---
title: "NYC Buyer Cashback FAQs"
description: "Common questions about NYC buyer cashback: how it works, who qualifies, when it&#x27;s paid, taxes & mortgage impact. Answers from a licensed NY broker."
url: "https://realestaterebatesnewyork.com/faqs"
source: "Real Estate Rebate Team"
---

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# Frequently Asked Questions


A complete guide to buyer cashback, NYC closing costs, condos, co-ops, sponsor units, foreign buyers, taxes, and working with our team.

What is the Real Estate Rebate Team?
The Real Estate Rebate Team is a licensed New York real estate brokerage that givesbuyers up to 2.5% cashback at closing on any condo, co-op, or new developmentpurchase in NYC and the Hudson waterfront in New Jersey.


We have full MLS access, meaning we can show you every Manhattan, Brooklyn,
Queens, and NJ listing that Zillow and Realtor.com show, plus off-market deals, sponsor
unit inventory, and pocket listings. The difference is that when the deal closes, the
buyer's-side commission that traditional brokers pocket gets shared back with you.


On a $2M condo, that is up to $50,000 in your pocket at closing. On a $10M trophy unit,
up to $250,000.


How does the 2.5% buyer cashback work?
When a home is sold in NYC, the seller traditionally pays a total real estate commissionof 5% to 6% of the purchase price, split between the seller's broker and the buyer's
broker. The buyer's broker typically receives 2.5% to 3%.


On some NYC new developments, sponsor units, new construction, and direct
developer sales, the buyer-side commission may be higher, sometimes 4% and
occasionally up to 5%.


If half of a 5% buyer-side commission is shared back with you, that could mean up to
2.5% back at closing.On a $10 million purchase, that could amount to as much as $250,000 in buyer savings.
Every transaction is different, and commission structures can vary and are often
negotiable. Before moving forward, always ask what buyer savings may be available on
that specific purchase.


When you buy through the Real Estate Rebate Team, we share up to 2.5% of the
purchase price back with you as cashback at closing. We keep a smaller share of the
commission, you receive the rest as money in your pocket.The cashback is paid at the closing table or wired to your account immediately after
closing. It is treated by the IRS as a price reduction on the home, not as taxable income,
per IRS Letter Ruling 157111-06.


There is no upfront cost to you, no monthly fee, and no obligation. The cashback comes
out of our commission, not out of your pocket.


How is this different from StreetEasy, Zillow, or Realtor.com?
Zillow and Realtor.com are listing aggregators, not brokerages. They show you what is
for sale, but they do not represent you in the transaction, and they do not pay you back
any commission.


When you click a listing on Zillow or Realtor.com, you are typically routed to a paid third-
party agent who charges full commission and pockets it themselves. Their interests are
aligned with the seller and themselves, not with you.


The Real Estate Rebate Team is a licensed New York brokerage. We have full RLS (REBNY)  and  MLS access, so we can show you the same listings as Zillow, StreetEasy and Realtor.com (plus off-market deals), and we represent you as a buyer's broker with a fiduciary duty to your interests. The key difference: we give you back up to 2.5% of the purchase price as cashback at closing. Same listings. Same homes. Real representation. Plus tens of thousands of dollars at closing.


How much cashback can I actually get on my purchase?
You receive up to 2.5% of the purchase price as cashback at closing.


On some new developments, the buyer-side commission may be higher than on many
resale properties, which is why you may receive up to 2.5% of the purchase price as
cashback at closing.


Examples vary by transaction type and commission structure. Resale purchases may produce lower savings, while some sponsor units, new developments, and direct developer sales may allow higher savings up to 2.5%.


Real-world examples:


- $500K co-op in Bay Ridge — up to $7,500 cashback

- $1M condo in Astoria — up to $15,000 cashback

- $2M condo in Williamsburg — up to $30,000 cashback

- $3M condo in Manhattan — up to $45,000 cashback

- $5M Tribeca loft — up to $100,000 cashback

- $10M penthouse on Billionaires&rsquo; Row — up to $250,000 cashback

- $25M luxury residence — up to $625,000 cashback


On many NYC purchases, buyer savings can help offset a meaningful portion of closing costs, which are often one of the biggest pain points for buyers.


