How do I know when it's the right time to sell my house on Long Island?

The best time to sell is when it fits your life situation. Selling means dealing with strangers walking through your home, which can feel disruptive while managing work, family, or other priorities. Common triggers include job changes or relocations, upsizing or downsizing, family events, inheritance, or simply wanting a fresh start. If you're trying to time the broader market, spring and fall are traditionally the strongest seasons on Long Island. Summers slow down due to vacations, and winters see fewer buyers. That said, Long Island's real estate market is unique — persistently low inventory across Nassau and Suffolk counties keeps demand steady year-round, whether you're in Smithtown, Huntington, Plainview, Syosset, or Great Neck. I help homeowners across Long Island navigate the right timing for their specific property and goals, including complex or as-is situations. Whether your home is move-in ready or needs coordination with contractors, junk removal, or renovations, I handle the details so you don't have to. At 25 Pine Acre Drive, the decision was not based on trying to predict the perfect month to sell. The clients had already started to outgrow the 1,028-square-foot house after their first baby, and the arrival of their second baby made the need for more space unavoidable. The timing came from what their family needed. Read the complete Smithtown-to-Huntington Station case study →

How much is my house worth in today's Long Island market?

To accurately determine what your home is worth, we sit down together and review comparable sales. I visit the property to assess its condition firsthand, then pull recent sales data from the last three to six months in your neighborhood. We compare asking prices to actual sold prices and evaluate the condition of comparable homes. By the end of that process, we arrive at a realistic listing price based on what similar properties have actually sold for in the current Nassau and Suffolk County market — whether you're in Commack, Kings Park, Hauppauge, Syosset, Levittown, or anywhere in between.

How long does it take to sell a house on Long Island?

On average, a typical house sale on Long Island takes 45 to 60 days from contract to closing. This timeline can vary depending on the situation. Co-op sales — common in parts of Nassau County and closer to New York City — often take longer due to board interviews and approvals, typically adding an extra month or more. As a seller in the current market, you generally have the flexibility to request the closing timeline that works best for you because of strong buyer demand across Suffolk and Nassau counties.

Should I make repairs before listing my home?

Sometimes making repairs before listing is a smart move. I offer clients a pre-listing inspection where I walk through the property and evaluate it the way a home inspector would. Drawing on my construction and renovation experience, I identify issues that could give buyers leverage to negotiate a lower price. With this assessment, the seller can decide which projects make sense to tackle in order to improve value. That said, many homes across Long Island — from Dix Hills to Holbrook to Oyster Bay — can be sold successfully as-is.

Can I sell my house as-is on Long Island?

Yes, absolutely — selling as-is is a very popular and common option on Long Island. It doesn't always maximize the property's value, however. In some cases, making strategic investments before selling can lead to a significantly higher offer. I'll walk you through both options and help you decide what makes the most sense for your specific home and situation.

What is a bidding war and how do you create one?

A bidding war happens when multiple buyers compete for the same property, often driving the final sale price well above asking. I create them by setting an attractive listing price that grabs attention online and brings the maximum number of buyers through the door at the same time. When buyers search for homes in Smithtown, Huntington, Plainview, or Syosset, they're scrolling through dozens of listings at once. If your price looks like a great deal compared to the photos, they think “I need to see this house.” On average, hundreds of people may save a new listing in the first weekend alone, and a strong open house can bring dozens of buyers through at once. I use a targeted showing strategy to concentrate traffic, increase competition, and encourage buyers to submit their strongest offers with the best terms. One Smithtown sale shows why I separate visible demand from a guaranteed result. Buyers lined up in the rain and we received approximately ten complete offers, but three accepted buyers later withdrew before contract after reconsidering the home’s 1,028-square-foot size. The fourth buyer ultimately closed. Read the Smithtown-to-Huntington Station case study →

How do I maximize my home's value before selling?

