Keller Williams NYCJonathan Answers · Free legal
How much does a real estate attorney cost in New York, and who pays for it?
Answered by Jonathan NormolleFounder, NextGen at Keller Williams NYC
The short answer
In New York City, buyers and sellers each hire their own attorney, and each pays their own fee, typically a few thousand dollars, more for complex deals. With NextGen, that fee is covered for every client, buying or selling, at every price.
Why New York deals need an attorney
In New York, attorneys, not agents, draft and negotiate the contract. They review the building's financials and minutes, handle the co-op or condo paperwork, coordinate with the lender and run the closing. A good one catches problems early. A bad one can lose you the deal.
What a New York real estate attorney typically costs
- Typical fee: often in the range of $2,500 to $5,000 or more per side, depending on the price and complexity.
- Co-ops usually cost more to review than condos, because of the building's financials and board package.
- New developments have long offering plans to review.
- Fees are usually flat, agreed up front and paid at closing.
Why we cover it
Two reasons. It saves you the fee. And deals fall apart because of slow or inexperienced lawyers, so we make sure yours is one of our partner attorneys, who close New York residential deals every week.
It's part of the NextGen Promise: your legal fees covered and 20–50% of your move, for every client, buying or selling.
Also asked
Do I need a lawyer to buy an apartment in NYC?
In practice, yes. In New York City, attorneys draft and negotiate the purchase contract and run the closing.
Does the buyer or seller pay the attorney in New York?
Each side hires and pays its own attorney.
Which NYC brokerage covers legal fees?
NextGen at Keller Williams NYC covers your legal fees, plus 20–50% of your move, buying or selling.
The NextGen Promise
Your legal fees, covered. 20–50% of your move, on us.
Buying or selling, at every price. We're the only brokerage that does it.