that all legal documents, such as the deed and mortgage agreements, are in order. They coordinate with lenders, title companies, and other parties to finalize the transaction.

4. Co-op and Condo Transactions

Buying or selling a co-op or condo in New York comes with additional legal requirements. Attorneys review offering plans, board regulations, and financial statements to help clients make informed decisions and navigate board approval processes.

5. Lease and Landlord-Tenant Matters

For landlords and tenants, real estate attorneys draft and review lease agreements, resolve disputes, and ensure compliance with New York’s rent stabilization laws. They also handle eviction proceedings and tenant rights issues.

6. Real Estate Litigation and Dispute Resolution

If conflicts arise, such as contract disputes, property boundary issues, or fraudulent transactions, attorneys represent clients in negotiations, mediation, or court proceedings to resolve matters effectively.

Why You Need a Real Estate Attorney in New York

Real estate transactions in New York are complex and highly regulated. Whether you're buying, selling, leasing, or dealing with disputes, an experienced real estate attorney ensures that your rights and investments are protected.

If you need legal assistance with a real estate matter, our firm is here to help. Contact us today for a consultation and let us guide you through the process with confidence.

Navigating New York's Real Estate Market In 2025

Wed, 19 Feb 2025 18:39:38 GMT

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Navigating New York City's Dynamic Real Estate Market in 2025: Insights and Legal Perspectives

As we progress through 2025, New York City's real estate landscape continues to evolve, presenting both opportunities and challenges for investors, homeowners, and tenants. Understanding the current market dynamics and the accompanying legal implications is crucial for all stakeholders.

Market Trends and Developments

Increased Investment Activity: Despite previous economic uncertainties, New York City's investment sales reached $28.3 billion in 2024, marking a 26% increase from the prior year. This surge indicates renewed confidence among investors and suggests a robust market trajectory for 2025.

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Shift Towards Outer Boroughs: Affordability and demand for space have propelled interest in neighborhoods beyond Manhattan. Areas like Ridgewood in Queens have become focal points for buyers and renters, experiencing a 13.2% uptick in searches and an 8.3% rise in median rents.

NEW YORK POST

Luxury Market Adjustments: The high-end property sector is witnessing increased activity, with luxury home prices becoming more accessible. Notably, prices for luxury units have decreased by 6.1% from their peak, attracting a broader spectrum of buyers.

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Adaptive Reuse of Commercial Spaces: The ongoing shift towards hybrid work models has led to a decreased demand for traditional office spaces. Developers are capitalizing on this trend by converting obsolete commercial properties into residential units, addressing housing shortages and revitalizing underutilized spaces.

NEW YORK WEEKLY

Legal Landscape and Implications

Rent Regulation Reforms: Democratic lawmakers are advocating for the REST Act, aiming to modernize the state's rent stabilization laws. This legislation seeks to broaden the applicability of rent stabilization, potentially impacting landlords and tenants across the state.

TIMES UNION

Broker Fee Legislation: The enactment of the Fairness in Apartment Rentals Act mandates that landlords, rather than tenants, bear the responsibility for broker fees. This significant shift alleviates the financial burden on renters but may influence landlords' operational costs and rental pricing strategies.

WSJ

Property Tax Overhaul: Proposed legislative changes, such as the "Five Borough Fair Property Tax Act," aim to revamp New York City's property tax system. Key components include the introduction of a new Class One-A designation for specific residential properties and the establishment of income-based tax reductions for households earning up to $500,000.

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Navigating the Current Market

For stakeholders in New York City's real estate market, staying informed and proactive is essential. Engaging with experienced legal counsel can provide valuable guidance through the complexities of evolving regulations and market conditions. Whether you're considering property investments, managing rental agreements, or contemplating development projects, a thorough understanding of both market trends and legal requirements will position you for success in this dynamic environment.

New York Real Estate: Understanding The Closing Process

Fri, 09 Aug 2024 16:54:43 GMT

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The real estate closing process in New York State can seem complex and daunting, especially for first-time homebuyers. However, understanding each step can demystify the experience and help you navigate the process more confidently. This guide will walk you through the essential stages of a typical real estate closing in New York, from contract signing to the final handover of keys.

1. Contract Signing

Once you've found the perfect property and agreed on a price, the first formal step in the closing process is signing the purchase agreement. In New York, both parties—buyer and seller—usually work with their own attorneys to ensure the contract details are accurate and in their best interests. Key elements of the contract include:

Purchase Price: The agreed-upon price for the property.

Contingencies: Conditions that must be met for the sale to proceed, such as passing a home inspection or securing financing.

Closing Date: The date on which the property will officially change hands.

2. Title Search and Insurance

After the contract is signed, a title search is conducted to verify that the seller has clear ownership of the property and the right to transfer it. This step ensures there are no legal claims, liens, or disputes over the property. Additionally, buyers are required to purchase title insurance to protect against any future claims against the property.

3. Home Inspection and Appraisal

Before closing, the buyer will typically arrange for a home inspection to identify any potential issues with the property, such as structural problems or necessary repairs. An appraisal is also conducted by the lender to determine the property's fair market value, ensuring that the loan amount matches the property's worth.

4. Mortgage Commitment

Once the inspection and appraisal are completed, the buyer's lender will issue a mortgage commitment. This document outlines the terms and conditions of the mortgage loan and confirms the lender's intent to finance the purchase. Buyers should review the commitment carefully, as it includes important details about the interest rate, loan amount, and repayment schedule.

5. Final Walkthrough

A day or two before the closing date, the buyer will perform a final walkthrough of the property. This step ensures that the property is in the agreed-upon condition and that any negotiated repairs have been completed. It’s the buyer’s last chance to verify that everything is in order before signing the final documents.

6. The Closing Meeting

The closing meeting, typically held at the office of one of the attorneys (we have hosted many over the years at the offices of Brooklyn real estate attorney Robert Howe ) or at the title company, is where all the final documents are signed, and ownership of the property is officially transferred. Key participants in this meeting usually include the buyer, seller, their respective attorneys, the lender’s representative, and a title company representative. During the closing, the buyer will:

Sign the Mortgage Documents: Including the promissory note and mortgage agreement.

Pay Closing Costs: This includes fees for the title search, title insurance, attorney fees, and any other costs associated with the transaction.

Receive the Deed: The legal document that transfers ownership from the seller to the buyer.

7. Recording the Deed

After the closing meeting, the deed and mortgage documents are filed with the local county clerk's office, making the transfer of ownership official. In New York, this step is crucial because it legally records the new owner’s interest in the property.

8. Receiving the Keys

Once the deed is recorded, the buyer officially becomes the new owner of the property and receives the keys. Congratulations—you've successfully navigated the New York real estate closing process!

Conclusion

While the real estate closing process in New York State involves several steps, having a clear understanding of each stage can make the journey smoother and less stressful. With the right preparation and professional guidance, you can confidently move through the process and enjoy the exciting moment when you finally get the keys to your new home.

New High For Housing Prices In 2024: What Buyers & Sellers Need To Know

Fri, 21 Jun 2024 17:04:15 GMT

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As of mid-2024, the U.S. housing market continues to defy expectations with record-high home prices. Recent data shows a 4.4% year-over-year increase in median sale prices, now at an all-time high of $393,627 (Norada Real Estate Investments) (Norada Real Estate Investments). This surge, while impressive, comes with a mix of challenges and opportunities for both buyers and sellers.

The State of the Market

Despite the rising prices, the housing market is showing signs of stabilization. Mortgage rates have slightly decreased to an average of 6.99%, down from their peak earlier this year, making monthly payments a bit more manageable for buyers (Norada Real Estate Investments). This decline in rates is attributed to recent inflation data and the Federal Reserve's cautious approach to interest rate cuts.

Interestingly, while prices continue to rise, the rate of increase is beginning to slow. Many sellers are adjusting their expectations, with 6.5% of listings seeing price reductions, the highest rate since late 2022 (Norada Real Estate Investments). This adjustment reflects a more balanced market where buyers might find more negotiating power than in previous months.

Regional Variations

The impact of these trends varies significantly by region. For example, the Boston housing market has experienced robust growth over the past year, with a 9.2% increase in home values (Norada Real Estate Investments). However, the forecast for the coming year predicts a slight decline of 0.9%, suggesting that the market may be cooling off.

In contrast, cities like Austin, Fort Worth, San Antonio, and Portland are already seeing falling home prices, highlighting the diverse nature of the housing market across different metro areas (Norada Real Estate Investments).

Tips for Buyers

For prospective homebuyers, the current market offers a few silver linings:

Mortgage Rates: With mortgage rates expected to continue their downward trend, it's a good time to secure financing. Pre-approval can give buyers a clear picture of their budget and strengthen their position in negotiations (Kiplinger.com).

Monitoring Listings: Given that homes are still selling relatively quickly, staying on top of new listings and acting fast is crucial. Real-time notifications from platforms like Realtor.com, Redfin, and Zillow can help buyers keep up with new opportunities (Kiplinger.com).

Down Payment Assistance: Programs offering grants or low-interest loans for down payments can make homeownership more accessible, especially for first-time buyers (Kiplinger.com).

Tips for Sellers

Sellers, on the other hand, should consider the following strategies:

Pricing Realistically: With a higher rate of price reductions, it's important to set a realistic asking price that reflects current market conditions. Overpricing can lead to prolonged listings and eventual price cuts (Norada Real Estate Investments).

Market Timing: Listing homes during periods of high buyer activity can result in quicker sales and better offers. Understanding local market trends and seasonality can be advantageous (Kiplinger.com).

Property Condition: Turnkey homes, which require little to no immediate repairs or renovations, continue to attract higher offers and sell faster. Investing in minor upgrades can yield significant returns.

In summary, while the housing market remains competitive with high prices, the landscape is evolving. Both buyers and sellers can benefit from understanding current trends, leveraging financial tools, and staying informed about regional market conditions to make the most of their real estate transactions. And as always, make sure you consult with industry professionals such as a real estate attorney .

Legal Practices: Understanding Real Estate Representation & Title Search In New York

Thu, 20 Jun 2024 17:55:01 GMT

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Navigating the complex world of real estate transactions in New York can be daunting. Whether you're a first-time homebuyer, a seasoned investor, or looking to sell your property, understanding the role of real estate law representation and the importance of a title search is crucial. These elements ensure that your transaction is legally sound and that your ownership rights are protected.

What is Real Estate Law Representation?

Real estate law representation involves having a knowledgeable attorney by your side to guide you through the legal intricacies of buying or selling property. In New York, this representation is not just recommended—it's often necessary due to the state's unique and rigorous real estate laws.

A real estate attorney will:

Review Contracts: Ensuring that the terms are fair and legally binding.

Negotiate Terms: Working on your behalf to secure the best possible conditions.

Ensure Compliance: Making sure all actions comply with state and local regulations.

Manage Closing: Overseeing the closing process, including the transfer of funds and the signing of documents.

The role of a real estate attorney is to protect your interests, minimize risks, and help you avoid potential legal pitfalls. Their expertise can be the difference between a smooth transaction and a legal nightmare.

What is a Title Search?

A title search is a critical step in the real estate transaction process. It involves examining public records to confirm a property's legal ownership and to check for any claims, liens, or other issues that could affect the transfer of ownership.

Here's what a title search entails:

Historical Records Review: Investigating the chain of ownership to ensure that the seller has a legitimate claim to the property.

Checking for Liens: Identifying any debts or claims against the property, such as unpaid taxes or contractor liens.

Easements and Restrictions: Discovering any rights others might have to use the property or any restrictions on its use.

Resolving Issues: Addressing any problems uncovered during the search to ensure a clean title transfer.

In New York, title insurance is typically purchased to protect against any unforeseen issues that might arise after the transaction is completed. This insurance provides peace of mind, ensuring that you are protected from future claims or legal disputes over the property.

Why Are These Services Important?

Real estate transactions involve significant financial investments and legal commitments. Without proper legal representation and a thorough title search, you risk encountering severe complications that could lead to financial loss or legal disputes. Here are some reasons why these services are indispensable:

Legal Protection: Attorneys ensure that all aspects of the transaction comply with the law, protecting you from fraud and other legal issues.

Risk Mitigation: A title search identifies and helps resolve potential problems before they become major issues.

Peace of Mind: Knowing that professionals are handling the legal and historical aspects of the transaction allows you to focus on the excitement of your new property.

Conclusion

In the vibrant and often complex real estate market of New York, having the right legal representation and conducting a comprehensive title search are not just best practices—they are essential steps for a successful transaction. By ensuring that you have clear ownership and that all legal aspects are in order, you can confidently navigate your real estate journey. Whether you're buying, selling, or investing, these services provide the foundation for a secure and smooth transaction.

Understanding and utilizing real estate law representation and title search services will help you make informed decisions, protect your investment, and achieve your real estate goals with confidence.

Real Estate Law: Understanding Mortgage Rates When Buying A Home

Mon, 17 Jun 2024 16:48:35 GMT

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Buying a home is one of the most significant financial decisions you will make in your lifetime. As you navigate the complex process of securing a mortgage, understanding mortgage rates is crucial. Mortgage rates directly impact your monthly payments and the overall cost of your loan. Here's a comprehensive guide to help you understand mortgage rates when buying a home.

What Are Mortgage Rates?

Mortgage rates are the interest rates charged on a mortgage loan. These rates determine how much interest you will pay over the life of the loan. They are expressed as a percentage and can be either fixed or variable.

Fixed-Rate Mortgages: These have a constant interest rate and monthly payments that never change. They are stable and predictable, making them a popular choice for long-term homeowners.

Variable-Rate Mortgages (ARMs): These have interest rates that can change periodically, often after an initial fixed-rate period. They may start with lower rates, but there's a risk of higher payments if rates increase.

