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Free Guide to Hiring a Real Estate Lawyer
Long Island City (LIC) in Queens is a dense urban area with many condos, co-ops, and rental buildings. Real estate brokerage law governs who may lead transactions, how agency relationships work, and how disclosures are made. In New York, real estate brokers and salespersons must be licensed and operate under the Real Property Law Article 12-A. Attorneys provide counsel on contract drafting, closing procedures, and disputes arising from broker actions.
Key duties in LIC transactions include truthful advertising, timely disclosures, and faithful representation of clients. When a dispute arises, a lawyer can help interpret agency duties, resolve escrow or trust account issues, and guide settlement strategies. The interplay between state law and New York City regulations makes tailored local guidance especially important in LIC deals.
Understanding who represents whom in a transaction matters because it affects duties, liability, and the remedies available after a mistake or misrepresentation. A licensed attorney or legal counsel can help you assess risk, review disclosures, and plan a path toward resolution if something goes wrong in LIC real estate dealings.
All real estate brokers and salespersons in New York must be licensed by the Department of State.
Sources: New York State Department of State (DOS) governs real estate licensing; New York State entities enforce fair housing and consumer protections that affect brokerage practices. See official resources for licensing and enforcement guidance.
New York State Department of State (DOS) • New York State Division of Human Rights (DHR) • New York City Commission on Human Rights (CCHR)
New York real estate brokerage is primarily governed by state law, with NYC-specific protections affecting LIC transactions. The core framework includes licensing, agency relationships, and fair housing protections. Below are the principal legal references you should know when navigating LIC deals.
Real Property Law Article 12-A (Real Estate Brokers and Salespersons) governs who may operate a brokerage, disclosure duties, and advertising standards in New York. This article forms the backbone of licensing and professional conduct for brokers in LIC and across the state.
New York State Human Rights Law (Executive Law Article 15) prohibits discrimination in housing and brokerage services. This law applies to LIC real estate transactions and enforcement actions help protect buyers and tenants.
New York City Human Rights Law (Admin Code Title 8) supplements state protections within New York City, including LIC. It reinforces fair housing rights and prohibits discriminatory practices by brokers and landlords in housing transactions.
Recent enforcement and guidance emphasize fair housing compliance and transparent agency disclosures in LIC. New developments emphasize continuing education, consumer protection, and clear disclosures in advertising and representation.
Real estate licensing in New York is administered by the Department of State and updated regulations address agency disclosures and advertising standards for brokers and salespersons.
For authoritative guidance, see official government resources on licensing and housing rights:
A real estate broker is a licensed professional who may operate a brokerage, supervise salespersons, and manage contracts, disclosures, and closings. In LIC, brokers handle listings, negotiations, and fiduciary duties to clients.
File with the New York Department of State or the NYC Commission on Human Rights if discrimination is involved. Provide contract copies, communications, and proof of misrepresentation or misconduct.
Agency relationships must be disclosed in writing at or before entering into a contract. This clarifies who the broker represents and prevents conflicts of interest in LIC transactions.
Use the New York Department of State consumer search tool to verify current licensure and status for brokers and salespersons in Queens and LIC.
A lawyer ensures the contract complies with NY law, handles escrow issues, and addresses title and closing conditions to reduce post-closing risk in LIC deals.
Termination rights depend on the listing agreement. A lawyer can review the contract and negotiate a termination that avoids penalties or commission disputes.
Dual agency creates a potential conflict of interest. A lawyer can explain risks and help you structure protections or opt for single agency where possible.
Yes. Real estate brokers and salespersons must be licensed by the Department of State to legally transact real estate in New York.
No mandatory form exists, but written agreements clarify duties, fee arrangements, and termination rights in LIC transactions.
Closings in LIC often occur within 30-60 days after contract execution, depending on lender timing, title issues, and contract contingencies.
Commissions vary by deal, but common practice is a percentage of the sale price paid at closing. Always review the engagement agreement for specifics in LIC.
Attorney fees in LIC vary by transaction complexity and hours billed. Many lawyers offer flat fees for standard closings or consultation rates for reviews.
