Condo Closing Attorney in New York

Expert legal guidance for condo buyers and sellers—from Manhattan high-rises to Westchester condo communities. We review the fine print, coordinate with your lender and the building, and keep your closing on schedule.

Steven Stieglitz in blue suit, white shirt, and purple tie, arms crossed, smiling.
Living room with brown sectional sofa, TV, wooden accent wall, and patterned rug.
White high-rise apartment building with many windows and balconies, exterior view.

Why Condo Closings Are Different

Buying a condo means you receive a deed to real property and join a Condominium Association. Our role is to protect your interests by reviewing:


  • Declaration, bylaws, rules/house rules
  • Recent board meeting minutes and building notices
  • Budget, reserves, and audited financials
  • Litigation, special assessments, capital projects, and building insurance
  • Sublet, pet, renovation, and leasing restrictions


We flag red flags early—like pending assessments, underfunded reserves, unusual rules, or building violations—so you can move forward confidently or renegotiate before you’re locked in.

Practical Issues We Handle for Smooth Condo Deals

Condo transactions involve more coordination than a typical house closing. We:


  • Coordinate with management for move-in/move-out procedures and elevator reservations
  • Confirm common charge and assessment payoffs; reconcile arrears and adjustments at closing
  • Obtain waiver of right of first refusal (where applicable)
  • Order title, clear unit and building-level liens, and confirm UCC/fixture filings
  • Sync lender, title company, and management company timelines to avoid last-minute surprises
Black and white illustration of a building with windows, with plants around the base.

NYC to Westchester—Seasoned Condo Counsel

We’ve guided clients through NYC new developments and established buildings, as well as condominiums across Westchester, Putnam, Rockland, and Orange. That experience with local riders, building processes, and county recording requirements helps keep your transaction moving.

The Condo Closing Timeline (Step by Step)

Attorney review & contract negotiation

We tailor riders, clarify contingencies, and align timelines.

Due diligence

We review the offering plan (if applicable), bylaws, minutes, financials, insurance, and building notices.

Financing (if any)

We coordinate appraisal, loan conditions, and condo questionnaire; resolve title issues.

Clear to close

We secure the board’s waiver (if needed), confirm payoffs/adjustments, and set logistics with management.

Closing day

We review and explain documents in plain English, execute the deed, disburse funds, and record promptly.

For Sellers: What We Do

  • Review contract terms and negotiate rider protections
  • Order payoff letters and resolve open permits or violations
  • Provide common charge/assessment payoff statements and transfer packages
  • Prepare deed and transfer documents; coordinate closing logistics

Why Work With Stieglitz & Welch

  • Hundreds of residential closings across New York State
  • Proactive communication (evenings/weekends as needed during deal milestones)
  • Flat-fee options for most condo matters
  • Clear checklists and timelines so you always know what’s next

FAQs: Condo Closings in New York

  • What’s the difference between buying a condo and a co-op?

    With a condo you get a deed to real property and pay common charges and assessments. Co-ops involve purchasing shares and a proprietary lease with board approval. If you’re unsure which fits your situation, we’ll walk you through the practical differences.

  • Do I need title insurance for a condo?

    Yes. Because you’re receiving a deed, title insurance protects against defects, liens, or recording issues—coverage you don’t obtain in a typical co-op purchase.

  • What closing costs should I expect when buying a condo?

    Common items include title insurance, recording fees, transfer taxes (on new devs or resales where applicable), and, if financing, NYS mortgage recording tax plus lender/title charges. Buildings may also charge application, move-in, and working-capital fees.

  • What is a “right of first refusal”?

    Many condos reserve the right to purchase a unit on the same terms as your contract. In practice, the board typically issues a waiver. We obtain that waiver before closing.

  • How long does a condo closing take from contract to keys?

    Many deals close in about 60–90 days, depending on loan underwriting, title clearance, and the building’s processing times.

Ready to Close with Confidence?

Before you sign, have our attorneys review your contract, bylaws, and building financials. We’ll surface issues early and keep your closing on track.