Seller’s guide
How to sell a home in New York
Eight steps, in the order they happen — written for owners, not agents.
- 01
Decide on timing and your next move
Know where you’re going next, and whether you need the sale proceeds before you buy. That shapes your price strategy and your closing date.
- 02
Get a price grounded in real sales
Look at homes like yours that actually sold in the last months, not asking prices. Adjust for condition, size, outdoor space, parking and, in buildings, floor and light.
- 03
Gather your documents early
Deed, survey, certificate of occupancy and any open permits; recent tax and utility bills; for co-ops and condos, the offering plan, financials and house rules from the managing agent; outside the city, well, septic and oil-tank records.
- 04
Choose a real estate attorney
In the New York City area the contract is usually drafted by the seller’s attorney and reviewed by the buyer’s. Pick one before you accept an offer so nothing stalls.
- 05
Prepare and present the home
Fix what buyers will notice, clear clutter, let in light. Then photographs, a floor plan if it helps, and a clear description.
- 06
Showings and offers
Compare offers on price, financing, contingencies and timing. An accepted offer in New York is generally not binding until a written contract is signed by both sides.
- 07
Contract to closing
The buyer’s inspection, mortgage commitment and appraisal follow; co-op sales also need board approval. Your attorney handles title issues and the closing statement.
- 08
Know your closing costs
Sellers usually pay the broker’s commission, their attorney, and New York State real estate transfer tax; in the five boroughs, also the NYC Real Property Transfer Tax. Ask your attorney for an estimate early.
Official sources
- NYS Department of Taxation — Real estate transfer tax
- NYC Department of Finance — Real Property Transfer Tax
- NYS Department of State — look up a real estate license
This guide is general information, not legal or tax advice.
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Get a price grounded in real sales near you. A licensed agent will call with a realistic range — free.
Price on real sales
Recent nearby sales and active competition set the price buyers will pay — not the highest number you hear.
Fix what buyers notice
Small repairs, light and a clean, uncluttered home usually matter more than a big renovation.
Get your papers ready
Deed, survey, permits and certificate of occupancy; co-op or condo documents; well and septic records outside the city.
Plan your timing
Think about where you’ll go next, and whether you need to sell before you buy.
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Questions sellers ask
How long does it take to sell a house in New York?
It depends on price, condition, location and the type of property. After an accepted offer, contract and closing commonly take one to three months; co-op sales usually take longer because of board approval.
Who pays the transfer taxes?
By custom the seller usually pays New York State transfer tax and, in New York City, the NYC Real Property Transfer Tax; the buyer usually pays the state ‘mansion tax’ on residential purchases of $1 million or more. Your attorney confirms what applies to your sale.
Do I need to fix everything before I sell?
No. Many homes sell as-is. The goal is to fix what would scare a buyer or an appraiser and leave the rest to be priced in.
What is the Property Condition Disclosure Statement?
A state form on which most residential sellers describe the known condition of the property. New York law requires it to be given to the buyer before a contract is signed.