Factors Influencing Mortgage Rates

Several factors influence mortgage rates, some within your control and others dictated by the broader economic environment:

Credit Score: Lenders use your credit score to assess your risk as a borrower. Higher credit scores typically result in lower mortgage rates. It's essential to maintain a good credit score by managing debts and making timely payments.

Loan Amount and Down Payment: The size of your loan and your down payment can impact your rate. A larger down payment reduces the loan amount and can lead to a lower interest rate because the lender’s risk decreases.

Loan Type: Different types of loans (e.g., conventional, FHA, VA) have varying rates. Government-backed loans might offer lower rates for eligible borrowers.

Loan Term: The length of your loan affects the rate. Shorter-term loans usually have lower rates but higher monthly payments, while longer-term loans have higher rates and lower monthly payments.

Market Conditions: Economic factors such as inflation, employment rates, and the Federal Reserve's policies influence mortgage rates. In times of economic growth, rates may rise, while they might fall during economic downturns.

How to Secure the Best Mortgage Rate

Improve Your Credit Score: Pay off debts, avoid new credit inquiries, and ensure your credit report is accurate. A higher score can qualify you for better rates.

Save for a Larger Down Payment: The more you can put down, the lower your loan amount and the better your rate. Aim for at least 20% to avoid private mortgage insurance (PMI).

Shop Around: Different lenders offer different rates. Get quotes from multiple lenders, including banks, credit unions, and online lenders. Compare their rates, fees, and terms to find the best deal.

Consider Points: Discount points are fees paid directly to the lender at closing in exchange for a lower interest rate. If you plan to stay in your home for a long time, paying points can save you money in the long run.

Lock in Your Rate: Once you find a favorable rate, lock it in with your lender to protect against rate increases during the closing process.

Understanding APR

While mortgage rates are crucial, also consider the annual percentage rate (APR), which includes the interest rate and other loan-related costs. The APR gives a more comprehensive view of the loan's total cost and helps in comparing different loan offers.

Conclusion

Understanding mortgage rates is vital for making informed decisions when buying a home. By familiarizing yourself with how rates work and the factors that influence them, you can take steps to secure the best possible rate. Remember, a lower mortgage rate can save you thousands of dollars over the life of your loan, making homeownership more affordable and enjoyable. Make sure to consult a financial expert as well as an attorney when entering into possibly the biggest purchase you will make in your life.

Happy house hunting!

Your Home Buying 'To Do' List

Fri, 14 Jun 2024 14:03:09 GMT

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Buying a home is one of the most significant investments you’ll ever make. It’s a process filled with excitement, anticipation, and a fair bit of stress. One way to manage the complexities and ensure a smooth journey is to create a detailed to-do list. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you navigate the home-buying process efficiently.

1. Assess Your Financial Health

☑ Check Your Credit Score: Your credit score plays a crucial role in securing a mortgage. Obtain your credit report and ensure it’s accurate.

☑ Calculate Your Budget: Determine how much you can afford. Consider your savings, monthly income, and current debts.

☑ Save for a Down Payment: Aim for at least 20% of the home’s price to avoid private mortgage insurance (PMI).

2. Get Pre-Approved for a Mortgage

☑ Research Lenders: Look for reputable lenders and compare their rates and terms.

☑ Gather Necessary Documents: Typically, you’ll need tax returns, pay stubs, bank statements, and identification.

☑ Get Pre-Approved: This not only shows sellers you’re serious but also helps you understand how much you can borrow.

3. Define Your Needs and Wants

☑ Make a List of Must-Haves: Number of bedrooms, bathrooms, location, school district, etc.

☑ Identify Nice-to-Haves: Features like a swimming pool, large backyard, or a home office.

4. Start House Hunting

☑ Choose a Real Estate Agent: A good agent will understand your needs and help you find homes that match your criteria.

☑ Use Online Resources: Websites and apps can help you browse listings and narrow down options.

☑ Visit Open Houses: Get a feel for different neighborhoods and house styles.

5. Make an Offer

☑ Determine a Fair Offer: Your agent can help you understand market conditions and suggest a competitive offer.

☑ Prepare for Negotiations: Be ready to negotiate on price, closing costs, and other terms.

☑ Submit Your Offer: Once you and the seller agree, you’ll sign a purchase agreement.

6. Secure Financing

☑ Finalize Your Mortgage Application: Submit any additional documents requested by your lender.

☑ Lock in Your Interest Rate: Decide whether to lock in your rate or let it float.

☑ Schedule an Appraisal: Your lender will require an appraisal to ensure the home’s value supports the loan amount.

7. Conduct Inspections

☑ Hire a Home Inspector: A thorough inspection can reveal potential issues with the property.

☑ Review Inspection Report: Discuss any concerns with your agent and decide if you need to negotiate repairs or credits.

8. Close the Deal

☑ Perform a Final Walkthrough: Ensure the home is in the agreed-upon condition before closing.

☑ Review Closing Documents: Carefully read and understand all paperwork before signing.

☑ Sign the Papers: Once everything is signed, you’ll receive the keys to your new home!

9. Move In and Settle Down

☑ Plan Your Move: Hire movers or rent a truck, and start packing.

☑ Set Up Utilities and Services: Arrange for electricity, water, internet, and other services to be turned on.

☑ Enjoy Your New Home: Unpack, decorate, and settle into your new space.

Conclusion

Buying a home is a journey that requires careful planning and organization. By following this to-do list, you can stay on track and ensure that you don’t miss any critical steps along the way. You should also consult an attorney who can help navigate these waters and represent you. Happy house hunting, and may you find the home of your dreams!

The Importance Of Estate Planning

Thu, 13 Jun 2024 17:04:01 GMT

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When it comes to planning for the future, many people focus on immediate goals like career advancement, home ownership, and raising a family. However, one critical aspect of future planning that often gets overlooked is estate planning. While it may not be the most exciting topic, having an estate plan is essential for ensuring that your assets are distributed according to your wishes, your loved ones are cared for, and potential conflicts are minimized. Here are some key reasons why having an estate plan is so important:

1. Protecting Your Loved Ones

One of the most significant reasons to have an estate plan is to protect your loved ones. Without a clear plan in place, your assets may not be distributed as you intended, leading to potential conflicts among family members. By clearly outlining your wishes in a will or trust, you can ensure that your beneficiaries receive what you want them to have, and you can appoint guardians for any minor children, ensuring they are cared for by the people you trust most.

2. Avoiding Probate

Probate is the legal process through which a deceased person's estate is administered and distributed. It can be a lengthy, expensive, and public process. An estate plan can help you avoid probate by allowing you to use tools like living trusts, which can transfer your assets directly to your beneficiaries without the need for court intervention. This can save your loved ones a great deal of time, money, and stress.

3. Reducing Estate Taxes

Estate planning can also help you reduce the amount of taxes that will need to be paid on your estate. Through various strategies, such as gifting assets during your lifetime, setting up trusts, and making charitable donations, you can minimize the tax burden on your estate, allowing more of your assets to go to your beneficiaries.

4. Planning for Incapacity

An estate plan isn’t just about what happens after you die; it’s also about what happens if you become incapacitated. By including documents like a durable power of attorney and a healthcare proxy in your estate plan, you can designate someone to make financial and medical decisions on your behalf if you are unable to do so. This ensures that your affairs are managed according to your wishes and can prevent disputes among family members.

5. Providing for Charities

If you have charitable organizations that are important to you, an estate plan can help ensure they are provided for after your death. By including charitable bequests in your will or setting up a charitable trust, you can leave a lasting legacy and support the causes you care about.

6. Peace of Mind

Ultimately, having an estate plan provides peace of mind. Knowing that you have taken steps to protect your loved ones, minimize taxes, and ensure that your wishes are carried out can give you and your family a sense of security. It’s a proactive way to take control of your future and provide for those you care about most.

Getting Started with Estate Planning

Creating an estate plan doesn’t have to be complicated, but it does require careful consideration and professional advice. Here are some steps to get you started:

-Inventory Your Assets: Make a list of all your assets, including real estate, bank accounts, investments, retirement accounts, and personal property.

-Choose Your Beneficiaries: Decide who you want to inherit your assets and in what proportions.

-Select an Executor: Choose a trusted person to carry out the terms of your will.

-Draft a Will or Trust: Work with an estate planning attorney to draft a will or trust that outlines your wishes.

-Consider a Durable Power of Attorney and Healthcare Proxy: These documents allow you to designate someone to make decisions on your behalf if you become incapacitated.

-Review and Update Your Plan: Life circumstances change, so it’s important to review and update your estate plan regularly to ensure it reflects your current wishes and situation.

In conclusion, having an estate plan is a crucial step in protecting your loved ones, ensuring your wishes are honored, and providing peace of mind. It’s never too early to start planning for the future, and the benefits of having a well-thought-out estate plan far outweigh the time and effort it takes to create one. Just remember to consult with your attorney to make sure you cover all your bases.

Brooklyn Real Estate Attorney Robert Howe Welcomes Corcoran's Gina Bartnik To Howe's New York To Discuss Being Ready For A Hot Market

Wed, 20 Mar 2024 14:00:32 GMT

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Brooklyn real estate attorney Robert Howe drops his latest episode of Howe's New York and we have a great show for you full of fantastic information. We welcome Gina Bartnik of Corcoran to talk about what buyers and sellers can do to be prepared to pounce when the market changes.

Check back here to see all the episodes of Howe's New York on BlogTalkRadio !

https://www.blogtalkradio.com/roberthowe/2024/03/19/brooklyn-attorney-robert-howe-on-real-estate-ready-with-corcorans-gina-bartnik

Return Of The Homes

Mon, 11 Mar 2024 14:53:31 GMT

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Although home prices hover at a median of $415,500 nationwide, properties within a significantly lower price range have just started inundating the market.

The number of homes for sale in the $200,000 to $350,000 range has shot up by 20.6% compared with this same month last year, a recent Realtor.com® report has found. This growth spurt in affordable real estate outstrips all other price categories.

While homes in this price range run the full gamut, the median clocks in at $285,000—that’s a hefty $130,500 in savings compared with the median home price overall.

https://www.realtor.com/news/trends/where-affordable-homes-under-350k-are-flooding-market/

Brooklyn Attorney Robert Howe Named A Top Brooklyn Real Estate Podcast By Feedspot

Fri, 16 Feb 2024 14:55:54 GMT

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Brooklyn Real Estate Attorney Robert Howe and his podcast Howe's New York - on BlogTalkRadio - have been named a top 3 Brooklyn real estate podcast by Feedspot .

Feedspot - the site that allows you to read your favorite blogs, podcasts, news websites, Youtube Channels and RSS feeds from one place - has over 250,000 influential bloggers database classified in more than 1,500 niche categories.

In thanking Howe's New York for its contribution to the category Feedspot said "This is the most comprehensive list of Top 3 Brooklyn Commercial Real Estate Podcasts on the internet and I'm honored to have you as part of this!"

Robert Howe has been practicing law in Brooklyn, New York for nearly 40 years and for almost a decade has been one of the top podcasts on national and New York real estate and real estate law practices on BlogTalkRadio's Howe's New York .

https://podcasts.feedspot.com/brooklyn_commercial_real_estate_podcasts/?feedid=5417628

Brooklyn Attorney Robert Howe Prescribes Clean Legal Bill Of Health

Mon, 12 Feb 2024 15:11:32 GMT

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On the latest Howe's New York , Brooklyn real estate attorney Robert Howe diagnoses what you need for a legal bill of health.

These are the legal documents everyone should consider having in order to make sure they are keeping their legal health in tip to shape.

Tune in to Howe's New York on BlogTalkRadio !

https://www.blogtalkradio.com/roberthowe/2024/02/09/brooklyn-real-estate-attorney-robert-howe-prescribes-clean-legal-bill-of-health

Jump Up In Real Estate Market

Fri, 09 Feb 2024 20:17:12 GMT

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Finally. The housing market got some much needed good news when numbers show the biggest jump up in three years.

The biggest indicator that the largely frozen market is thawing is the massive spike of fresh listings that sellers added to the market, according to the latest data from Realtor.com®. New listings were up by a whopping 12.8% for the week ending Feb. 3 compared with the same time last year.

“It was the biggest jump in nearly three years,” says Realtor.com economist Jiayi Xu in her most recent analysis.

https://www.realtor.com/news/trends/the-housing-markets-recent-significant-boost/

One Brokerage House Take On 2024: A First Market Outlook

Mon, 29 Jan 2024 16:26:40 GMT

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As we are putting a bow and the first month of 2024 here is a look at what the folks at Corcoran predict for the Brooklyn Real Estate Market in 2024...

https://inhabit.corcoran.com/brooklyn-real-estate-market-report-4q-2023/

Real Estate Market: A Look Back On 2023

Mon, 11 Dec 2023 17:19:19 GMT

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A look back on the housing market from 2023 - keep your arms inside the roller coaster.

As 2023 comes to a close, Realtor.com wanted to look back at this year of real estate extremes. High home prices and mortgage rates led to few homes going on the market and even fewer sales. Buyers couldn’t afford to buy, sellers couldn’t afford to sell—and everyone was frustrated.

Put another way, 2023 was the year the housing market froze over.

https://www.realtor.com/news/trends/a-look-back-at-2023-the-year-the-housing-market-froze-over/

New (Recent) Low For Mortgage Rates!

Fri, 08 Dec 2023 16:12:55 GMT

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At long last, the housing market might be thawing just as we head into what’s usually a seasonal deep freeze.

Mortgage rates plunged for the sixth week in a row, to 7.03% for a 30-year fixed home loan in the week ending Dec. 7, according to averages tabulated by Freddie Mac. This welcome news comes on the heels of rates recently reaching a high in late October not seen in 23 years.

