Yes: in New York, real estate agents need a state license issued by the New York Department of State (DOS), Division of Licensing Services. You can check a name yourself on Active Real Estate Salespersons and Brokers (Open NY dataset; also eAccessNY Public License Search).
Real estate agents in New York: what buyers ask
Who pays the real estate agent in New York?
Commissions are negotiable and not set by law. Since August 17, 2024, offers of compensation are banned from the MLS and buyers sign a written agreement first.
What must a seller disclose in New York?
A New York seller of a one-to-four family home must deliver a signed Department of State Property Condition Disclosure Statement before the buyer signs a binding contract (Real Property Law 462). Since March 20, 2024, the old $500 credit that let sellers skip the form is gone.
Check a real estate agent yourself
- License required · New York Department of State (DOS), Division of Licensing Services
- Titles you will see: Real estate salesperson, Associate broker, Individual broker
- Check a name yourself: Active Real Estate Salespersons and Brokers (Open NY dataset; also eAccessNY Public License Search)
The 5 sectors of New York City
Manhattan · The Bronx · Brooklyn · Queens · Staten Island