All guides

Every published guide, A to Z.

75 guides

Closing process · New York State
1031 Exchanges and Title in New York: Deadlines, Vesting and Transfer Taxes
How a 1031 exchange works on a New York closing: the 45 and 180 day deadlines, the intermediary, whose name goes on title, transfer taxes and IT-2663.
Title basics · New York City
ACRIS Deed Search: How to Read NYC Property Records
How to find a NYC deed, mortgages and paid-off loans in ACRIS, what the document codes mean, and which liens and charges ACRIS does not show.
Title basics · Long Island
Bulkheads, Docks and Waterfront Title on Long Island: Who Owns the Bay Bottom and What Permits You Need
Buying Long Island waterfront? Who owns the bay bottom, why the property line moves, what permits a bulkhead or dock needs, and what title covers.
Closing process · New York City
Buying a Co-op in NYC: The Lien Search, UCC Filings and Why There Is No Deed
A NYC co-op closing uses a lien search, not a title search. What the search checks, why old UCC-1 loans hold up closings, and if you need title insurance.
Permits & violations · New York City
Buying a NYC House With an Illegal Basement or Cellar Apartment
What an illegal basement or cellar apartment means for a NYC buyer or owner: how it shows up, title insurance, rent, the legalization pilot and options.
Closing process · New York State
Buying or Selling a House in Probate in New York: What the Title Company Will Need
Selling or buying a house from an estate in New York? What the title company needs: proof of who can sign, the estate tax release and cleared debts.
Permits & violations · Long Island
Certificate of Occupancy and Open Permits on Long Island: Town-by-Town Rules for a Sale
Do you need a new CO or inspection to sell a Long Island home? Town-by-town rules in Nassau and Suffolk, and how open permits get closed.
Local requirements · Long Island
Cesspool and Septic Rules When Selling a Home in Suffolk and Nassau Counties
Selling a Long Island home with a cesspool? No county makes you upgrade it at sale. What Suffolk and Nassau require, grants, disclosure and title.
Mortgages & liens · New York City
Checking Liens Before a NYC Foreclosure Auction: ACRIS, County Clerk, DOF, DEP, OATH, HPD and eCourts
Before bidding at a NYC foreclosure auction, check more than ACRIS: the court file, County Clerk, DOF, DEP, OATH, HPD and federal tax liens.
Mortgages & liens · New York State
Clearing an Old or Unsatisfied Mortgage From a New York Title Report
A paid mortgage still shows on your New York title report. How to clear it: lender satisfaction, attorney affidavit, title insurer or court.
Closing process · New York State
Closing Protection Letters in New York: Why Lenders Can’t Get One and What Protects Them Instead
New York title insurers can't issue closing protection letters. What protects a lender if a closing agent mishandles loan money in New York.
Mortgages & liens · New York State
Condo Common Charge Liens in New York: Priority, Foreclosure and What Buyers Should Check
If a New York condo owner falls behind on common charges, the board gets a lien that outranks second mortgages. How it works at a sale and in foreclosure.