“The 30-year fixed-rate mortgage averaged near 7% this week, down from nearly 7.8% just six weeks ago,” says Sam Khater, Freddie Mac’s chief economist.

https://www.realtor.com/news/trends/mortgage-rates-just-dropped-to-near-7-but-homebuyers-had-better-hurry-up/

Top Tips For Selling Your Home In 2024

Thu, 07 Dec 2023 20:51:09 GMT

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Making a list (a list of lists!) and checking it twice will help you find the best tips for selling your home in 2024 from a collection of the best home selling advice from Realtor.com ....

https://www.realtor.com/advice/sell/the-top-home-selling-advice-from-2023-to-help-your-property-fly-off-the-market-in-2024/

Buy A House Now?! Here's 5 Reasons Why You Should

Tue, 05 Dec 2023 21:10:16 GMT

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Owning a home may seem like an old fashioned bygone American dream yet it is still the undisputed reigning champ of American dreams. That has been the goal for millions of Americans buying a home for the first time from periods of high interest rates to record lows of several years ago when rates were in 3% neighborhood.

Now? October saw rates nearly hit 8% which would be good enough to be a 23 year high! However, buying a home is still one of the very best investments you can make and Realtor.com has 5 reasons why even at 8% now is the time to strike!

Reasons discussed include: Buy now/refinance later, prices are likely headed up, less competition, inventory on the rise, and if you want to buy a house it never makes sense to wait.

h ttps://www.realtor.com/advice/buy/reasons-why-right-now-is-a-great-time-to-buy-a-house-despite-high-interest-rates/

Two Month Housing Rise Streak!

Fri, 17 Nov 2023 19:00:02 GMT

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A second straight month of the housing market on the rise! Is the market set to takeoff?

The numbers: Construction of new homes rose 1.9% in October, as builders amped up new projects.

The pace of construction increased as builders saw a pressing need for more housing units, with the resale market continuing to deal with a shortage.

Housing starts rose to a 1.37 million annual pace from 1.35 million in October, the government said Friday. That’s how many houses would be built over an entire year if construction took place at the same pace every month as it did in October.

https://www.realtor.com/news/real-estate-news/u-s-housing-starts-rise-unexpectedly-for-the-second-straight-month/

Real Estate: Housing Trends

Fri, 03 Nov 2023 13:30:53 GMT

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Realtor.com looks at some new trends in the housing market that show some movement in a positive direction.

Interest rates are down slightly and time listed on the market have been one day less. Homes are also seeing the median prices up a little bit with new listings also up.

All the recent housing trends can be seen here in this new report.

https://www.realtor.com/news/trends/mortgage-rates-have-just-abruptly-reversed-course-will-it-last/

Selling? Tips On Saving Money Remodeling

Thu, 26 Oct 2023 16:10:36 GMT

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There’s something romantic, rewarding, and even downright inspiring about bringing an outdated house into the 21st century—but ask anyone who’s been there and done it, and they’ll tell you the remodel process will test your patience, your budget, and perhaps even your sanity.

“It’s a journey into the land of unknowns,” warns Mike McGrew, a former treasurer for the National Association of Realtors® and CEO of McGrew Real Estate in Lawrence, KS. “You just don’t know what’s inside that wall and how much more it might cost to remove, say, that sewer line until you get in there.”

That’s not to say that renovating a home can’t pay off big-time, especially in the long run. And luckily, there are ways to cut costs during the process. Check out these 6 money saving tips from Realtor.com ...

https://www.realtor.com/advice/home-improvement/save-money-on-remodel/

September Real Estate Market Report Video: Inventory Down

Fri, 20 Oct 2023 15:30:40 GMT

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Check out this video from Realtor.com about the September real estate market report and focusing on the continuing problem of depleted inventory .

Realtor.com® Chief Economist Danielle Hale discusses what’s happening with mortgage rates, home prices, and gives a peek at this year's hottest ZIP codes.

https://www.realtor.com/videos/september-econ-report/8d98d1a9-4fbd-475b-8984-15bcbf969821/

Housing Market Upswing

Wed, 18 Oct 2023 17:01:55 GMT

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Construction of new U.S. homes rebounded 7% in September to an annual pace of 1.36 million units after a sharp 1.5% drop in the prior month, the Commerce Department said Wednesday.

Economists on Wall Street were expecting a 6.8% rise in starts to 1.37 million. All numbers are seasonally adjusted.

Building permits, a sign of future construction, fell 4.4% to a 1.47 million rate.

https://www.realtor.com/news/real-estate-news/u-s-housing-starts-rebound-in-september-after-sharp-drop-in-prior-month/

New Howe's New York Episode With Brooklyn Real Estate Attorney Robert Howe On Home Title Insurance

Mon, 16 Oct 2023 15:11:19 GMT

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On the latest episode of Howe's New York With Brooklyn Real Estate Attorney Robert Howe , we discuss what home title insurance is, if you need it and if that con artist on those commercials late at night can really swipe your home by just filing a piece of paper!

Listen in to new episodes only on Blog Talk Radio !

https://www.blogtalkradio.com/roberthowe/2023/10/13/brooklyn-real-estate-attorney-robert-howe-on-home-title-insurance

Mortgage Brokers Looking To Lend Buyers An ARM

Thu, 12 Oct 2023 16:29:27 GMT

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When mortgage rates are above 7% folks may be willing to go to great lengths to get a rate in the 6% range...even if it costs them an ARM (and a leg).

Lenders are seeing an increase in adjustable rate mortgage applications by a whopping 32.5% in the last month! Traditionally borrowers seeking an ARM know they are taking on a riskier mortgage as the rate can adjust to reflect a higher interest rate after 5, 7, or 10 years depending on the length borrower goes with. They can wind up paying a higher interest rate after that initial period is over.

“While most mortgage rates increased last week, rates on ARMs declined, leading to an increase in ARM volume and an increase in overall applications,” MBA Deputy Chief Economist Joel Kan said in a statement. “The yield curve has become less inverted in recent weeks, and ARM pricing has certainly improved.”

However, ARMs are riskier than a traditional 30-year fixed-rate mortgage. That’s because after the introductory period on an ARM (five years for a 5/1, seven years for a 7/1, and 10 years for a 10/1), the mortgage rate on the loan adjusts every year to current rates.

Most borrowers using these loans expect rates will drop at the end of the initial loan period, and they can refinance their loans to the lower rates. Or they expect to sell their homes before their rate adjusts.

However, there are no guarantees that mortgage rates will fall. Many real estate experts predicted they would have fallen by now, but instead, they’ve ratcheted up. So while an ARM could be a financially savvy choice if rates go down, borrowers could also be locking themselves in to higher housing payments in the future.

https://www.realtor.com/news/trends/homebuyers-can-still-get-a-mid-6-mortgage-rate-theres-just-one-big-catch/

Tips For Security While Shopping For New Home

Tue, 10 Oct 2023 16:27:13 GMT

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You can tick off all the standard items on your house-hunting checklist, ut here’s something you almost certainly have not thought to evaluate: Just as you size up whether a home fits your needs, how might burglars size it up to see if it fits theirs? Is your new abode safe as a fortress, or does it stand out as a prime target for intruders?

Before you put in an offer for a new home, consider these potential problem areas—and whether you can fix them on the cheap!

https://www.realtor.com/advice/buy/the-best-way-to-shop-for-a-home-case-the-joint-like-a-burglar/

Guide To Moving

Mon, 09 Oct 2023 15:36:50 GMT

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Whether you are buying or selling there is one constant....moving! It's possibly the toughest and most stressful component of the entire process and nobody (at least none I know) relish the tasks involved with packing and unpacking.

Luckily we have the internet! The good folks at Realtor.com have collected ALL the best essential tips for moving in their ultimate guide to moving section. Check it out!

https://www.realtor.com/guides/the-ultimate-guide-to-moving/

Bay Ridge Icon Back On The Market: The Gingerbread House

Fri, 29 Sep 2023 14:42:44 GMT

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The most stylish and identifiable home in Bay Ridge - the fairy tale cottage inspired Gingerbread House built in 1917 - is back on the market.

https://www.realtor.com/news/unique-homes/live-your-fairytale-dream-in-the-brooklyn-ny-gingerbread-house/

No New Fed Hike Maintains Buyer-Seller Market Stalemate

Fri, 22 Sep 2023 13:58:03 GMT

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While the Fed decided this week not to raise interest rates - keeping mortgage rates slightly above 7% - the glass half full side says that means the hammering of the real estate market has ceased...for now.

But, the flip side to that is while the Fed did not increase rates it also did not lower them which leaves buyers and sellers locked in a continuous showdown. Buyers don't want to buy when interest rates are so high and sellers don't want to get out of their lower interest rate for a higher one by selling.

The Fed's cease fire is a good thing but real estate market would see a huge resurgence if the rates ticked down a little even if they did not return to their historic lows in the vicinity of 3%.

https://www.realtor.com/news/trends/the-fed-may-have-just-stopped-hammering-the-housing-market-what-that-means-for-buyers-sellers/

10 Ways To Save Money When Buying A Home

Mon, 18 Sep 2023 14:49:32 GMT

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How can first-time homebuyers save money when mortgage rates are at 20-year highs and home prices are rising again?

There’s no doubt that buying a home today is expensive. Mortgage rates are above 7%, home prices have begun climbing again, and bidding wars are back.

But for first-time buyers who are determined to become homeowners, there are a few ways to cut costs and lower mortgage payments. Some require a bit of creative thinking; others may take some perseverance.

Realtor.com offers these 10 tips to save money when you buy a home...

https://www.realtor.com/advice/buy/on-the-house-10-ways-to-save-money-on-buying-a-home-today/

Latest Episode Of Howe's New York: Brooklyn Real Estate Attorney Robert Howe On Mortgage Buy-Down

Fri, 15 Sep 2023 11:54:41 GMT

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On the latest episode of Howe's New York with Brooklyn Real Estate Attorney Robert Howe , we discuss the topic of buying down your mortgage rate.

You can check out all our past episodes of Howe's New York - loaded with special guests and great information - only on BlogTalkRadio !

https://www.blogtalkradio.com/roberthowe/2023/09/14/brooklyn-real-estate-attorney-robert-howe-mortgage-buy-dow n

Mortgage Rate Decrease

Mon, 11 Sep 2023 14:10:42 GMT

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Mortgage rates are retreating! Ok, ok, maybe not as big a decrease as the graphic would suggest but any drop in rates is worth celebrating these days, right?

Mortgage rates fell for the second week in a row, averaging 7.12% for a 30-year fixed-rate loan in the week ending Sept. 7, according to Freddie Mac.

This downward trend is a welcome relief after rates spiked to a 22-year high of 7.23% two weeks earlier. Still, these rates are formidable—more than double what they were two years ago when they dipped below 3%—which has ground America’s housing market to a near standstill.

https://www.realtor.com/news/trends/mortgage-rates-just-dropped-again-and-more-good-news-for-housing-this-fall/

Top 10 Cities In U.S. Cutting Home Prices

Fri, 08 Sep 2023 13:52:54 GMT

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Real Estate across the board is still in a challenging stage of somewhat undiscovered country, but there are a few markets where sellers have been cutting list prices (yes, you read that correctly) to help land buyers. The Realtor.com® data team identified these areas experiencing the largest annual increases in price reductions, where buyers have more bargaining power.

1. Huntsville, AL

2. Lafayette, LA

3. McAllen, TX

4. Jackson, MS

5. Augusta, GA

6. Memphis, TN

7. Fort Collins, CO

8. Cape Coral, FL

9. Greenville, SC

10. Fort Wayne, IN

https://www.realtor.com/news/trends/attention-homebuyers-here-are-the-cities-where-sellers-are-slashing-prices-the-most-right-now/

How To Buy A House in 2023

Mon, 28 Aug 2023 13:49:10 GMT

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The home buying landscape has changed over the past few years. There are some new challenges to navigate...

So what’s changed the most in the traditional home-buying process? For starters, prospective buyers should brace themselves for steep prices and high mortgage rates. Data show that the nationwide median home price has pushed above $439,000. Plus, total inventory remains much lower than it was a year ago.

So buyers will need to take some extra measures to compete with other house hunters looking for homes at a good price. To nail a perfect home in today’s housing market, follow these five new rules.

https://www.realtor.com/advice/buy/how-to-buy-a-house-new-rules/

Brooklyn Real Estate Attorney Robert Howe Welcomes NYDEC's Rob Kosina To Howe's New York To Talk 1031 Exchanges

Fri, 11 Aug 2023 16:17:46 GMT

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Brooklyn real estate attorney Robert Howe invites special guest Rob Kosina to the show to discuss 1031 Exchanges. Mr. Kosina is Vice President of New York Deferred Exchange Corporation .

You can tune in to hear Bob discuss New York real estate, Bay Ridge, Brooklyn small business, community affairs, and events only on Blog Talk Radio! Call in or email us with any questions and follow Bob on Facebook and Twitter @RobertHowePC .

https://www.blogtalkradio.com/roberthowe/2023/08/10/brooklyn-real-estate-attorney-robert-howe-on-1031-exchanges-with-rob-kosina

Homebuyers Reaction To Current Mortgage Rates

Mon, 07 Aug 2023 17:15:00 GMT

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Despite some flickers of economic good news—namely, gross domestic product and payroll numbers were up—”The housing market is far from fully healed,” says Danielle Hale, chief economist for Realtor.com® in her analysis of the latest housing data. “Home sales are still on target for their lowest annual tally in more than a decade in 2023, and the market has no slack, with homeowner vacancy hitting a new record low.”

