Best Real Estate Attorneys in Brooklyn

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Brooklyn, New York?

  For non-emergency incidents in Brooklyn, contact the New York Police Department at 311.

• Where can I get a copy of police reports for incidents related to my case in Brooklyn, New York?

  To get a copy of the police report related to your case in Brooklyn, request a record at the New York Police Department's Freedom of Information Law portal at https://a860-openrecords.nyc.gov/request/new. You may also request a police report by sending a mail or going to NYPD FOIL Unit, One Police Plaza. You need to schedule an appointment by calling 646-610-5296 before going to the office/precinct personally.

• Do you need a real estate attorney when buying or selling a property in Brooklyn?

  According to New York state law, you're not required to be represented by a lawyer in order to complete a real estate transaction. However, when buying or selling a property in Brooklyn, do note that most banks require legal representation from a real estate attorney. Real estate lawyers can assist with the sale, purchase, lease, or development of commercial and residential properties. They can also resolve disputes and handle negotiations, as well as assist in paperwork completion and closing transactions.

• How long will it take to evict a tenant in Brooklyn?

  Most evictions in New York City take around three to six months, and landlords are required to serve a written notice before evicting a tenant. The time frame may vary, depending on the reason for the eviction. For instance, a landlord in Brooklyn may evict the tenant in less than three months if they violated the lease.

• What are the most common defenses that tenants in Brooklyn can use to fight an eviction?

  Some of the most common defenses that tenants in Brooklyn can use to fight an eviction are as follows:

  • Non-payment proceedings, which include giving a three-day rent demand instead of a 14-day demand, overcharging rent, and ignoring maintenance requirements of the rental property
  • Holdover proceedings, which include denying the landlord's allegations in the notice and claiming that the landlord served an improper termination notice

• What are the most common real estate conflicts in Brooklyn?

  In Brooklyn, there are various real estate conflicts that may arise between parties, such as breach of contract when one party does not fulfill their part of the agreement and fraud when a party fails to disclose or gives inaccurate information. Legal battles may also occur due to boundary issues, co-owner disputes, construction defects, and property damage incidents.

• How much is the average closing cost when buying or selling real estate in Brooklyn?

  In Brooklyn, closing costs may vary depending on the type of property. Buyers are expected to pay around 2 to 3% of the purchase price. If the property costs more than $1 million, the expected closing cost becomes 3 to 4%. These include bank and attorney's fees, transfer taxes, and homeowner's insurance. Sellers, on the other hand, are expected to pay from 8 to 10% of the purchase price. These include broker's fees and flip taxes.