Archive for the ‘New York City Real Estate’ Category

New York City Bankruptcy Lawyer discusses Loan Modifications

Monday, October 26th, 2009

Actually, New York City Bankruptcy Attorney Daniel Gershburg does not discuss loan modifications…but the Wall Street Journal does.  It’s not often you find this kind of content surrounding Loan Modifications in New York City.  The article, which you can find here discusses loan modifications and if they’re a good idea for you.  They go into detail about whether Loan modifications hurt your credit score and even give some advice as to whether or not you should enter into a loan modification or simply walk away and let the house in New York City be foreclosed.  Check out the article.  It will give you a nice break from me ranting about Chapter 7 Bankruptcy in New York City for a few days!

Sheepshead Bay Real Estate Lawyer discusses Sheepshead Bay Co-Op Closings

Friday, October 16th, 2009

So you want to buy a co-op in Sheepshead Bay do you?  Buy you have questions that your real estate broker refuses to, doesn’t, or cant answer.  What do you do?  You speak to your trusty Sheepshead Bay Real Estate Lawyer Daniel Gershburg.

So Mr. Sheepshead Bay Real Estate Lawyer, what is the best advice you can when purchasing a co-op in Sheepshead Bay?  Well, what I can tell you is that when you buy a co-op in Sheepshead Bay, or anywhere for that matter, the first thing you should do is do some internet research on the address.  You can try looking on Trulia.com.  But my search would be more general.  There are tons of forums online discussing issues with co-ops.  From aggrieved co-op owners complaining about poor management to lawsuits against corporations, you can find everything.  But thats just the start.  You should also ask your real estate broker about whether they have had past clients in the building and if they could put you in touch with any so you can ask them about their experiences.  Is this out of the box?  Absolutely.  But it works better than many other things out there.  Do your research before you purchase a co-op in Sheepshead Bay.

Great tip, Sheepshead Bay Lawyer Daniel Gershburg, but lets say I am purchasing a co-op in Sheepshead Bay.  Ive done my research, spoken to people in the building, and now I have my interview.  What can I expect?

Anything.  That’s right, anything.  A co-op is a corporation.  The board of directors are therefore making a business judgment as to whether or not you “fit in” financially and otherwise with the building.  Now unless you have a habit of fighting pit bulls in your apartment, you’ll likely be fine so long as your financials are ok.  Having said that, IF you are rejected for one reason or another, the co-op technically does not have to disclose the reason you were rejected, other than saying, “Sorry you can’t live in this co-op in Sheepshead Bay, try Brighton Beach.”  Yes yes you can try and sue and all those good things, but it will cost you money and will usually not leave you in any better position.  The best way to avoid this embarrassment is to literally be as prepared as possible.  Each co-op has a “package” which has to be prepared including your financials,references, etc.  Make sure you go over this diligently before the meeting and everything is complete.  Make sure you look prepared for the meeting.

When you buy a co-op in Sheepshead Bay, when will the closing take place?

This is one of those “Why is the sky blue?” questions.  There are so many variables involved here.  Typically a closing for a co-op in Sheepshead Bay will take place immediately after the co-op approves the individual and the bank clears financing.  There are, however, many hurdles and obstacles that your attorney will have to navigate for you.  Sometimes the bank is late, or they haven’t apprised you of issues they have, which delays financing.  Sometimes the board won’t meet for several months, thereby delaying the closing and causing you to make sure your rate for your loan is locked with the bank.  Sometimes the management companies attorney will request a delay in closing to make it occur at a convenient time for them.  There are literally multiple variations that could delay your closing, so make sure you choose an experienced Real Estate Lawyer in Brooklyn to help you through this.  It’s not a sales pitch, its reality.  Just ask anyone who has gone through the process.

A Brooklyn Real Estate Lawyer says Park Slope Real Estate has a ways to go ….

Thursday, October 1st, 2009

Real Estate closings in New York have been creeping up lately at our offices in Sheepshead Bay.  More and more people coming into our offices are first time homebuyers.  Many of them are purchasing real estate in Park Slope.  Ive devoted seperate blogs about Real Estate in Park Slope previously, but I would very much like to re-iterate a few points, specifically about new construction homes.

Heres the deal:  Many people are buying in Park Slope, specifically new construction condominums, and many of them have absolutely no idea what they are getting into.  Many of these new construction sites have used materials that you wouldn’t use to build a dog house (even for people who don’t love dogs, of which Ive found none).  The materials are ridiculous.  They’re absurd.  They’re cheap.  But the fact is they were used and the owners now have the privilege of living in new buildings where the elevators dont work, they hear their neighbors coughing (or…you know…) and/or the actual owners are suing the developers.

Why am I creating such a doomsday picture?  Because I am a jewish guy from Brooklyn and its in our blood to kvetch.  Not really.  I am saying this because I know of many individuals who have had the same problem.  Dont be fooled.  New construction doesn’t mean better.  New construction doesnt mean less headache.  New construction doesn’t mean more value over the long term.  Please, please, please make sure to have your potential new home inspected by an inspector with a great reputation.  In this economy, no one in Brooklyn wants to shell out a few hundred bucks if they are not going to buy a place.  But think about it.  You’re trading in a few hundred dollars for perhaps a life time of headaches and expenses.

Don’t get me wrong.  There are some places which were built well during the Real Estate boom in Brooklyn.  In my opinion, not legal, just personal, they are just few and far between.  If you see that your new construction has multiple mechanics liens filed, and there are lawsuits pending, then there is a good shot the developed weren’t shopping at the expensive aisle at the Home Depot.

Always remember:  Caveat Emptor.  That cost me about $150,000 and 3 years of education to learn.  Its fancy schmancy Brooklyn lawyer talk for  Buyer Beware.

ATTORNEY ADVERTISING: We are a debt relief agency, we help people file for Bankruptcy under the Bankruptcy Code. Past performance is no gaurantee or future results. This Blog/Web Site is made available by the lawyer or law firm publisher for educational purposes only as well as to give you general information and a general understanding of the law, not to provide specific legal advice. By using this blog site you understand that there is no attorney client relationship between you and the Blog/Web Site publisher. The Blog/Web Site should not be used as a substitute for competent legal advice from a licensed professional attorney in your state.