The best way to maximize your home's value is to start with a pre-listing walkthrough. I identify the specific improvements most likely to give you the highest return. One national HomeLight survey of roughly 1,000 real estate agents estimated that painting a home’s exterior could add more than $7,500 in resale value, equal to a 152% return on the estimated cost. That is a national survey estimate, not a promise. I would not apply that percentage automatically to every house or use it to justify a $20,000 or $30,000 project without looking at the property, the market and whether a smaller repair or touch-up would accomplish the same thing. Interior painting can also help. The most effective approach is always a personalized walkthrough where I point out exactly what makes sense for your individual home based on current buyer expectations across the Long Island market.

What is the difference between listing price and sale price?

The listing price is the price posted online to attract buyers — also known as the marketing price. The sale price is what the home actually sells for. The listing price is a strategic tool used to market the home effectively, while the sale price is only finalized and revealed at closing.

How do I sell my house fast on Long Island?

To sell your house fast, the marketing needs to be strong — magazine-quality photos, a smart showing schedule designed to maximize traffic, and the right pricing strategy. Pricing is the single most important factor. If the price is too high, the listing will sit — we have years of data proving this across Nassau and Suffolk counties. Since 2020, the Long Island market has consistently shown that an attractive listing price leads to homes selling over asking, sometimes by hundreds of thousands of dollars. The old approach of pricing high and then reducing doesn't work in today's market. It signals weakness to buyers and keeps homes sitting longer.

What should I do to prepare my house for showings?

The most important things you can do before a showing are to declutter and secure personal valuables. Remember that strangers will be walking through your home — put away jewelry, passports, wallets, sentimental items, and anything of value. Turn on all the lights to brighten the space, open window shades and curtains to let in natural sunlight, and open a few windows for good airflow. A clean, bright, open home makes a strong first impression regardless of the neighborhood. At 25 Pine Acre Drive, the sellers were working and caring for a baby in a 1,028-square-foot house, so scattered appointments became stressful. We concentrated most of the early activity into the weekend open houses and accommodated only a few private appointments. That reduced the interruptions without keeping serious buyers from seeing the property. See how the showing plan worked in the complete case study →

What is the difference between a real estate broker and a real estate agent?

In New York State, “real estate agent” is a broad term that covers both license types. There are two main licenses: real estate salesperson — the entry-level license — and real estate broker, which is the advanced license. To earn a broker's license, you need significantly more hours of training and education, plus a verified track record of successful transactions. You cannot apply for a broker's license without demonstrated performance. When you work with a licensed real estate broker, you're working with someone the state has verified as experienced and successful.

What differentiates you from other real estate brokers on Long Island?

Transparency. As you can see from this FAQ page alone, I keep nothing secret. I openly share my strategies, the full selling process, how my commission works, and how I use my construction and renovation experience to help clients. I anticipate problems before they arise and connect clients with the right resources — whether that's a contractor, a lender, a title company, or a local assistance program they didn't know existed. Everything you read here is exactly what you'll hear from me in person. The person I am online is the same person you'll meet face-to-face. That consistency builds real trust, and integrity is extremely important to me.

What areas of Long Island do you serve?

I serve Nassau and Suffolk counties, generally within about a one-hour drive of Route 110. This includes communities such as Smithtown, Commack, Huntington, Huntington Station, Kings Park, Hauppauge, Dix Hills, Melville, Stony Brook, Saint James, Setauket, East Setauket, Northport, East Northport, West Islip, Babylon, Deer Park, Cold Spring Harbor, and Holbrook in Suffolk County, and Syosset, Jericho, Plainview, Levittown, Oyster Bay, Hicksville, Glen Head, Sea Cliff, Glen Cove, Roslyn, Roslyn Heights, Albertson, Mineola, East Williston, East Hills, Manhasset, Great Neck, Lake Success, Westbury, and Old Westbury in Nassau County. I also handle transactions in Brooklyn and Queens, as many of my clients relocate from New York City to Long Island.

Do you work with both buyers and sellers?

Yes — I work with both buyers and sellers across Long Island and New York City. I also help homeowners coordinate a sale and replacement purchase when the proceeds and timing are connected. In one documented transaction, I first represented the clients as first-time buyers, later sold that Smithtown house and helped them purchase a larger home in Huntington Station. Read the complete sell-and-buy case study →

What does your commission include? / What do real estate brokers typically charge?