Yet those lows are not stopping some intrepid home shoppers from making offers—and the competition might even be heating up.

https://www.realtor.com/news/trends/mortgage-rates-spike-close-to-7-yet-buyers-are-doing-something-extraordinary/

Moving Guide

Fri, 04 Aug 2023 17:05:47 GMT

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Of all the difficulties that will be unavoidable during the home buying process the one that is atop everyone's list of things you wouldn't wish on your worst enemy might be moving. The actual packing and unpacking process can be as stressful as any other element of buying a home.

Luckily, Realtor.com has a very robust guide to moving section of tips and advice to help...

https://www.realtor.com/guides/the-ultimate-guide-to-moving/

How To Save When Buying A Home

Thu, 27 Jul 2023 12:58:12 GMT

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Feeling priced out of the current housing market because of high mortgage interest rates and rising home prices? Don’t shut the door on house hunting just yet.

This video from Realtor.com explores ways you can save money when buying a home in this turbulent economy.

And don't forget to check out our Howe's New York podcast featuring Brooklyn real estate attorney Robert Howe for all kinds of real estate tips and topics.

https://www.realtor.com/videos/how-to-save-money-when-buying-a-home-in-today-s-unpredictable-market/3739184d-3e37-4c27-8d34-850d747ea56e/?playlist_id=73299620-2f06-40eb-b2ee-9032fb3b15dd

National Real Estate: Housing Shortage

Tue, 25 Jul 2023 16:19:21 GMT

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The nation is in the clutches of the largest housing shortage it’s ever experienced—and there’s no relief on the horizon.

The lack of homes available for sale has caused prices to swell over the past few years and had led buyers to continue battling it out through bidding wars and offers over asking even as mortgage rates have surged.

The country is short between 2.3 million and 6.5 million housing units, according to Realtor.com® estimates...

https://www.realtor.com/news/trends/the-housing-shortage-has-hit-crisis-levels/

Mortgage Rates Drop

Mon, 24 Jul 2023 17:35:31 GMT

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Homebuyers have been through the wringer this year, squeezed by high mortgage rates, stubbornly stratospheric home prices, and a drought of fresh real estate listings.

But there is some joy in the market of late: In the week ending July 20, mortgage rates fell to 6.78% for a 30-year fixed-rate loan, according to Freddie Mac. That’s a welcome relief given last week’s rates hit their highest percentage—6.96%—since Nov. 22.

Yet home shoppers shouldn’t get too hopeful about this recent rate drop just yet...

https://www.realtor.com/news/trends/mortgage-rates-just-dropped-but-will-they-stay-down-for-long-a-look-ahead/

Brooklyn Real Estate Rise?

Fri, 14 Jul 2023 18:21:08 GMT

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Is Brooklyn real estate on the rise?

The borough of Kings had the city’s busiest sales market in June, with listings receiving 34.2% more buyer inquiries than in June 2019, according to a StreetEasy report released Thursday. In Manhattan, by contrast, properties received 13.4% more interest than four years ago.

https://nypost.com/2023/07/13/brooklyn-saw-a-34-spike-in-buyer-inquiries-since-2019/

Howe's New York Estate Planning Series: Inheriting Money While Receiving Disability Income

Mon, 10 Jul 2023 19:05:31 GMT

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On the latest episode of Howe's New York , we continue our micro series examining estate planning. On this episode we address the impact that inheriting money while receiving disability income can have if you do not properly plan for it in your estate planning.

Listen to Howe's New York on BlogTalkRadio !

https://www.blogtalkradio.com/roberthowe/2023/07/07/brooklyn-attorney-robert-howe-estate-planning-inheriting-money-on-disability

Housing Market Getting Healthier In Recovery Mode

Fri, 30 Jun 2023 13:35:39 GMT

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Howe's New York Estate Planning: Revocable Trusts

Fri, 26 May 2023 13:01:47 GMT

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On the latest episode of Howe's New York, with Brooklyn Real Estate Attorney Robert Howe , we continue our micro series on Estate Planning . Our latest topic covers revocable trusts, what they are and how they work, and why they are considered a will substitute.

You can here this episode, listen to past episodes and follow our show Howe's New York on our website as well as on BlogTalkRadio!

https://www.blogtalkradio.com/roberthowe/2023/05/25/brooklyn-real-estate-attorney-robert-howe-estate-planning-revocable-trusts

U.S.: The Top Above List Price Home Sales

Tue, 16 May 2023 20:39:27 GMT

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It is more than a hop, skip, and a very long jump from the city but New York does boast the current #1 city in the country for homes selling above the listing price : Rochester, NY.

Realtor.com® crunched the data to determine the markets where seller’s expectations and buyer’s realities seem closely aligned and the places where they’re most out of whack. We looked at the sale-to-listing-price ratio, an indispensable figure for homeowners considering selling, which can also be useful for buyers who want to know what sort of bargaining range to expect.

So where are those metros where buyers are still paying above the list price to nail their dream homes—and where are they able to snag a deal for less than the asking price?

The numbers indicate that a lot of sellers in this era of high mortgage rates and low affordability are falling into the same trap: thinking they might be the exception to cooling prices. Their homes often wind up sitting on the market, getting a price reduction, and eventually selling for less than they might have had the initial price been better calibrated to the market, which can create competition among potential buyers.

https://www.realtor.com/news/trends/the-cities-where-homes-are-selling-most-above-list-and-where-buyers-can-snag-the-best-deals/

Home Selling Tips For Spring 2023

Fri, 21 Apr 2023 14:29:33 GMT

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Check out this video from the folks at Realtor.com with some very timely tips for selling your home - right now - with the challenges the real estate market is facing nationally due to the increased mortgage rates.

https://www.realtor.com/videos/6-tips-for-selling-your-home-quickly-in-today-s-wild-market/065758c3-250b-4db4-b704-b7f4465b99c7/

Falling Home Prices?

Fri, 21 Apr 2023 14:17:44 GMT

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The numbers: Existing-home sales in the U.S. fell 2.4% in March, as buyers contended with higher mortgage rates and a lack of new listings.

Sales of previously owned homes in the U.S. fell to an annual rate of 4.44 million in March, the National Association of Realtors said Thursday.

That’s the number of homes that would be sold over an entire year if sales took place at the same rate in every month as they did in March. The numbers are seasonally adjusted.

https://www.realtor.com/news/real-estate-news/u-s-existing-home-prices-fall-nearly-1-in-march-the-biggest-drop-in-a-decade/

Howe's New York - Brooklyn Real Estate Attorney Robert Howe Estate Planning: Power Of Attorney

Sat, 01 Apr 2023 01:57:39 GMT

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The latest episode of Howe's New York is out and we continue our micro series on Estate Planning with our third installment: Power Of Attorney.

Brooklyn Real Estate Attorney Robert Howe continues his mini series on Estate Planning on his podcast Howe's New York. This episode will examine what power of attorney is and why it is an important part of estate planning.

Listen in to this and all our episodes only on BlogTalkRadio !

https://www.blogtalkradio.com/roberthowe/2023/03/31/brooklyn-real-estate-attorney-robert-howes-estate-planning-power-of-attorney

Brooklyn Commercial Real Estate On The Rise

Mon, 13 Mar 2023 13:32:29 GMT

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2022 saw the strongest year yet for Brooklyn multifamily home market. Williamsburg and Gowanus were the ares that saw the most heat and continue to remain hot.

The 28% year to year uptick saw sales break through the $10 billion threshold in 2022.

https://brooklyneagle.com/articles/2023/02/28/brooklyn-commercial-real-estate-investment-sales-tops-record/

Fed Hike Once More

Wed, 08 Mar 2023 20:09:11 GMT

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As the real estate professionals, home buyers and sellers were gearing up for the spring the Fed just burst everyone's bubble.

Jerome Powell, chair of the Federal Reserve, told Congress on Tuesday that more aggressive interest rates might be needed to cool inflation. And while mortgage interest rates are separate from the Fed’s short-term rates, they often follow the same trajectory. Those higher rates have hit homebuyers where it hurts: their budgets.

In response to Powell’s comments, mortgage rates hit 7.03% for 30-year fixed-rate loans on Tuesday afternoon, according to Mortgage News Daily. Those higher rates are largely responsible for today’s buyers paying more than 50% a month in their mortgage payments than they would have a year ago.

https://www.realtor.com/news/trends/homebuyers-beware-the-fed-just-jammed-another-wrench-into-the-spring-housing-market/

Howe's New York Estate Planning 101: Preparing A Will Outline

Fri, 03 Mar 2023 13:42:43 GMT

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On the next in our micro series on Estate Planning, we discuss preparing a will outline . In this series on Howe's New York we are delving into a mini course on Estate Planning 101. First up we defined what a will is and after this episode on crafting a will outline we will be looking at other topics in the estate planning process such as power of attorney and healthcare proxy.

Stay tuned and listen to our show - Howe's New York - only on BlogTalkRadio !

https://www.blogtalkradio.com/roberthowe/2023/03/01/brooklyn-real-estate-attorney-robert-howe-estate-planning-101-a-will-outline

Howe's New York Estate Planning 101 Micro Series: What Is A Will?

Fri, 17 Feb 2023 17:22:39 GMT

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On this latest episode of Howe's New York , we embark on our first micro series. We will be focusing on Estate Planning and our first episode addresses the question of what a will is all about .

Check back on our website for new episodes of Howe's New York or follow our channel on BlogTalkRadio to hear previous and future episodes featuring Brooklyn Real Estate Attorney Robert Howe .

https://www.blogtalkradio.com/roberthowe/2023/02/15/brooklyn-real-estate-attorney-robert-howe-estate-planning-101-what-is-a-will

2023 Rental Report

Fri, 10 Feb 2023 17:55:35 GMT

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Even as we continue to crawl out from under COVID the recent slight turnaround still has not turned the corner yet and a recent report from Realtor.com shows that it is still cheaper to rent your first starter home than buy it...although that still comes with the downside of being further away from owning your own home.

After an entire year of slowing down, the year-over-year median rent growth for 0-2 bedroom properties across the top 50 metros hit 3.2% in December 2022, the lowest growth rate in 20 months, down notably from January’s peak trend (17.4%). However, after four months of declines, median asking rent plateaued in December ($1,712). It is down by $69 from the peak (July 2022) and is still $308 (21.9%) higher than December 2019 (pre-pandemic).

https://www.realtor.com/research/december-2022-rent/?identityID=5a9581c381f95f9de4311542&MID=202302_Rental_Forecast&RID=4618005342&cid=eml_promo_recurring_1to1_202302_Rental_Forecast_cons.16174642_202302_Rental_Forecast-seethereport-RENT

Real Estate & Economy Update

Fri, 03 Feb 2023 17:25:07 GMT

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A look at the week that was in real estate and the economy in a new video from Realtor.com.

Realtor.com Chief Economist Danielle Hale offers the latest insights about the housing market, including our latest data on whether it's better to rent vs. buy.

https://www.realtor.com/videos/econ-jan-27/8e1463ea-1e9a-4f1f-ba9e-05e33ee1c2a7/

Mortgage Demand Up As Rates Slightly Down

183:895428484 (Robert Howe) — Wed, 18 Jan 2023 18:51:35 GMT

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A dip in mortgage rates prompted mortgage demand to rise a seasonally adjusted 27.9%

As mortgage rates dropped across the board, demand for both purchases and refinancing increased. That pushed the market composite index up, a measure of mortgage application volume, the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) said on Wednesday.

The market index rose to 238.7 for the week ending Jan. 13, up 27.9% from a week earlier. A year ago, the index stood at 593.7.

https://www.realtor.com/news/trends/mortgage-demand-soars-28-as-rates-dip-slightly/

Using Social Media To (Help) Sell A Home?

183:895428484 (Robert Howe) — Fri, 06 Jan 2023 18:38:42 GMT

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You should always go with the tried and true methods. They are true because they have been tried. But, when selling a home today should thinking outside the box be ignored? After all, it's (now) 2023 and technology has afforded the folks with tools and resources only dreamed of just 10-20 years ago.

When selling your home in addition to using the services of a professional you might augment your own selling process by taking to social media platforms such as Instagram to promote your property.

https://www.realtor.com/advice/sell/how-instagram-can-help-sell-your-home/

Brooklyn Real Estate Attorney Robert Howe Year In Review

183:895428484 (Robert Howe) — Sat, 31 Dec 2022 00:04:11 GMT

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Spotlight On The Brownstone

183:895428484 (Robert Howe) — Fri, 09 Dec 2022 19:16:09 GMT

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Once they were an indication of neighborhoods where dockworkers would migrate to and from each day - the tree lined urban utopias that were emblematic of downtown Brooklyn. The Brownstone would evolve into one of the trendiest and most desirable (and expensive) homes in New York and specifically in Brooklyn. But the Brownstone has a wider imprint in the northeastern United States as detailed by this story from realtor.com which defines what a Brownstone is.

https://www.realtor.com/advice/buy/what-is-a-brownstone/

Brooklyn Real Estate Attorney Robert Howe On Buying Now VS Waiting

183:895428484 (Robert Howe) — Fri, 02 Dec 2022 16:04:06 GMT

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When is the right time to buy? Always a pertinent question even if it is always hard (impossible) to time any market. Now, however, it seems if the question is extremely relevant when it comes to buying a home. Interest rates have doubled to over 7% from historic low rates down to 3%. As rates have pulled back a bit since the meteoric rise should buyers pull the trigger...or wait?

This is the topic we tackle on the latest Howe's New York . We welcome Brooklyn broker Julie Thum back to the show to discuss only on BlogTalkRadio !

https://www.blogtalkradio.com/roberthowe/2022/12/01/brooklyn-real-estate-attorney-robert-howe-on-buying-now-vs-waiting

Brooklyn Real Estate Attorney Robert Howe's Top 5 'Must Have' List When Estate Planning

183:895428484 (Robert Howe) — Mon, 14 Nov 2022 19:34:57 GMT

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Brooklyn Real Estate Attorney Robert Howe Examines Estate Planning and discusses his top 5 must have list for estate planning on BlogTalkRadio's Howe's New York .