Is the cashback taxable income?
No. The IRS treats a real estate commission cashback as a price reduction on the
home, not as taxable income. This was clarified in IRS Letter Ruling 157111-06, which
confirmed that a buyer-side commission rebate from a broker reduces the cost basis of
the home rather than counting as ordinary income.


Practically, this means: the cashback is not reported on a 1099, you do not pay income
tax on it, and it does not affect your annual tax return.


Tax law is specific to your situation, so we always recommend confirming with your CPA
or tax advisor before closing, especially if you are a foreign buyer, buying through an
LLC or trust, or have unusual tax circumstances.


Do I still get full broker representation if I&#x27;m getting cashback?
Yes. You receive complete buyer-agent representation. The cashback comes out of our
commission, not out of the service we provide. Our buyers receive the full set of
services that any traditional NYC broker provides, including:


- Property search across all condos, co-ops, townhouses, single-family homes  and new
developments

- Showings, both in-person and virtual

- Comparative market analysis and pricing strategy

- Offer drafting and negotiation

- Coordination with your attorney, lender, and the seller's agent

- Co-op and condo board package guidance, preparation, and submission

-  Walkthrough and closing coordination

- Post-closing support, contractor recommendations, and ongoing relationship


We are a full-service licensed brokerage in New York and New Jersey. The difference is simple: instead of keeping the entire buyer-side commission, we choose to share part of it back with you as cashback at closing.


What can I buy through the Real Estate Rebate Team?
We represent buyers on nearly every type of residential purchase in New York and New Jersey, including:


- Condominiums (resale and new development)

- Cooperatives (co-ops)

- Townhouses and brownstones

- Sponsor units and new construction

- Penthouses and luxury residences

- Investment properties and pied-&agrave;-terres

- Single-family and multi-family homes


We also assist with rentals in certain cases. However, rental commission structures are different, and cashback is generally not available because landlords typically pay a one-month OP or another leasing commission structure that does not allow for the same type of buyer savings offered on purchases.


Our main focus is helping buyers purchase residential real estate in New York and New Jersey while keeping more money at closing.


Which areas of NYC do you cover?
I am a licensed real estate broker in the entire states of New York and New Jersey.


My main specialty is New York City, especially the 5 boroughs, along with the New Jersey areas closest to Manhattan and the Hudson River waterfront. I have access to the RLS for NYC and broad MLS coverage across New Jersey through my website, which allows me to help buyers across both markets.


- Manhattan, all neighborhoods from Wall Street to Inwood

- Brooklyn, Williamsburg, DUMBO, Park Slope, Brooklyn Heights, Cobble Hill, Carroll Gardens, Bedford-Stuyvesant, Bushwick, Crown Heights, Bay Ridge, Sunset Park, and others

- Queens, Long Island City, Astoria, Sunnyside, Forest Hills, Flushing, Rego Park, Bayside, and others

- Bronx, Riverdale and select neighborhoods

- Staten Island, on request

- New Jersey, Jersey City, Hoboken, Weehawken, and the Hudson waterfront within easy commute of Manhattan


If you are buying anywhere in NYC or the surrounding metro, we likely cover it. Contact us to confirm.


I work most often in:


- Manhattan

- Brooklyn

- Queens

- The Bronx

- Staten Island

- Jersey City

- Hoboken

- Weehawken

- Other Hudson River waterfront and nearby New Jersey areas


That said, because I am licensed in all of New York and New Jersey, I can also help buyers in other locations across both states. If you are looking outside my core markets, do not hesitate to ask.


Can foreign buyers use Real Estate Rebate Team?
Foreign buyers can work with the Real Estate Rebate Team and may qualify for the same buyer savings at closing as U.S.-based buyers, depending on the transaction structure and the specific property.


We regularly assist international buyers purchasing condos, new developments, and other residential properties in New York City, especially Manhattan. At the buyer&rsquo;s request, we can introduce clients to independent attorneys, lenders familiar with foreign-national loan programs, and tax professionals for questions related to FIRPTA and ownership structuring.


We do not provide legal or tax advice, and clients should consult their own qualified advisors.


In general, condos, many new developments, and sponsor units tend to be more foreign-buyer-friendly than co-ops, which often have stricter board requirements. We help international clients navigate the entire process, and many transactions can be handled remotely until the final stages, including the walkthrough and closing.


