Can a New York Sale Close in 30 Days?

By
Real Estate Broker/Owner with J. Philip Faranda (J. Philip R.E. LLC) Westchester County NY License # 49FA1074963

New York real estate closings take forever compared to other areas. There are too many attorneys and too much red tape, but you can't control the weather. What you can control is how you approach your purchase and expedite the transaction. Is a 30 day closing possible? Yes, but you have to have all your oars in the water:

  • Have all your mortgage documentation complete. Everything. If your loan processor says they want all bank statement pages, front and back, including advertisements, give it to them. This is perhaps the most imprtant thing you can do.
  • Be reachable. If I need an answer, answer your email or call me back at lunch so we don't lose a day.
  • Reach out to your attorney! Hint: If the attorney can't come to the phone, handle it with the paralegal. That's their job. The biggest legal hangup is title. Have it ordered fast. Some lawyers wait for the comitment to come in, which sets us back 2-3 weeks. Chew gum and breath.
  • Reach out to your Loan officer. Ask questions. Was the appraisal submitted? Were there issues to handle? Make sure they have all they asked for. Ask what the next step is what what has to happen to get there.
  • Settle disputes fast. You can either live with the drapes or you get your own. Talk it over and make a choice. Don't hold up a half million dollar deal for 3 days while you agonize over a few hundred dolalrs in window treatments.
  • Get your homeowner insurance! You'd be surprised how many Friday closings become "next Wednesday" closings because you don't have the binder.

If you have your act together and we work as a team, we can get you into underwriting and have mortgage commitment in hand within a few weeks.  When you show the seller the money, the onus is now on them to move forward and close. Assuming they are as on point as you are, a fast closing can be achieved.

Comments (5)

Cynthia Tilghman, Realtor® Onslow County NC Home Specialist
Kingsbridge Realty, Inc - Hubert, NC

Phillip,
The question is Can a Sale Close in 30 days anywhere these days?  In my area, the answer seems to be "No" with all the appraisals problems!

Nov 12, 2009 09:28 PM
Kevin Cavanaugh
Keller Williams Hudson Valley Realty - Tappan, NY
Lic. Associate Broker, ABR, GREEN

Phillip, This is so true.  You also need to choose competent parties to work with  have good relationships with them.

Nov 12, 2009 09:34 PM
Janice Roosevelt
Keller Williams Brandywine Valley - West Chester, PA
OICP ABR, ePRO,Ecobroker

Phillip, as Cynthia said, it is pervasive and the time around here in SE PA and northern DE just keeps getting drawn out. The exception would be a CASH deal.

Nov 12, 2009 10:24 PM
Bill Gassett
RE/MAX Executive Realty - Hopkinton, MA
Metrowest Massachusetts Real Estate

A lawyer slow a Real Estate transaction down...absolutely unheard of - LOL

Nov 12, 2009 11:10 PM
Laurie Mindnich
Centennial, CO

The amazement that a closing is handled so much more efficiently elsewhere is the bane of my NY real estate life. "On or About" is insanity. Not legal advice- for that, please retain a lawyer. Opinion only- NOT LEGAL ADVICE.

Nov 13, 2009 02:37 PM

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