Bob talks about and defines important components of estae planning such as wills and trusts, power of attorney, medical proxy, beneficiaries, and guardianship.

You can tune in to the show on BlogTalkRadio to hear Bob discuss New York real estate, Bay Ridge, Brooklyn small business, community affairs, and events. Call in or email us with any questions and follow Bob on Facebook and Twitter @RobertHowePC.

https://www.blogtalkradio.com/roberthowe/2022/11/11/brooklyn-real-estate-attorney-robert-howes-estate-plan-top-5-must-have-list

How To Lower Your Mortgage Rate

183:895428484 (Robert Howe) — Fri, 04 Nov 2022 20:11:11 GMT

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With the Fed raising interest rates yet again Realtor.com offers up some ways buyers can actually LOWER their mortgage rate.

In this real estate market who wouldn't welcome this good news? Well, you can take advantage of several options for buying down points on your mortgage to getting a helping...ARM.

https://www.realtor.com/news/trends/incentives-come-in-many-forms-here-are-ways-to-lower-your-mortgage-rate-according-to-this-mortgage-company-ceo/

Home Price Reduction Hits

183:895428484 (Robert Howe) — Thu, 03 Nov 2022 19:18:01 GMT

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Top 10 Cities For Homebuyers

183:895428484 (Robert Howe) — Mon, 24 Oct 2022 16:19:21 GMT

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Realtor.com has found the silver lining in the current housing climate. With prices not dropping off as much as expected and interest rates rising, here is a list of the Top 10 best cities for homebuyers to find value.

1. Youngstown, OH

2. Scranton, PA

3. Syracuse, NY

4. Wichita, KS

5. Jackson, MS

6. Little Rock, AR

7. Indianapolis, IN

8. McAllen, TX

9. Columbia, SC

10. Augusta, GA

Once again, New York does make it's way onto a "Top" list coming in at #3 with Syracuse, NY.

https://www.realtor.com/news/trends/cheapest-affordable-real-estate-housing-in-2022-october/

Brooklyn Real Estate Attorney Robert Howe Discusses Top News Stories In Brooklyn Real Estate For October

183:895428484 (Robert Howe) — Mon, 17 Oct 2022 16:50:10 GMT

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Brooklyn real estate attorney Robert Howe discusses the top real estate news in Brooklyn from October on the latest episode of Howe's New York.

Tune in to Howe's New York only on BlogTalkRadio !

https://www.blogtalkradio.com/roberthowe/2022/10/14/brooklyn-real-estate-attorney-robert-howe-october-news-recap

Brooklyn real Estate Attorney Robert Howe Talks Interest Rates With Cross Country Mortgage's Sebastian Altilio

183:895428484 (Robert Howe) — Fri, 07 Oct 2022 17:52:02 GMT

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Brooklyn real estate attorney Robert Howe discusses current mortgage landscape with Sebastian Altilio of Cross Country Mortgage.

On this episode we will be discussing the state of the interest rate and what it means today and moving forward and what that means for your home loans.

You can tune in to Howe's New York to hear Bob discuss New York real estate, Bay Ridge, Brooklyn small business, community affairs, and events on BlogTalkRadio! Call in or email us with any questions and follow Bob on Facebook and Twitter @RobertHowePC.

https://www.blogtalkradio.com/roberthowe/2022/10/06/brooklyn-real-estate-attorney-robert-howe-with-sebastian-altilio

Brooklyn Real Estate Attorney Robert Howe Talks Market Outlook With Daniel Blatman On The Latest Episode Of Howe's New York

183:895428484 (Robert Howe) — Wed, 21 Sep 2022 14:02:50 GMT

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Brooklyn real estate attorney Robert Howe welcomes Daniel Blatman of The Agency's Real Estate to talk about real estate market outlook on the latest episode of Howe's New York .

The two exchange in a discussion on resources for finding the best data on the market as well as what entry points are like for the different tiers of homes in Brooklyn and New York.

You can listen to hundreds of Howe's New York episodes only on BlogTalkRadio!

https://www.blogtalkradio.com/roberthowe/2022/09/20/brooklyn-real-estate-attorney-robert-howe-on-market-forecast-with-daniel-blatman

The Hottest Real Estate Markets In America

183:895428484 (Robert Howe) — Fri, 09 Sep 2022 16:52:56 GMT

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We love lists. Especially in real estate.

Hot. Cold. Up Down. Best Value. Worst Value. We have lists for every data category you could think of and some that you don't even know we have.

Realtor.com has a list of the hottest home markets in America right now. The Top 20 include:

1. Manchester, NH

2. La Crosse, WI

3. Rochester, NY

4, Springfield, OH

5. Burlington, NC

6. Portland, ME

7. Monroe, MI

8. Worchester, MA

9. Fort Wayne, IN

10. Springfield, MA

11. Reading, PA

12. Kingsport, TN

13. Johnson City, TN

14. Elkhart, IN

15. Lafayette, IN

16. Columbus, OH

17. Racine, WI

18. Providence, RI

19. Saginaw, MI

20. New Haven, CT

https://www.realtor.com/news/trends/august-2022-hottest-markets-report/

Time To Buy With Home Prices Dropping?

183:895428484 (Robert Howe) — Thu, 01 Sep 2022 17:57:38 GMT

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Now you may not see such a steep discount in your neck of the woods but the real estate market is seeing the biggest price drop on home asking prices in quite a few years and now might be the time to strike in you are a buyer.

Home inventory is up 27% and that means an even more competitive market in a space where some may have fallen off the hunt due to the rise in interest rates.

And as days on market increased, this stagnation forced more sellers to slash their prices; the percentage of price reductions rose from 11% last August to 19.4% this year (which is close to 2019 levels).

https://www.realtor.com/news/trends/housing-inventory-report-2022-august/

Tips For Selling In A Recession

183:895428484 (Robert Howe) — Mon, 15 Aug 2022 15:52:57 GMT

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When the going was good - and it was for 2020-2022 - you really didn't need to do anything more than nail a "For Sale" sign in the front yard.

Now that the recession is upon us and all the factors applying pressure to the real estate market or trying to take us to crushing depths what do you do? Well, Realtor.com has some tips for selling a home during a down economy.

The top 4 tips for selling your home in a recession include... hit the market sooner rather than later, don't overprice your home, make smart, cost effective updates to get buyers' attention, and consider renting out your home.

https://www.realtor.com/advice/sell/how-home-sellers-can-prepare-for-a-recession-and-still-sell-their-home/

Howe's New York Interviews Triplemint's Daniel Blatman

183:895428484 (Robert Howe) — Wed, 10 Aug 2022 15:44:34 GMT

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Howe's New York - the podcast hosted by Brooklyn Real Estate Attorney Robert Howe - welcomed another great guest to the show last night. This time we spoke with Daniel Blatman of Triplemint .

Give a listen to hear great insight on the New York real estate market from a seasoned professional, only on BlogTalkRadio !

https://www.blogtalkradio.com/roberthowe/2022/08/09/brooklyn-attorney-robert-howe-on-market-report-with-triplemints-daniel-blatman

New Reality For Sellers?

183:895428484 (Robert Howe) — Mon, 08 Aug 2022 17:32:04 GMT

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We have been discussing the reversal of fortunes that have taken place in the real estate market for a bit now. The transitioning form a sellers to a buyers market is upon us and sellers may be facing a new reality according to Realtor.com .

With a stagnant and receding economy, rising interest rates, and the land grab subsidizing post-covid home sellers may be confronted by a new reality when it comes time to sell and it is a 180 degree change that swings the power pendulum back toward the buyer.

Here are some things sellers may need to prepare themselves for if selling a home now - all of which were the exact opposite just a year to 18 months ago. Sellers may see infrequent or no bidding wars, homes may take much longer to sell, homes will need to be showroom ready, buyers may ask for contingencies and buyers may offer list price or less.

https://www.realtor.com/advice/sell/ways-selling-a-home-today-has-changed/

What's Negotiable When Buying A House

183:895428484 (Robert Howe) — Wed, 27 Jul 2022 20:56:15 GMT

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You know when you buy something it is always a good idea to ask for a better deal. It never hurts to haggle right? Nothing ventured nothing gained.

That's especially true with buying a house, There are a few things you can negotiate before you close .

Realtor.com notes that these four things can be subject to negotiation and include: the price of the house, earnest money deposit, money back at closing, and mortgage rate and closing costs.

https://www.realtor.com/advice/buy/items-that-are-always-negotiable-when-buying-a-home/

When It's Time To Reduce Asking Price On Your Home

183:895428484 (Robert Howe) — Tue, 26 Jul 2022 18:13:55 GMT

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Nobody wants to do it and during the pandemic nobody had to do it. Now in the post-pandemic real estate market, you may need to adjust your asking price on your home down a tad. But when do you know it's time?

With rates rising and prices already falling across the country the longer your house sits on the market the more obvious the sign that it's time to slash your price becomes.

Price reductions sound bad but can lead to a good development. A bidding war. In the end the goal is to sell your house and the more parties you can entice the better for the seller.

https://www.realtor.com/advice/sell/should-you-reduce-the-price-of-your-home/

The Most Livable Place In The U.S.

183:895428484 (Robert Howe) — Thu, 21 Jul 2022 16:58:12 GMT

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The top 100 most livable places in the United States is out. This marks the 10th year that Livability has compiled the list of the 100 most livable places in America . The top spot may surprise but a lot goes into determining the destinations.

Livability used these categories to score the 2,000 cities researched: Amenities, Economy, Demographics, Housing, Social & Civic Capital, Education, Healthcare, Transportation/Infrastructure , and Remote Readiness.

Here were the frontrunners...

America’s top 10 places to live in 2022

1) Madison, WI: $416,000

2) Ann Arbor, MI: $449,888

3) Rochester, MN: $379,900

4) Naperville, IL: $365,000

5) Overland Park, KS: $399,945 (based on nearby Kansas City, KS)

6) Minneapolis, MN: $419,950

7) Fishers, IN: $319,900 (based on nearby Indianapolis)

8) Salt Lake City, UT: $632,000

9) Pittsburgh, PA: $240,000

10) Carmel, IN: $319,900 (based on nearby Indianapolis)

https://www.realtor.com/news/trends/best-cities-to-live-in-2022-livability/

Struggles Of The First Time Homeowners

183:895428484 (Robert Howe) — Fri, 15 Jul 2022 15:39:20 GMT

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For some new homeowners, the struggle is real.

While it is exciting to embark on home ownership for the first time, for many the focus is often on the wedding day and not the marriage. Home ownership is a long term commitment and a home needs constant upkeep and TLC.

Here are some cold buckets of ice water new homeowners shared with Realtor.com : yard maintenance, roofing, siding, plumbing, electric, patch jobs, renovation and upkeep projects just to name a few.

https://www.realtor.com/advice/home-improvement/getting-real-about-the-struggles-of-being-a-first-time-homeowner-reddit/

Real Estate Market: For Hottest Area, Head East

183:895428484 (Robert Howe) — Thu, 14 Jul 2022 15:46:18 GMT

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At one time it was "Go west, young man!" - and not long ago this was especially true of real estate. The hot markets were out west.

Not anymore.

According to the real estate meteorologists at Realtor.com the heat wave is headed east. The Eastern United States is now the hot spots for real estate with New Hampshire leading the way. New York also places in the top ten.

https://www.realtor.com/news/trends/real-estate-hottest-markets-2022-june/

Brooklyn Real Estate Attorney Robert Howe On Homeowner Entry Points

183:895428484 (Robert Howe) — Wed, 06 Jul 2022 15:39:01 GMT

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Howe's New York is back with our latest episode! We discuss the many entry points for homeowners .

Single Family. Multi-Family. Co-op. Condo. Mobile or Modular. There are many ways a homeowner can enter the market and we examine each both on national level as well as specific to New York.

Listen in to Brooklyn Real Estate Attorney Robert Howe on Howe's New York .

https://www.blogtalkradio.com/roberthowe/2022/07/05/brooklyn-real-estate-attorney-robert-howe-on-homeowner-points-of-entry

Brooklyn Industrial Property Generational Opportunity

183:895428484 (Robert Howe) — Fri, 01 Jul 2022 16:56:15 GMT

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While unlike the industrial real estate market in the rest of the country, New York - and Brooklyn specifically - has a very hard time unloading industrial property...

...but for very different reasons.

If you are looking for industrial space in Brooklyn and just miss out, you may be waiting awhile. Sellers of Brooklyn industrial properties have often owned and operated their businesses for decades. Selling is usually not based on current market conditions, rather a change in the way their business operates on that particular property. These types of properties don't come up often and when they do it sparks interest and increases the boroughs competitiveness in the industrial market.

As an example, the company Prologis, who had been trying to purchase industrial space in Brooklyn eventually did so in 2019. They bought property occupied by a candy company who had only been using there space for 50 years.

https://commercialobserver.com/2022/07/brooklyn-ndustrial-market-uncertainty/

A Closer Look At DUMBO

183:895428484 (Robert Howe) — Tue, 28 Jun 2022 17:27:15 GMT

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Down under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass - or, DUMBO , as it is more commonly known - has long been a trendy Brooklyn area. 6sqft.com takes a closer look in this profile.

Once a ferry landing, the warehouse festooned area under the Manhattan Bridge is defined by industrial architecture and a tremendous view of the Manhattan skyline a stone's throw across the East River.

