Straight answers

Budget roughly 2% to 5% of the price for a co-op and 3% to 6% for a condo, including attorney fees, bank fees, title insurance for condos and the mansion tax of 1% or more on purchases of $1M and above. New development condos can cost more because buyers often pay the seller's transfer taxes.

Condos often allow 10% down. Co-ops usually require 20%, and some ask for 25% to 50%. Boards also look at post-closing liquidity, commonly one to two years of carrying costs.

Condos commonly close in 30 to 60 days after contract signing. Co-ops take 45 to 90 days because of the board package and approval.

Yes. In New York both buyers and sellers use attorneys to negotiate the contract and handle closing. We can recommend several who know Brooklyn buildings well.

Sellers typically budget 6% to 9% of the sale price, including commission, NYC and NYS transfer taxes, attorney fees and any flip tax the co-op charges.

Spring, from March to June, usually has the most buyers, with a second window in September and October. The right answer depends on inventory in your building and block.

From closed comparable sales in your building and area, adjusted for size, floor, light, condition and outdoor space. You get the comps in writing.

Under the FARE Act, the party who hires the broker pays the broker. If a landlord hired us to list the apartment, tenants do not pay our fee.

Many landlords ask for annual income of about 40 times the monthly rent, or a guarantor earning about 80 times the rent. Insured guarantor companies are another option.

About 30 to 45 days before your move-in date. Most Brooklyn apartments are listed three to five weeks before they are available.

With a condo you own real property. With a co-op you own shares in a corporation that owns the building, plus a proprietary lease. Co-ops have board approval and stricter financial rules but often lower prices.

A transfer fee some co-ops charge when an apartment sells, often 1% to 3% of the price, usually paid by the seller.

Condos are usually flexible. Co-ops often limit subletting to a set period or require board approval. Always read the house rules before you buy.