My listing fee is typically between 5% and 6%. Generally, the higher the price of the home, the lower the percentage, and vice versa. It can vary from one property to another and based on the job you are hiring me to do. If a job requires substantial hands-on coordination, that has to be taken into account. All real estate commissions are negotiable, and the exact agreement is put in writing before the property is listed. I explain what the seller is paying my brokerage for before anything is signed.

How quickly do you respond to clients?

If you call or text me, I usually respond the same day because those notifications come directly to my phone. I generally respond to emails and website requests within 24 hours, but email can occasionally get buried in my inbox. If your situation is urgent, calling or texting is the best way to reach me.

Do I need a real estate attorney to sell my house in New York?

A buyer or seller is not generally required by law to hire a real estate attorney in New York, but in actual practice, almost everyone does. Whether you are buying or selling, the other party will more than likely have their own attorney. It only makes sense to have someone representing and protecting your interests as well. In more than 11 years in real estate, I have never seen a buyer or seller represent themselves in a transaction. Unless you are an attorney who understands New York real estate transactions, I think trying to handle it yourself would be foolish. I have also built relationships with excellent real estate attorneys who are responsive, accessible and focused on strong client communication. If you need an attorney, I am happy to make introductions based on my direct experience working with them.

How does the closing process work in New York?

Closing in New York is where the attorneys and other transaction professionals coordinate the final documents, funds, mortgage payoff, and transfer of title. In a traditional Long Island closing, the buyer, seller, attorneys, lender's attorney, and title representative may all be involved, although not every person necessarily has to be physically present in the same room. Most closings in Nassau and Suffolk counties take about one to one-and-a-half hours. Once the transaction is completed, the deed and other recordable documents are submitted to the appropriate county clerk for recording. When a sale and purchase are connected, the closing process can also involve coordinating two separate transactions and the move between them. In one completed Smithtown-to-Huntington Station transaction, the sale closed on January 22, 2025, the purchase closed two days later, and a negotiated post-closing possession period gave the family time to complete the move. The attorneys handled the legal documents and escrow agreement; I handled the real-estate strategy, communication and coordination between the transactions. Read the complete sell-and-buy case study →

What costs should I expect when selling my home on Long Island?

The main costs when selling your home on Long Island are New York State transfer tax, real estate commission, and attorney legal fees. These three are present in nearly every transaction across Nassau and Suffolk counties. There can also be additional costs if debts need to be paid off at closing, such as your existing mortgage balance, liens, or other financial obligations that must be cleared as part of the sale. When a homeowner needs the sale proceeds to purchase another property, knowing the sale price is not enough. Before listing 25 Pine Acre Drive, I sat down with the clients and estimated the selling costs, likely net proceeds and money required for the next purchase. Lisa saved those figures and brought them to closing; the final numbers were almost the same as the original estimate. See how the financial planning connected the two transactions →

What is a title search and why do I need one?

A title search is a detailed review of the property's history and public records to verify ownership and check for liens, judgments, violations, unpaid debts, easements, or other claims that could affect the transfer of the property. The point is to identify anything that needs to be dealt with before the buyer takes title. If there is an old mortgage that was never properly satisfied, a judgment against the owner, or someone else who may have a legal interest in the property, the title search is designed to bring that issue to light before closing. A title search and title insurance are related, but they are not the same thing. The title search is the investigation. Title insurance is the protection against covered title problems or claims. In a financed purchase, the buyer's lender will ordinarily require a lender's title insurance policy to protect the lender's interest in the property. A buyer can also purchase an owner's title insurance policy to protect their own interest in the property.

How long does closing take in New York?

If you mean the closing appointment itself, a typical closing in New York takes about one to one-and-a-half hours. I usually tell clients to plan for one to two hours so there is enough time to review and sign the final documents, confirm funds and payoffs, and complete the transaction without feeling rushed. That is separate from the overall timeline between signing the contract and reaching closing, which depends on factors such as financing, title work, the attorneys and the terms of the transaction. After the closing appointment, the deed and other recordable documents are submitted to the appropriate county clerk for recording.