Once a hub for industry, the waterfront area is now home to artists and artisanal foods and their festivals while maintaining its status as desirable New York neighborhood whose prices have only known ascent for nearly 3 decades.

https://www.6sqft.com/the-ultimate-guide-to-dumbo-a-neighborhood-that-led-the-way-to-brooklyns-21st-century/

10 Cities Where Home Buyers Have Advantage

183:895428484 (Robert Howe) — Mon, 27 Jun 2022 16:39:40 GMT

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There's no denying the housing slow down and while we are moving into the ride it out phase Realtor.com has identified 10 cities where houses sell the fastest (and where houses sit longer and buyers may have the upper hand ). New York is represented on BOTH lists!

The soaring interest rates and economic malaise brought on by government policies have led to this downturn and in these areas homes are sitting the longest so there could be opportunity for buyers to possibly find a better deal in: Utica, NY, Houma, LA, Iowa City, IA, Charleston, WV, Salisbury, MD, Las Cruces, NM, Appleton, WI, Blacksburg, VA, Lexington, KY, and Gulfsport, MS with median home prices on this list ranging anywhere from $151,000 to $499,000.

Now, if you want to shop where the action is the hottest these 10 cities have the fastest sales including: Rochester, NY, Manchester, NH, Raleigh, NC, Denver, CO, Burlington, VT, Columbus, OH, Nashville, TN, Columbia, MO, Portland, ME, and Worchester, MA. Median home sales for these 10 cities ranged from $225,000 to $695,000.

https://www.realtor.com/news/trends/days-on-market-where-homes-selling-the-fastest-and-slowest/

Addressing The Latest Rate Hike

183:895428484 (Robert Howe) — Wed, 22 Jun 2022 16:11:58 GMT

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While the news for hopeful homeowners - and likely home sellers - is not good in the short term, it is necessary to understand what is impacting our housing market as the Fed recently increased interest rates by .75%

Within the past year there were a number of factors that were used to explain away the shift from robust housing market to a stalling and in some cases stagnating market. Everything from gas prices to a war in Ukraine were thrown out as reasons. Well now, as James Carville once said "it's the economy, stupid."

The impending recession (will it or won't it happen?) - and some say we are already in one with receding spending in many industries - have the housing market in a pickle. When your economic policies cause the economic malaise you have to staunch the bleeding somehow and raising the interest rates - up from 3% a year ago to nearly 6% today - are one of those ways.

The impact has been felt in sales, mortgage applications, and new construction. While inflation has risen about 9% for home buyers looking to buy their first home now the increase is more like 65% over a year ago.

Some experts predict this time won't be as bad as the terrible hit housing market took in 2008-2009 and that housing will not be as hard it overall but in this short term anyway their will be some pangs of pain as we push through.

https://www.realtor.com/news/trends/mortgage-rates-slam-brakes-on-housing-market/

Brooklyn (And New York's) Most Affordable Neighborhoods

183:895428484 (Robert Howe) — Mon, 20 Jun 2022 16:19:25 GMT

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Even as interest rates have risen - .75% last week - again creating more hesitancy on the part of buyers the competition for real estate is still fierce. This is especially true in New York. However, even in New York there are still areas for bargain hunting as compiled by BKReader .

Brooklyn placed two neighborhoods in New York's top ten most affordable areas list : Coney Island and Brighton Beach. There median sale prices range in price from $400,000-$550,000.

The rest of the top ten most affordable areas in New York include: Parkchester and Kingsbridge in the Bronx, Glen Oaks and Rego Park in Queens, Stapleton and new Brighton in Staten Island and Tudor City and Washington Heights in Manhattan.

https://bkreader.com/2022/05/25/nowadays-you-have-to-go-where-you-can-afford-real-estate/

Housing Market Now: 6 Things To Know

183:895428484 (Robert Howe) — Tue, 14 Jun 2022 18:01:08 GMT

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The housing market is different today than it was a year ago, is different than it was two years ago, is different than it was 3 years ago! There may never have been a time in modern history when there has been so much activity and epic rise in the market. But as Francis Hooke said, "forewarned is forearmed."

Realtor.com's Chief Economist Dr. Lawrence Wu has identified 6 things you need to know about the housing market as it stands right now. These things include buyers needing to rerun numbers as mortgage rates rise, inventory shortages are persisting, home prices in general will remain high, prepare for high prices on suburban homes, and buyers may want a 5 year ARM.

https://www.realtor.com/news/trends/im-the-chief-economist-for-the-national-association-of-realtors-here-are-6-things-to-know-about-the-housing-market-now/

Unique Homes New York: The Floating Farmhouse

183:895428484 (Robert Howe) — Tue, 14 Jun 2022 17:36:50 GMT

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Nestled in the Catskills a new listing for a truly unique and one of a kind New York house has hit the market.

An 1820.s house built on a pond overlooking a dam hundreds of years old. In Highland, NY there is a floating farmhouse that is worth a look for its architecture, design, restoration, and space within its environment, with a porch that seemingly floats on a pond!

https://www.realtor.com/news/unique-homes/floating-farmhouse-dreamy-retreat-for-sale/

What's The Story With Storage?

183:895428484 (Robert Howe) — Mon, 13 Jun 2022 13:17:05 GMT

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One thing that used to be a real New York truism was that they aren't making any new parking spaces, however when it comes to storage units they seem to be popping up all over.

Living in New York is many things but spacious with ample storage room is not one of New York's hallmarks. Space is a precious commodity in NYC and storage unit competition is stiff.

Whether it's a space issue where you live, a huge collection of childhood artifacts or the fact you hoard and can't declutter Realtor.com has put together a list of 7 things you should consider before taking the storage unit plunge.

You should examine what size storage unit, the storage unit cost, whether you need climate control, insurance, are there restrictions on what you can store, how to pack for storage, and what if all your stuff doesn't fit...and you need another storage unit?!

https://www.realtor.com/advice/move/crucial-questions-to-ask-before-renting-a-storage-unit/

New York Homeowners: Tax Tips From NYS

183:895428484 (Robert Howe) — Fri, 10 Jun 2022 20:55:29 GMT

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New York State has begun sending out homeowner tax rebates for 2022 - the Homeowner Tax Rebate Credit (HTRC). Take a look at the link to find out if you are eligible along with other tax tips for homeowners from New York State.

https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/NYTAX/bulletins/319980e

How To Know When It's Time To Sell Your Home

183:895428484 (Robert Howe) — Thu, 09 Jun 2022 17:18:38 GMT

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We have heard all about issues from the new homeowners perspective, but what if you are in your home for 20 years and grappling with whether to sell or not to sell? How do you know when the time is right?

Realtor.com has a list of 6 signs that it is time for you to be movin' on up.

Some indicators for you that it is time to sell include: It's a sellers market, local homes are selling for a lot, your'e financially stressed, you've outgrown your home, you're tired of home maintenance or you've built up enough equity in your home.

https://www.realtor.com/advice/sell/how-long-should-you-live-in-your-home-before-selling/

5 Tips For The Big Move

183:895428484 (Robert Howe) — Tue, 07 Jun 2022 17:25:00 GMT

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So you took the plunge and bought the house. First time homeowner! Congratulations!

That was the easy part.

Now comes the move. Moving. Packing. Unpacking. If you are looking to these activities for fun, consult someone stat. However, there are some ways to make the moving part of moving a little easier from these 5 tips brought to you by Realtor.com and Nebraska Realtor Krista Nobel.

These tips include Doing it Yourself, incorporating breaks into moving timeline, getting creative finding moving help, prepping for move before you list your home, and taking time to celebrate (which is probably my favorite tip).

https://www.realtor.com/sponsored/expert-diy-moving-tips/

Rochester, NY Makes List Of Affordable Outdoors Cities

183:895428484 (Robert Howe) — Mon, 06 Jun 2022 14:25:28 GMT

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Realtor.com has released a list of 10 Cities For Outdoor Enthusiasts that are still affordable! This was a big draw for homebuyers during the pandemic. A place to live and enjoy the outdoors, free air and more elbow room. The desire to flee crowded urban cities.

The top ten list includes Urbana, IL, Madison, WI, Iowa City, IA, Bloomington, IN, El Paso, TX, Columbia, MO, State College, PA, Morgantown, WV, Rochester, NY, and Duluth, MN.

Rochester, NY - once home to Kodak and Xerox and coming in 9th on the list - has a median home price of $200,000 and situated on the Great Lake of Ontario, is a water lover's dream. Close to both the Finger Lakes and Niagara Falls, sailing, fishing and water sports are the draw in summer while skiing and winter sports are popular when it's cold outside.

https://www.realtor.com/news/trends/americas-2022-most-affordable-outdoorsy-cities/

Bidding War Mistakes

183:895428484 (Robert Howe) — Fri, 03 Jun 2022 18:05:38 GMT

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Realtor.com has another informative list - this time we are learning about 7 mistakes homeowners make when getting into a bidding war.

If there is one thing that came out of the pandemic it was....remote working! If there were two things, it was remote working AND housing boom. Now, the remote working did allow for a more robust housing boom and migration from cities to the suburbs and beyond but one is still going while the other has subsided a little.

The interest rate hikes have leveled off the buying spree somewhat but as interest rates turn back down and head lower could we see another surge in home buying? The boom did see areas where bidding wars were not only the norm but extremely expansive.

Here are some mistakes new homeowners make when getting into bidding wars: Bidding with every last penny, bidding with contingencies, bidding with no contingencies (such as waving home inspection ion), assuming you will get a second chance, using term "best and final offer", using an escalation clause, and not knowing the home's true value.

https://www.realtor.com/advice/buy/bidding-war-mistakes-homebuyers-are-making-today/

Walt Whitman Family New York House Is Oldest On Market This Week

183:895428484 (Robert Howe) — Wed, 01 Jun 2022 20:28:49 GMT

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This week the oldest home for sale in the country belongs once again to New York! This time it is the ancestral home of American poet Walt Whitman - built by his 3rd great-grandfather in 1697.

The Huntington, NY antique house is on four acres and has many period touches, wood floors, multiples fireplaces, and storage.

If you want to see more like this old house, check out the Oldest Homes on Realtor.com.

https://www.realtor.com/news/unique-homes/walt-whitman-great-grandfather-new-york-oldest-homes/

List OF Home Improvement Do's & Don'ts

183:895428484 (Robert Howe) — Tue, 31 May 2022 15:09:00 GMT

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Homeowners always want to improve the strength, durability and aesthetics of their home. Especially NEW homeowners. The problem is sometimes no decision at all is better than the incorrect one - which can set you back financially having to fix a job not well done.

Realtor.com has compiled a list of 7 home improvement faux pas to avoid including: Expecting a perfect garden instantly, using indoor furnishings outside, not protecting decks and outdoor furniture, planting shade lovers in the sun and sun lovers in the shade, ignoring HOA rules or local laws, building a dream pool without accounting for temperature, and planting what you love regardless of climate.

https://www.realtor.com/advice/home-improvement/design-fails-homeowners-yard-decks-patios/

Howe's New York: Brooklyn Real Estate News Recap

183:895428484 (Robert Howe) — Thu, 19 May 2022 15:08:40 GMT

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On this new episode of Howe's New York , Brooklyn real estate attorney Robert Howe discusses the top real estate news stories in Brooklyn.

This week's topics include the most expensive neighborhoods in New York, retail space rent increasing in Brooklyn, a new record Brooklyn skyscraper, and the return of Century 21.

Did you know there are 14 neighborhoods in the boroughs that are now more expensive than Manhattan? 13 are in Brooklyn! While retail property rents might be going back up Bob wonders if small businesses can take this as positive as the Real Deal postulates. Frank Sinatra opens our show with Brooklyn Bridge but it's his song New York about a city that never sleeps that seems like it needs to be revisited for a post-pandemic NYC. There's always a new record setting building in Brooklyn nowadays. Lastly, we recently spoke about the demise of Century 21 on 86th Street in Brooklyn but is it rising like a phoenix...in Manhattan?

Tune in to Howe's New York, only on BlogTalkRadio .

https://www.blogtalkradio.com/roberthowe/2022/05/18/brooklyn-real-estate-attorney-robert-howe-news-recap

Home Costs Up 50% Over 2021

183:895428484 (Robert Howe) — Mon, 16 May 2022 16:34:20 GMT

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Stop the presses! Home costs have risen about 50% over the last calendar year ! So where is the relief, if any?

As new home owners entering the market now versus May 2021 are seeing there average monthly mortgage cost rise from $1,200 t o $1,800 a month they are also finding less homes to choose from and home prices they are continuing to ascend.

The real culprit in all this is the Fed, Interest rates have experienced a "meteoric" rise in the las t12 months from a shade under 3% this time in 2021 to a little above 5% as we head into the Summer of 2022.

https://www.realtor.com/news/trends/the-cost-of-buying-a-home-is-up-50-from-a-year-ago-but-heres-where-you-could-get-a-break/

The Least & Most Affordable Real Estate Markets

183:895428484 (Robert Howe) — Fri, 13 May 2022 13:58:40 GMT

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Realtor.com continues to analyze the recent interest rate hikes effects on the nation's real estate market and this time they are examining the least affordable and most affordable housing markets in the country .

Some areas on the list of most affordable included: Lansing, MI, Indianapolis, IN, Scranton, PA, Rochester, NY, Dayton OH, Wheeling, WV, Elmira, NY, Utica, NY, Cumberland, MD, and Davenport, IA.

Least affordable areas were led by a clean sweep of California with Los Angeles, Anaheim, San Francisco, San Diego, Stockton, Salinas, Santa Maria, San Luis Obispo, Santa Cruz, and Napa.

The study was based on a median family income of $90,000 with a median home price of $365,000 and interest rates ranging from 3.86% at lowest to 5.11% for most recent inclusions.

