What Are the Legal Requirements to Sell a Home on Long Island?

What are the legal requirements to sell a home on Long Island?
To sell a home on Long Island, you must comply with New York State property laws, disclosure requirements, contract procedures, and closing regulations. Working with a knowledgeable local agent like Eric Berman REALTOR ensures you meet all obligations while avoiding costly mistakes.

Understanding the Basics

Long Island follows New York State’s real estate laws, which require attorney involvement in every home sale. Sellers must also meet certain disclosure obligations and prepare specific documents for closing.

The process involves:

1. Preparing the property for sale

2. Making legally required disclosures

3. Entering into a purchase agreement drafted by attorneys

4. Completing inspections, appraisals, and title clearance

5. Closing the sale in compliance with state law

Step 1: Hire a Real Estate Attorney

In New York, sellers must have an attorney to draft and review contracts. Your attorney will:

• Draft the purchase contract

• Handle negotiations with the buyer’s attorney

• Manage required legal documents

• Ensure funds are transferred securely at closing

Eric Berman REALTOR works closely with experienced Long Island real estate attorneys to streamline the process.

Step 2: Complete Required Disclosures

New York law requires sellers to disclose known material defects. This includes issues with:

• Structure and systems (roof, HVAC, plumbing, electrical)

• Environmental hazards (asbestos, lead paint, radon)

• Water and sewage systems

• Property boundaries and easements

Note: Sellers can opt to pay a $500 credit to the buyer at closing instead of completing the Property Condition Disclosure Statement—but still must comply with federal lead paint disclosure rules for homes built before 1978.

Step 3: Provide Key Documents

Before and during the sale, sellers should have:

• The property deed

• Recent property tax bills

• Utility information

• Certificate of occupancy (CO) and any permits for renovations

• Survey (if available)

Having these ready speeds up the process and prevents last-minute delays.

Step 4: Understand Contract Timelines

Once an offer is accepted:

• Attorneys prepare and review the contract

• Buyers typically have 5–10 days for inspections

• Once contracts are signed, the buyer submits their down payment to the attorney’s escrow account

On Long Island, closing timelines average 45–60 days from contract signing, depending on financing and inspections.

Step 5: Comply with Federal and State Laws

When selling, you must follow:

• Fair Housing Act – Prohibits discrimination in housing

• RESPA (Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act) – Governs disclosures related to settlement services

• Lead-Based Paint Disclosure – Required for homes built before 1978

Eric Berman ensures all marketing and communication follow these laws while still effectively promoting your property.

Step 6: Handle Liens and Title Issues

Before closing, the title company will search for:

• Outstanding mortgages

• Property tax liens

• Judgments or encumbrances

Any issues must be resolved before the sale can close. Eric and your attorney coordinate to address these quickly.

Step 7: Closing the Sale

At closing:

• The deed is transferred to the buyer

• Mortgage payoff (if applicable) is completed

• Closing costs are paid

• Funds are distributed to you

Closings on Long Island are usually attended by both attorneys, the buyer, and the seller (or their representatives).

Why Work With Eric Berman REALTOR

Eric brings:

• Local market expertise

• Relationships with trusted attorneys and title companies

• Guidance on disclosure laws and documentation

• Strategies to keep the transaction on schedule

Selling on Long Island requires more legal steps than in many other states—Eric ensures you navigate them smoothly.

Final Thoughts

Meeting Long Island’s legal requirements for selling your home doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With the right team in place, you can protect yourself legally while moving your sale forward efficiently.

Need help getting started?

Contact Eric Berman REALTOR today for guidance through every legal step of selling your Long Island home.

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Learn the legal requirements to sell a home on Long Island. Eric Berman REALTOR explains NY disclosure rules, contracts, and closing laws for sellers.