What happens if a buyer backs out after signing a contract?

The best answer comes from your real estate attorney, as a broker cannot provide legal advice. Outcomes depend entirely on the specific terms written in the contract. In some situations legal remedies are available, but exactly what applies to your deal requires professional legal guidance — which is one of many reasons I recommend working with an experienced real estate attorney from the very beginning of the process.

Is now a good time to buy a house on Long Island?

One of the best times to buy is during the holiday season — even though it feels inconvenient. Sellers who keep their home on the market through the holidays in towns like Huntington, Smithtown, or Roslyn are often highly motivated and willing to negotiate. As a buyer, this often means less competition and more leverage than in the busier spring, summer, or fall seasons. That said, motivated sellers exist year-round — the key is being prepared and ready to act when the right opportunity appears.

How do I start the home buying process on Long Island?

Start with a buyer's consultation. I typically begin with a Zoom call to learn about your needs, goals, and the Nassau or Suffolk County communities you're interested in. Together we review comparable sales — looking at photos, asking prices, and actual sold prices — so you understand what offers are being accepted in the current market. I walk you through estimated monthly mortgage payments, closing costs, property taxes, and the full process from pre-approval to closing. By the end, you have a clear plan and know exactly what to do next.

How much do I need for a down payment on Long Island?

The amount you need for a down payment depends on the loan program. FHA financing can go as low as 3.5% down, and some conventional loan programs allow qualified buyers to put down as little as 3%. There are also grant and assistance programs through New York State, Nassau or Suffolk counties, local municipalities, and participating banks that can reduce the amount a qualified buyer needs to bring out of pocket. Putting down 20% or more on a conventional loan generally allows you to avoid private mortgage insurance (PMI), which protects the lender — not you — and adds an extra monthly cost to your payment.

Should I get pre-approved before looking at houses?

Yes — absolutely. In the competitive Long Island market, being prepared can make the difference between winning and losing a home you love. Many buyers searching in Plainview, Syosset, Commack, or Huntington are at different stages of readiness. If you're not fully prepared when the right property appears, you risk losing it to a buyer who is. Getting pre-approved ensures that when you find the right house, you can make a strong, confident offer without scrambling at the last minute.

What is the difference between pre-qualification and pre-approval?

A pre-qualification is a preliminary estimate based on basic income questions. A pre-approval is more in-depth — the lender reviews your credit, tax returns, and financial documents to provide a stronger, more reliable evaluation. A mortgage commitment means the buyer has been issued a commitment letter by the bank. That letter usually comes with conditions that still have to be completed, such as providing proof of homeowners insurance, addressing repairs required by the lender, or satisfying whatever else the bank needs buttoned up before closing. Some buyers come with what their lender calls a pre-commitment letter instead of a basic preapproval. That generally means the buyer has already been through underwriting and approved based on their finances. The property still has to be approved by the lender, including meeting the appraisal and any remaining property-related requirements. A commitment makes the financing stronger, but it is not a guarantee of closing. Any remaining lender conditions still have to be satisfied.

What should I look for during a home inspection?

Let the inspector take the lead and follow their process. The most effective inspectors compile their findings into a clear report and then conduct a summary walkthrough to highlight the key issues. Every inspector has their own style, so speak with them beforehand to understand how they work. I always provide clients with multiple inspector recommendations and encourage them to compare options outside my network as well. An inspection is important, but it can only evaluate what is visible and accessible. In one Huntington Station purchase, belongings blocked parts of the house during the inspection. The buyers later found incomplete repairs at the final walkthrough, and plumbing work after closing led to the discovery of a collapsed cesspool system or line. Read the complete Smithtown-to-Huntington Station case study →

Do you work with first-time home buyers?

Yes—I work with first-time home buyers throughout Long Island and guide them through the entire process. For a buyer who is fully prepared and pre-approved, the two-to-three-week timeframe I am referring to is the time from our initial consultation to being under a fully signed contract of sale to purchase a home—not merely signing a buyer-agency agreement. It does not mean the buyer will close and own the home within two to three weeks. It means the buyer has secured a home under contract and is beginning the remaining steps required to complete the purchase. One of the best parts of this work is seeing what happens years later. I first represented the clients in the Smithtown-to-Huntington Station case when they purchased 25 Pine Acre Drive as first-time home buyers in 2019. They later called me back when they needed to sell that house as first-time sellers and purchase a larger home for their growing family. Read what happened when the first-time buyers became first-time sellers →

Can you help me relocate from New York City to Long Island?