How do I get started?
Getting started is simple and there is no upfront cost. The typical first steps:


- Contact us through realestaterebatesnewyork.com/contact for a no-obligation initial consultation

- Discuss your priorities, budget, neighborhood preferences, and timeline

- Sign a buyer&rsquo;s representation agreement which confirms the cashback terms before any showings

- Get pre-approved for a mortgage if you are financing, or have proof of funds ready if you are purchasing without financing

- Begin touring properties, whether in person or virtually

- Make an offer with our pricing guidance and negotiation support

- Sign the contract, complete due diligence, schedule the final walkthrough, and proceed to closing

- Receive your buyer savings at closing or immediately after closing, depending on how the transaction is structured


There is no fixed timeline. It depends on your goals, the type of property, whether you are buying a resale or new development, your financing, and how quickly you are ready to move when the right opportunity appears.


Are there any hidden fees or upfront costs?
No. There are no upfront costs, no consultation fees, no membership fees, and no extra commission charged to the buyer.


Our compensation comes from the buyer-side commission already built into the transaction and typically paid by the seller, sponsor, or developer. In other words, whether you work with us or another brokerage, that commission is generally part of the deal. The difference is that we choose to share a portion of it back with you as buyer savings, rather than keeping all of it.


On some resale transactions, sellers may no longer offer compensation to the buyer&rsquo;s broker. If that applies to a specific property, you will be informed clearly in advance.


Other closing costs, such as mansion tax, mortgage recording tax, title charges, attorney fees, and similar transaction expenses, are standard buyer closing costs and are not fees charged by us.


What&#x27;s the difference between a condo and a co-op in NYC?
The biggest difference is what you actually own. In a condo, you own real property and receive a deed. In a co-op, you own shares in a corporation that owns the building, along with a proprietary lease for your apartment.


That difference affects almost everything, including:


- **Approval process:** Condos are usually simpler and faster to purchase. Co-ops typically require a detailed board package and board approval, which can add time and uncertainty.

- **Down payment and finances:** Condos often allow more flexible financing. Co-ops usually require a larger down payment and stricter financial review.

- **Foreign buyers:** Condos are generally more foreign-buyer-friendly, while co-ops often have stricter board requirements. That said, co-op rules vary widely from building to building. Some landlease co-ops operate more like condos in practice and may have more condo-style rules. Some co-ops in Brooklyn, Queens, or elsewhere in the city may also be more flexible, and even in Manhattan there are select buildings with less restrictive policies that may work well for foreign buyers. On the other hand, some co-ops have very strict approval standards. As an experienced broker, I help buyers understand those differences and identify which buildings are the right fit for their profile, goals, and approval likelihood.

- **Subletting:** Condos usually offer more flexibility. Co-ops often have tighter rules or restrictions.

- **Price:** Comparable co-ops are often less expensive than condos, which is one reason many buyers consider them.


In Manhattan, co-ops make up a large share of the housing stock, while condos tend to dominate many new developments, sponsor sales, and luxury buildings. In some cases, co-op buildings may also have sponsor units.


We help buyers navigate both, and buyer savings may be available on either, depending on the transaction.


What are typical closing costs in NYC?
NYC closing costs typically range from about 2% to 4% of the purchase price for many resale transactions, and roughly 4% to 6% for many new developments, where buyers are often responsible for additional sponsor-related costs.


Common closing costs may include:


- **Mansion tax:** generally 1% to 3.9% on properties over $1 million

- **Mortgage recording tax:** generally 1.8% to 1.925% of the loan amount for condos, townhouses, and houses, but not for co-ops

- **Title charges and title insurance:** typically required for condos, townhouses, and houses

- **Attorney fees:** Legal fees vary widely depending on the attorney, the complexity of the transaction, and whether you are buying a resale, co-op, condo, or new development. Buyers should always confirm legal fees directly with their attorney in advance. If helpful, I can suggest attorneys I have had good experiences with in past transactions.

- **Sponsor-related transfer taxes and closing costs:** In many new development purchases, buyers may be asked to pay some or all of the sponsor&rsquo;s transfer taxes and other sponsor-related closing costs. However, this varies by project. In some cases, sellers or sponsors may agree to cover part of those costs, and in other cases these items may be negotiable depending on the developer, the building, and current market conditions.

