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New York Real Estate Law Questions & Answers
3 Answers | Asked in Real Estate Law, Tax Law and Probate for New York on
Q: My mother passed in 2021, she had left the house to me and my 3 children. There is about two years of unpaid property

And school taxes that are behind, the house is still caught in probate court and i cannot make a payment plan since it isnt in my name, and i cannot afford to pay it all upfront. How do i stop the house from going into foreclosure?

Damien Matthew Bosco
Damien Matthew Bosco
answered on Dec 11, 2024

I'm sorry for your loss and the challenges you're facing. If probate is delaying your ability to act, consider filing a motion requesting the court to grant temporary authority to address urgent matters, like paying property taxes. An attorney can assist with this.

Possibly, you...
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3 Answers | Asked in Real Estate Law, Tax Law and Probate for New York on
Q: My mother passed in 2021, she had left the house to me and my 3 children. There is about two years of unpaid property

And school taxes that are behind, the house is still caught in probate court and i cannot make a payment plan since it isnt in my name, and i cannot afford to pay it all upfront. How do i stop the house from going into foreclosure?

Peter Klose
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answered on Dec 11, 2024

First of all, don't panic. I am not sure where the property or the probate court are located, but as a sole practitioner, I see this many times a year. Find a small law local firm to probate the will or administer the estate. Nothing is going to move quickly. Gather up all of the... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Real Estate Law and Family Law for New York on
Q: who do we contact to confirm death of a parent in nyc and if there was a will or property left to next of kin?

my wife's estranged father died earlier this year (possibly June) in nyc. she is the only child and it is believed he lived in the coop her mother owned and is now deseased as well. if that is the case, would like to know if she has a right to that property.

Damien Matthew Bosco
Damien Matthew Bosco
answered on Dec 2, 2024

Your wife may be able to contact the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene since she is next of kin She may be able to request a copy of the death certificate. She can apply online, by mail, or in person. Death certificates are necessary for most estate-related matters. NYC Vital Records:... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning, Family Law and Real Estate Law for New York on
Q: Hello. Question. My husband's mother transferred shares of a cooperative apartment to his name.

Hello. Question. My husband's mother transferred shares of a cooperative apartment to his name. This was done during the marriage, but his mother registered the title to the apartment only in my husband's name. Now my husband has decided to make a will and a trust, but he has indicated... View More

Howard E. Knispel
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Howard E. Knispel
answered on Nov 24, 2024

A gift to your spouse is not marital property even if given during the marriage unless it is comingled or transmuted. However, upon death, there are protections for a current spouse regardless of the will. New York has a "right of election" that allows a spouse to disregard the will and... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law for New York on
Q: In NY State, Can a homeowner sale a house without disclosing that an addition has been built half over the septic tank.
Damien Matthew Bosco
Damien Matthew Bosco
answered on Nov 21, 2024

Building an addition over a septic tank would likely be considered a material defect that should be disclosed. New York law provides sellers with an alternative to completing the Property Condition Disclosure Statement. Sellers can opt to pay a $500 credit to the buyer at closing instead of... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law for New York on
Q: FHA APPRAISAL SHARE GARAGE

I’m recently divorced and signed an agreement to pay $190,000 to keep the house. The bank asked me for the agreement to start the process of refinancing. I was conditionally approved for refinancing, and after signing all the necessary paperwork, including transferring the title solely to my... View More

Damien Matthew Bosco
Damien Matthew Bosco
answered on Nov 13, 2024

While this is a setback, it doesn't necessarily mean the refinancing can't proceed. The key will be working closely with your lender and providing all necessary information to address the FHA's concerns about the shared garage. The lender must ensure that the subject property's... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Real Estate Law for New York on
Q: After a deed in lieu is signed what happens next to borrowers
Damien Matthew Bosco
Damien Matthew Bosco
answered on Nov 12, 2024