Yes. Helping people relocate from New York City to Long Island is one of my specialties. The goal is to coordinate the timing between both transactions so the move happens seamlessly, without needing temporary housing in between. I created a full guide explaining how selling and buying a home at the same time works. It includes real examples of clients whose sales and purchases I coordinated, along with a detailed explanation of the strategy behind the process. Read my full guide to selling and buying a home at the same time on Long Island.

What if my house sits on the market and doesn't sell?

If your house sits on the market and doesn't sell, it is usually a pricing issue. It can also happen if the realtor failed to thoroughly evaluate the property and market conditions upfront, or did not execute the right marketing and showing strategies. In some cases, the seller may have gone against sound advice on proper positioning from the start. In today's Long Island market, pricing is the single most important factor in the selling process. Since 2020, successful agents across Nassau and Suffolk counties have adapted by pricing homes to look attractive online — bringing the maximum number of buyers through the door and often driving the final sale price upward. If your home isn't selling, sometimes the smartest move is to pause the active marketing rather than let an unsuccessful strategy continue indefinitely. A temporary break does not erase the property's MLS history, but buyer pools change over time. Buyers from the original launch may have moved on while new buyers enter the market. When the property returns to active marketing, we can relaunch it with a revised strategy — including pricing, description, photography or positioning where appropriate — and create another concentrated opportunity for buyer attention.

What if I owe more on my mortgage than my house is worth?

If you owe more on your mortgage than your home is worth, it may be possible to sell through a short sale. Before I tell a homeowner what outcome to expect, I first need to communicate with the bank or loan servicer, determine what they require, and identify every mortgage or other lien that needs to be resolved. If there are second, third, or additional lienholders, each one may need to approve its part of the transaction before the sale can close. The goal is to negotiate for the remaining debt to be forgiven or for the deficiency to be waived. That is what we are trying to accomplish, but it is not guaranteed. I would not tell a homeowner that the debt has been forgiven until the bank’s terms are in writing and the seller’s attorney has reviewed them. I work in coordination with the attorney, often on the same email chain with the bank, so both of us receive the same information, ask questions, and work through the requirements together. What we tell the homeowner comes from what the bank and other lienholders actually agree to.

How do I sell a house after a loved one passes away?

When you have to sell a home after a loved one passes away, the first step is to give yourself permission to pause. Take a deep breath, allow yourself time to grieve, and don't rush into a high-stress process. That said, it's also important not to wait too long — ongoing expenses like mortgage payments, taxes, maintenance, and utilities on a Long Island property can add up quickly. Once you are ready, speak with an appropriate attorney. If an executor, administrator or trustee has already been appointed, that person should be part of the conversation. The attorney can help determine whether probate or administration is required, what documentation may be needed and who has legal authority to act. Once the appropriate attorney has confirmed who is legally authorized to act, I can handle the real estate side—evaluating the house, reviewing the numbers, coordinating cleanout or contractor work if needed, and preparing and marketing the property. I am not a probate attorney and do not advise families about wills, trusts, probate requirements or legal authority to sign. Once the property is under contract, the buyer's attorney or title company will ordinarily order a title report to identify matters affecting ownership or the transfer of the deed. If the report identifies an estate, lien, ownership or deed issue, the attorneys determine what must be resolved before closing. This is part of the transaction and closing process; it is not a preliminary step the seller needs to complete simply because the owner died. I explain the complete real estate process in my guide to selling an inherited or trust-owned home on Long Island.

What if I'm going through a divorce — how does selling a house work?