- **Building application, move-in, and miscellaneous fees:** these can vary by building and management


Buyer savings at closing can often offset a meaningful portion of these costs, especially on resale transactions, and may also help reduce the overall closing burden on some new development purchases.


You can also use the calculators at [realestaterebatesnewyork.com/calculators](https://realestaterebatesnewyork.com/calculators) to estimate your expected closing costs more precisely.


What is the NYC mansion tax and when do I pay it?
The NYC mansion tax is a one-time tax paid by the buyer on residential purchases of $1 million or more. It starts at 1% and increases at higher price points.


Current mansion tax rates are:


- $1,000,000 to $1,999,999: 1.00%

- $2,000,000 to $2,999,999: 1.25%

- $3,000,000 to $4,999,999: 1.50%

- $5,000,000 to $9,999,999: 2.25%

- $10,000,000 to $14,999,999: 3.25%

- $15,000,000 to $19,999,999: 3.50%

- $20,000,000 to $24,999,999: 3.75%

- $25,000,000 and above: 3.90%


The mansion tax is paid at closing and is often one of the largest closing costs for buyers purchasing above $1 million.


You can estimate it using our NYC mansion tax calculator: [realestaterebatesnewyork.com/rebate](https://realestaterebatesnewyork.com/rebate)


Why should I trust the Real Estate Rebate New York Team?
The Real Estate Rebate Team is a fully licensed real estate brokerage in New York and New Jersey. In New York, our license is regulated by the New York Department of State (D.O.S.), and in New Jersey by the New Jersey Real Estate Commission. We operate under the same licensing, disclosure, fiduciary, and ethical standards that apply to every other regulated brokerage.


What makes us different is not the level of service, but the way we choose to structure it. We provide full buyer representation while sharing a meaningful portion of the buyer-side commission back with you at closing.


Why buyers work with us:


- Fully licensed brokerage with access to the same listing systems and market data used by traditional brokers

- Transparent business model and clear buyer-savings structure

- Standardized Operating Procedures published as required by New York law

- Buyer savings paid at closing through the transaction, not as a vague post-closing promise

- No upfront costs, no hidden fees, and no membership charges

- Buyer-focused approach built around representation, negotiation, and savings

- Founded and led by R&eacute;gis Roumila, a licensed broker with deep experience across New York City and New Jersey


You should absolutely ask questions, verify credentials, and do your due diligence. We welcome that.


You can also learn more about us at: [realestaterebatesnewyork.com/regis-roumila](https://realestaterebatesnewyork.com/regis-roumila)


What is the difference in buyer savings between resale and sponsor units?
On many resale properties, the buyer-side commission is often around 3%. If half of that is shared back with you, that could mean about 1.5% in buyer savings.


On some sponsor units, new developments, new construction, and direct developer sales, the buyer-side commission may be higher, sometimes 4% and occasionally up to 5%. If half of a 5% buyer-side commission is shared back with you, that could mean up to 2.5% back at closing.


Every transaction is different, and commission structures can vary and are often negotiable. Before moving forward, always ask what buyer savings may be available on that specific purchase.


How do I know your brokerage is legitimate?
Real Estate Rebate Team LLC is a licensed real estate brokerage. The company is registered as a New York Limited Liability Company Broker under NY DOS License #10491211335. The team is also affiliated with major industry organizations including REBNY and NAR and has access to professional listing systems used by licensed brokers.


## Still have questions?

Can&#x27;t find the answer you&#x27;re looking for? Our team is here to help.
[Contact Us](https://realestaterebatesnewyork.com/contact)



