Going under contract  on a home is an exciting milestone especially for first-time buyers. But what happens if something changes? Are you stuck , or do you still have options? Good news: Being “under contract” doesn’t always mean the deal is final. In many cases, buyers can  cancel as long as it’s done properly  and within the rules of the contract. Here’s what every first-time homebuyer in Queens and Long Island  should know: ✅ Your Contract Controls Everythin

If you’re buying or selling a home in Queens or Long Island , here’s a quick insider tip from the LJ Realty Team  🗺️: Some lenders may require two appraisals  on certain home resales especially in “flip” transactions  or when additional quality control checks  (called overlays) come into play. 💡 What Does That Mean? When a property is recently purchased, renovated, and quickly resold (often within 90–180 days), lenders sometimes flag it as a flip

When buying a home in Queens, it’s important to understand the different taxes  involved in the transaction. Knowing who pays Transfer Tax  and Mortgage Recording Tax (MRT)  can help you budget accurately and avoid surprises at closing. 💰 1. Transfer Taxes (Seller Responsibility) If you’re purchasing a home at $750,000 with 10% down , here’s what the transfer taxes look like: NYC Real Property Transfer Tax (RPTT):  1.425% NYS Transfer Tax:  0.4% Who pays?  Typically, these t

Life happens and sometimes, keeping up with mortgage payments becomes harder than expected. If you’re facing that challenge, you’re not alone. The key is understanding your options early  so you can make the best possible decision for your future. Let’s break down two of the most common (and difficult) paths homeowners may face: Short Sale vs. Foreclosure. ✅ Short Sale: More Control, Less Damage A short sale  happens when you sell your home for less tha