Attorney Services for Home Buyers and Sellers in Westchester

Buying or selling a house is one of the biggest transactions of your life. Our home closing attorneys in Westchester protect your interests at every step—from contract to keys—so you can move forward with confidence.

Steven Stieglitz in blue suit, white shirt, and purple tie, arms crossed, smiling.
Couple looking at paperwork with a real estate agent in front of a house.
Stone house with a long driveway, surrounded by green grass and trees on a sunny day.

What We Handle for House Closings (Start to Finish)

  • Contract review and riders — We negotiate contingencies, deadlines, and protections before you sign.
  • Inspection issues — We coordinate with your agent, negotiate repairs or credits, and document agreements in writing.
  • Title search & clearance — We resolve old liens, judgments, boundary or survey questions, and certificate of occupancy (CO) issues.
  • Municipal due diligence — We obtain municipal searches to check open permits, violations, and final inspections.
  • Lender & title coordination — We keep appraisal, underwriting, and title requirements on track to avoid last-minute surprises.
  • Closing day representation — We explain documents in plain English, confirm adjustments (taxes, fuel, water), and finalize deed transfer and recording.

Westchester-Specific Nuances We Navigate

Single-family sales in our region can involve: underground or above-ground oil tanks, septic and well testing (up-county), flood zone questions, and older-home permit histories. We surface these issues early, coordinate solutions, and keep your timeline realistic.

How We Help Buyers

  • Plain-language guidance on contracts and riders
  • Early issue spotting (permits, COs, oil tanks, easements)
  • Title, survey, and insurance coordination
  • Checklists for what to bring and what to expect on closing day

How We Help Sellers

  • Contract, rider, and timeline management
  • Payoff letters, lien and judgment clearance
  • Deed and transfer document preparation
  • Final adjustments (taxes, utilities, fuel) and coordinated funding so you walk away cleanly

Timeline: How Long Does a House Closing Take?

Many New York home purchases close in about 60–90 days. Here’s the typical roadmap:

Attorney review & contract negotiation

Riders and contingencies finalized.

Inspections & due diligence

We assess reports and pursue repairs/credits where appropriate.

Title & municipal clearance

We order title, run municipal searches, and resolve any CO/permit issues.

Financing & appraisal

We coordinate lender conditions through clear-to-close.

Scheduling & closing

We line up all parties, confirm adjustments, and complete deed transfer and recording.

Black and white illustration of a house with a chimney, windows, and a door.

Why Choose Stieglitz & Welch

  • Hundreds of residential closings handled across New York State
  • Local know-how with county recording practices and municipal requirements
  • Clear, responsive communication (with evening/weekend availability during key milestones)
  • Flat-fee options for most house closings

FAQs: House Closings in New York

  • How long does it take to close on a house in NY?

    Many transactions close in 60–90 days, depending on financing, title/municipal clearance, repairs, and scheduling.

  • What does a real estate attorney do at closing?

    We review and explain your documents, confirm payoffs and adjustments, resolve last-minute issues, oversee deed transfer/recording, and make sure funds are properly disbursed.

  • Who pays the real estate transfer tax in NY?

    The seller typically pays New York State transfer tax. Buyers may owe a “mansion tax” on higher-priced properties. We’ll confirm what applies in your deal.

  • What delays house closings?

    Common causes include appraisal gaps, title defects, open permits/violations, CO problems, and lender conditions. We identify issues early and push for timely resolutions.

  • Can I back out after signing a contract?

    After attorney review, contracts are generally binding, but contingencies (financing, inspections, title) may allow lawful exits if conditions aren’t met. We’ll advise based on your specific terms.

Ready to Close With Confidence?

Buying or selling a house? Have us review your contract before you sign—early guidance can prevent costly issues later.