When selling a house during a divorce, the most important first question is whether both parties are in agreement about selling. If everyone is on the same page, the process can be relatively smooth and straightforward. If one person wants to keep the home and the other wants to sell, the situation is more complex. In that case, work with your divorce attorneys first to negotiate and reach a settlement on the property and other marital assets. Once the decision to sell has been agreed upon, that's when you bring in the realtor. At that point we can discuss pricing, timing, marketing strategy, and all the details specific to your property. I always recommend starting with your divorce attorney if there is any disagreement — the realtor becomes involved once both parties have agreed to move forward and are cooperating on the sale.

What if I'm behind on my mortgage or facing foreclosure?

If you’re behind on your mortgage or facing foreclosure, there is probably still a good chance the situation can be recovered, but the sooner you reach out, the better. The first step is to determine the property’s current value, how much is owed, whether there are other liens, and exactly where the foreclosure stands. If the property is worth more than the total debt, a traditional sale may allow the mortgage and other liens to be paid at closing. If the debt is higher than the property’s value, a short sale or another option may need to be evaluated with the lender and attorney. Every situation is different, and no result is guaranteed. Time matters. The longer you wait, the fewer options may remain and the harder it can become to recover the situation. Read my full guide to foreclosure, property auctions, and short sales on Long Island.

I'm overwhelmed by the idea of selling — where do I even start?

Honestly, the best place to start is with the right realtor. The realtor is the ground soldier on the front lines of the entire process — coordinating every other party in the transaction and getting them all working together. With a powerful one-on-one consultation, I walk you through the exact actionable steps to sell your home, maximize your proceeds, and make the process as smooth as possible. Yes, things can go wrong in any real estate transaction. But an experienced real estate broker anticipates problems before they happen and navigates them when they arise. Having the right person on your side can make the difference between a stressful, overwhelming experience and a smooth, successful one.

What if my house needs a lot of work and I can't afford to fix it?

No problem. A house can be sold in its current condition, but the condition will affect buyer response and the final price. Before defaulting to an investor offer, I want to compare what the property may bring on the open market as-is with what could potentially be gained through a cleanout, repairs or limited preparation. Sometimes selling exactly as it sits is the right decision. Other times, the work creates enough additional value to justify the effort. If the seller wants to prepare the property, I can help coordinate junk removal, contractors and the work that needs to be done. Even when a home is in poor condition, I generally prefer to expose it to the open market so all potential buyers—including owner-occupants and investors—can compete. An investor offer can still be considered, but it should be compared with the other available options instead of being treated as the default solution. The seller makes the final decision once the numbers and tradeoffs are clear.

How do I sell a house that has tenants living in it?

When selling a house with tenants in place, the first step is understanding the lease, the occupancy situation and whether the property can realistically be delivered vacant. Selling the property vacant will usually expand the buyer pool because more owner-occupant buyers may be able to participate. One possible approach is a voluntary cash-for-keys agreement. The owner and tenant agree on a payment in exchange for the tenant moving out and returning possession of the property by an agreed date. In my experience, that can sometimes require less time, money and stress than a contested eviction, but it is not automatically the right answer in every situation. The lease, required notices, occupants’ rights and the exact agreement should be reviewed with a qualified landlord-tenant attorney. I can explain how selling occupied or vacant may affect the real estate strategy and coordinate the sale around the lawful plan that the owner and attorney approve.

ANDREW RAGUSA · REMI REALTY · LONG ISLAND, NEW YORK

The Long Island Real Estate Knowledge Center.

38 practical answers from a licensed broker—clear explanations, real-world context and no pressure to make a decision.

Real estate questions do not always have one universal answer. The property, finances, timing and people involved can all change what makes sense. Every question below is one that homeowners ask me about pricing, commissions, closing costs, foreclosure, divorce, inherited homes and tenants. I explain the reasoning and tradeoffs the same way I would sitting at your kitchen table, so you can understand your options before deciding what to do.

Written and reviewed by Andrew Ragusa, Licensed Real Estate Broker and Broker of Record for REMI Realty LLC, with 11+ years of transactions across Long Island, Brooklyn, and Queens.

Questions answered: 38
Topic sections: 5
Years in the business: 11+
Counties served: Kings, Queens, Nassau, and Suffolk

Insights

Longer notes on the market, preparing a home, pricing strategy, and the complicated situations that don't fit a single question.