In some cases, if the sale of the property does not cover the outstanding mortgage debt, the lender may pursue a deficiency judgment to recover the remaining balance. New York is a judicial foreclosure state, meaning any deficiency judgment must be pursued through the courts. However, in some... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Real Estate Law for New York on
Q: If my neighbor sold his home after he was made aware a year and a half ago that his fence was on our property

He offered us $1000 in the beginning and we declined.now the sale of the home is pending and he still hasn’t resolved it he refuses to give us his real estate attorney’s info so we can let the buyers bank who paid for the survey that their is a dispute . We put in a small claims complaint to... View More

Carl Nelson
Carl Nelson
answered on Nov 4, 2024

If you’re not part of the transaction I’m unclear how or why you are involved. I understand you may be trying to help someone else, but you may not be apprised of all of the facts in a deal you are not a part of, and in any event I’m not sure what basis you would have to put a cloud on title.... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Real Estate Law and Estate Planning for New York on
Q: If wife signs a deed as executor when no estate was ever filed or executor appointed is it valid to transfer real estate
David Marc Deemer
David Marc Deemer pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Oct 12, 2024

If no estate was opened, your wife did not receive Letters Testamentary and therefore cannot act on behalf on behalf of the estate, which includes signing a deed.

Your wife, assuming she is the named Executrix in the Will must submit the Will for probate in order to receive Letters...
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2 Answers | Asked in Foreclosure and Real Estate Law for New York on
Q: Since 2012/2018 a foreclosure cases has been ongoing till present Does a statue of limitations apply in NY

The first index number was filed in 2012 plaintiffs ask to discontinue in 2016 since plaintiffs did not have proper documentation. the case was refiled different index number 2018 I’m trying to sign off on DIL but they keep making errors with names and addresses on the DIL for months When... View More

Carl Nelson
Carl Nelson
answered on Oct 7, 2024

There are too many variables for a situation like yours to give you a definitive (and fair) response to your question. But because you raise important points, especially related to how the law in New York has changed regarding statutes of limitation, I highly recommend you speak to a qualified... View More

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Q: Can I use the grandfather clause against a new town ordinance?

Town Board passed new ordinance limiting type and quantity bird feeders a private homeowner can have, based on one address being harassed by one neighbor for four years. Even though we have complied with all DEC restrictions and suggestions. I need to fight this. I've had same bird feeders for... View More

Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
answered on Oct 5, 2024

I'm sorry that your kindness toward animals has resulted in an ordeal for you. I don't know how the grandfather clause you mention would work, but what you describe seems to be statutes on different levels. So it might not be unusual for local statutes to be stricter that higher-tier... View More

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Q: Can I use the grandfather clause against a new town ordinance?

Town Board passed new ordinance limiting type and quantity bird feeders a private homeowner can have, based on one address being harassed by one neighbor for four years. Even though we have complied with all DEC restrictions and suggestions. I need to fight this. I've had same bird feeders for... View More

Steven Warren Smollens
Steven Warren Smollens
answered on Oct 4, 2024

Dear Jamestown Home Owner:

It is not you alone. Many jurisdictions place restrictions on wildlife feeding.

https://dec.ny.gov/news/press-releases/2022/4/dec-issues-guidance-to-reduce-conflicts-with-bears#:~:text=...
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2 Answers | Asked in Real Estate Law for New York on
Q: As the purchaser of a single-family home, can we hold the seller responsible for issues found after we move in?

We are concerned that we will find significant issues with the home after we move it but don't plan to move in for a couple years when we down-size our home.

Steven Warren Smollens
Steven Warren Smollens
answered on Sep 6, 2024

The New York State mandatory real property disclosure form you received before you went to contract will hold the former owner accountable for false material reports about the condition of the property.... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Real Estate Law, Insurance Defense and Landlord - Tenant for New York on
Q: Neighbor (or building's?) insurance adjuster asking for access - what's going on?

