The New York State real estate transfer tax is $2 for each $500 of the sale price, or part of $500, when the price exceeds $500. That is $400 on a $100,000 sale before any local tax or exemption. The seller normally pays this base tax, but the sale agreement can provide otherwise. Local transfer taxes may add to it. A separate 1% mansion tax applies to residential sales of $1 million or more and is normally paid by the buyer. When you sell to us, we pay the closing costs, including New York State real estate transfer tax and any applicable local real estate transfer taxes. Mortgage balances, liens, back taxes, and your share of current property taxes remain separate.