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Search 38 answers

Showing all 38 questions across 5 sections

Section One

Selling Your Home on Long Island

Timing, pricing, preparation, and the strategy behind getting the strongest possible result for a Nassau or Suffolk County home.

How do I know when it's the right time to sell my house on Long Island?
The best time to sell is when it fits your life situation. Selling means dealing with strangers walking through your home, which can feel disruptive while managing work, family, or other priorities.
Read the full answer →
How much is my house worth in today's Long Island market?
To accurately determine what your home is worth, we sit down together and review comparable sales.
Read the full answer →
How long does it take to sell a house on Long Island?
On average, a typical house sale on Long Island takes 45 to 60 days from contract to closing. This timeline can vary depending on the situation.
Read the full answer →
Should I make repairs before listing my home?
Sometimes making repairs before listing is a smart move. I offer clients a pre-listing inspection where I walk through the property and evaluate it the way a home inspector would.
Read the full answer →
Can I sell my house as-is on Long Island?
Yes, absolutely — selling as-is is a very popular and common option on Long Island. It doesn't always maximize the property's value, however.
Read the full answer →
What is a bidding war and how do you create one?
A bidding war happens when multiple buyers compete for the same property, often driving the final sale price well above asking.
Read the full answer →
How do I maximize my home's value before selling?
The best way to maximize your home's value is to start with a pre-listing walkthrough. I identify the specific improvements most likely to give you the highest return.
Read the full answer →
What is the difference between listing price and sale price?
The listing price is the price posted online to attract buyers — also known as the marketing price. The sale price is what the home actually sells for.
Read the full answer →
How do I sell my house fast on Long Island?
To sell your house fast, the marketing needs to be strong — magazine-quality photos, a smart showing schedule designed to maximize traffic, and the right pricing strategy. Pricing is the single most important factor.
Read the full answer →
What should I do to prepare my house for showings?
The most important things you can do before a showing are to declutter and secure personal valuables.
Read the full answer →

Section Two

Working With Andrew Ragusa

Licensing, service area, commission structure, and responsiveness — published openly so you know exactly what you are paying for before we ever speak.

What is the difference between a real estate broker and a real estate agent?
In New York State, “real estate agent” is a broad term that covers both license types.
Read the full answer →
What differentiates you from other real estate brokers on Long Island?
Transparency. As you can see from this FAQ page alone, I keep nothing secret.
Read the full answer →
What areas of Long Island do you serve?
I serve Nassau and Suffolk counties, generally within about a one-hour drive of Route 110.
Read the full answer →
Do you work with both buyers and sellers?
Yes — I work with both buyers and sellers across Long Island and New York City. I also help homeowners coordinate a sale and replacement purchase when the proceeds and timing are connected.
Read the full answer →
What does your commission include? / What do real estate brokers typically charge?
My listing fee is typically between 5% and 6%. Generally, the higher the price of the home, the lower the percentage, and vice versa. It can vary from one property to another and based on the job you are hiring me to do.
Read the full answer →
How quickly do you respond to clients?
If you call or text me, I usually respond the same day because those notifications come directly to my phone.
Read the full answer →

Section Three

Legal Process & Closing in New York

Attorneys, title, transfer taxes, and what actually happens at a New York closing table.

Do I need a real estate attorney to sell my house in New York?
A buyer or seller is not generally required by law to hire a real estate attorney in New York, but in actual practice, almost everyone does.
Read the full answer →
How does the closing process work in New York?
Closing in New York is where the attorneys and other transaction professionals coordinate the final documents, funds, mortgage payoff, and transfer of title.
Read the full answer →
What costs should I expect when selling my home on Long Island?
The main costs when selling your home on Long Island are New York State transfer tax, real estate commission, and attorney legal fees.
Read the full answer →
What is a title search and why do I need one?
A title search is a detailed review of the property's history and public records to verify ownership and check for liens, judgments, violations, unpaid debts, easements, or other claims that could affect the transfer of the property.
Read the full answer →
How long does closing take in New York?
If you mean the closing appointment itself, a typical closing in New York takes about one to one-and-a-half hours.
Read the full answer →
What happens if a buyer backs out after signing a contract?
The best answer comes from your real estate attorney, as a broker cannot provide legal advice. Outcomes depend entirely on the specific terms written in the contract.
Read the full answer →

Section Four

Buying a Home on Long Island

Down payments, pre-approval, inspections, first-time buyers, and relocating from New York City to Nassau or Suffolk County.