I live in a co-op building and the neighbors right below me had water damage. No idea what happened, but their insurance took care of everything a month or two ago. Now, the Super called me that the neighbors and the building management have been emailing for a date for someone to come in and... View More

Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
answered on Sep 3, 2024

Without knowing the details of the water damage, one possibility is that the insurance adjuster and building super want to confirm that the source of damage is not from directly above, which could make your unit the most likely possible source to look into. You mention feeling uncomfortable - you... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law for New York on
Q: how can I stop my mom from starting a eviction case over and over again when it keeps getting dismissed.

my parents bought me and my kids a house on a foreclosure sale we have lived at the house for almost 9 years i have renovated the home with my own money with no help from them at all and i paid a monthly amount of 600.00 to pay them back 35,000 and I did because I trusted my parents. we had a... View More

Steven Warren Smollens
Steven Warren Smollens
answered on Sep 1, 2024

Dear West Valley Home Owner:

It would help to know what type of landlord-tenant proceedings were started and lost and the reasons for the cases' failures.

In New York State, the filed deed is evidence of owning real property. If your name is on the deed, you are the owner--not...
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1 Answer | Asked in Family Law, Real Estate Law and Probate for New York on
Q: Hello, I want to know what my real estate and trustee rights are (I think?) for a family matter. Any help is appreciated

My mother and father bought a house in the late 90's. Because of my fathers credit, he could not be put on the mortgage - nor was he put on the deed. My mother and her mother signed all of the original paperwork, but my mother and father paid the mortgage - and that's how it remains.... View More

Cesar Mejia Duenas
Cesar Mejia Duenas pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Aug 22, 2024

I'm sorry to hear about your situation. Legally, if your father was never on the deed, he doesn't have ownership rights to the house, even if he helped pay the mortgage. Since your mother passed away without her will being probated, your father may have some rights to her share of the... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Divorce, Family Law and Real Estate Law for New York on
Q: what is the course of action for unmarried couple that brought house and now split and cant agree on what to do with hom

she put up down payment I've paid mortgage insurance and taxes both of us did various renovations we made no special arrangements or anything in writing in regards' to the house both our names on deed

Peter Klose
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answered on Sep 6, 2024

If you cannot agree, you will need to hire an attorney to commence a Partition Action. It's like a foreclosure by the individual owners. Often these things get resolved after you file, but you should get all of your financial records together to substantiate your contributions and capital... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Divorce, Family Law and Real Estate Law for New York on
Q: what is the course of action for unmarried couple that brought house and now split and cant agree on what to do with hom

she put up down payment I've paid mortgage insurance and taxes both of us did various renovations we made no special arrangements or anything in writing in regards' to the house both our names on deed

Michael David Siegel
Michael David Siegel
answered on Sep 6, 2024

Short of an agreement, the only option is a partition case in Supreme Court. There, the property will be sold like a foreclosure, and any fight over contributions to the property will be fought over after the sale and before distribution before a court appointed Referee.

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2 Answers | Asked in Divorce, Family Law and Real Estate Law for New York on
Q: what is the course of action for unmarried couple that brought house and now split and cant agree on what to do with hom

she put up down payment I've paid mortgage insurance and taxes both of us did various renovations we made no special arrangements or anything in writing in regards' to the house both our names on deed

Steven Warren Smollens
Steven Warren Smollens
answered on Sep 6, 2024

Dear Brooklyn Property Owner:

Because you and your co-owner seem willing to make a deal but cannot agree on 50/50 and do not know how to do so, I suggest you engage a local mediation law office to assist in reaching terms.

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1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning, Real Estate Law and Family Law for New York on
Q: Hi ,I bought a home with my daughter and would like to add my husband name on the deed.

when I was buying my husband credit wasn't good,so I use my daughter's name and credit but it was my money used. I'm sick and would like to protect my husband just in case...

Daniel Michael Luisi
Daniel Michael Luisi
answered on Jul 23, 2024

You will need to schedule a "mini-closing" where you (or your daughter) will need to deed the property from herself, to herself and your husband, as joint tenants (a technical legal term of ownership). Which particular form of ownership would work best requires a detailed review of your... View More

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