Resources
New York home buying guides
Plain answers to the questions buyers and sellers ask most, with the 2026 numbers and the official sources behind them. Written by Dongqin (Vivikin) Wen, Licensed Real Estate Salesperson with CPRE Elite Inc. in Flushing.
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Costs
How much are closing costs for buyers in New York City?
What buyers in Queens and the rest of the city pay at closing for a co-op, a condo or a house, with each tax and fee explained.
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Co-ops & condos
Co-op or condo in Queens: which should you buy?
Co-ops cost less to buy and come with a board. Condos cost more and give you more freedom. Here is how to decide which one fits your plans.
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Process
How to buy a home in New York, step by step
From the first conversation to the keys: what happens when you buy a condo, co-op or house in New York City or on Long Island, and how long each step takes.
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International buyers
Can foreigners buy property in New York?
Yes, and many do. Here is what changes when you buy from abroad: which homes are realistic, how to pay, and the taxes to plan for while you own and when you sell.
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First-time buyers
First-time home buyer programs in New York City (2026)
Two programs do most of the work for first-time buyers in Queens: the city's HomeFirst loan and the state's SONYMA mortgages with down payment assistance.
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Selling
What does it cost to sell a home in Queens?
The taxes and fees that come out of a seller's proceeds in Queens, with worked examples and what changes when you sell on Long Island.
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