Is now a good time to buy a house on Long Island?
One of the best times to buy is during the holiday season — even though it feels inconvenient.
Read the full answer →
How do I start the home buying process on Long Island?
Start with a buyer's consultation. I typically begin with a Zoom call to learn about your needs, goals, and the Nassau or Suffolk County communities you're interested in.
Read the full answer →
How much do I need for a down payment on Long Island?
The amount you need for a down payment depends on the loan program. FHA financing can go as low as 3.5% down, and some conventional loan programs allow qualified buyers to put down as little as 3%.
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Should I get pre-approved before looking at houses?
Yes — absolutely. In the competitive Long Island market, being prepared can make the difference between winning and losing a home you love.
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What is the difference between pre-qualification and pre-approval?
A pre-qualification is a preliminary estimate based on basic income questions.
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What should I look for during a home inspection?
Let the inspector take the lead and follow their process. The most effective inspectors compile their findings into a clear report and then conduct a summary walkthrough to highlight the key issues.
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Do you work with first-time home buyers?
Yes—I work with first-time home buyers throughout Long Island and guide them through the entire process.
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Can you help me relocate from New York City to Long Island?
Yes. Helping people relocate from New York City to Long Island is one of my specialties.
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Section Five

Difficult & Emotional Situations

Underwater mortgages, foreclosure, divorce, inherited and probate properties, tenants in place, and homes that need work.

What if my house sits on the market and doesn't sell?
If your house sits on the market and doesn't sell, it is usually a pricing issue.
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What if I owe more on my mortgage than my house is worth?
If you owe more on your mortgage than your home is worth, it may be possible to sell through a short sale.
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How do I sell a house after a loved one passes away?
When you have to sell a home after a loved one passes away, the first step is to give yourself permission to pause. Take a deep breath, allow yourself time to grieve, and don't rush into a high-stress process.
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What if I'm going through a divorce — how does selling a house work?
When selling a house during a divorce, the most important first question is whether both parties are in agreement about selling. If everyone is on the same page, the process can be relatively smooth and straightforward.
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What if I'm behind on my mortgage or facing foreclosure?
If you’re behind on your mortgage or facing foreclosure, the situation may still be recoverable. The amount of time remaining can change which options are realistic, so the sooner the foreclosure status and any scheduled sale date are verified, the more clearly the remaining options can be evaluated.
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I'm overwhelmed by the idea of selling — where do I even start?
Honestly, the best place to start is with the right realtor.
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What if my house needs a lot of work and I can't afford to fix it?
A house can be sold in its current condition, but the condition will affect buyer response and the final price. I want to compare the likely open-market as-is result with the value that could potentially be created through a cleanout, repairs or limited preparation before deciding which path makes the most sense.
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How do I sell a house that has tenants living in it?
Cash for keys may be one option when an owner and tenant can reach a voluntary agreement. Vacant delivery can expand the buyer pool, but the lease, occupancy situation and legal requirements should be reviewed with a qualified landlord-tenant attorney before deciding how to proceed.
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Specialized Guidance

Need help with a more complicated situation?

Some real estate situations require more than general guidance. If you're dealing with probate, divorce, inherited property, foreclosure, tenants, major repairs, estate sales, or another unique circumstance, we've created a dedicated guide that explores these situations in much greater depth.

Explore Complicated Real Estate Situations

Probate • Divorce • Inherited Homes • Foreclosure • Tenants • Major Repairs

See the mechanics applied to real properties in the Case Studies, or use the Smithtown, Kings Park and East Meadow and Bayside, Queens seller guides for local context.

Contact

Still have questions?

Call me directly at 516-858-9434 or email Andrew@AndrewRagusa.com.

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