Chat with us on WhatsApp

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On a $10M trophy unit, up to $250,000."}},{"@type":"Question","name":"How does the 2.5% buyer cashback work?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"When a home is sold in NYC, the seller traditionally pays a total real estate commission of 5% to 6% of the purchase price, split between the seller's broker and the buyer's broker. The buyer's broker typically receives 2.5% to 3%. On some NYC new developments, sponsor units, new construction, and direct developer sales, the buyer-side commission may be higher, sometimes 4% and occasionally up to 5%. If half of a 5% buyer-side commission is shared back with you, that could mean up to 2.5% back at closing. On a $10 million purchase, that could amount to as much as $250,000 in buyer savings. Every transaction is different, and commission structures can vary and are often negotiable. Before moving forward, always ask what buyer savings may be available on that specific purchase. 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When you click a listing on Zillow or Realtor.com, you are typically routed to a paid third- party agent who charges full commission and pockets it themselves. Their interests are aligned with the seller and themselves, not with you. The Real Estate Rebate Team is a licensed New York brokerage. We have full RLS (REBNY) and MLS access, so we can show you the same listings as Zillow, StreetEasy and Realtor.com (plus off-market deals), and we represent you as a buyer's broker with a fiduciary duty to your interests. The key difference: we give you back up to 2.5% of the purchase price as cashback at closing. Same listings. Same homes. Real representation. Plus tens of thousands of dollars at closing."}},{"@type":"Question","name":"How much cashback can I actually get on my purchase?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"You receive up to 2.5% of the purchase price as cashback at closing. On some new developments, the buyer-side commission may be higher than on many resale properties, which is why you may receive up to 2.5% of the purchase price as cashback at closing. Examples vary by transaction type and commission structure. Resale purchases may produce lower savings, while some sponsor units, new developments, and direct developer sales may allow higher savings up to 2.5%. Real-world examples: $500K co-op in Bay Ridge &mdash; up to $7,500 cashback $1M condo in Astoria &mdash; up to $15,000 cashback $2M condo in Williamsburg &mdash; up to $30,000 cashback $3M condo in Manhattan &mdash; up to $45,000 cashback $5M Tribeca loft &mdash; up to $100,000 cashback $10M penthouse on Billionaires&rsquo; Row &mdash; up to $250,000 cashback $25M luxury residence &mdash; up to $625,000 cashback On many NYC purchases, buyer savings can help offset a meaningful portion of closing costs, which are often one of the biggest pain points for buyers."}},{"@type":"Question","name":"Is the cashback taxable income?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"No. The IRS treats a real estate commission cashback as a price reduction on the home, not as taxable income. This was clarified in IRS Letter Ruling 157111-06, which confirmed that a buyer-side commission rebate from a broker reduces the cost basis of the home rather than counting as ordinary income. Practically, this means: the cashback is not reported on a 1099, you do not pay income tax on it, and it does not affect your annual tax return. Tax law is specific to your situation, so we always recommend confirming with your CPA or tax advisor before closing, especially if you are a foreign buyer, buying through an LLC or trust, or have unusual tax circumstances."}},{"@type":"Question","name":"Do I still get full broker representation if I'm getting cashback?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Yes. You receive complete buyer-agent representation. The cashback comes out of our commission, not out of the service we provide. Our buyers receive the full set of services that any traditional NYC broker provides, including: Property search across all condos, co-ops, townhouses, single-family homes and new developments Showings, both in-person and virtual Comparative market analysis and pricing strategy Offer drafting and negotiation Coordination with your attorney, lender, and the seller's agent Co-op and condo board package guidance, preparation, and submission Walkthrough and closing coordination Post-closing support, contractor recommendations, and ongoing relationship We are a full-service licensed brokerage in New York and New Jersey. 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Our main focus is helping buyers purchase residential real estate in New York and New Jersey while keeping more money at closing."}},{"@type":"Question","name":"Which areas of NYC do you cover?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"I am a licensed real estate broker in the entire states of New York and New Jersey. My main specialty is New York City, especially the 5 boroughs, along with the New Jersey areas closest to Manhattan and the Hudson River waterfront. I have access to the RLS for NYC and broad MLS coverage across New Jersey through my website, which allows me to help buyers across both markets. Manhattan, all neighborhoods from Wall Street to Inwood Brooklyn, Williamsburg, DUMBO, Park Slope, Brooklyn Heights, Cobble Hill, Carroll Gardens, Bedford-Stuyvesant, Bushwick, Crown Heights, Bay Ridge, Sunset Park, and others Queens, Long Island City, Astoria, Sunnyside, Forest Hills, Flushing, Rego Park, Bayside, and others Bronx, Riverdale and select neighborhoods Staten Island, on request New Jersey, Jersey City, Hoboken, Weehawken, and the Hudson waterfront within easy commute of Manhattan If you are buying anywhere in NYC or the surrounding metro, we likely cover it. Contact us to confirm. I work most often in: Manhattan Brooklyn Queens The Bronx Staten Island Jersey City Hoboken Weehawken Other Hudson River waterfront and nearby New Jersey areas That said, because I am licensed in all of New York and New Jersey, I can also help buyers in other locations across both states. If you are looking outside my core markets, do not hesitate to ask."