Brooklyn Buyer & Seller Representation
A Brooklyn brownstone has a story. Check the building record before you sign.
Buying or selling a brownstone or multi-family property? Compare the paperwork with the building’s recorded use, permits, and occupancy history while there is still time to ask questions.
The Brooklyn Record
The listing is a starting point. The building file adds context.
Compare a brownstone or multi-family listing with the NYC Department of Buildings record. A Certificate of Occupancy describes legal use and/or permitted occupancy; a listing is not DOB confirmation.
An older building without a CO does not settle the question: some pre-1938 buildings may be exempt, subject to later alterations. DOB may issue a Letter of No Objection to confirm legal use. Review the specific property history.
Buyers can ask counsel to compare available occupancy records and filings with the contract description. Sellers can gather DOB records and flag a mismatch with the described or current use before agreeing to contract terms.
Before You Sign
Two sides of the same building record
Check what the record supports
Before signing, ask counsel to compare the available DOB records with the listing and contract. Identify any use or unit-count question that needs follow-up.
Gather the building documents
Before signing, collect occupancy documents, permits, and records for completed work. Tell your attorney if the paperwork appears different from the property description.
Planning Tools
Run a scenario, then review the actual deal
Closing Cost Calculator
Estimate purchase costs for planning. Results are not a quote or legal, tax, or financial advice.
CEMA Calculator
Explore a refinance scenario. Results are estimates, not a quote or legal, tax, or financial advice.
Fees
Your fee, quoted in writing.
Fees vary with the size, type, and complexity of the transaction. Request a written quote before you commit.
Brooklyn Questions
Building-use questions to raise early
What does a Certificate of Occupancy show?
DOB says it states a building’s legal use and/or permitted occupancy. Compare it with the property description before signing.
Does an older building always need a Certificate of Occupancy?
DOB says buildings built before 1938 may be exempt unless later alterations changed use, egress, or occupancy. A Letter of No Objection may help confirm legal use.