The study found that affordable homes - those in reach of middle class buyers - accounted for a little over 48% of the homes sold during the study.

Possibly the most surprising and sobering bit of information gleaned from this article was the fact that according to the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) each time the interest rate rises a quarter of %1 roughly 1.3 million households are priced out of ownership.

https://www.realtor.com/news/trends/the-nations-most-and-least-affordable-real-estate-markets/

Real Estate: The Post-Pandemic New Normal

183:895428484 (Robert Howe) — Mon, 09 May 2022 18:22:27 GMT

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Realtor.com has their weekly real estate market watch video - presented here by Realtor.com's Manager Of Economic Research George Ratiu.

The major point here is that the real estate market is working through a transition from the 2+ year housing boom and suburban migration to settling into a post-pandemic normal.

Always an interesting and fun watch with great insights on the current trends and important topics in national real estate news.

https://www.realtor.com/videos/weekly-econ-update-may-6-2022/7fcdd9d0-9618-42b8-a18d-2bcb11fea78a/

Maintaining A Happy Home Search

183:895428484 (Robert Howe) — Fri, 06 May 2022 15:02:40 GMT

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Mindfulness has crept into our vernacular these past few years and almost as many people are trying to find more peace of mind as are trying to find a new home. In this case there is some overlap.

The process of buying a home is stressful. It can tax your mind and body even in the best and smoothest circumstances. Realtor.com offers these four ways to keep the positivity gauge on full as you conduct your search.

1. Open your mind and expand search

2. Avoid financial guesswork

3. Work with experts you trust

4. Don't put pressure on your timeline

There is also a reminder, or actually a reinforcement of the fact that no matter how difficult the process the end result of a new home will offer - hopefully - tremendous peace and positive vibes.

https://www.realtor.com/sponsored/home-search-peace-of-mind/

Spring 2022 Hottest Real Estate Markets

183:895428484 (Robert Howe) — Wed, 04 May 2022 15:36:49 GMT

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Spring is in the air and even though the interest rates are rising with the flowers - another .5 today - there are still markets out there that are on the rise.

Realtor.com has compiled this group of the top 10 markets that are up and coming and on the move including the number 1 destination...Rapid City, SD! The migration to smaller cities continues...

1. Rapid City, SD, $436,988

2. Santa Cruz, CA, $1,262,500

3. North Port, FL, $575,000

4. Santa Rosa, CA, $987,500

5. Naples, FL, $825,000

6. Boulder, CO, $797,500

7. Coeur d’Alene, ID, $1,007,891

8. Fort Collins, CO, $634,995

9. Billings, MT, $482,500

10. Raleigh, NC, $448,625

https://www.realtor.com/news/trends/top-emerging-markets-2022-spring/?identityID=5a9581c381f95f9de4311542&MID=2022_0429_Weekly_NL&RID=4618005342&cid=eml_promo_Marketing_NonPRSL_WeeklyNL_cons.14571422_2022_0429_Weekly_NL-blog1topboomingmarkets-blogs_trends

"As Is" Home Red Flags

183:895428484 (Robert Howe) — Fri, 29 Apr 2022 18:02:30 GMT

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When buying a house - or anything for that matter - the phrase "as is" can be a real turn off. Although in the case of a home buyers may see it as a way to save some money. After all, there is a little do-it-yourselfer in all of us.

But there are some genuine red flags that should best be avoided when buying a home. Realtor.com has compiled a list of seven of the worst culprits that fall under that "as is" banner.

Faulty foundation, sketchy additions, damaged roof, flood zones, mold, faulty septic systems, and homes that won't allow an inspection are all warning signs that tell you it might be wise to keep the search going.

https://www.realtor.com/advice/buy/buying-a-home-as-is-red-flags-to-watch-for/

10 Cities Where Home Prices Have Started To Come Down

183:895428484 (Robert Howe) — Mon, 25 Apr 2022 13:32:18 GMT

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Like Blood, Sweat, & Tears said as the spinning wheel spins ... what goes up, must come down . Yes, this is true in real estate as well.

Realtor.com has identified ten cities where - due to combination of inflation, rising interest rates or a leveling off of demand - home listing prices have fallen.

Toledo, OH, Rochester, NY, Detroit, MI, Pittsburgh, PA, Springfield, MA, Tulsa, OK, Los Angeles, CA, Memphis, TN, Chicago, IL, and Richmond, VA have all seen a decline in median home prices.

https://www.realtor.com/news/trends/where-home-prices-falling-the-most/

Brooklyn Real Estate Attorney Robert Howe Discusses Market Report On Howe's New York

183:895428484 (Robert Howe) — Fri, 22 Apr 2022 13:48:15 GMT

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Brooklyn real estate attorney Robert Howe welcomes Coldwell Banker's Saddik Bokhari to Howe's New York.

Bob and Saddik chat about the current state of real estate in Brooklyn in a market report and forecast what things will look like for the rest of 2022 as the fed continues their mortgage rate increases.

https://www.blogtalkradio.com/roberthowe/2022/04/21/brooklyn-real-estate-attorney-robert-howe-market-report

Housing Bubble Toil & Trouble

183:895428484 (Robert Howe) — Tue, 19 Apr 2022 17:59:09 GMT

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When times are good that's when the warnings start of bubbles. Every asset class goes through it. Watch out, we're in a bubble. Careful, the bubble is going to burst.

Well first we weren't and now... are we in a bubble?

Realtor.com heard from real estate brokers who insisted there was no bubble when home prices surged and bidding wars ensued. The mass exodus from the urban environments of the big cities were spurred by the pandemic and remote working. The demand was very high and in some places there was not nearly enough inventory. The bubble talk was still dismissed even when the Fed hiked rates from 3% to 4-4.5% recently in the first increase in several years.

But now that rates have hit 5% in some areas, well, some brokers are saying we could be headed for a bubble if we aren't there already.

Due to the rising home prices now paired with the new interest rate increases buyers are paying 42% more for homes than they were a year ago. That is a knockout combination.

https://www.realtor.com/news/trends/is-another-housing-bubble-brewing/

Green Home Game

183:895428484 (Robert Howe) — Mon, 18 Apr 2022 13:10:36 GMT

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As we move into spring and get closer to Earth Day, Realtor.com looks at some of the myths surrounding green homes .

Nobody wants to pollute the environment but going green doesn't have to mean you are hugging trees off the grid. In some aspects it can save homeowners money as well. It also may be accomplished for less than people think.

Some of the myths this article sets out to debunk include: only new houses can be green, green homes are too expensive, sustainable homes are ugly, going green means going off the grid, and it's hard to make your home eco friendly.

https://www.realtor.com/advice/buy/green-home-myths-you-should-stop-believing/

Pest Control: Landlords VS Tenants

183:895428484 (Robert Howe) — Fri, 15 Apr 2022 14:23:26 GMT

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Pest problem? Who is responsible...the tenant or the landlord? Not quite the debate of chicken and egg but still an important topic for many.

The landlord is responsible (and required!) to maintain a standard of living on their properties in almost every state. This is known as an Implied Warranty of Habitability.

In addition to maintaining a clean standard of living, experts agree it’s in landlords’ best interest to keep their properties pest-free.

https://www.realtor.com/advice/home-improvement/landlord-vs-renter-who-is-responsible-for-pest-control/

18th Century New York Home Listing Is Oldest Home Of The Week

183:895428484 (Robert Howe) — Wed, 13 Apr 2022 17:45:43 GMT

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In a new list of old and historic homes for sale this week, it's a New York home from 1710 (!!!) that comes in as the oldest.

The two bedroom Huguenot house feature three structures and is a part of the local lore in New Paltz, NY.

A lot of charm and character for about half a million.

https://www.realtor.com/news/unique-homes/huguenot-stone-house-in-new-york-oldest-home/

New Clarity In Living Wills For New Yorkers

183:895428484 (Robert Howe) — Fri, 08 Apr 2022 16:08:24 GMT

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New Yorkers have gotten some new guidance in terms of living wills . An appellate court gave greater protections to health care proxies and ability to make sure their explicit wishes are respected at the end of their lives.

The recent court decision - a first in this type of case - states that doctors and hospitals are being held accountable for ignoring or violating living wills or the documents that many people fill out and depend on, critical for ensuring that a person's end of life wishes are respected.

It is a victory especially for advocates such as Compassion & Choices , a national nonprofit dedicated to expanding and empowering options at the end of life such as medical aid in dying.

https://patch.com/new-york/southeast/hudson-valley-activist-relieved-ruling-death-dignity-suit

NY State Judge Faces The Law On COVID

183:895428484 (Robert Howe) — Thu, 07 Apr 2022 18:14:54 GMT

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A New York State Court Of Appeals Judge could not escape the long arm of the law when it came to proof of vaccination.

New York Governor sicced the Covid hall monitors on Court Of Appeals Judge Jenny Rivera for not complying with the show us your papers rule. The State's Court of Appeals is like the United States Supreme Court for New York.

New York's court system employee mandate requires proof of vaccination and when a Judge is not in compliance, they can be referred to the Commission on Judicial Conduct.

https://apnews.com/article/kathy-hochul-covid-health-business-new-york-bf753e18c2841f1ca646270b38a10616

Jumbo Loans

183:895428484 (Robert Howe) — Mon, 04 Apr 2022 17:38:42 GMT

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We all could use more money right? Who couldn't? Unless you are a movie star, tech company CEO, cryptocurrency magnate or maybe even a member of Congress, most people can figure out a way to make use of extra cash.

But do you need it? That's the question of the jumbo loan .

First, a jumbo loan is a loan that exceeds the conforming loans of a specific area. They are reserved for properties that are too expensive for the areas conforming loan (set from guidelines of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac) amount which for most areas is $647,200. In high cost areas that amount is $970,800.

If you do fall into the category of a buyer in need of a jumbo loan you should be prepared to face more scrutiny from lenders and you may even have to come up with a down payment of 25% versus the more common 20%.

https://www.realtor.com/advice/finance/what-is-a-jumbo-loan/

Deeper Dive Into New 4.5% Mortgage Rate

183:895428484 (Robert Howe) — Fri, 01 Apr 2022 17:19:58 GMT

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We have addressed the new rise in interest rates for mortgages and while acknowledging that is a determining factor in current state of the market and dissuade's some from entering the market we do point out that the rates are still low.

But let's take a deeper dive into the numbers thanks to this Real Estate News story form MarketWatch shared by Realtor.com :

We are at the highpoint for mortgage rates (4.67%) since 2018 - and at a increase of 1.5% over a year ago. While rates may be higher, home prices have not adjusted down, not has the demand for homes decreased. A number that is on the decline: refinancing. It is at a 3 year low.

https://www.realtor.com/news/real-estate-news/mortgage-rates-zoom-past-4-5-heres-what-home-buyers-need-to-know/

Housing Market: Who's Buying?

183:895428484 (Robert Howe) — Tue, 29 Mar 2022 13:01:15 GMT

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During the pandemic and now into the post-pandemic portion of the housing market so many homes have been bought and are continuing to be bought. As prices went higher and have continued to increase the home buying market is still hot.

But who are all the people buying?

Realtor.com has shared the National Association of Realtors® annual Home Buyers and Sellers Generational Trends Report . In it we see such statistics like 34% of all the homes sold were to first time home buyers which represented a 3% uptick over the previous year.

The data - coming from a 129 question survey of 5,800 home buyers between Summer 2020 to Summer 2021 shows that millennials made up the biggest group of those buying: 43%.

https://www.realtor.com/news/trends/everything-you-need-to-know-about-homebuying-hot-housing-market/?identityID=5a9581c381f95f9de4311542&MID=2022_0325_Weekly_NL&RID=4618005342&cid=eml_promo_Marketing_NonPRSL_WeeklyNL_cons.14355382_2022_0325_Weekly_NL-blog1whosbuyingallthehouses-blogs_trends

The Real Cost New Interest Rates Add To Buying

183:895428484 (Robert Howe) — Fri, 25 Mar 2022 13:16:12 GMT

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Realtor.com takes a look at some of the numbers behind the new interest rates . We are all aware by now that The Fed has increased interest rates to the low 4% range and while still low it marks the highest increase in mortgage rates in over 3 years.

It certainly has not come at a time when the economy around housing market has been healthy to withstand the raise. Unemployment, stagnant wages or no wage increases, chains of supply chaos, soaring gas prices at the pump, not the least of all the factors a war overseas.

The actual dollars and cents impact to a buyer is what the crux of this piece is about. While home listing asking prices are still rising the amount of money it will cost a new buyer to own that home is going to have a very tangible impact both monthly and over the life of the loan. Buying now versus just a year ago when the rate was 3.17% will add $375 more per month and $135,000 over a 30 year loan. That is real money.

https://www.realtor.com/news/real-estate-news/mortgage-rates-are-surging-this-is-how-much-they-will-cost-homebuyers/

Buyers Regretting Pandemic Housing Binge?

183:895428484 (Robert Howe) — Thu, 24 Mar 2022 17:03:43 GMT

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Are buyers feeling regret with the home they hastily purged for during the pandemic?

While home values soared 20% during the pandemic due to factors such as rising rents, low interest rates and remote working, is the bloom off the rose already? Some have lamented the expenses to fix issues with a house they bought quickly to escape the big city. Some were renters who became first time home owners and perhaps feel now it was a bridge too far.

While this story seems to posit all the buyers remorse are from new homeowners fleeing high rent areas it may be a very narrow pool of remorse. Those who were in cramped spaces during home schooling who jumped at more space and a yard likely don't have those same pangs of regret over home upkeep costs - the article cites the 1% rule of saving 1% of the value of your house each year for maintenance costs.

