Reena Gulati Blog

When buying real estate in New York, it is important to consider whether or not you need title insurance. Title insurance is a form of insurance that protects the buyer and lender from any losses that may arise from defects in the title of the property. In New York, title insurance is not required by law, but it is highly recommended.

Buying a co-op in New York City can be a daunting experience. However, if you are prepared and understand the process, it can alleviate some of the anxiety often associated with purchasing a co-op. There are a few things to keep in mind, depending on whether you are a buyer or a seller of a co-op.

A party wall usually is on the dividing line between two adjacent properties and used for the common advantage of both property owners. In the most common scenario, part of the wall on each property is owned by the owner of each property respectively, with an easement granted to the other adjoining owner for support. The question is what rights, you as the owner of the property have to the party wall, and what you can do to it.

The Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN), a bureau of U.S. Department of the Treasury, issued a Geographic Targeting Order (GTO) that require the title companies to identify the individuals behind the LLC's or companies that purchase all cash real estate in Manhattan worth more than $3,000,000.00. This order currently applies to Manhattan and Miami Dade County, Florida. The purpose is to combat money laundering in the real estate sector in certain high end markets.

My client’s grandmother passed away without a will. Therefore, under New York law, my client should have inherited the house and the investment property of her grandmother. Unfortunately, at the time of her death, the house was owned by the grandmother and her mother, the great-grandmother.