Buyer & Seller Resources
Everything you need to make an informed real estate decision — mortgage calculator, checklists, NY legal disclosures, and honest guides written by our team.
Mortgage Calculator
Estimate your monthly payment with our easy calculator. Adjust price, down payment, rate, and term.
First-Time Buyer Guide
Step-by-step process from pre-approval to closing. Specific to Queens and New York State.
Seller's Checklist
Everything to do before listing your home to maximize your sale price in Queens.
NY Closing Costs Guide
Complete breakdown of every fee buyers and sellers pay at closing in New York State.
NY Agency Disclosure
Required disclosure under NY RPL §443. Explains buyer agent, seller agent, and dual agency relationships.
Real Estate FAQ
Answers to the most common questions from buyers and sellers in Queens and Long Island.
Mortgage Calculator
Need a real pre-approval? Contact us and we'll connect you with trusted Queens-area lenders.
First-Time Buyer Guide — Queens, NY
Get Pre-Approved for a Mortgage
Before you look at a single home, get pre-approved by a licensed lender. This tells you your real budget and shows sellers you're serious. In Queens' competitive market, sellers often reject offers without pre-approval letters. You'll need: 2 years of tax returns, pay stubs, bank statements, and ID.
Hire a Buyer's Agent (Free to You)
In New York, the seller pays the buyer's agent commission. That means working with our team costs you nothing. We set up your personalized MLS search, schedule tours, advise on offers, and represent your interests exclusively throughout the process.
Make an Offer
When you find your home, we'll help you determine the right offer price based on recent comparable sales. In competitive situations, we advise on escalation clauses and strategic terms to make your offer stand out without overpaying.
Home Inspection & Attorney Review
After offer acceptance, hire a licensed home inspector ($400–$600). In NY, you also need a real estate attorney to review the contract — unlike other states, real estate attorneys are standard practice in NY. Budget $1,500–$3,000 for attorney fees. We can refer trusted local attorneys.
Closing Day
Closing typically happens 45–60 days after offer acceptance. You'll bring a certified check for closing costs and your down payment. We'll be there with you. After signing, you get the keys. Congratulations — you're a homeowner in Queens.
Home Seller's Checklist
We provide this free. It's the basis for setting the right listing price. Pricing too high causes your home to sit; pricing right generates competing offers.
Remove personal items, excess furniture, and clutter. A deep clean (including windows, floors, and appliances) makes an enormous difference in photos and showings.
Fix leaky faucets, broken fixtures, chipped paint, and any obvious defects. Buyers and inspectors will notice. Small fixes cost little but prevent negotiating leverage for buyers.
We arrange professional photos for every listing. 90% of buyers start their search online — great photos dramatically increase showings and final sale price.
Required in NY to review and negotiate the sales contract. Budget $1,500–$3,000. We can refer trusted local attorneys who work efficiently with our clients.
Sellers in NY pay: broker commission (typically 5–6%), transfer taxes (1–1.825%), attorney fees, and any negotiated repairs. We'll give you a full net proceeds estimate before you list.
NY Closing Costs — Buyer & Seller
Buyer Closing Costs
Seller Closing Costs
All figures are estimates for illustrative purposes. Actual costs vary by transaction. Consult your attorney and lender for precise figures specific to your situation.
New York State Agency Disclosure
This disclosure is required by New York State law (Real Property Law §443) to be provided to all buyers and sellers at the first substantive contact with a real estate licensee.
Seller's Agent
A seller's agent acts solely on behalf of the seller. A seller's agent does not represent the buyer's interests, even if the buyer pays part or all of the commission. A seller's agent must negotiate the best possible terms for the seller.
Buyer's Agent
A buyer's agent acts solely on behalf of the buyer. A buyer's agent must negotiate the best possible terms for the buyer. A buyer's agent does not represent the seller's interests.
Dual Agent
A dual agent represents both the buyer and the seller in the same transaction. This is permitted only with the informed written consent of both parties. A dual agent cannot advocate fully for either party. Gadura Real Estate LLC will disclose any dual agency situation to all parties and obtain required written consent.
Our Commitment
Gadura Real Estate LLC will provide you with this disclosure in writing at or before first substantive contact, as required by NY RPL §443. If you have questions about your agency relationship with our team, please ask us directly — we are always transparent about who we represent.
Real Estate FAQ
Do I need a real estate attorney in New York?
Yes. Unlike most other states, hiring a real estate attorney is standard practice — and strongly recommended — in New York. Your attorney reviews the purchase contract, negotiates terms, handles the title search, and represents you at closing. Budget $1,500–$3,000.
What is the difference between a co-op and a condo in NYC?
A condo is real property — you own your unit outright and get a deed. A co-op is a share in a corporation that owns the building; you get a proprietary lease instead of a deed. Co-ops are usually cheaper but have strict board approval processes, can restrict subletting, and require larger down payments (often 20–30%). Condos have more flexibility but typically carry a higher price.
How long does it take to close on a house in Queens?
Typically 45–60 days from accepted offer to closing with a mortgage. Cash purchases can close in 2–3 weeks. Contract delays can occur due to attorney negotiations, title issues, inspection contingencies, or mortgage underwriting. We manage this process closely to keep things on track.
What programs exist for first-time buyers in New York?
Several programs can help: SONYMA (State of NY Mortgage Agency) offers low fixed-rate mortgages for first-time buyers; NYC HomeFirst provides up to $100,000 in down payment assistance for qualifying buyers; FHA loans allow 3.5% down with lower credit requirements. Income and purchase price limits apply. We can connect you with lenders who specialize in these programs.
Is it a good time to buy in Queens right now?
Queens real estate has historically appreciated steadily, and the borough's diversity, transit infrastructure, and relative affordability compared to Manhattan and Brooklyn continue to drive demand. The best time to buy is when you are financially ready — when you have a stable income, adequate down payment, and a long-term intention to stay. We'll give you an honest assessment based on current market conditions, not just to make a sale.
Have a Question Not Answered Here?
Our team answers every question — in English, Hindi, Punjabi, or Spanish. No question is too basic, and there's no obligation to work with us just because you asked.