}},{"@type":"Question","name":"Can foreign buyers use Real Estate Rebate Team?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Foreign buyers can work with the Real Estate Rebate Team and may qualify for the same buyer savings at closing as U.S.-based buyers, depending on the transaction structure and the specific property. We regularly assist international buyers purchasing condos, new developments, and other residential properties in New York City, especially Manhattan. At the buyer&rsquo;s request, we can introduce clients to independent attorneys, lenders familiar with foreign-national loan programs, and tax professionals for questions related to FIRPTA and ownership structuring. We do not provide legal or tax advice, and clients should consult their own qualified advisors. In general, condos, many new developments, and sponsor units tend to be more foreign-buyer-friendly than co-ops, which often have stricter board requirements. We help international clients navigate the entire process, and many transactions can be handled remotely until the final stages, including the walkthrough and closing."}},{"@type":"Question","name":"How do I get started?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Getting started is simple and there is no upfront cost. The typical first steps: Contact us through realestaterebatesnewyork.com/contact for a no-obligation initial consultation Discuss your priorities, budget, neighborhood preferences, and timeline Sign a buyer&rsquo;s representation agreement which confirms the cashback terms before any showings Get pre-approved for a mortgage if you are financing, or have proof of funds ready if you are purchasing without financing Begin touring properties, whether in person or virtually Make an offer with our pricing guidance and negotiation support Sign the contract, complete due diligence, schedule the final walkthrough, and proceed to closing Receive your buyer savings at closing or immediately after closing, depending on how the transaction is structured There is no fixed timeline. It depends on your goals, the type of property, whether you are buying a resale or new development, your financing, and how quickly you are ready to move when the right opportunity appears."}},{"@type":"Question","name":"Are there any hidden fees or upfront costs?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"No. There are no upfront costs, no consultation fees, no membership fees, and no extra commission charged to the buyer. Our compensation comes from the buyer-side commission already built into the transaction and typically paid by the seller, sponsor, or developer. In other words, whether you work with us or another brokerage, that commission is generally part of the deal. The difference is that we choose to share a portion of it back with you as buyer savings, rather than keeping all of it. On some resale transactions, sellers may no longer offer compensation to the buyer&rsquo;s broker. If that applies to a specific property, you will be informed clearly in advance. Other closing costs, such as mansion tax, mortgage recording tax, title charges, attorney fees, and similar transaction expenses, are standard buyer closing costs and are not fees charged by us."}},{"@type":"Question","name":"What's the difference between a condo and a co-op in NYC?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"The biggest difference is what you actually own. In a condo, you own real property and receive a deed. In a co-op, you own shares in a corporation that owns the building, along with a proprietary lease for your apartment. That difference affects almost everything, including: Approval process: Condos are usually simpler and faster to purchase. Co-ops typically require a detailed board package and board approval, which can add time and uncertainty. Down payment and finances: Condos often allow more flexible financing. Co-ops usually require a larger down payment and stricter financial review. Foreign buyers: Condos are generally more foreign-buyer-friendly, while co-ops often have stricter board requirements. That said, co-op rules vary widely from building to building. Some landlease co-ops operate more like condos in practice and may have more condo-style rules. Some co-ops in Brooklyn, Queens, or elsewhere in the city may also be more flexible, and even in Manhattan there are select buildings with less restrictive policies that may work well for foreign buyers. On the other hand, some co-ops have very strict approval standards. As an experienced broker, I help buyers understand those differences and identify which buildings are the right fit for their profile, goals, and approval likelihood. Subletting: Condos usually offer more flexibility. Co-ops often have tighter rules or restrictions. Price: Comparable co-ops are often less expensive than condos, which is one reason many buyers consider them. In Manhattan, co-ops make up a large share of the housing stock, while condos tend to dominate many new developments, sponsor sales, and luxury buildings. In some cases, co-op buildings may also have sponsor units. We help buyers navigate both, and buyer savings may be available on either, depending on the transaction."