What Every Homebuyer Needs to Know Before Signing a Contract When buying a home, one of the most important protections for a buyer is the bank appraisal contingency . This clause safeguards you if the home’s appraised value comes in lower than the agreed-upon contract price. Why does this matter? Because lenders base the loan amount on the lower of the contract price or the appraised value not the higher number. What Is a Bank Appraisal Contingency? A

South Ozone Park continues to show strength as one of Queens’ most steady and desirable neighborhoods. As of November 2025, the area sits in a Balanced Market , offering opportunities for both buyers and sellers depending on pricing, timing, and strategy. Whether you're thinking of selling or hoping to buy your first home, here’s what the numbers are telling us this month: 🏡 Market Snapshot Months of Inventory:  5.89A healthy indicator

A recent case is making waves in the real estate world: a homebuyer was ordered to pay $24,000  after violating their Exclusive Buyer Representation Agreement . Under the new NAR rules , this agreement isn’t just paperwork it’s a binding contract  that creates a legal relationship between you and the brokerage representing you. And in New York, it’s required before  a buyer tours any  property with an agent or broker. If you’re planning to buy a home, especially in Queens or

Stepping into the world of homeownership for the first time can feel overwhelming but it doesn’t have to be. Before you start touring homes across Queens or Long Island, it’s important to understand who’s on your homebuying team  and when each professional plays a role. In our latest video, we break down exactly who helps you from start to finish, so you feel confident and prepared every step of the way. 🔑 YOU (the Buyer) – The Decision Maker Everything begins

When you see headlines about foreclosure rates going up, it can feel overwhelming even scary. But if you’re falling behind on your mortgage payments, you’re not out of options. The most important step is acting early, and you don’t  have to face this alone. At LJ Realty Team & LJ Mortgage Team, we connect homeowners with trusted professionals who can guide you through every available path whether your goal is to avoid foreclosure  or sell before it ever hits your record .

Thinking about selling your home? In today’s market, preparation and strategy are everything. Whether you’re in Queens or Long Island, the right approach can help you attract more buyers, spark competition, and walk away with the strongest offers. Here’s a simple, effective seller game plan to get top dollar and keep more in your pocket. ✅ Price to Spark Competitive Bids Pricing low is not the goal pricing smart  is. A strategically set price dra

Receiving a foreclosure letter can feel overwhelming but you’re not powerless. With quick action, the right information, and trusted guidance, many homeowners are able to stop the process or find a better path forward. Here’s a clear, step-by-step guide to help you move confidently. ✅ 1. Don’t Ignore the Letter Foreclosure notices come with strict deadlines. Missing them can limit your options so open the letter, read it carefully, and mark the dates you must

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

Selling your home is a big decision and partnering with the right real estate professionals can make all the difference. At LJ Realty , we combine local market expertise with proven strategies to help you sell faster, smarter, and with less stress. View Full Video At: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DQMjHPUEbxF/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA== Here’s what you get when you work with our team of trusted Realtors: ✅ Accurate Market Pricing  

It’s a Balanced Market  in beautiful Howard Beach!  🏡 This coastal Queens neighborhood continues to attract homeowners seeking a blend of suburban calm and city convenience. With a solid mix of supply and demand, Howard Beach remains a steady and desirable market  for both buyers and sellers. ✅ Months of Inventory:  5 months 👨‍👩‍👧 Population:  31,000 💵 Average Household Income:  $94,000 🏫 School Rating:  B+ average 🛡️ Crime Grade:  B- 💰 Recent Sales Range:  $350K – $1

When purchasing a home with a mortgage, there’s one important cost you’ll encounter at closing that often catches buyers off guard the Mortgage Recording Fee . This fee covers the cost of officially recording your mortgage with the county , ensuring your lender’s lien on the property is properly documented in public records. It’s based on your loan amount , not  the total purchase price. 🏛️ What’s Included in Mortgage Recording Fees These are gove

It’s a Balanced Market  in Rego Park!  🏡 Located in the heart of Queens, Rego Park  continues to stand out as a vibrant, well-connected neighborhood offering a mix of affordability, convenience, and community . Whether you’re a first-time buyer or a seasoned investor, Rego Park’s stable housing market and strong local amenities make it a standout choice. 🏠 Market Snapshot: ✅ Median Sold Price:  $1,020,000 👨‍👩‍👧 Population:  63,

When you see “As-Is”  on a property listing, it means the seller isn’t planning to make repairs or offer credits but that doesn’t mean you should skip your due diligence! Here’s what every buyer should know before moving forward 👇 🔹 1. Property Condition: You’re purchasing the home in its current state. Always schedule a professional home inspection  to uncover any hidden issues like foundation cracks, roof leaks, or plumbing problems. 🔹 2. Clear Title: “As-Is” does not

When you’re preparing to sell your home, it’s easy to focus on listing price, marketing, and negotiating offers. But one important closing cost that often catches sellers by surprise is the Transfer Tax . Here’s what you need to know before heading to the closing table: 🏡 Who Pays the Transfer Tax? In most cases, the seller is responsible  for paying the transfer tax at closing. This fee is essentially a tax on transferring ownership of property from on

Buying your first home is exciting but it’s also a huge financial and emotional step. One pitfall many new buyers don’t know about is the...

When it comes time to sell your home, one of the most important steps is setting the right listing price . Price too high, and your home risks sitting on the market. Price too low, and you could leave money on the table. That’s where a professional Listing Agent  and a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA)  come in. A CMA is a detailed report that provides valuable insights into your property’s true market value. Here’s what it includes: ✅

The East Meadow real estate market  is showing no signs of slowing down and it’s still a seller’s market!  Whether you’re thinking of buying, selling, or investing, understanding the local numbers is key to making the right move. 📊 Market Highlights ✅ Homes are selling at 104.2% of list price  – Buyers are competing, and many homes are selling above asking. ✅ Average days on market: 21  

Many first-time homebuyers breathe a sigh of relief once they lock in a 30-year fixed mortgage thinking their payment will never change....

One of the smartest ways to grow wealth in real estate is by using a 1031 Exchange   a powerful tool that lets you defer capital gains...

If you’re an investor in New York looking to grow your real estate portfolio  while deferring capital gains taxes , a 1031 Exchange...