Queens Real Estate FAQs (Buyers + Sellers)
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Answers to the most common questions buyers and sellers ask in Jackson Heights, Astoria, Astoria Heights, Long Island City, Sunnyside, Woodside, and East Elmhurst, covering co-ops, condos, single-family, and multi-family homes.
FAQs For Sellers In Queens, NY
Value depends on recent comparable sales, condition, layout, property type, and micro-location (block-by-block). A precise valuation should be based on current comps—not online estimates alone.
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Focus on the highest ROI items: decluttering, light repairs, clean presentation, professional photos, and a pricing strategy that matches buyer demand.
Or you can get in touch with The Vasilis Kokoris Team so you don’t have to!
Many Queens sellers see peak buyer activity in spring and strong momentum in early fall, but the best timing depends on your property and your goals. Preparation + pricing typically outperform “perfect timing.”
Get a comp-based pricing range and a plan to sell. Request a home value estimate here.
A flip tax (building transfer fee) is common in many NYC co-ops (and some condos). It’s often around 1%–2% of the sale price, and who pays it depends on the building’s rules and the deal terms.
Timeline depends on property type and financing. Generally, you’re looking at time to find a buyer plus contract/closing steps, and co-ops can run longer because of board requirements.
Pricing that misses the market, weak buyer financing, repair surprises after inspection, appraisal issues, and (for co-ops) incomplete board packages are among the most common reasons deals stall or fall apart.
Learn more here.
It depends on the property and buyer profile. Some repairs (paint, lighting, minor fixes) can boost demand quickly, while others are better positioned as credits. Your strategy should match the neighborhood comps and the target buyer.
FAQs for Buyers in Queens, NY
Down payment requirements vary by building and lender. Many NYC co-ops commonly require higher down payments than condos, and houses depend on financing and the property’s condition. Always confirm the building’s specific rules before you fall in love with a unit.
Check out our Home Buying Process.
When buying a home in Queens, seasonality matters, but strategy matters more—pricing, preparation, and timing your move around your goals. In Queens, activity often rises in spring and early fall, but the “best” time is when you’re fully prepared and the plan is clear.
Find your dream home here.
It can be—if the numbers and legal use check out. Multi-family purchases come down to condition, legal status, rents/expenses, taxes, and financing, and verifying those details before negotiating.
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Strong offers are a mix of clean terms, solid financing, realistic timelines, and smart due diligence. Co-ops also require a “board-ready” profile; houses benefit from inspection/appraisal planning upfront.
A co-op means you’re buying shares in a corporation and a proprietary lease, and you’ll usually face stricter board requirements. A condo is deeded real property ownership with typically more flexibility, often at a higher cost.
For single-family and multi-family homes, inspections are strongly recommended. For condos and co-ops, it depends—many buyers focus on legal/building due diligence, but an inspection can still help based on the unit and renovation history.
Learn more here.
A Certificate of Occupancy confirms a building’s legal use and number of permitted units. If the paperwork doesn’t match the intended use, financing and closing can become difficult or impossible.
Prepared by Vasilis Kokoris, a highly skilled Queens real estate broker serving Jackson Heights, Astoria, Astoria Heights, Long Island City, Sunnyside, Woodside, and East Elmhurst.