STEP BY STEP

Selling a House in Long Island: What to Expect and How to Prepare

Having guided many homeowners through successful and smooth sales, the process can be both exciting and deeply rewarding. 

Every sale is as unique as the owners and the home; and each real estate attorney also has their own way of handling things. Some attorneys take a more hands-on role than others, so it’s important to talk with yours about what to expect throughout the process.

Below, I’ve outlined a general overview to help you get familiar with the typical flow of a home sale. This is only a rough guide — your attorney will give you personalized advice tailored to your specific situation.

The Preliminary CMA
Comparative Market Analysis
Call a Realtor

If you’re considering selling, I’m happy to take a look and give you a sense of your home’s value. I’ll share a price range based on similar homes nearby, considering things like bedrooms, bathrooms, school district, and overall style.

I can also point out small updates that might make a big difference—some take very little effort or cost, but help your house sell well.

Gather Records
Organize Your Paperwork

Gather what you can: Paid-off letters from previous mortgages, surveys, deed, Certificate of Occupancy (C of O), property tax records, and see if permits for renovations were closed when completed. Gather records of major house improvements.

Prepare Your House for Sale
Declutter, Deep Clean, Repair, & Check Curb-Appeal

Declutter: Start to make your home look spacious and inviting by getting rid of everything you don’t need. Depersonalize your house, so buyers can imagine themselves living there. Minor Repairs: Fix leaks, replace broken fixtures, touch up paint. Curb Appeal: Tidy up landscaping, power wash the exterior, and freshen up entryways. Discuss ideas with your Realtor.

Choose a Real Estate Attorney
Meet With Your Lawyer

Select an attorney who specializes in real estate sales, familiar with your county. 

Meet With Your Realtor
Discuss Strategy & Legal Agreements with Your Realtor

Discuss your goals. Get an updated CMA to include all recent sales, and set a strategic listing price. Decide on what you feel comfortable offering: Will you cover a commission for the buyer’s agent? Will you offer concessions like closing cost assistance? Under what conditions? Discuss all pricing with your realtor and sign an agreement you are comfortable with.

Discuss your preferences and ideal scenarios: For example, we want to maximize the exposure of your property, yet minimize disruptions to you for showings. How flexible are you for showing timing?

What month do you want to move by? Pricing will take into consideration the market conditions as well as your timeline. Your realtor will start planning marketing to ensure a strong online and print marketing presence.

Coming Soon Announcement
Pre-Listing Period: "Coming Soon"

This period is a maximum of 2 weeks and is very important to generate early interest of serious buyers before the listing goes live.

Your realtor will schedule professional photography; High-quality photos are essential. Consider drone photography for appropriate properties.

Listing Goes LIVE
We're LIVE, time to SHOW

Showings begin. Keep the home ready to show and be as flexible as possible for appointments. 

Comparing Offers for a Decision
Offers

Receive & Negotiate Offers: (You will have already agreed to whether or not your Realtor will receive the offers or you will directly.)

Review offers with your agent and compare terms, contingencies, and financing.

A response is required within reasonable time.

The Accepted Offer Goes to Contract
Attorney Contract Process

The seller’s attorney typically prepares the initial draft of the contract of sale. Both parties review and finalize all essential terms, including the purchase price, contingencies, and timelines. The buyer provides an earnest money deposit to the seller’s attorney to hold in escrow. Both parties sign the contract, officially entering into the agreement.

Closing Timeline: The contract-to-close period typically takes 60-90 days in NY, depending on mortgage approvals and title clearance.

Some attorneys take over the process from here through the closing day, with one exception of the walk-through.

Home Inspection?
Home Inspection (Buyer’s Request)

Buyer & seller may occasionally negotiate repairs or request credits based on inspection findings.

The Wait for Approvals
Title Search & Mortgage Process

Buyer’s attorney orders a title search to ensure a clear title. If the buyer is financing, their lender finalizes mortgage approval.

Walk-Through and Closing Prep
Closing Preparation

•  Final Walkthrough: Your realtor will schedule this with the buyer—usually the day before or morning of closing.

  • Moving Plans: Confirm your moving date and be sure everything will be out before the walkthrough.

  • Utility Transfers: Schedule to transfer or cancel utilities. (Tip: It’s often best to leave them on for a few days after closing. Ask your attorney about the best timing. The buyer typically arranges to start service on closing day.)

 

Estimated Closing Costs for Sellers (in NY) Be sure to check these with your lawyer:

•  Real Estate Commissions: Based on your prior agreement with your agent, and whether you’re offering compensation to a buyer’s agent.

  • NY State Transfer Tax:

    • 0.4% of the sale price

    • 1.425% if the sale is over $3M (in NYC)

  • Any Seller Concessions: If you’ve agreed to help cover buyer’s closing costs.

  • Attorney Fee: Final payment to your lawyer at closing.

Closing Day
The Closing

Sign final documents and transfer ownership. Buyer receives keys, and funds are distributed.

Selling a home in New York can seem complex, but with the right guidance and preparation, it can be a smooth and rewarding process.