The NYC Home Seller’s
Readiness Checklist

Thinking about selling your NYC co-op, condo, townhouse, or investment property? The right preparation can make your decisions clearer and your transaction smoother. Use these 12 steps to get organized before you list—and keep them handy through closing.

For Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens and New York City property owners · Updated October 2026

12Actionable steps

From pricing to closing

4Practical phases

A more organized sale

1Personalized strategy

Designed around your property

Your seller readiness checklist

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01 / Define your strategy

Know your numbers

A strong listing begins with a clear objective, not a wishful asking price.

01 · Clarify the moveSet your ideal sale date, next-home plans, and the minimum outcome that makes a sale worthwhile. 02 · Price from evidenceReview recent closed sales, in-contract activity, competing listings, and building- or block-specific differences. Ask for a comparative market analysis. 03 · Estimate net proceedsRequest a seller net sheet covering your loan payoff, negotiated brokerage compensation, legal fees, applicable NYC/NYS transfer taxes, and any building fees or flip taxes.

02 / Prepare your property

Get the details in order

Remove avoidable surprises before buyers begin their due diligence.

04 · Gather your recordsOrganize ownership and mortgage documents, monthly carrying costs, renovation/permit records, warranties, and relevant floor plans; confirm measurements before marketing. 05 · Review building obligationsFor co-ops or condos, gather available financials, house rules, assessments, alteration approvals, and sale/board procedures. For houses, review DOB records, permits, and outstanding issues. 06 · Fix what mattersWalk through the property as a buyer would. Address safety or maintenance concerns, obtain repair estimates, and prioritize cost-effective improvements over unnecessary renovations.

03 / Launch with confidence

Make the first impression count

Trust grows when a home is accurately described and professionally presented.

07 · Confirm disclosuresAsk your attorney about New York’s Property Condition Disclosure Statement for covered one-to-four-family homes and any lead-based paint disclosures for applicable pre-1978 housing. Co-op and condo rules differ. 08 · Prepare the presentationDeclutter, deep-clean, improve lighting, plan photography and floor plans, and make sure any virtual staging or edited imagery is clearly presented and not misleading. 09 · Agree on a marketing planDefine a launch schedule, showing access, target buyer needs, inclusive listing language, marketing channels, and when to revisit price or presentation if response is weak.

04 / Negotiate & close

Protect the result

The best offer is the one most likely to close on acceptable terms.

10 · Evaluate the entire offerCompare financing, proof of funds or preapproval, contingencies, deposit, timing, and—where relevant—co-op or condo approval requirements; do not judge by price alone. 11 · Keep the closing on trackWork with your attorney and brokerage on contract milestones, buyer due diligence, lien/payoff resolution, building applications, walk-through, and move-out arrangements. 12 · Plan what comes nextAsk your tax advisor about potential gains, exclusions, or deferral options. If selling qualifying investment real estate and considering a 1031 exchange, involve a qualified intermediary before closing.

Know your property type

Co-op: Review building financials, maintenance, any flip tax or other transfer fees, stock and lease documents, and purchaser approval requirements.
Condo: Check common charges, assessments, bylaws, pending capital projects, alteration records, and any applicable rights of first refusal or waiver procedures.
One-to-four-family home: Review permits and occupancy records. A Property Condition Disclosure Statement may be required before the buyer signs a binding contract, unless an exemption applies.
Investment property: Review tenant/lease information and tax planning early. Section 1031 exchanges are generally for qualifying investment or business real estate—not your personal residence.

Not sure which requirements apply to your property? Ask your attorney, tax advisor and licensed agent before making commitments.

Educational information only, not legal, tax, investment, or financial advice. Required disclosures, taxes, transaction procedures, and exemptions depend on property type and circumstances. The NY Property Condition Disclosure Statement generally concerns covered one-to-four-family homes, not individual co-op or condominium apartments. Federal lead-paint requirements may apply to covered pre-1978 housing. Consult your attorney, CPA, and other qualified professionals for guidance specific to your sale. Brokerage services are provided through FIND Real Estate. Checklist selections are not transmitted to us.