Your interests are of paramount concern to our firm. At Orenstein & Kandel, LLP, we do not engage in the prohibited and unethical practice of holding interests in other ancillary businesses such as title companies, mortgage brokerage companies or real estate agencies which could affect our ability to represent your interests in the manner you should expect from a legal professional.

We do not take advantage of our position by offering lower legal fees for the purpose of enticing clients into hiring us, only to later steer them toward businesses which, despite the conflict of interest, would permit us to make a greater profit.

You will always deal with an attorney, not support staff. Your representation will always begin with a Retainer Agreement detailing the legal fees and disbursements that you will be responsible for. Moreover, our attorneys will never point to a document and simply tell you to sign. We review all Contracts and relevant documents with you so that you understand what you are agreeing to do.
We can represent you in the purchase or sale of a residential house, condominium or cooperative apartment. When representing sellers, we do our best to draft and negotiate Contracts of Sale which are most favorable to your interests. We monitor the transaction to insure that your purchasers are meeting their time requirements and that the closing date will not be delayed longer than necessary.
 
When representing purchasers, we review and negotiate the Contract of Sale so that you are not legally bound to buy a problem property and to mitigate the damages in case you are unable to complete the purchase. We will communicate with the real estate agents and mortgage brokers/lenders so that the transaction runs smoothly and all time requirements are complied with. We will review the title search in order to insure that title is clear and that you know exactly what you are buying, before you accept the deed.
 
We have a great deal of experience with representing purchasers and sellers of cooperative apartments. We understand the need for due diligence in such transactions. We not only review the Offering Plan and communicate with the cooperative management company to obtain vital information, we verify information provided in the contract of sale. We tailor our contracts of sale and/or amendments to the contract of sale to address issues specific to cooperative transfers.
 
The purchase of pre-construction condominium units is a complex transaction. These units may be intended for residential or commercial purposes. Since the unit, and often the building is not built when your sign the Purchase Agreement, it is vital that an attorney reviews the Offering Plan, as well as the Purchase Agreement and advises you about what you are buying. Often times, sales agents will make representations to purchasers which are untrue, however, once the Agreement is signed, a purchaser cannot back out of the deal without losing the down payment. Our attorneys read every page of the Offering Plan and discuss the details of your purchase with you including, but not limited to, the permissible use of the unit and any and all closing expenses.
 
Representing purchasers and sellers of commercial properties also requires additional knowledge and skills. For example, when we represent you in your purchase of a commercial property, we work with your architects, expediters, lender, etc to facilitate your investigation. We also negotiate the terms of the contract so that your interests are effectively protected and. review your loan documents before the closing.
Our knowledge in the area of foreclosure law also allows us to better represent you if you purchase a property at a foreclosure auction or if you are purchasing an REO (a property purchased by the lender at a foreclosure auction and now being sold by the lender to you). Such purchases come with additional expenses and dangers. Purchasers should always consult with a knowledgeable attorney before starting such an endeavor.
 
We can also represent you in a short sale transaction, whether you are a purchaser or a seller. When purchasing, you need to understand the parameters of the Contract of Sale such as, that the purchase may take longer to complete and may depend on a lender approving the transaction. When selling, the Contract of Sale must be properly drafted so that you are not committing yourself to selling a property for less than the amount due to your lender and includes the other related expenses of the sale. Also, the short sale must be properly negotiated with the bank so that you do not have taxable income after the transaction is completed.
 
Whether you need assistance with a loan refinance, tax lot apportionment, Building Department violations, or other matters not specifically mentioned here, our experienced attorneys are available to help you.