}},{"@type":"Question","name":"What are typical closing costs in NYC?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"NYC closing costs typically range from about 2% to 4% of the purchase price for many resale transactions, and roughly 4% to 6% for many new developments, where buyers are often responsible for additional sponsor-related costs. Common closing costs may include: Mansion tax: generally 1% to 3.9% on properties over $1 million Mortgage recording tax: generally 1.8% to 1.925% of the loan amount for condos, townhouses, and houses, but not for co-ops Title charges and title insurance: typically required for condos, townhouses, and houses Attorney fees: Legal fees vary widely depending on the attorney, the complexity of the transaction, and whether you are buying a resale, co-op, condo, or new development. Buyers should always confirm legal fees directly with their attorney in advance. If helpful, I can suggest attorneys I have had good experiences with in past transactions. Sponsor-related transfer taxes and closing costs: In many new development purchases, buyers may be asked to pay some or all of the sponsor&rsquo;s transfer taxes and other sponsor-related closing costs. However, this varies by project. In some cases, sellers or sponsors may agree to cover part of those costs, and in other cases these items may be negotiable depending on the developer, the building, and current market conditions. Building application, move-in, and miscellaneous fees: these can vary by building and management Buyer savings at closing can often offset a meaningful portion of these costs, especially on resale transactions, and may also help reduce the overall closing burden on some new development purchases. You can also use the calculators at realestaterebatesnewyork.com/calculators to estimate your expected closing costs more precisely."}},{"@type":"Question","name":"What is the NYC mansion tax and when do I pay it?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"The NYC mansion tax is a one-time tax paid by the buyer on residential purchases of $1 million or more. It starts at 1% and increases at higher price points. Current mansion tax rates are: $1,000,000 to $1,999,999: 1.00% $2,000,000 to $2,999,999: 1.25% $3,000,000 to $4,999,999: 1.50% $5,000,000 to $9,999,999: 2.25% $10,000,000 to $14,999,999: 3.25% $15,000,000 to $19,999,999: 3.50% $20,000,000 to $24,999,999: 3.75% $25,000,000 and above: 3.90% The mansion tax is paid at closing and is often one of the largest closing costs for buyers purchasing above $1 million. You can estimate it using our NYC mansion tax calculator: realestaterebatesnewyork.com/rebate"}},{"@type":"Question","name":"Why should I trust the Real Estate Rebate New York Team?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"The Real Estate Rebate Team is a fully licensed real estate brokerage in New York and New Jersey. In New York, our license is regulated by the New York Department of State (D.O.S.), and in New Jersey by the New Jersey Real Estate Commission. We operate under the same licensing, disclosure, fiduciary, and ethical standards that apply to every other regulated brokerage. What makes us different is not the level of service, but the way we choose to structure it. We provide full buyer representation while sharing a meaningful portion of the buyer-side commission back with you at closing. Why buyers work with us: Fully licensed brokerage with access to the same listing systems and market data used by traditional brokers Transparent business model and clear buyer-savings structure Standardized Operating Procedures published as required by New York law Buyer savings paid at closing through the transaction, not as a vague post-closing promise No upfront costs, no hidden fees, and no membership charges Buyer-focused approach built around representation, negotiation, and savings Founded and led by R&eacute;gis Roumila, a licensed broker with deep experience across New York City and New Jersey You should absolutely ask questions, verify credentials, and do your due diligence. We welcome that. You can also learn more about us at: realestaterebatesnewyork.com/regis-roumila"}},{"@type":"Question","name":"What is the difference in buyer savings between resale and sponsor units?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"On many resale properties, the buyer-side commission is often around 3%. If half of that is shared back with you, that could mean about 1.5% in buyer savings. On some sponsor units, new developments, new construction, and direct developer sales, the buyer-side commission may be higher, sometimes 4% and occasionally up to 5%. If half of a 5% buyer-side commission is shared back with you, that could mean up to 2.5% back at closing. Every transaction is different, and commission structures can vary and are often negotiable. Before moving forward, always ask what buyer savings may be available on that specific purchase."}},{"@type":"Question","name":"How do I know your brokerage is legitimate?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Real Estate Rebate Team LLC is a licensed real estate brokerage. The company is registered as a New York Limited Liability Company Broker under NY DOS License #10491211335. The team is also affiliated with major industry organizations including REBNY and NAR and has access to professional listing systems used by licensed brokers."}}]}
```