Rock the Closing

About Rock the Closing

Rock the Closing! is a podcast dedicated to shedding light on the ins and outs of residential real estate transactions in New York City. Whether you're a buyer, seller, or just curious about the process, join our hosts, experienced real estate attorneys, as they discuss the legal intricacies of NYC's real estate market. Our content is designed to inform and educate, but it does not replace professional legal advice. Disclaimer: This podcast provides general information about NYC real estate transactions and is not a substitute for professional legal advice. Always consult a qualified attorney

Publisher

Rock The Closing

Category

education

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

19 Aug 2024

Latest episode

1 Jan 2026

Latest episodes

25 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   1 Jan 2026

   Episode 25 : Real Estate in the Context of Divorce & Separation

   Going through a divorce and wondering what happens to your home, mortgage, or investment properties? In this episode of Rock the Closing, matrimonial attorney Meredith Singer explains how real estate is handled during divorce proceedings, from marital homes to rental and investment properties. Meredith breaks down equitable distribution, mortgage refinancing versus assumption, pendente lite carrying charges, and when courts can require a spouse to vacate the marital home. She also shares practical guidance on negotiating who keeps the house and avoiding common real estate and financial pitfalls during divorce. This episode is essential for divorcing homeowners, real estate investors, and professionals advising clients through divorce and property division. 0:00 – Introduction & Guest Overview 1:11 – Meredith Singer’s Background in Matrimonial & Family Law 2:39 – Real Estate Law and Divorce: The Critical Overlap 3:28 – Adult Children vs. Minors and Property Division 6:03 – First Questions to Ask Your Divorce Attorney 8:07 – Risks of Signing Documents Without Reading 9:02 – Investment Properties and Rental Units in Divorce 10:55 – Case Study: Tenant Issues During Property Settlement 12:20 – Removing a Spouse From the Marital Home 13:05 – Pendente Lite Motions Explained 14:23 – When Judges Order a Spouse to Vacate 15:07 – Non-Judicial Strategies to Encourage Moving Out 16:09 – Parenting Plans and Negotiation Tactics 17:02 – Pendente Lite Carrying Charges Explained 17:49 – Final Thoughts and How to Contact Meredith 👥 Featured Guests: Meredith Singer, Esq. – Matrimonial Attorney 🌐 meredithsingerlaw.com 📧 meredithsingerlaw@gmail.com 🎙️ Your Hosts: Orsolya Bartha, Esq. – Real Estate Attorney Dalia Zaza, Esq. – Real Estate Attorney 🎵 Music Credits: Percussion and Claps by Infraction Find more at @infractionimhere 🔗 Connect With Rock the Closing: 🌐 www.rocktheclosing.com (http://www.rocktheclosing.com) 📧 info@rocktheclosing.com 📱 @RockTheClosing ⚠️ Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal or tax advice. Always consult qualified professionals, including attorneys and CPAs, before making decisions regarding real estate or finances. Keywords : divorce real estate, family law, real estate attorney, real estate and divorce, matrimonial law, property division, equitable distribution, divorce advice, homeownership divorce, marital property, refinancing after divorce, investment property divorce, New York divorce lawyer, divorce property settlement

2. 

   7 Nov 2025

   Episode 24: How to Avoid Probate In Case of Co-Op Apartment Ownership

   Episode 24: How to Avoid Probate In Case of Co-Op Apartment Ownership Summary: In this episode of Rock the Closing, hosts Orsolya Bartha, Esq. and Dalia Zaza, Esq. are joined by guest speaker Bracha Etengoff, Esq., a trust and estate attorney, to discuss practical strategies for avoiding probate when you own a co-op apartment in New York City. In this episode, you'll learn: What probate means and why it's particularly challenging for co-op apartments, which are considered personal property rather than real estate The timeline and limitations of probate, including why you cannot sell or rent a co-op apartment until an executor is appointed (which can take 6 months to a year in downstate New York) How joint ownership with rights of survivorship works as the most effective tool to bypass probate entirely The strategic approach to gifting shares, including why transferring only a small percentage (like 10%) to a beneficiary during your lifetime can help avoid both probate and minimize capital gains taxes Understanding step-up basis and how it affects the tax implications when inheriting versus receiving gifted shares The practical steps involved, including navigating transfer applications, board approvals, and mortgage modifications with existing lenders Timeline and costs for the transfer process (typically 6-8 weeks with modest fees that are significantly less than probate costs) Important considerations about when this strategy works best – ideal for families with one adult child, but more complex when multiple beneficiaries or special circumstances are involved Guest Contact Information: Bracha Etengoff, Esq. Email: ⁠bracha@brachalaw.com⁠ (mailto:bracha@brachalaw.com) Phone: (347) 640-0993 The attorneys emphasize that while avoiding probate can save significant time and money, these decisions require careful analysis with qualified professionals including estate attorneys, real estate attorneys, and CPAs. Music Credits Music by Percussion and Claps by Infraction. Find more at infractionimhere HELP US OUT! Help us reach new listeners by leaving us a rating and review on ⁠⁠⁠Apple Podcasts!⁠⁠⁠ It takes less than 30 seconds and really helps our show grow, which allows us to bring on even better guests for you all! Thank you. We really appreciate it!

3. 

   17 Sept 2025

   Episode 23: How to Save Some Money If You Are Doing a Purchase in New York City

   Episode 23: How to Save Some Money If You Are Doing a Purchase in New York City Summary: In this episode of Rock the Closing, hosts Orsolya Bartha and Dalia Zaza unlock one of NYC's best-kept secrets for saving thousands at closing: the Purchaser CEMA (Consolidation, Extension, and Modification Agreement). This powerful but little-known strategy allows buyers to take over the seller's existing mortgage and consolidate it with their new loan, potentially saving $10,000 or more in mortgage recording taxes. Our expert hosts break down the complex qualification requirements, walk through the step-by-step process, and reveal the common pitfalls that can derail CEMA transactions. Whether you're a first-time buyer or seasoned investor, this episode provides invaluable insights into a strategy that could save you tens of thousands on your next NYC property purchase.In this episode, you'll learn: What a Purchaser CEMA is and how it can save you thousands in mortgage recording taxes The specific qualification requirements: property types, loan amounts, and seller mortgage status Why bank cooperation is crucial and which lenders are most likely to participate Step-by-step breakdown of the CEMA process from concept to closing execution Real-world savings examples: $10,000+ on million-dollar purchases, tens of thousands on luxury properties The biggest challenges and obstacles you'll face with CEMA transactions When NOT to pursue a CEMA and why sometimes it's not worth the complexity Expert tips for working with attorneys and lenders to maximize your success How to determine if CEMA makes financial sense for your specific situation The difference between condos, townhouses, and co-ops when it comes to CEMA eligibility Music CreditsMusic by SoundHills, Beautiful Minds.Find more at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://protunes.net/ (https://protunes.net/) ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠HELP US OUT!Help us reach new listeners by leaving us a rating and review on ⁠⁠⁠Apple Podcasts!⁠⁠⁠It takes less than 30 seconds and really helps our show grow, which allows us to bring on even better guests for you all! Thank you – we really appreciate it!

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

YouTube views

113

Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025

Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

3 ratings

Spotify

5.0 / 5

5 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 35 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

32

Social presence

0

YouTube

64

Engagement

32

Contact Rock the Closing

Guest appearances

Does not typically book guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.