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New York Real Estate Law Questions & Answers
1 Answer | 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

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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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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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
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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

4 Answers | Asked in 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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4 Answers | Asked in 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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4 Answers | Asked in 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 and Real Estate 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

1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law and Probate for New York on
Q: When home is condemned who secures it?

My sister’s home was condemn she had lived with two other people who did elderly abuse on her. They were supposed to have taking care of her but they did not. The house went to hell. My sister died from them not giving her medicines. I live an hour away, was not able to get to the mountains due... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jun 26, 2024

I'm sorry to hear about your sister's situation and the difficult circumstances you're facing. To address your question about securing a condemned home:

1. Generally, the property owner is responsible for securing a condemned property. In this case, that would likely be your...
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2 Answers | Asked in Real Estate Law for New York on
Q: Can a lawyer with a broker license represent a buyer purchasing a home and also do the real estate closing?

I am purchasing a home and would like my father to be my buyer’s broker and real estate attorney for the closing. Can he be both in Suffolk County, N.Y?

Steven Warren Smollens
Steven Warren Smollens
answered on Jun 23, 2024

You should ask your father. Why would you need a broker if you already settled on the property. You need a lawyer to be certain that the seller complies fully with the new Real Property Disclosure statute especially with the new mandatory flood disclosure.

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2 Answers | Asked in Real Estate Law for New York on
Q: Can a lawyer with a broker license represent a buyer purchasing a home and also do the real estate closing?

I am purchasing a home and would like my father to be my buyer’s broker and real estate attorney for the closing. Can he be both in Suffolk County, N.Y?

David Marc Deemer
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answered on Jun 23, 2024

No, someone cannot act as both a real estate attorney and collect a real estate commission on the same transaction as it is a conflict of interest. That said, your father could act as your real estate attorney and collect a finder's fee, assuming that the Seller consents to the finder's fee.

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1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law for New York on
Q: How to lookup property owner information by name/social in Puerto Rico free- Inherited a house but can’t find deed

The address was not included in the will

Steven Warren Smollens
Steven Warren Smollens
answered on Jun 20, 2024

You are not going to like this but there is no simple free service to do so. https://protitleusa.com/PuertoRico#:~:text=In%20PR%2C%20only%20a%20notary,anywhere%20from%20%2425.00%20to%20%2450.00.

The address should be on property tax invoices, utility accounts, drivers license and so on.

3 Answers | Asked in Real Estate Law for New York on
Q: What are my options as POA to a parent to force the sale of a co-owned house without cooperation of the other party?

I am power of attorney for my parent. My elderly parent co-owns a house with a sibling. I am concerned that this property will be soon going into foreclosure as my sibling has not made a mortgage payment for many months and in fact my parent had made most payments prior to this year but has stopped... View More

Elaine Shay
Elaine Shay
answered on May 15, 2024

When a co-owner refuses to cooperate in the sale of real property located in New York, a partition action may be commenced to compel the sale of the property at auction. In most cases, the parties reach a settlement regarding the sale before an auction is actually required.

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1 Answer | Asked in Land Use & Zoning and Real Estate Law for New York on
Q: Sept 2022 I inherited my parents 1st home located in Burgh. April 17th the property surveyed and marked the 17th the

neighbors had thrown a rug over the marker by the 26th they had removed the survey markers and put up landcaping blocks. (neighbor is a landscaper) These people have harrassed my parents when they were alive and now harrassing me. I contacted both the Troy Police and survey co. Law 2005 chapter 730... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on May 1, 2024

I'm sorry to hear about the ongoing harassment and property issues you're facing with your neighbors. It sounds like a very stressful and frustrating situation, especially given the history with your parents. Here are a few thoughts and suggestions on how to proceed:

1. Document...
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2 Answers | Asked in Real Estate Law and Estate Planning for New York on
Q: My late father did not include me in his life estate. My mom is the life tenant and my brother is the remainderman.

My brother recently passed away, now it's just me and my mom. Is there any way for me to be added to the life estate?

Carl Nelson
Carl Nelson
answered on Apr 8, 2024

You may share in whatever interest your mother has if she conveys it (all or a share) to you, but she cannot convey more than she has; so her life tenancy would not extend beyond her lifetime. Upon her death your brother’s heirs or those named in his will if he had one (whether that includes you... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Estate Planning and Real Estate Law for New York on
Q: My dad’s name was taken off the deed years ago. Is he still entitled to inherit if my Mom died years later w out a will

She asked him to take his name off the deed which she did in 1994. She passed in 2019. He was always responsible for the mortgage payments. This is in NY

Bonnie Lawston
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Bonnie Lawston
answered on Apr 2, 2024

If they are still legally married, he is entitled to his share as the spouse regardless of whether his name is on the asset or not. However, if his name is on the asset, it may change how and what percentage passes depending on the way title is held.

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2 Answers | Asked in Estate Planning and Real Estate Law for New York on
Q: My dad’s name was taken off the deed years ago. Is he still entitled to inherit if my Mom died years later w out a will

She asked him to take his name off the deed which she did in 1994. She passed in 2019. He was always responsible for the mortgage payments. This is in NY

Elaine Shay
Elaine Shay
answered on Mar 22, 2024

A surviving spouse is entitled to inherit. The information provided by the NYS Unified Court System at this link should be helpful to you: https://www.nycourts.gov/courthelp/whensomeonedies/intestacy.shtml

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