Help Newby with Encroaching neighbors in Queens NY

[Gisele M.]

Hi everyone,

I’m in the process of purchasing my first property, a two-family in Queens NY for 1.2 million. I’ve been cleared to close by the bank and currently waiting for the seller’s lawyer to return from vacation to set up a closing date. A few days ago, my lawyer called me into his office to give me a copy of the survey and to tell me that the neighbors have their fences in my future property but that it’s small so we can continue with closing if I agree.

Upon going over the survey at home I realize that besides the neighbor issue, my front gate and front steps are over the property line protruding into the sidewalk.

My lawyer says is not a problem, but I’m uncomfortable about it. Here are some specifics about the survey. Any advice? Thank you in advance!

Neighhbors:

Fence at South up to 1.9 feet North of southerly line;

Fence at East up to 1.8 feet West of easterly line;

Fence at West at (0.5’) variance with the line of record title;

My future property:

Steps at front lie over northerly line up to 2.2 feet North of line;

Chain link fence lies up to 4.9 feet North of northerly line.