There are a number of variables that can affect the closing expenses, including the purchase price, the location of the property, and the type of financing. The following are some typical closing expenses you can face:

1. Legal costs for selling a home in New York: often between $1,500 and $2,000.
2. Transfer taxes: In New York City, the transfer tax is 0.4% for homes under $500,000 and 1% for homes over $500,000. The transfer tax varies from county to county outside of New York City.
3. Title check and insurance: Usually costs between $500 and $1,500.
4. The cost of the real estate broker commission could be reduced if you decide not to use a real estate agent.

When purchasing a home in New Jersey, there are a few costs to consider.

1. Mortgage…

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This week we sat down and went through the ins and outs of buying a home for the first time. It's a scary and nervous time for many, but also an exciting one. Finally, a place to call your very own! So, how do you get there?

Using his more than 10 years experience selling real estate in the Staten Island area, broker and co-owner Anthony Licciardello goes into some horror stories from the vault and gives some warning signs you should see as red flags right away!

We talk about mortgage programs around the US that are designed to help you afford your first home, though we mostly focus on the Staten Island and New York City markets.

Also discussed is the current state of the market and whether it is favorable to buyers or sellers. We talk…

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It's story time! Our most recent Facebook live video goes into the Top 3 biggest real estate disasters witnessed by the company during the years we have been serving buyers and sellers. One of these deals went down in flames (literally)! 

We also give some tips on how to avoid making the biggest mistakes we've witnessed over the years. In essence, selling a home is typically an emotional process for all those involved. Because so much emotion is invested- between packing up and settling elsewhere, leaving behind a place filled with so many memories, and perceiving a higher sense of value in your home than the market actually demands- these high stakes often lead to rash decisions. Understanding market fundamentals and looking at things with a…

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Many homeowners still fret over their homes inability to attract a decent offer, even in a seller's market. 

It's usually based on misunderstanding the process of selling your home, or just plain being sold the on ideas vs. the realities of it. 

Homeowners who need to sell can feel a sense of powerlessness over the entire home selling process, which manifests itself aggravation and even disgust. Some have even abandon using an agent all together and decided to place their home as for sale by owner. There are things you can do to possibly prevent your home from laying stagnant on the market, if you decide re-list your home. To avoid this fate, one needs to diagnose the reason for failure, and work with an agent who knows how to resolve them. Here are…

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Well here we are again- live and with a super important topic: Real Estate Video!

Live on Facebook, Anthony Licciardello and Hannah Jay discuss a passion: just why real estate video is so important today, and remains so in the advent of virtual tours. Though rising in popularity, virtual tours have a major downside, and we talk about why we believe they are not a good way to promote a home online.

We also talk about aerial drone video - a longtime passion of Anthony's. RealEstateSINY.com was one of the very first companies out there to recognize the importance of aerial video. It gives a sophisticated edge to property marketing that goes beyond just the flash and "wow" factor. We can actually show you the surrounding neighborhood this way. For a…

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Summer is full swing! The smell of freshly cut grass, flowers blooming, and food grilling on the barbecue fills the air. The one thing you cannot smell is your house’s demands on what tasks it needs to be done this month. Get your home ready for July with these monthly tasks!

  • Check all exterior walls for peeling or cracked paint. If you decide to repaint your house yourself, you can limit the time spent on his project by painting just one or two walls per year. Typically, paint on the south and west-facing walls; they deteriorate faster and requires more frequent re-coating than paint on the north or east-facing walls.
  • Carefully inspect brick or masonry siding for cracks or missing mortar. Repair with fresh mortar or concrete caulk.
  • …

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Is your home ready for the lucky month? Here is the task to get done so your house is ready to welcome in Spring during the month of March:

  • It's Daylight Savings Time! Honor the occasion by not only changing the time on appliances and clocks on March 13th but by also replacing batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
  • Celebrate that Spring is on its way by cleaning! Start with decluttering and getting rid of unwanted or unnecessary items; you can have a yard sale or just simply donate.
  • Clean your refrigerator: empty it out, throw away the old and expired foods, scrub the shelves and drawers. Avoid cleaning your fridge with harmful chemicals by using this mixture: 1 ½ cups water, 1 cup white vinegar, 20 drops lemon essential oil, 10…

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Happy New Year!

We hope you had a fantastic holiday season and are ready to concur the brand new year! Now, let us help you welcome in the new year with a new list of monthly task you should accomplish this month and each month to follow.

  1. Organize your home improvement files; Review warranties and product manuals to check on recommended maintenance for your furnaces, equipment, appliances, and tools. Keep yourself update to aware by marking your calendar to track scheduled upkeep and service.
  2. Inspect furniture, cabinets, and vanities for loose knobs, pulls, and hinges. Tighten or repair as necessary. Lubricate squeaky door hinges with lightweight machine oil. Free sticky doors by trimming edges or shimming hinges with thin pieces of…

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It is the last month of the year! Is your home ready for the holiday spirit, chilly cold nights, and to ring in the new year? There is no time to wait, as we all know how quickly this month will fly by! Luckily for you, we have you covered with these helpful tips on what should be done around your home!

  • Check the operation of all ground-fault circuit interrupter outlets by pushing the "test" button. The "reset" button should pop out, indicating the receptacle is operating properly! Just be sure to press the reset button again.
  • No one should face a terrible flood during the season! Check inside bathroom vanities and kitchen sink cabinets for moisture and other signs of leaks. Carefully inspect pipes for condensation or slow drips. Repair the…

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The last way you want to spend Thanksgiving is in an emergency room! Have a safe and happy thanksgiving with these very important safety tips for any homeowner!

  • Check batteries in your fire alarm: The alarm can save your life in the event of a fire, so make sure it is working properly.  
  • Do not leave the kitchen while food is being fried, grilled, boiled, or baked!: If you must leave the kitchen for any reason, do not leave the food unattended. Bring someone to keep an eye on it. Checking a regular eye on the cooking food will keep from any disaster.
  • Wear appropriate clothing while cooking: Do not wear loose fitting clothes or dangling sleeves while working in the kitchen. You do not want to get caught on anything, especially fire! You can…

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