Question:
Are the closing costs different for coops and condos?
Answer:
Coops and condominiums have several major differences
in closing costs. Coops will often impose a tax on the
Seller, at the time of closing called a "flip tax"
which could be a percentage of the sale price, or could
be based on the amount of the Seller's shares in the
corporation.
Purchaser
of condos, on the other hand, incur additional costs
because they are actually purchasing a title to real
property, as opposed to shares in a corporation. For
the protection of the Purchaser, the title needs to
be insured against all "liens" on the property,
or disputes of ownership. In New York State the title
insurance rates are uniform, and are regulated by the
New York State Superintendent of Insurance. The approximate
fee is $675.00 per $100,000.00.
When
buying a condominium directly from the sponsor of a
project , the ere will usually not be title insurance
fees, but there will be fees for the Sponsor's attorney.
The Purchaser is also expected to pay the transfer tax
for both
New York State and New York City.
However,
as Lior Aldad, of Aldad & Associates (212.268.6998,
ClosingProfessionals.com) remarks, "It is important
to remember that although you may be expected to pay
these attorney's fees, they are not representing you
unless you have specifically agreed otherwise. It is
your responsibility to seek out an attorney who will
zealously advocate on your behalf, and confirm that
you will legally receive all that you have negotiated
upon with the Seller."
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