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The pace of New York real estate has slowed, giving way to a more cautious mood as buyers weigh every decision against rising interest rates, inflation, and stricter lending standards. Sellers who still expect the record-breaking prices of a few years ago often find themselves waiting longer to close, as negotiations grow more complicated.
Transactions that once felt routine now come with added stress, pressure, and second-guessing. In this changing market, Michael Moshan, attorney and real estate investor, has become a dependable resource, guiding clients through each stage of the process.
Based in New York City, he has more than twenty years of experience helping people buy and sell homes across New York City and its surrounding suburbs. Having overseen thousands of closings, he brings experience not only as a lawyer, but also as an expert in real estate broker relationships, title insurance, first time home buying, and even his own real estate investments.
Moshan’s background gives him a rare, 360-degree perspective, allowing him to anticipate challenges from multiple angles. In a market where uncertainty can be the norm, he offers peace of mind and a commitment to making each client’s experience as informed, predictable, and transparent as possible.
In New York, real estate can feel like two completely different experiences. In Manhattan and Brooklyn, everything moves at high speed. Once a contract is signed, the buyer’s deposit is locked in and the next hurdle may be co-op or condo board approval, which is never guaranteed.
A board can reject a buyer without much explanation, and the building’s financial strength often matters just as much as the size of an apartment or the neighborhood where it sits.
Outside the city, the process looks different, as clients often weigh lifestyle priorities and long-term stability. Many buyers value outdoor space, flexible layouts that allow for remote work, and neighborhoods that are close to schools and other suburban amenities. These factors can be just as important to the final decision as price or location.
While both urban and suburban transactions carry risks, the challenges ultimately arise in different ways depending on the market.
“One of the biggest trends is the shift in leverage,” he explained. “For years, the market heavily favored sellers, especially in the city.”
Today, buyers must act decisively when the right property appears, and sellers must set realistic expectations if they want to close.
Every real estate transaction carries potential pitfalls. Michael Moshan—lawyer and solo practitioner—believes the key to protecting clients is spotting those problems early, making the client aware, and strategically addressing them.
“In New York real estate, risks often hide in contract contingencies, title records, building bylaws, or financing conditions,” he said.
In high-value transactions, he often negotiates extra safeguards, such as longer due diligence periods, financing outs, or seller obligations to resolve violations before closing. He also reaches out directly to lenders or managing agents, preferring a quick call over drawn-out emails.
Many of the problems he sees are avoidable but common. Clients sometimes think they can sleep on a decision after signing, not realizing their deposit is already at risk. Others forget to factor in closing costs, transfer taxes, or co-op fees, which can add up quickly.
Some believe board approval is a given, only to find themselves facing rejection. Moshan makes it a priority to prepare clients for all of these realities so that there are no surprises later.
“My job is to make sure they understand the commitment before the pen hits the paper,” Moshan explained.
Residential buyers often want protections that give them peace of mind, while investors are focused on yield, exit strategy, and long-term financial stability. For this reason, he adjusts his guidance depending on who he represents.
“Risk management is about vigilance, but it’s also about keeping everyone on the same page before small cracks become fault lines,” he added.
In a market filled with contracts and deadlines, communication can make or break a deal. Moshan makes himself personally accessible to his clients, ensuring they never have to rely on a third-party for updates.
“Transparency begins with accessibility,” he said. “I answer my own phone and respond personally to emails. Clients never wonder if their concerns are being filtered through a gatekeeper.”
He also takes time to explain legal terms in plain language. Instead of repeating a clause word for word, he will say something like, “You’ve got 30 days to lock in your financing—if the bank can’t deliver, you can walk away without penalty.”
This is especially helpful for first-time homebuyers, who often feel overwhelmed in New York’s competitive market. Moshan takes extra time to walk them through contracts, contingencies, financing, and closing costs so that they understand every step.
His passion for client education led him to co-create “Buying Into Brooklyn” alongside his colleagues from Realty Collective. This crash course equipped hundreds of buyers with practical tools for buying a home for the first time.
He has also provided in-depth training to real estate agents on residential contracts and has been quoted in “The New York Times” in pieces like “The Psychology of Moving,” “The Broker-Free Sale,” and “Homework for Condo Buyers.”
For Moshan, success is measured by more than a signed contract. He wants clients to feel informed, supported, and confident from start to finish.
“Clear communication isn’t just about answering questions,” he pointed out. “It’s about making sure the questions don’t pile up in the first place.”
Michael Moshan, lawyer and investor, recognizes that real estate closings move faster today than they did even a decade ago. Closings that once required stacks of paperwork and in-person meetings can now be handled through remote signings, e-signatures, and digital title searches.
These tools are now part of his daily routine, helping him move transactions along more quickly, cut down on mistakes, and create a more reliable paper trail.
At the same time, Moshan cautions that technology cannot replace experience. A template found online may look like a contract, but it cannot negotiate the terms of a rider or anticipate the subtle requirements of a co-op board.
In his view, technology works best as a tool that speeds up the process, not a substitute for the judgment he’s developed after years of practice.
“The value I add is translating the digital output into real-world protection for my clients,” he shared.
Although Michael Moshan—attorney—works solo and makes himself personally available to every client, he still views real estate law as a team effort. He makes a point of building strong relationships with brokers, lenders, and title agents from the very beginning of a deal.
When questions about financing or title reports come up, he prefers to get everyone on the phone rather than lose time to long email chains.
“That collaboration is also rooted in respect,” he added.
Moshan values the unique perspective each professional brings to a transaction and believes clients benefit most when those perspectives work in sync.
“I’ve always believed that my role isn’t to dominate the process but to coordinate it, ensuring that every piece clicks into place at the right time,” he explained.
As a solo practitioner, Moshan’s days are varied and fast-moving, which keeps his work interesting.
“I might start the morning reviewing contracts, then jump on calls with brokers or lenders to troubleshoot pending closings,” he noted.
Around midday, he often meets with clients, whether to explain co-op agreements to first-time buyers or help sellers plan for transfer taxes. Afternoons are usually spent drafting documents, negotiating terms, and checking title reports.
In between, he stays in touch with managing agents or title companies to ensure deals stay on track. Toward the evening, he circles back with clients so they end the day knowing where things stand.
From his first years in law firms to the thriving solo practice he runs today, Moshan has earned a reputation of making real estate law understandable. Each transaction involves life-changing decisions, and it’s the relationships and stakes combined that motivate him to continue practicing law.
He has guided families through more than one purchase, sometimes returning years later to help their children buy a first home of their own. Those long-term relationships are what he finds most meaningful, because they show the trust that clients place in him generation after generation.
Even with thousands of closings behind him, Moshan still feels a deep sense of responsibility for every deal. Each one comes with its own pressure, and he treats it with the same care he did when he first started practicing. For him, it’s always personal, and knowing how much each transaction means to his clients is what keeps him committed to making a positive difference in their lives.