So, thankfully while we do now - and always will - have outside forces impacting the housing market, we are not in the housing crash of 2008. Everyone's set of circumstances are different as are the reasons they bought a home in the first place. There were probably just as many home seekers who just happened to buy their first home during the pandemic as their were people just buying a home to flee the cities.

https://www.npr.org/2022/03/22/1087544173/housing-market-buying-pandemic-rent-rental

Howe's New York: Brooklyn Real Estate News Recap

183:895428484 (Robert Howe) — Tue, 22 Mar 2022 13:47:23 GMT

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Brooklyn real estate attorney Robert Howe reviews and analyzes the top real estate news coming out of Brooklyn, New York the past week. We discuss stories dealing with the eastern migration to Brooklyn from California, the final fate of Bay Ridge icon Century 21, Brooklyn small businesses continued struggles and a Brooklyn mansion from 1900!

You can tune in to hear Bob discuss New York real estate, Bay Ridge, Brooklyn small business, community affairs, and events. Call in or email us with any questions and follow Bob on Facebook and Twitter @RobertHowePC .

https://www.blogtalkradio.com/roberthowe/2022/03/21/this-week-in-brooklyn-real-estate-news-recap

Fed, Rising Gas Prices, Economy, War: The Week In Real Estate

183:895428484 (Robert Howe) — Fri, 18 Mar 2022 14:04:11 GMT

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Did everyone think we would be in the clear once we just got passed Covid? There are a great number of global stresses that are creating pressure points along not just the U.S. economy but the world's as well. These factors are all having an impact on the real estate market.

From the largest event - the war in Ukraine - to the federal reserve raising interest rates to the sharp rising cost of gas and fuel, these major factors are all contributing to economic stress on many industries. Also, after Covid the labor shortages are combining with high unemployment to create an unusual situation that has not been seen before for large, medium, and small businesses.

This short video from Realtor.com highlights the week's top stories - most varying degrees of tragedy - and the impact on among many things the economy and for some of our purposes here for analysis, the real estate market.

https://www.realtor.com/videos/weekly-update-march-11-2022/e8803da6-30aa-4445-b99b-cee22d9d9f72/

New Interest Rates Can Still Allow For A Great Mortgage

183:895428484 (Robert Howe) — Thu, 17 Mar 2022 15:14:09 GMT

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While the Fed may have decided to make its most significant increase to mortgage rate in some time - setting the rate above 4% for the first time since 2019 - that does not mean that you can't still get a great mortgage .

The actual rate of 4.16% - a scary number as of late - is not a reason to cause panic. While it may seem like the days of the super low cost of money to buy a home is over the rate is still pretty low historically...in the early 80's the rate was over 13%!

Realtor.com examines the old rules of getting a mortgage and suggests a new approach to each such as purchasing points to lower your rate and asking for a mortgage commitment. Before you engage in any teeth gnashing or rending of garments take a look at the story, be calm and mortgage on.

https://www.realtor.com/advice/finance/new-rules-for-getting-a-mortgage/

A New York Island For Under $2 Million

183:895428484 (Robert Howe) — Wed, 16 Mar 2022 13:06:01 GMT

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If you believe that I have an island to sell you...in New York...no, really.

In this case not only is it true, but it already sold! A home that comes with it's own island! A three acre slice of heaven called Whiskey Island - appropriately named due to its prohibition era use by bootleggers smuggling booze in from Canada. The island is a stone's throw from the Canadian border.

Selling for $1.99 million this adventurous home boasts the sort of story that makes real estate lore click bait, well, click bait. It certainly has charm and character but hopefully you like the furniture because due to how hard it is to furnish a 4,900 square foot, 8 bedroom far, far upstate New York island lodge most of the furniture has remained from just about every sale of the property since the early 1900's.

https://www.realtor.com/news/unique-homes/private-whiskey-island-new-york-sells/

Understanding Capital Gains Tax For Real Estate

183:895428484 (Robert Howe) — Tue, 15 Mar 2022 14:17:39 GMT

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The government has a very clear understanding of what they think capital gains means. Just about anything and everything. However, when the folks are trying to figure their taxes they have to really hone in on just what exactly is capital gains on sale of real assets, specifically real estate.

This is a big factor in selling real estate. The one mulligan the government has provided is the exemption on gains of $250,000/$500,000 and below on sale of a home for single/married couple respectively.

Realtor.com has a great article on defining exactly what capital gains on real estate are and how you can understand them and find out how to calculate your own. Make sure you are doing this with your preferred tax professional on speed dial.

https://www.realtor.com/guides/homeowners-guide-to-taxes/how-much-is-capital-gains-tax-on-real-estate/

Mistakes Of A First Time Home Seller

183:895428484 (Robert Howe) — Mon, 14 Mar 2022 13:19:45 GMT

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Selling a home is not as easy as some might assume, even when the market is booming. There are a number of missteps a first time seller can take that could negatively impact time it takes to sell a home....or even scuttle a sale completely!

Realtor.com has put together this helpful list of 8 things to watch out for if you are selling a home for the first time. Some things you can avoid or plan to utilize include pricing your home too high, staging mistakes, accepting an implausible offer or getting cheap on the showings.

https://www.realtor.com/advice/sell/things-first-time-home-sellers-get-wrong/?identityID=5a9581c381f95f9de4311542&MID=2022_0311_Weekly_NL&RID=4618005342&cid=eml_promo_Marketing_NonPRSL_WeeklyNL_cons.14276902_2022_0311_Weekly_NL-blog1firsttimehomesellerswrongs-blogs_sell

The Return Of The New York Market

183:895428484 (Robert Howe) — Fri, 11 Mar 2022 15:26:39 GMT

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https://www.mansionglobal.com/articles/seasonal-patternsand-predictabilityhave-yet-to-return-to-most-u-s-markets-01646398231

Figuring Out Your Property Tax

183:895428484 (Robert Howe) — Thu, 10 Mar 2022 15:24:38 GMT

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In keeping with tax season here is another Realtor.com tax preparation tip. This one deals with an ever increasing factor in New York and New Jersey. Your property tax .

In figuring out your how to calculate property tax - and it may not even be a real need since it is done for you - it will vary on the amenities in your area. There are many things that can go into a higher property tax such as schools districts and public schools, police and fire departments, and parks.

The information you will need to input into the property tax formula is the value of your house multiplied by the tax rate of where you live. Take a look at all that goes into arriving at those numbers and make sure you consult a tax professional to check your math.

https://www.realtor.com/guides/homeowners-guide-to-taxes/how-to-calculate-property-tax/

Home: A Sellers Tax Deductions

183:895428484 (Robert Howe) — Wed, 09 Mar 2022 13:16:29 GMT

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Thanks to Realtor.com's tax tips we previously spotlighted the tax benefits of owning a home. Now we'll look at the other side of that coin. Some tax deductions you are entitled to when you sell your home .

Realtor.com has collected 5 very important write-offs you can take advantage of when selling: selling costs, home improvements, property tax, mortgage interest, and capital gains tax. Make sure you are aware of these and consult your tax professional after you down size out of your McMansion!

https://www.realtor.com/guides/homeowners-guide-to-taxes/tax-deductions-when-selling-a-home/

Howe's New York Returns With Longbrook Real Estate's Brigid Hughes On Cryptocurrency

183:895428484 (Robert Howe) — Tue, 08 Mar 2022 14:26:28 GMT

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It's been almost three years but the long running legal podcast Howe's New York is back! Brooklyn real estate attorney Robert Howe - who hosted the podcast Howe's New York on BlogTalkRadio from 2011-2019 returns with his first new episode.

Howe's New York welcomes Brigid Hughes of Longbrook Real Estate to discuss the ways cryptocurrency is influencing the real estate market.

And now, once again, here's Bob...

https://www.blogtalkradio.com/roberthowe/2022/03/07/brooklyn-attorney-robert-howe-on-cryptocurrency-property-buying-w-brigid-hughes

Cryptocurrency & Real Estate

183:895428484 (Robert Howe) — Mon, 07 Mar 2022 15:39:41 GMT

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Paying for assets and real estate with hard currency? That's so 2021. The explosion in asset classes and real estate boom can be tied to several factors, but not least of those may very well be the emergence of cryptocurrency as an acceptable form pf payment.

Cryptocurrency has been all over the news because it has been all over....everywhere. With over 1,300 from of digital coins and currency now available paying for real estate with cryptocurrency is just one of the ways cryptocurrency and real estate are starting to overlap. Here is a look at more ways.

Cryptocurrency is such a big deal that we have chosen it as the topic for our very first new podcast in three years tonight on Howe's New York. Tune in at 6:00 or listen anytime you want on BlogTalkRadio .

https://www.upnest.com/1/post/the-rise-of-cryptocurrency-in-real-estate-transactions/

Homeowners Tax Benefits

183:895428484 (Robert Howe) — Fri, 04 Mar 2022 17:13:43 GMT

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Many things come with being a homeowner but not all of it is repairs and expenses. More than the intrinsic good a house can provide there is some tangible and financial benefits as well.

Realtor.com has collected a series of helpful guides to all things tax related homeowners should be aware of. In this particular article you can find a list of tax benefits that a homeowner is afforded.

It is always worthwhile to do your own research and to obviously consult with your preferred tax professional but this series is a very handy cheat sheet whether you are a new homeowner or one who has been around several blocks before.

https://www.realtor.com/guides/homeowners-guide-to-taxes/7-tax-benefits-of-owning-a-home/

If You Build A Pickleball Court They Will Come

183:895428484 (Robert Howe) — Thu, 03 Mar 2022 15:40:52 GMT

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Pickleball. It's not just for the local YMCA anymore. In fact it is a sport played by so many and growing so fast (another pandemic by product) that according to this story from Axios it has now graduated to become a real estate selling point . Where once you may have seen a home with a basketball hoop people now want to put in a pickleball court...even in their drive way!

https://www.axios.com/hot-new-real-estate-amenity-the-pickleball-court-2be47f0f-3691-4e68-b0d9-0ea3510e0c32.html

Tips For First Time Home Buyers

183:895428484 (Robert Howe) — Tue, 01 Mar 2022 17:17:36 GMT

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Buying a home is a grueling process for any degree of experience. Buying a home for the first time? That can be overwhelming.

It's not only the factors that all have to line up, the mountains of paperwork, and the time spent packing and unpacking, but it's also the things you don't know or overlook never having bought a home before.

There are some very good and basic tips compiled by the folks at Realtor.com that any home buyer should make themselves familiar with, but take heed all you first timers out there!

https://www.realtor.com/advice/buy/problems-first-time-homebuyers-often-overlook/

New York's Mega Condo?

183:895428484 (Robert Howe) — Fri, 25 Feb 2022 16:50:41 GMT

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No this would not be your typical condo with your typical condo common area. The common area for this condo would be downtown Manhattan in the heart of the world's financial center.

The one time tallest building in New York in 1931 has undergone an 8 year conversion into a nearly 600 unit condominium and has become the largest ever office to condo transformation . You can read all about it from the New York Post .

https://nypost.com/2022/02/24/inside-one-wall-st-nycs-largest-ever-office-conversion/?utm_campaign=iphone_nyp&utm_source=mail_app

Brooklyn's Village Boerum Hill

183:895428484 (Robert Howe) — Thu, 24 Feb 2022 15:10:43 GMT

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Downtown Brooklyn is loaded with some of the most perennially trendy neighborhoods. It is an area festooned with suburban hamlets nestled close to its big urban jungle neighbor. This New York Times profile hits a bullseye with the label "village" for Brooklyn's Boerum Hill .

https://www.nytimes.com/2022/02/02/realestate/boerum-hill-brooklyn.html

Tax Season Tips For The Home Office Bound

183:895428484 (Robert Howe) — Wed, 23 Feb 2022 16:23:51 GMT

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Maybe now more than any other time in history - or since we were all farmers - people are working from home. Companies have found that it works to have a partial work from home schedule due to the pandemic but there are the intrepid entrepreneurs who have found even now if what has been volatile times, no better time to make their home also their office.

If you are your own business you know there are a myriad of tax deductions that come with LLC's and S-Corp's but one of the biggest could be just how much you can write off of your home. There are obviously restrictions and criteria that must be met and as always you should consult a tax professional but here is a helpful tip sheet if you are considering a tax credit on your home office.

https://www.realtor.com/advice/finance/how-to-take-a-home-office-tax-deduction-work-from-home/

America's Top Luxury Real Estate Markets

183:895428484 (Robert Howe) — Tue, 22 Feb 2022 15:12:25 GMT

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Almost like the land grabs of the westward expansion - minus the breakneck flag planting - the COVID pandemic of the past 2+ years has seen a mass migration of home buying from urban environments of big cities to the suburbs.

What's more than just the home buying boom has been the seeming upward trajectory of...luxury homes!

The good folks at Realtor.com have put out this interesting list of the top luxury home markets in America . A worthwhile read and case study on the niche luxury real estate market.

https://www.realtor.com/news/trends/live-the-dream-these-are-the-hottest-luxury-real-estate-markets/

Make the most of the season by following these simple guidelines

websitebuilder@1and1.de — Thu, 06 Jan 2022 18:27:58 GMT

The new season is a great reason to make and keep resolutions. Whether it’s eating right or cleaning out the garage, here are some tips for making and keeping resolutions.

Make a list

Lists are great ways to stay on track. Write down some big things you want to accomplish and some smaller things, too.

Check the list regularly

Don’t forget to check in and see how you’re doing. Just because you don’t achieve the big goals right away doesn’t mean you’re not making progress.

Reward yourself

When you succeed in achieving a goal, be it a big one or a small one, make sure to pat yourself on the back.

Think positively

Positive thinking is a major factor in success. So instead of mulling over things that didn’t go quite right, remind yourself of things that did.